Abstract: A new and improved sound reflector and a mouthpiece mount. The mouthpiece mount is secured to the sound reflector to position a mouthpiece adjacent to and generally perpendicular of the reflector.

Abstract: A contrabassoon has a body, a tuning slide, a bocal pipe and a novel register system. The body, tuning slide and bocal pipe form a tube having a continuous bore. The register system comprises 5 vent holes formed in the tube. Key mechanisms for selectively opening and closing the vent holes are described. The contrabassoon further comprises linkage to selectively operate a low E vent pad, and an alternative C-sharp tone hole, with accompanying key mechanism.

Abstract: An improved floating bridge lock for stringed musical instruments is provided. The improved floating bridge lock comprises a mount and a throw bolt for mounting on a stringed musical instrument. The throw bolt is movable between an inactive position, out of engagement with the floating bridge, and an active position at which it is engaged with the floating bridge. The mount is affixed to a stringed instrument and arranged so that when the throw bolt is in the engaged position, it precludes movement of the floating bridge in a manner that would increase the tension on the strings. When the throw bolt is not engaged, there is free movement of the floating bridge.

Abstract: Neck truing devices may include a first member that is adapted to be fixedly embedded within the neck of a stringed instrument. A second member may be coupled to the first member and connected across both ends of the first member. An adjusting mechanism may be operable to selectively apply a first force to the first member via the second member in order to correct warpage of the neck in a first direction and a second force to the first member via the second member in order to correct warpage of the neck in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to using transparent page turning sheets or discs that are inserted into pages of a book or other material to turn selected pages of the book or material. Data from the pages may be recorded and/or reproduced by an associated photocopier, computer or printer device.

Abstract: An acoustic stringed instrument body includes a soundboard, a bottom surface and a side surface, wherein the soundboard includes a relief cut, wherein the relief cut is dimensioned to create a more flexible coupling between the soundboard and the sidewall, wherein the relief cut improves the tone of the instrument by allowing the soundboard to vibrate more freely.

Abstract: A violin shoulder cradle is designed for coupling to a violin to provide improved ergonomics and quality of sound when the violin is played. The violin shoulder cradle includes a shoulder support and coupling structure for attaching the cradle to the violin. The shoulder support includes a resonance chamber which is hollow for adding to the beauty of the sounds of the violin without detracting from the appearance of the violin during playing.

Abstract: Improved Stringed Instrument Stand with an L shaped bracket having a centrally located clevis joint, a hinged flat stand member, and a retaining clip, the L shaped member capable of retaining a washer, the washer having a plurality of engagement fingers that are able to engage with one of a plurality of mating linear engagement receptacles. The washer has a centrally located aperture that allows the retention of a strap holding screw of a stringed instrument. The washer is able to be placed higher or lower within the L shaped bracket thereby allowing stringed instruments having different body thickness's to be accommodated by the bracket without having to drill additional holes in the body the stringed instrument. A hinged flat stand member folds open to help hold the instrument in an upright position when being placed on a flat surface and folded closed when the instrument is being played.

Abstract: A quick release lug system for musical drums. The assembly utilized by the present invention uniquely allows a user to remove a drumhead quickly, dispensing with the need to unscrew multiple tuning rodes. Thus, the assembly of the present invention allows for more efficient transport, assembly and disassembly of drums than previously available, and does so in a manner that maintains the integrity of the traditional tuning system.

Abstract: A muffler for an internal combustion engine is disclosed which is capable of effectively enhancing its muffling effect without any substantial increase in size, weight or manufacturing cost. The exhaust gas ejected from an exhaust port of the internal combustion engine is divided in the muffler into at least two flows. The divided exhaust gas flows are subsequently impinged against each other before the divided exhaust gas flows are finally discharged from a final exhaust port to the external atmosphere. More specifically, this muffler comprises an expansion chamber into which the exhaust gas is to be introduced from the exhaust port, and the expansion chamber is provided with at least two impingement openings for enabling the exhaust gas to be divided into at least two exhaust gas flows which are designed to be subsequently impinged against each other.

Abstract: An action for a keyboard-based musical instrument is provided for preventing action parts made of a synthetic resin from being charged to eliminate stains due to dust and motes in the air attracted by static electricity. The action is composed of a plurality of action parts coupled to one another, including a hammer. The action actuates in response to depression on a key to swing the hammer which strikes a string. At least one of the plurality of action parts is made of a synthetic resin which has electrical conductivity at least on a surface thereof.

Abstract: A sleeve for an acoustic logging tool has a structure with a window section having fewer bars than a conventional sleeve separated by a slotted region with thin circumferential slots which are stress-relieved at the ends (“dumb-bell” shaped). Steel receiver mounts are provided for hydrophone pressure sensors and this, together with the axially oriented hydrophones makes the tool less susceptible to interfering vibration.

Abstract: A silencer for connection to the air intake of a machine such as a turbocharger compressor. The silencer comprises a housing containing a plurality of axially spaced annular noise attenuating baffles. Each baffle has an outer circumference and an inner circumference defining a central aperture, the central apertures of each baffle collectively defining an axial outlet flow passage to an outlet aperture. The baffles define a series of axially spaced generally annular partial flow passages such that air flowing through the silencer is initially split and then merges into the axial outlet passage. Each of the annular flow passages curves radially inwards from its outer to its inner circumference in a direction towards the axial. Additionally, or alternatively, the dimensions of the annular partial flow passages vary so that the velocity of air flow through the passages is greater for passages closer to the axial outlet aperture.

Abstract: A sound attenuation system for a compressor of a direct fuel injected engine of an outboard motor comprises a discharge sound attenuator connected in fluid communication with an air distribution manifold outlet and a suction sound attenuator connected in fluid communication with the suction port of a compressor. In a typical application of the present invention, the air distribution manifold is connected in fluid communication with a discharge port of the compressor. Both the discharge sound attenuator and the suction sound attenuator can further include filter media disposed within their internal cavities.

Abstract: A drum stand includes three support arms and rubber sleeves, each of which is arranged on one of the support arms. The rubber sleeves support a drum. Each rubber sleeve includes a first portion, which faces the side portion of the drum, and a second portion, which faces the bottom of the drum. The second portions are more easily bent than the first portions.

Abstract: A soft case for instrumental drums which has a three layer, elongated, rectangular, flat casing made of flexible materials. The front layer is made heavy weight fabric and the back layer is made a lighter weight fabric. The middle layer is laminated between the outer and inner layers and is made of foam padding. When in use, the casing is wrapped around the shell of a drum. The ends of the casing overlap and are removably secured to one another with hook and loop fastening material. The sides of the casing are drawn taut around the rims of the drum with drawstrings. When not in use, the soft case may be rolled up and stored in a minimum of volume.

Abstract: A stand for holding a microphone, music, or instrument having a horizontally adjustable base comprised of a plurality of adjustable telescoping members forming a U-shape support, such that the members of the base can be adjusted to avoid other equipment in a crowded stage area, thereby conserving space and enabling the stand to be conveniently situated closely together with such other equipment.

Abstract: A muter configured to be placed beneath the soundboard of a piano (in the case of a grand piano) in order to attenuate the downward transmission of sound. The muter employs blocks of acoustic foam, shaped to frictionally engage the structural elements of the piano in order to retain the muter within the piano. The muter is easily installed and removed. A version configured for use with an upright piano is also disclosed.

Abstract: A foot pedal unit for use in a drum set comprises a beater, a rotation shaft, a pair of support poles for rotatably supporting the rotation shaft, and a foot pedal connected to the rotation shaft. The foot pedal unit provides an automatic return structure that comprises a tension coil spring whose upper end is connected to a crank arm at one end of the rotation shaft via a first roller, an adjustment screw, and a second roller by which the lower end of the tension coil spring is connected with the adjustment screw. Due to the provision of the automatic return structure, the beater and foot pedal are automatically returned to their initial positions without causing unwanted friction or noise at the lower end of the tension coil spring that is expanded or contracted when the player depresses the foot pedal with his/her foot.

Abstract: An electric guitar has strings. Each string has a first contact point defined on a neck and a second contact point defined on a base plate attached to a body. The guitar includes a hinge mechanism for supporting the base plate such that the base plate pivots relative to the body. The hinge mechanism includes a pair of bores, each of which is formed at a side of the base plate. A bearing device is located in each bore. A pair of support pins protrudes from the body. Each support pin corresponds to one of the bearing devices and is located closer to the neck than the corresponding bearing device. A bracket is coupled to each support pin. A bracket pin is coupled to each bracket and fits into the corresponding bearing device. The axial midpoint of each bearing device and the center of the corresponding support pin are located on a line that is substantially parallel to the strings.