Patents by Inventor Charles C. Adams

Charles C. Adams has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10403252
    Abstract: A communication system provides connection, configuration, and control of a musical instrument. A musical instrument includes a first communication link disposed on the musical instrument. Various music related accessories, such as a speaker, effects pedal, computer, mobile communication device, and synthesizer, includes a second communication link. A communication link transmits and receives the audio signal and control data between the musical instrument and accessories through the first and second communication links. A controller receives the audio signal and control data for configuring and controlling the device. The communication link is further connected to a computer, mobile communication device, and server through a communication network. A web server interface is coupled to the communication link for user selection and viewing of the control data in human perceive form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Keith L. Chapman, Charles C. Adams, Stanley J. Cotey, Kenneth W. Porter
  • Patent number: 9373313
    Abstract: A musical system uses a musical instrument with a first communication link and music related accessory with a second communication link for transmitting and receiving the audio signal and control data. A controller within the musical instrument or music related accessory is coupled to the first communication link for receiving control data to control operation of the musical instrument and transmitting an audio signal originating from the musical instrument through the first communication link as a cloud storage recording on a server connected to the first communication link. The cloud storage recording is initiated by detecting motion of the musical instrument or presence of the audio signal. The cloud storage recording is terminated a predetermined period of time after detecting no motion of the musical instrument or absence of the audio signal. A user control interface configures the musical instrument and the music related accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Keith L. Chapman, Charles C. Adams, Kenneth W. Porter, Stanley J. Cotey
  • Patent number: 9374633
    Abstract: An audio system comprises a first enclosure for housing a first audio component and a second enclosure for housing a second audio component. The first enclosure includes a surface having a plurality of first structures, the first structures comprising one selected from a group consisting of a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of receptacles. The second enclosure includes a surface having a plurality of second structures, the second structures comprising the other one from the group consisting of the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of receptacles. The protrusions are configured to be inserted into the receptacles along a first direction such that the first enclosure is maintained in a first position relative to the second enclosure in the presence of a shear force that is applied in a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Adams, Dale Vernon Curtis, Jerry Kenneth Hubbard, Eric Matthew Miller
  • Publication number: 20150332660
    Abstract: A guitar has a control system with a control surface disposed over the guitar and connected to the control system. A gesture is performed over the control surface. The gesture is created by user interaction with the control surface, such as movement of one or more fingers. The operation of the control surface is selectable and generates electrical signals representative of the gesture. An audio signal generated by the guitar is modified in response to the control signal. A musical accessory, e.g., an amplifier, effects box, synthesizer, special effects, or speaker is coupled to the guitar. The control signal is sent to the accessory to modify and control properties of the accessory. A configuration of the accessory and a configuration of the guitar are modified in response to the control signal. The control system is programmed to output the control signal over a wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Adams, Keith L. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20140096667
    Abstract: A musical system uses a musical instrument with a first communication link and music related accessory with a second communication link for transmitting and receiving the audio signal and control data. A controller within the musical instrument or music related accessory is coupled to the first communication link for receiving control data to control operation of the musical instrument and transmitting an audio signal originating from the musical instrument through the first communication link as a cloud storage recording on a server connected to the first communication link. The cloud storage recording is initiated by detecting motion of the musical instrument or presence of the audio signal. The cloud storage recording is terminated a predetermined period of time after detecting no motion of the musical instrument or absence of the audio signal. A user control interface configures the musical instrument and the music related accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keith L. Chapman, Charles C. Adams, Kenneth W. Porter, Stanley J. Cotey
  • Publication number: 20140033900
    Abstract: A communication system provides connection, configuration, and control of a musical instrument. A musical instrument includes a first communication link disposed on the musical instrument. Various music related accessories, such as a speaker, effects pedal, computer, mobile communication device, and synthesizer, includes a second communication link. A communication link transmits and receives the audio signal and control data between the musical instrument and accessories through the first and second communication links. A controller receives the audio signal and control data for configuring and controlling the device. The communication link is further connected to a computer, mobile communication device, and server through a communication network. A web server interface is coupled to the communication link for user selection and viewing of the control data in human perceive form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keith L. Chapman, Charles C. Adams, Stanley J. Cotey, Kenneth W. Porter
  • Patent number: 8400221
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for biasing each amplifier of an amplification stage provides that the voltage across each current sensing element of each amplifier of the amplification stage is measured. For each pair of voltage measurements taken, a sum and difference is calculated, where the sum is processed to determine minima peaks and the difference is averaged. A portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term are summed to yield the individual bias current conducted by a first amplifier of the amplification stage. The difference between a portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term is calculated to yield the individual bias current conducted by the second amplifier of the amplification stage. The bias current conducted by the first and second amplifiers may then be individually modified manually, or conversely, may be modified automatically based upon the bias current measurements taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Charles C. Adams
  • Publication number: 20110135116
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for biasing each amplifier of an amplification stage provides that the voltage across each current sensing element of each amplifier of the amplification stage is measured. For each pair of voltage measurements taken, a sum and difference is calculated, where the sum is processed to determine minima peaks and the difference is averaged. A portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term are summed to yield the individual bias current conducted by a first amplifier of the amplification stage. The difference between a portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term is calculated to yield the individual bias current conducted by the second amplifier of the amplification stage. The bias current conducted by the first and second amplifiers may then be individually modified manually, or conversely, may be modified automatically based upon the bias current measurements taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Charles C. Adams
  • Patent number: 7944302
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for biasing each amplifier of an amplification stage provides that the voltage across each current sensing element of each amplifier of the amplification stage is measured. For each pair of voltage measurements taken, a sum and difference is calculated, where the sum is processed to determine minima peaks and the difference is averaged. A portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term are summed to yield the individual bias current conducted by a first amplifier of the amplification stage. The difference between a portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term is calculated to yield the individual bias current conducted by the second amplifier of the amplification stage. The bias current conducted by the first and second amplifiers may then be individually modified manually, or conversely, may be modified automatically based upon the bias current measurements taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Charles C. Adams
  • Publication number: 20110043278
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for biasing each amplifier of an amplification stage provides that the voltage across each current sensing element of each amplifier of the amplification stage is measured. For each pair of voltage measurements taken, a sum and difference is calculated, where the sum is processed to determine minima peaks and the difference is averaged. A portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term are summed to yield the individual bias current conducted by a first amplifier of the amplification stage. The difference between a portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term is calculated to yield the individual bias current conducted by the second amplifier of the amplification stage. The bias current conducted by the first and second amplifiers may then be individually modified manually, or conversely, may be modified automatically based upon the bias current measurements taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Charles C. Adams
  • Publication number: 20100329484
    Abstract: An audio system comprises a first enclosure for housing a first audio component and a second enclosure for housing a second audio component. The first enclosure includes a surface having a plurality of first structures, the first structures comprising one selected from a group consisting of a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of receptacles. The second enclosure includes a surface having a plurality of second structures, the second structures comprising the other one from the group consisting of the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of receptacles. The protrusions are configured to be inserted into the receptacles along a first direction such that the first enclosure is maintained in a first position relative to the second enclosure in the presence of a shear force that is applied in a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles C. Adams, Dale Vernon Curtis, Jerry Kenneth Hubbard, Eric Matthew Miller
  • Publication number: 20100180756
    Abstract: A portable multi-functional audio sound system has an enclosure and control panel with an optional display on a front portion of the enclosure. The control panel provides for selection among menu options which are presented on the display. An audio input is coupled for receiving a live audio signal. An electronic circuit receives user commands from the control panel and displays configuration information on the display. The electronic circuit has an amplifier for amplifying the live audio signal, and a synthesizer for generating programmable audio signal in response to a MIDI data stream. The MIDI data stream is routed to the digital signal processor or to the synthesizer. A digital signal processor controls the menu options on the display. A speaker is mounted within the enclosure and coupled for receiving a combined signal of the live audio signal and the programmable audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Richard H. Fliegler, Charles C. Adams, Keith L. Chapman, Dale V. Curtis, Shane A. Nicholas, Shawn R. Green
  • Patent number: 7678985
    Abstract: An electronic module has an enclosure which is mechanically and electrically compatible with a plurality of receiving devices such as amplifiers, computers, mixer consoles, and musical instruments. The module has a programmable control panel and display on the enclosure and an electronic circuit disposed within the enclosure and receiving user commands from the control panel and displaying configuration information on the display. The electronic circuit performs a variety of functions for each of the receiving devices by way of a digital signal processor, synthesizer for generating a programmable audio signal in response to a data stream, storage device for storing musical information in a digital format, and playback device for retrieval and playback of the stored musical information. An audio output is coupled for transferring the programmable audio signal to or from the receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Adams, Dale V. Curtis, Jeremy A. Brieske, Lawrence E. Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 7326849
    Abstract: A modular docking station receives a variety of electronic modules, such as a tuner, effects processor, signal conditioner, signal distributor, and signal converter, for use with a musical instrument, such as a guitar. A base unit has a flat bottom portion and an angled top portion. A plurality of pushbutton switches are disposed in the angled top portion of the base unit. The electronic module is controlled by the pushbutton switches through the base unit. A plurality of electronic modules, each with a different electrical function, are interchangeable into the receptacle of the base unit. One electronic module is selected for inserting into the base unit to make mechanical and electrical contact. Each electronic module includes a display area and a plurality of indicators for the various electrical functions of the electronic module. The base unit has a connector for connecting to the musical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Adams, Dale V. Curtis, Jeremy A. Brieske, Lawrence E. Lorenzen
  • Publication number: 20070234880
    Abstract: An electronic module has an enclosure which is mechanically and electrically compatible with a plurality of receiving devices such as amplifiers, computers, mixer consoles, and musical instruments. The module has a programmable control panel and display on the enclosure and an electronic circuit disposed within the enclosure and receiving user commands from the control panel and displaying configuration information on the display. The electronic circuit performs a variety of functions for each of the receiving devices by way of a digital signal processor, synthesizer for generating a programmable audio signal in response to a data stream, storage device for storing musical information in a digital format, and playback device for retrieval and playback of the stored musical information. An audio output is coupled for transferring the programmable audio signal to or from the receiving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Adams, Dale V. Curtis, Jaremy A. Brieske, Lawrence E. Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 6363924
    Abstract: An arrow rest for use with archery bows includes an arrow supporting launcher that provides vertical movement to dampen any up and down movement of the arrow shaft when it is shot from the bow, such as up and down vibrational movement which occurs as a result of using a mechanical arrow release aid. The launcher includes a V-groove to support and guide the arrow. The rest also includes a pair of flippers which extend generally upwardly and in the direction of arrow travel along opposite sides of the arrow shaft supported on the launcher to lessen the chance that the arrow shaft will slide off the launcher. Either feature of the rest can be used alone without the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Charles C. Adams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6076514
    Abstract: An archery bow stabilizer is made up of a plurality of blocks of a solid resilient material such as a rubber material joined together in end-to-end relationship. Threaded sleeves in each end of each block allow the blocks to be joined together and the joined together blocks to be secured to the handle riser of a bow in normal manner using threaded studs. Usually three to four joined blocks will provide satisfactory stabilization for most bows but more or less blocks may be used when desired. The invention also contemplates stabilizers with rubber or similar resilient material exterior surfaces to eliminate most noise created by the stabilizer during knock-around in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Charles C. Adams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6077180
    Abstract: An archery broadhead has twelve broadhead blade receiving slots to receive a plurality of broadhead blades in selected slots. A variety of different orientations of two blades, three blades, four blades, or more can be used to assemble a desired broadhead. By providing blades of different weights and a selection of different weight points and collars, the archer is given the opportunity to create a broadhead of blade configuration and weight as desired. A spearhead point with only two cutting blades and convex faces between the blades provides improved cutting and penetration of a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Charles C. Adams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6027421
    Abstract: A special tuning point for archery arrows for use in tuning a bow, target shooting, and non-big game hunting has a weight approximately equal to a broadhead selected for use by an archer using and tuning the bow and has a balance point position ahead of the arrow shaft to which the point is secured approximately equal to that of the selected broadhead. The tuning point is secured to the forward end of an arrow shaft substantially identical to that used with the selected broadhead to form a tuning arrow. The tuning arrow is used in tuning the bow. In this manner, the bow is properly tuned for not only the tuning arrow, but also for the arrows with the selected broadhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Charles C. Adams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5902199
    Abstract: An archery bow is tuned by making a tuning arrow that either has a tuning point rather than a broadhead, wherein the tuning point compensates for the weight and balance of the broadhead, weight at the rearward portion of the arrow instead of fletching and which compensates for the weight and balance of the fletching, or both. This produces a tuning arrow having substantially the same weight and balance point as the arrows to be shot from the bow during normal shooting. The tuning arrow is used to tune the bow and because the weight and balance point are substantially equal to the weight and balance point of the arrows normally shot from the bow, the tune obtained using the tuning arrow is the correct tune for the normal arrows also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Charles C. Adams, Jr.