Patents by Inventor Cosmos Lyles

Cosmos Lyles 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).

  • Publication number: 20250124896
    Abstract: A string tensioner can be configured to apply a substantially constant tension to a string over an operational range even if such string stretches and contracts over time. Tension is provided by a spring. Flexers can attach the spring to a force modulation member and a frame. The flexers preferentially bend out-of-axis so that the spring does not bend out-of-axis when the force modulation member rotates. A flexible stop can prevent rotation of the force modulation member beyond a desired point, but flexes to remain in contact with the force modulation member over a small range of movement. A saddle assembly can have a pivoting saddle body that allows a string to change in length without having to slide over the saddle body. The saddle body can be configured to stay in place even if the string breaks or is otherwise removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2024
    Publication date: April 17, 2025
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Patent number: 12136404
    Abstract: A string tensioner is configured to apply a substantially constant tension to a string over an operational range even if such string stretches and contracts over time. Tension is provided by a spring. Flexers can attach the spring to a force modulation member and a frame. The flexers preferentially bend out-of-axis so that the spring does not bend out-of-axis when the force modulation member rotates. A dampening system can slow the force modulation member's response to vibrational forces. A flexible stop can prevent rotation of the force modulation member beyond a desired point, but flexes to remain in contact with the force modulation member over a small range of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Publication number: 20240331663
    Abstract: A string tensioner for a stringed musical instrument is configured to apply a constant or near-constant tension to a musical string of the instrument. The string tensioner employs a primary spring that applies a primary force coaxial with the string. Each string tensioner also employs one or more secondary springs that apply a secondary force in a direction crossing the axis of the string. The secondary force has an axial force component that changes as the angle of the secondary spring changes. The primary and secondary springs are selected so that as the string changes in length over time the change in the secondary force axial component approximates the change in force applied by the primary spring so that the axial force applied to the string remains generally constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Publication number: 20220277711
    Abstract: A string tensioner is configured to apply a substantially constant tension to a string over an operational range even if such string stretches and contracts over time. Tension is provided by a spring. Flexers can attach the spring to a force modulation member and a frame. The flexers preferentially bend out-of-axis so that the spring does not bend out-of-axis when the force modulation member rotates. A dampening system can slow the force modulation member's response to vibrational forces. A flexible stop can prevent rotation of the force modulation member beyond a desired point, but flexes to remain in contact with the force modulation member over a small range of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Patent number: 11335305
    Abstract: A string tensioner is configured to apply a substantially constant tension to a string over an operational range even if such string stretches and contracts over time. Tension is provided by a spring. Flexers can attach the spring to a force modulation member and a frame. The flexers preferentially bend out-of-axis so that the spring does not bend out-of-axis when the force modulation member rotates. A dampening system can slow the force modulation member's response to vibrational forces. A flexible stop can prevent rotation of the force modulation member beyond a desired point, but flexes to remain in contact with the force modulation member over a small range of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Publication number: 20210151012
    Abstract: A string tensioner is configured to apply a substantially constant tension to a string over an operational range even if such string stretches and contracts over time. Tension is provided by a spring. Flexers can attach the spring to a force modulation member and a frame. The flexers preferentially bend out-of-axis so that the spring does not bend out-of-axis when the force modulation member rotates. A dampening system can slow the force modulation member's response to vibrational forces. A flexible stop can prevent rotation of the force modulation member beyond a desired point, but flexes to remain in contact with the force modulation member over a small range of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Patent number: 10229659
    Abstract: A low-friction bridge for a stringed musical instrument employs a roller saddle that is adapted and positioned to roll upon a race. The race includes structure to guide the roller saddle as it rolls. A musical string is seated in a circumferential groove/saddle formed in the roller saddle. As the musical string stretches or contracts the saddle rolls, and thus the musical string does not slide in the saddle. As such sliding friction is avoided in favor of rolling friction of the roller saddle rolling upon the race. One or more contact members can be biased into contact with side faces of the roller saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Patent number: 10224009
    Abstract: A string tensioner module for a stringed musical instrument is configured to apply a constant or near-constant tension to the musical strings of the instrument. The module is divided into a plurality of string tensioners, one string tensioner for each musical string. Each string tensioner employs a primary spring that apply the primary force coaxial with the string. Each string tensioner also employs a secondary spring that applies a secondary force in a direction crossing the axis of the string, and thus applying an axial force component that changes as the angle of the secondary spring changes. The primary and secondary springs are selected so that the change in the axial force component of the secondary spring as the string changes in length approximates the change in force applied by the primary spring so that the axial force applied to the string remains generally constant even as the string changes in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Publication number: 20180040311
    Abstract: A low-friction bridge for a stringed musical instrument employs a roller saddle that is adapted and positioned to roll upon a race. The race includes structure to guide the roller saddle as it rolls. A musical string is seated in a circumferential groove/saddle formed in the roller saddle. As the musical string stretches or contracts the saddle rolls, and thus the musical string does not slide in the saddle. As such sliding friction is avoided in favor of rolling friction of the roller saddle rolling upon the race. One or more contact members can be biased into contact with side faces of the roller saddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Publication number: 20180040312
    Abstract: A string tensioner module for a stringed musical instrument is configured to apply a constant or near-constant tension to the musical strings of the instrument. The module is divided into a plurality of string tensioners, one string tensioner for each musical string. Each string tensioner employs a primary spring that apply the primary force coaxial with the string. Each string tensioner also employs a secondary spring that applies a secondary force in a direction crossing the axis of the string, and thus applying an axial force component that changes as the angle of the secondary spring changes. The primary and secondary springs are selected so that the change in the axial force component of the secondary spring as the string changes in length approximates the change in force applied by the primary spring so that the axial force applied to the string remains generally constant even as the string changes in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Patent number: 9792886
    Abstract: A string tensioner module for a stringed musical instrument is configured to apply a constant or near-constant tension to the musical strings of the instrument. The module is divided into a plurality of string tensioners, one string tensioner for each musical string. Each string tensioner employs a primary spring that apply the primary force coaxial with the string. Each string tensioner also employs a secondary spring that applies a secondary force in a direction crossing the axis of the string, and thus applying an axial force component that changes as the angle of the secondary spring changes. The primary and secondary springs are selected so that the change in the axial force component of the secondary spring as the string changes in length approximates the change in force applied by the primary spring so that the axial force applied to the string remains generally constant even as the string changes in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Patent number: 9613600
    Abstract: A support is configured to support and apply a constant or near-constant tension onto a wire or string, such as a musical string of a stringed musical instrument. The wire is attached to a carrier that moves axially. One or more springs operate between the carrier and a point that is fixed relative to the carrier and apply a transverse spring force to the carrier. A spring angle is defined between a line normal to the axis and a line of action of each spring. The transverse spring force can have an axial force component and an axial spring rate that is a function of the spring angle. The carrier can be positioned so that the axial spring rate is zero, negative or positive. A primary spring can apply a primary force directed coaxial with the wire. If the wire changes in length the primary force will correspondingly change, as will the axial force component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Publication number: 20160225352
    Abstract: A support is configured to support and apply a constant or near-constant tension onto a wire or string, such as a musical string of a stringed musical instrument. The wire is attached to a carrier that moves axially. One or more springs operate between the carrier and a point that is fixed relative to the carrier and apply a transverse spring force to the carrier. A spring angle is defined between a line normal to the axis and a line of action of each spring. The transverse spring force can have an axial force component and an axial spring rate that is a function of the spring angle. The carrier can be positioned so that the axial spring rate is zero, negative or positive. A primary spring can apply a primary force directed coaxial with the wire. If the wire changes in length the primary force will correspondingly change, as will the axial force component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Publication number: 20160217772
    Abstract: A string tensioner module for a stringed musical instrument is configured to apply a constant or near-constant tension to the musical strings of the instrument. The module is divided into a plurality of string tensioners, one string tensioner for each musical string. Each string tensioner employs a primary spring that apply the primary force coaxial with the string. Each string tensioner also employs a secondary spring that applies a secondary force in a direction crossing the axis of the string, and thus applying an axial force component that changes as the angle of the secondary spring changes. The primary and secondary springs are selected so that the change in the axial force component of the secondary spring as the string changes in length approximates the change in force applied by the primary spring so that the axial force applied to the string remains generally constant even as the string changes in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Patent number: 9318081
    Abstract: A support is configured to support and apply a constant or near-constant tension onto a wire or string, such as a musical string of a stringed musical instrument. The wire is attached to a carrier that moves axially. One or more springs operate between the carrier and a point that is fixed relative to the carrier and apply a transverse spring force to the carrier. A spring angle is defined between a line normal to the axis and a line of action of each spring. The transverse spring force can have an axial force component and an axial spring rate that is a function of the spring angle. The carrier can be positioned so that the axial spring rate is zero, negative or positive. A primary spring can apply a primary force directed coaxial with the wire. If the wire changes in length the primary force will correspondingly change, as will the axial force component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Publication number: 20160104465
    Abstract: A low-friction bridge for a stringed musical instrument employs a roller saddle that is adapted and positioned to roll upon a race. The race includes structure to guide the roller saddle as it rolls. A musical string is seated in a circumferential groove/saddle formed in the roller saddle. As the musical string stretches or contracts the saddle rolls, and thus the musical string does not slide in the saddle. As such sliding friction is avoided in favor of rolling friction of the roller saddle rolling upon the race. One or more contact members can be biased into contact with side faces of the roller saddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Publication number: 20150059550
    Abstract: A support is configured to support and apply a constant or near-constant tension onto a wire or string, such as a musical string of a stringed musical instrument. The wire is attached to a carrier that moves axially. One or more springs operate between the carrier and a point that is fixed relative to the carrier and apply a transverse spring force to the carrier. A spring angle is defined between a line normal to the axis and a line of action of each spring. The transverse spring force can have an axial force component and an axial spring rate that is a function of the spring angle. The carrier can be positioned so that the axial spring rate is zero, negative or positive. A primary spring can apply a primary force directed coaxial with the wire. If the wire changes in length the primary force will correspondingly change, as will the axial force component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Intune Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Cosmos Lyles
  • Patent number: 8779258
    Abstract: A tensioner for a string on a stringed musical instrument is provided. The tensioner can include an elongated body, at least two spring modulation members, a spring modulation support, and at least one spring. Each of the spring modulation members have a first portion pivotably attached to a portion of the elongated body. The spring modulation support is pivotably attached to a second portion of each of the spring modulation members. The spring is interposed between the elongated body and the spring modulation support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Intune Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cosmos Lyles, Paul Dowd
  • Publication number: 20140020544
    Abstract: A stringed musical instrument employs springs to apply tension to corresponding musical strings. Each spring is chosen and configured for its ability to impart a string tension generally matched to the appropriate tension of the string at perfect tune. Preferably, the spring is selected and arranged so that the tension in the string maintains at or near perfect tune even as the string elongates or contracts over time. In one embodiment, once a string is placed in appropriate tune, a mechanical visual indicator is set. As such, if tune of the string changes due to string elongation or contraction, the change is reflected by misalignment of the mechanical visual indicator even if the change cannot be aurally detected. Perfect tune can be reestablished by realigning the indicator. In another embodiment, a force modulating member is interposed between a spring and its corresponding musical string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: InTune Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cosmos Lyles, Paul Dowd
  • Publication number: 20130220099
    Abstract: A tensioner for a string on a stringed musical instrument is provided. The tensioner can include an elongated body, at least two spring modulation members, a spring modulation support, and at least one spring. Each of the spring modulation members have a first portion pivotably attached to a portion of the elongated body. The spring modulation support is pivotably attached to a second portion of each of the spring modulation members. The spring is interposed between the elongated body and the spring modulation support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Cosmos Lyles, Paul Dowd