Abstract: Ultrasonic transducing elements (11, 12) are used to measure vibrations of a nearby musical drumhead or other vibrating surface (13). A first ultrasonic transducer (11) emits an ultrasonic signal (14) and a second ultrasonic transducer (12) listens for an echo of that signal (14). A phase change of the echoed (reflected) signal (202) is compared to a reference signal (206) to create a representation signal (216) which represents the movement of the drumhead or other vibrating surface (13). For this comparison to be properly made, a deviation signal (220) is generated that defines an average deviation of the reference signal (206) from optimum, which is then used to self-align the reference signal (206) to the reflected signal (202).

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducing elements (11, 12) are used to measure vibrations of a nearby musical drumhead or other vibrating surface (13). A first ultrasonic transducer (11) emits an ultrasonic signal (14) and a second ultrasonic transducer (12) listens for an echo of that signal (14). A phase change of the echoed (reflected) signal (202) is compared to a reference signal (206) to create a representation signal (216) which represents the movement of the drumhead or other vibrating surface (13). For this comparison to be properly made, a deviation signal (220) is generated that defines an average deviation of the reference signal (206) from optimum, which is then used to self-align the referee signal (206) to the reflected signal (202).

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducing elements (11, 12) are used to measure vibrations of a nearby musical drumhead or other vibrating surface (13). A first ultrasonic transducer (11) emits an ultrasonic signal (14) and a second ultrasonic transducer (12) listens for an echo of that signal (14). A phase change of the echoed (reflected) signal (202) is compared to a reference signal (206) to create a representation signal (216) which represents the movement of the drumhead or other vibrating surface (13). For this comparison to be properly made, a deviation signal (220) is generated that defines an average deviation of the reference signal (206) from optimum, which is then used to self-align the reference signal (206) to the reflected signal (202).

Abstract: An automatically operated tuning indicating system for the preliminary tuning and for retuning during the performance of a set of timpani drums or other percussion-type instrument having a tunable resonating body cavity is provided. Automatic indication of tuning is achieved substantially in silence or at very low sound levels without requiring the production of an audible level of sound that could be readily detected by or distracting to persons in an orchestra other than the timpani player during the tuning and/or retuning. Tuning and/or retuning during a performance is under the visible control of the timpani player both as to which kettle drum of the timpani set or other musical instrument is being tuned and the extent of the tuning.

Abstract: A dynamic display for automatic sound signal analyzing equipment that displays the closest recognized musical note to that being played or sung by a musician, whether the note is sharp or flat or on tune and if sharp or flat, the extent to which it is sharp or flat by means of a strobe-like moving bar pattern.

Abstract: A sound signal automatic detector used in a system with a micro computer and display for automatically detecting an input sound wave, computing from the detected sound wave the fundamental frequency of the sound and displaying its value in a number of different formats. The sound signal detector requires no attention on the part of a musician or other user while it is in operation and comprises a sound signal transducer supplying an amplifier having audio frequency bandpass characteristics compatible with the sound signal frequency spectrum over which sound signals to be analyzed extend. The bandpass characteristics of the amplifier preferably are defined by a high pass filter stage followed by an automatic gain control amplifier that in turn is followed by two stages of low pass filtering.

Abstract: A material transfer apparatus which includes a carriage whose movement is controlled along a path between specified locations thereon. The carriage includes means for dynamically indicating its present location on the path which is compared with a specified new location to provide a difference drive for moving the carriage as required.

Abstract: A manufacturing system utilizing a plurality of satellite functional processing stations or sectors, each capable of stand-alone operation. The stations are interconnected by a handler or conveyor, which will transport individual ones of work-pieces from one processing station to the next in accordance with a prescribed sequence corresponding to the processing requirements for the workpiece.