Abstract: A reversible cymbal includes a central cup surrounded by a remainder of the cymbal. The cymbal is repeatedly reversible between a first configuration, in which curvatures of the cup and the remainder of the cymbal are in the same direction, and a second configuration, in which the curvatures are opposite, without damage to the cymbal. The cymbal can be played in both first and second configurations.

Abstract: A technique for the creation of novel sounds in cymbals and resultant cymbals through the use of multiple and/or off center cups.

Abstract: A hybrid percussion instrument which is suspendable and can be used as a quick change rattle instrument in combination with other percussion instruments such as a cymbal.

Abstract: A percussion instrument that produces a vibrato which is the most noticeable characteristic of the instrument. In one embodiment, the instrument is configured as a single two-dimensional curve, or a primary curve which is deeper or more pronounced than secondary curves along the surface of said instrument, and wherein said primary curve facilitates an oscillating flexing motion which produces an increase in the amplitude of the lowest frequency mode of vibration, the low pitch frequency modulates the whole of the spectrum of a musical sound by repeatedly raising and lowering said spectrum of sound in a periodic or oscillating manner, this effect being defined here as “vibrato”. The instrument is suspended from one or more points, by means of an instrument supporting member or mounting device, rigid or flexible. The suspension or mounting points approximate the nodal area of the instrument.

Abstract: Cymbals and generally flat sheet instruments, as well as compound instruments, are formed using welding process and metal melting processes to form holes and edges with thickened edges from the melting processes, to join sections of metal, to add metal by creating beads at desired locations, to join sections with differing hardness and/or thickness, to create compound cymbals and compound flat sheet instruments by joint welding cymbals or sheet instruments together. The invention also includes cymbals and bells and various combinations and shapes thereof and the unique overtones attained thereby.

Abstract: A pair of hi-hat cymbals each featuring respective inverted center cups which place the respective center holes in close enough proximity to allow mounting in a closed position on a standard cymbal stand and the cymbals can be adjusted in tightness by a standard cymbal wing nut. In another embodiment, the invention is a pair of hi-hat cymbals featuring respective inverted center cups which place the center holes in close enough proximity to allow mounting on a standard cymbal stand, and the cymbals can be adjusted in tightness by a standard cymbal wing nut. This latter cymbal assembly can be divided by one or more standard cymbal felts or other dividers on a standard cymbal stand or arm to create a pair of independently ringing cymbals with a resonant air cavity.

Abstract: A cymbal where the lowest frequency mode of vibration in the cymbal is less than 20 cycles per second, and where the lowest mode is of a great enough amplitude to be capable of producing a prominent vibrato effect and a prominent phase shifting effect when said cymbal is struck, the cymbal being made by hammering a concave underside of a pre-formed cymbal in a manner which forms dents in a surface of said cymbal.

Abstract: A percussion instrument, which includes a cymbal, wherein the instrument is formed with a bent or folded area along one or more lines, planes, or curves of the instrument resulting in the creation of equal or unequal distinct sections.

Abstract: A technique for the creation of novel sounds in cymbals and resultant cymbals through the use of multiple and/or off center cups.

Abstract: A percussion instrument, which includes a cymbal, wherein the instrument is formed with a bent or folded area along one or more lines, planes, or curves of the instrument resulting in the creation of equal or unequal distinct sections.

Abstract: A hybrid percussion instrument which is suspendable and can be used as a quick change rattle instrument in combination with other percussion instruments such as a cymbal.

Abstract: A metal percussion instrument, which includes a cymbal that is formed with open or closed slots or grooves. In one embodiment, the invention can have formed cantilevers or internally formed cantilevers. Typically, the main vibrating section is composed of a metal alloy of a specific gravity greater than 6. Weights may be added to desired locations on the instrument. These weights may be pieces of metal including bells, domes, and other vibrating metal shapes. The instrument is configured so that one or more slots are located to create multiple modes of vibration which affect an entire frequency response of the instrument and create one or more fundamental frequencies with a greater number of audible overtones thereby building a complex overall sound.

Abstract: A percussion instrument that produces a vibrato which is the most noticeable characteristic of the instrument. In one embodiment, the instrument is configured as a single two-dimensional curve, or a primary curve which is deeper or more pronounced than secondary curves along the surface of said instrument, and wherein said primary curve facilitates an oscillating flexing motion which produces an increase in the amplitude of the lowest frequency mode of vibration, the low pitch frequency modulates the whole of the spectrum of a musical sound by repeatedly raising and lowering said spectrum of sound in a periodic or oscillating manner, this effect being defined here as “vibrato”. The instrument is suspended from one or more points, by means of an instrument supporting member or mounting device, rigid or flexible. The suspension or mounting points approximate the nodal area of the instrument.

Abstract: Cymbals and generally flat sheet instruments, as well as compound instruments, are formed using welding process and metal melting processes to form holes and edges with thickened edges from the melting processes, to join sections of metal, to add metal by creating beads at desired locations, to join sections with differing hardness and/or thickness, to create compound cymbals and compound flat sheet instruments by joint welding cymbals or sheet instruments together. The invention also includes cymbals and bells and various combinations and shapes thereof and the unique overtones attained thereby.

Abstract: A windchime that generates musical tones in response to very low wind speeds includes chime members that are grouped in pairs. The chime members of each pair of chime members include a massive chime member and a less massive chime member that are closely spaced apart from one another. In very low winds, the less massive chime members begin swinging and impinge against their adjacent more massive chime members. Thus, a musical tone is produced even before the more massive chime members begin swinging. This arrangement of parts reduces the sensitivity threshold of the windchime so that it performs its intended function in breezes moving at less than one-half a mile per hour. In a preferred embodiment, three sets of chimes are suspended from a tripod-like mounting member that includes aesthetically pleasing support legs.

Abstract: A primary of a linear induction motor has a plenum formed on its upper surface to receive cooling air from a fan. The upper surface of the core is formed with fins to promote cooling. Air flows from the plenum to side housings in which the end turns are located. A deflector plate directs air from the plenum over the end turns of the windings. Exhaust slots are provided in the housing above the end turns and a baffle between the housing and the end turns promotes flow through the end turns as it moves toward the exhaust slots.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is designed to run on natural gas and utilize the diesel cycle. To promote combustion, a mixing chamber is dispersed within a combustion chamber formed between the piston and cylinder. The chamber includes a pair of concentric housings, the innermost of which receives fuel from the injector and provides a rich mixture in the volume between the housings.