Abstract: An automated stringed musical instrument including a device for plucking the strings of the instrument, a device for fretting the strings, and a tension-maintaining linkage for maintaining the tension in the strings, such that the instrument can be remotely operated for extended periods of time without the need for operator control or re-tuning the strings.

Abstract: A magnetic valve uses neodymium magnets to maintain itself in a state, either closed or open. Upon applying electrical signals to a coil, the valve state is changed. In the open state fluid may readily flow through the valve, whereas the closed state uses one or more magnets to seal a valve member such that fluid flow is blocked. In the open state, the magnitude of the electrical signal can be varied to vary the effective size of the opening through which fluid may flow, thereby providing proportional control. Importantly, the valve is controllable by a computer using a MIDI card such that the valve is especially suitable for adapting a player piano to operate from a computer. Additionally, the valve may be used in a sprinkler system, a fire suppression system, or various other applications.

Abstract: A magnetic conveyance system uses magnetic drivers within a tube having pressurized fluid moving therethrough. The magnetic drivers have magnets mounted at an angle other than 90 degrees to the central axis of the tube. Outside of the tube, a cart has a magnet thereon and is moved by magnetic force interaction when the driver is moved by pressure of the fluid, preferably a liquid such as water. A number of balls flow in the tube and keep the magnetic drivers spaced apart. The balls also serve to push the magnetic drivers as the balls are more directly pushed by the pressure of the fluid. A water wheel is connected by gears to an index wheel and serves to keep the balls, and thus the magnetic drivers and associated carts, moving in the proper direction. The carts may be configured as model cars, trucks, and other such vehicles which move on a board having a simulated road surface with the pressurized fluid tube mounted thereunder.

Abstract: A converter allows one to use common PVC pipes for making a musical pipe. The converter has a beveled edge such that one need not provide a separate beveled edge tube for each note, but one may simply use the same converter on various tubes of different lengths in order to produce different notes. The converter is used to produce a calliope pipe. A valve arrangement cooperates with the converter and sound pipe in order to allow one to individually control the sound of a particular musical or sound pipe.

Abstract: A tracker bar for a player piano is made of two pieces which seal together without the use of gaskets. The two pieces are made of plastic and are solvent-fused together. One of the pieces, an interface member, provides for widthwise staggering of pneumatic hose connections for a single row of passages in the other piece, a registry member. The interface member has three rows of tubes and includes channels on its front or paper side to accommodate widthwise offset between the tubes and various of the passages in the registry member, which passages register with holes in the player piano paper tape.

Abstract: A musical instrument pneumatic actuator uses valve seats and a vacuum tube which are integral with one of two plastic main body pieces. An anti-warp brace and curved recessed portion are respectively used to minimize warpage and wear on the bellows. A beveled atmospheric port allows easy insertion of a valve piece.