Abstract: An apparatus is provided for evaluating the tonal characteristics of an object with respect to a nominal tone which comprises a striker for causing the object to generate an audio signal and a microphone for inputting the audio signal. A reference signal generator generates plural reference signals in accordance with the nominal tone, and those signals are mixed with the audio signal by a mixing circuit. The accuracy of the audio signal with respect to the nominal tone is evaluated in accordance with the audio signal mixed by the mixing circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is a Christmas display (10) resembling a ski-lift and ski-slope, for use in conjunction with a Christmas tree (92). The display (10) comprises a track (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16), wherein the first end is at a higher elevation than the second end, and a lift (18) disposed between the first end (14) and the second end (16). The device also comprises a plurality of figurines (30) having a base configured for slidable movement along track (12) from the first end of track (12) to the second end of track (12) whereby the lift (18) transports the figurine (30) back to the first end (14) of the track (12) in a continuous manner. In the preferred embodiment, the display also comprises a support mechanism (90) for supporting the display on a Christmas tree.

Abstract: An electronic percussion synthesizer assembly incorporates a novel structure for supporting the drum heads. The novel supporting structure comprises a spider assembly (83) comprised of a plurality of legs (150) joined at one end for defining a hub (152) and secured at their free ends to the perimeter of the drum head (65) on the underside thereof. The spider assembly (83) minimizes mechanical damping of the striking surface and, where a plurality of drum heads (62, 63, 64, 65) are used, also minimiizes "cross talk" between the drum heads. A novel foot pedal control (120) for altering the sounds produced by the drum head is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based electronic guitar generates a music signal for driving an integral speaker. The electronic guitar includes a housing defining a neck and a body, a plurality of manually actuatable strings secured to the body, and a plurality of pushbuttons distributed along the neck, the strings and pushbuttons being operable by the player for controlling the composition of the music signal generated by the microprocessor. The electronic guitar is playable in a chord mode wherein the microprocessor, upon striking the strings, generates a music signal corresponding to chord sounds, a lead mode wherein the microprocessor, upon striking the strings, generates a music signal corresponding to individual notes, and an automatic mode wherein the microprocessor, upon striking the strings, generates a predetermined chord progression defining a stored melody.

Abstract: An improved noise making device (10) particularly suited for use in stadiums, arenas and the like comprises a flexible, planar member of "whooping plate" (12), and a handle (14), both preferably comprised of plastic, the ends of the handle (14) being joined to the ends of the planar member (12) with the central section of the handle bowed outwardly from the planar member, such that when the handle is gripped and thrust forward and backward, the planar member bows inwardly and outwardly, thereby generating a loud noise. Suitable indicia, such as a team logo or advertising message, may be imprinted on the outer surface of the planar member.

Abstract: An intruder alarm includes a circuit with a photoresistive cell located in a housing with a piezoelectric crystal sound generator and battery to power the circuit and sound generator. A telescope concentrates light from a distance in a limited field of view upon the photoresistive cell to trigger the piezoelectric crystal sound generator when light intensity on the cell changes sufficiently from an ambient light intensity level.

Abstract: A self-powered, illuminated ornament, decorated with an acetate shrink wrap covering a substantial portion of its surface, in which the light and power source are so arranged within a hollow ornament that the entire decorated surface is illuminated when the light source is lit. In a preferred embodiment of the ornament, a means to produce music is also contained within the ornament.

Abstract: Fully bi-directional and quantitative digital time displays are provided by displaying increasing elapsed minutes during the first half hour together with seconds increasing from zero to fifty nine during each such minute and thereafter, during the second half hour, displaying decreasing minutes remaining until the next hour together with seconds decreasing from fifty nine to zero during each such minute.

Abstract: A digital rectangular wave musical tone generator (10) activates a speaker (12) to produce sounds of aural quality similar to musical instruments, while varying the intensity of light output from a light-emitting diode (13). The intensity variations of this light controls the resistance of a photoresistor (16), which varies the power supplied to decorative lights by a power control device (19), thus varying the intensity of the decorative lights in synchronism with the sound.

Abstract: A device for producing a plurality of musical tones comprises a programmed rectangular wave generator that produces a series of rectangular waves of the same amplitude for each tone. Each wave in each of the series of waves has a predetermined energy content and drives a speaker or other sound producing transducer such that the musical tone produced has the same aural qualities as that produced by a musical instrument. In the preferred embodiment the wave generator is a programmed integrated circuit microcomputer having a Read Only Memory in which are stored the sequence of notes of one or more musical compositions that are played under program control. The device is particularly adapted to produce bell tones having minimum harmonic distortion which, in combination with microminiature speakers and lights in bell shaped translucent housings and driven by the series of rectangular waves, becomes an attractive Christmas decoration that plays a number of traditional Christmas carols.