Abstract: Improvements in a motorized microphone rail system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a percussion instrument such as a drum, marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A vertical or horizontal tracking system bridges across supports of a drum or marimba in a vertical or horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positional with a drive screw that is powered by a motor. The microphone can be moved along the supporting rail to alter the sound based upon the phasing of the sound wave between the drum heads or the sound producing elements. Electronic drive and control for operating a motor that positions the microphone is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a grill configured for quick assembly, a method of partially pre-assembling the grill for shipping from the factory in a container, and a method of assembling the grill when removed from the shipping container. The grill comprises a firebox assembly for mounting on a cart assembly, the cart assembly having first and second support assemblies and at least one linking member interconnecting them. A hinge or pivot in the mid-portion of the linking member divides it into first and second linking member portions, and the opposite ends of the linking member portions are pivotally connected by hinges or the like to the first and second support assemblies. The linking member holds the first and second support assemblies together in a partially pre-assembled state, and the pivotal connections of the linking member portions allow the two assemblies to be folded for packaging in a shipping container.

Abstract: A grill comprising a firebox assembly for mounting on a cart assembly, the cart assembly having first and second support assemblies interconnected by at least one linking member. A hinge or pivot in the mid-portion of the linking member divides it into first and second linking member portions, and the opposite ends of the linking member portions are pivotally connected by hinges to the first and second support assemblies. The linking member holds the support assemblies together in a partially pre-assembled state, and the pivotal connections of the linking member portions allow the two assemblies to be folded for packaging in a shipping container. When removed from the container, the pivotal connections of the linking member portions allow the support assemblies to be unfolded horizontally to convert the cart assembly to an assembled configuration in which the support assemblies are unfolded to a position suitable for supporting the firebox assembly.

Abstract: A barbecue grill and components thereof that allow a user to obtain a controlled burst of high intensity heat for a limited period of time, comprising at least one quick sear burner, a quick sear valve assembly adapted for fluid communication with the quick sear burner, and a cooking surface adapted to be positioned above the quick sear burner in or on a firebox of a barbecue grill. The quick sear valve assembly, in turn, comprises a main valve for normal operation of the quick sear burner, and a bypass valve for high intensity heat output of limited duration. The quick sear valve assembly includes a mechanism that is configured to allow the user to selectively actuate the bypass valve.

Abstract: A grill comprising a firebox assembly for mounting on a cart assembly, the cart assembly having first and second support assemblies interconnected by at least one linking member. A hinge or pivot in the mid-portion of the linking member divides it into first and second linking member portions, and the opposite ends of the linking member portions are pivotally connected by hinges to the first and second support assemblies. The linking member holds the support assemblies together in a partially pre-assembled state, and the pivotal connections of the linking member portions allow the two assemblies to be folded for packaging in a shipping container. When removed from the container, the pivotal connections of the linking member portions allow the support assemblies to be unfolded horizontally to convert the cart assembly to an assembled configuration in which the support assemblies are unfolded to a position suitable for supporting the firebox assembly.

Abstract: A barbecue grill comprising a grilling surface, a hood, a handle for opening the hood, and a lighting device interconnected with the handle. The lighting device is mounted in such a way that when the hood is opened, the lighting device can be used to illuminate the grilling surface.

Abstract: A propane tank fuel gauge for use with a barbecue grill that measures the weight of the tank and thereby provides a readily perceived indication of the amount of propane gas remaining therein. The fuel gauge comprises a base, a tank mount adapted for mounting a propane tank, a spring-loaded support mechanism for supporting the tank mount relative to the base, and a fuel level indicator connected to the support mechanism for providing an indication of the total weight of the tank including the propane gas remaining therein.

Abstract: An instrument carrier is disclosed for supporting one or more drums without using traditional “J” rods components. The carrier uses sliders that eliminate the interference with the user's legs and more particularly the user's thighs and provides a more natural stride of the user. The drum mounting structure is repositioned or translated on the sliders. The carrier allows the drum to be rigidly mounted in a variety of positions relative to the user. The cantilevered weight of the drum(s) rotates the drum or drum array to lock the drum(s) into a vertical or horizontal slots or saddle. In another embodiment a bridge extends from the carrier to a single post or tube to support a slidably mounted single drum. The structure also eliminates the necessity of a structurally rigid fixed abdomen plate and allows for use of a flexible and conforming abdomen plate.

Abstract: Improvements in a microphone system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a percussion instrument such as a drum, marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A vertical or horizontal tracking system bridges across supports of a drum or marimba in a vertical or horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positionally secured on the horizontal tracking system. Both the microphones and the horizontal tracking system provide vibration isolation to all of the microphones. A cable managements system is also disclosed to reduce mechanical vibration and eliminate transmission of undesirable sounds.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a grill configured for quick assembly, a method of partially pre-assembling the grill for shipping from the factory in a container, and a method of assembling the grill when removed from the shipping container. The grill comprises a firebox assembly for mounting on a cart assembly, the cart assembly having first and second support assemblies and at least one linking member interconnecting them. A hinge or pivot in the mid-portion of the linking member divides it into first and second linking member portions, and the opposite ends of the linking member portions are pivotally connected by hinges or the like to the first and second support assemblies. The linking member holds the first and second support assemblies together in a partially pre-assembled state, and the pivotal connections of the linking member portions allow the two assemblies to be folded for packaging in a shipping container.

Abstract: Drum hardware and drum secured thereon are preferably supported on a vest type carrier or a T-bar carrier having a plurality of separate parts removable from each other and formed of a rigid light material such as plastic or a light metal such as magnesium, aluminum or titanium. The carrier has a vest or belly plate, shoulder supports, and back bar and the shoulder supports are removable and/or adjustable. The supporting elements are of rod, tube, pipe or tubular construction. Special padding may be included on the shoulder supports, belly plate portion and other parts where cushioning is needed. The hardware may be universally adjustable.

Abstract: An improvement in a color guard flag pole weight is disclosed. The flag pole weight is inserted into one or both ends of a flag pole. For larger or heavier flag poles or when a performer is performing a great deal of spinning against the wind, weighting the pole dramatically improves the ease of rotation of the flag pole to counteract the drag created when the flag pole catches the wind and improves the ease of rotation for both the spinning and the tossing. When the weight is inserted into the flag pole, a split ring on the weight is expandable to grip the inside diameter of the pole. The weight of the insert is adjustable by screwing one or more weights into the insert. The additional weights are male-female threaded to allow for a large number of weights to be added and limited only to the length of the flag pole.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a grill having a firebox with a front rotisserie mount assembly and a pair of heat shield assemblies. The front rotisserie mount assembly is to help mount a rotisserie on the grill along a longitudinal axis extending from the front of the grill to the rear of the grill. The front rotisserie mount assembly also acts in conjunction with a pair of heat shield assemblies in the firebox to help concentrate heat generated underneath the rotisserie.

Abstract: Improvements in a drum practice pad are disclosed. The practice pad is intended for use with a mobile or shoulder mounted percussion instrument carrier or with a stand configured for use with a percussion instrument. The practice pad incorporates most or all of the geometry of a drum that is addressed by a player. This geometry includes a portion of the striking surface, and a portion of the drum rim. The sticking surface is adjustable within the portion of the drum rim to match the central playing area and the height of the playing surface to the rim of the drum. The assembly allows for attachment or mounting and use of a practice pad from a third party. The strike location of the practice pad is adjustable to simulate different diameter drums. The incorporation of the drum rim allows players to practice rim shots.

Abstract: A shoulder supported carrier structure supports percussion instruments on shoulder shoulders of a user is disclosed. A connecting member that spans between the shoulder supporting member behind the user or performer. The connecting member is joined to an arm that is connected to at a back member that allows the back member to pivot and translate relative to the two shoulder supporting members to allow the back member to align with a back of a user. The connecting member may be joined to the one arm with a frictional connection. The arm may be connected to the back member with a frictional connection. The back member at least partially contours to the shape of the back and may further include an inflatable cushioning bladder and is positioned between and under shoulder blades of the user to increase arm mobility.

Abstract: Improvements in a lifting stand are presented. The lift stand is for a musical instrument stand or to elevate a speaker and that rigidly supports a sousaphone brass type instruments or speaker in an in a stored and in a playable or elevated position. The stand supports all or the majority of the weight of the instrument or speaker in a static position to relieve the weight of the musical instrument or speaker. The stand has legs that are extendable to rest on multiple levels as might be found in a stadium. The stand further has a securing mechanism that gently grasps a tubular section to hold the musical instrument. The musical instrument stand is collapsible to fit within or can be carried with the case of the sousaphone or other brass instrument. The speaker stand can be easily collapsed for transportation and storage.

Abstract: A gas cooking appliance for cooking a food item, such as a turkey, in a cooking vessel having a bottom surface, such as a pot, the gas cooking appliance configured to be connected to a gas source for permitting a flow of gas to the gas cooking appliance, the appliance having a sensor configured to engage a shielded portion of the bottom surface of the cooking vessel and to shut off or reduce the flow of gas to the appliance in the event that the shielded portion exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Improvements in a microphone system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a percussion instrument such as a drum, marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A vertical or horizontal tracking system bridges across supports of a drum or marimba in a vertical or horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positionally secured on the horizontal tracking system. Both the microphones and the horizontal tracking system provide vibration isolation to all of the microphones. A cable managements system is also disclosed to reduce mechanical vibration and eliminate transmission of undesirable sounds.

Abstract: Drum hardware and drum secured thereon are preferably supported on a vest type carrier or a T-bar carrier having a plurality of separate parts removable from each other and formed of a rigid light material such as plastic or a light metal such as magnesium, aluminum or titanium. The carrier has a vest or belly plate, shoulder supports, and back bar and the shoulder supports are removable and/or adjustable. The supporting elements are of rod, tube, pipe or tubular construction. Special padding may be included on the shoulder supports, belly plate portion and other parts where cushioning is needed. The hardware may be universally adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a grill configured for quick assembly, a method of partially pre-assembling the grill for shipping from the factory in a container, and a method of assembling the grill when removed from the shipping container. The grill comprises a firebox assembly for mounting on a cart assembly, the cart assembly having first and second support assemblies and at least one linking member interconnecting them. A hinge or pivot in the mid-portion of the linking member divides it into first and second linking member portions, and the opposite ends of the linking member portions are pivotally connected by hinges or the like to the first and second support assemblies. The linking member holds the first and second support assemblies together in a partially pre-assembled state, and the pivotal connections of the linking member portions allow the two assemblies to be folded for packaging in a shipping container.