Patents by Inventor Richard Barbera

Richard Barbera has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8507783
    Abstract: A string saddle system for a multi-stringed instrument includes a unitary saddle body having a plurality of integral cavities, each in correspondence with a respective string and defining an area of sensitivity beneath each string extending from a top saddle body surface to the corresponding cavity structure and extending horizontally according to a length of the integral cavity. A flexurally responsive transducer element is located within and mechanically coupled to each integral cavity at mechanical coupling points for converting vibratory energy from the respective string to an electric signal. A first conductor layer is embedded within the saddle body, and, a second conductor layer embedded within the saddle body, the first and second conductor layers configured on a unitary plane, and connected to each transducer such that the transducer element of adjacent integral cavities couple electrical signals of alternating phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Barbera
  • Patent number: 8263851
    Abstract: A saddle for a multi-stringed instrument efficiently couples to transducer elements, vibrations from plucked musical instruments strings includes a unitary saddle body and a top surface that support tensioned strings and receive vibratory energy therefrom. The body portion includes a plurality of integral cavities, each integral cavity in correspondence with a respective string defining a vertically compliant area of sensitivity beneath each string that couple the string vibrations to a flexurally responsive transducer element mounted within and mechanically coupled to a respective integral cavity for converting vibratory energy from the respective string to an electric signal. A first conductor element and a second conductor element are embedded within the saddle body and configured in communication with each transducer at electrical coupling points for electrically connecting the transducer element to the first and second conductors at each respective the integral cavity structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Barbera
  • Patent number: 8049095
    Abstract: A saddle for a multi-stringed instrument couples to transducer elements, vibrations from plucked musical instruments strings. The saddle includes a top saddle portion, and a body portion beneath the top saddle portion having a plurality of integral cavities, each integral cavity in correspondence with a respective string defining a vertically compliant area of sensitivity beneath each string that couple the string vibrations to a flexurally responsive transducer element mounted within and mechanically coupled to a respective integral cavity. A first ground conductor is formed on a top body portion surface and on each opposing surface of the body portion; and a second conductor is embedded within the body portion. The first conductor and embedded second conductor have respective portions extending to each the integral cavity structure to provide electrical coupling points for electrically connecting the transducer element to the first and second conductors at each respective the integral cavity structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Barbera
  • Publication number: 20110041673
    Abstract: A string saddle system for a multi-stringed instrument includes a unitary saddle body having opposing surfaces and a top saddle portion that support tensioned strings and receive vibratory energy therefrom. The saddle body includes a plurality of integral cavities, each integral cavity in correspondence with a respective string and defining an area of sensitivity beneath each string within the saddle body, each area of sensitivity extending from the top surface of the saddle body above the cavity beneath the respective string to the corresponding cavity structure and extending horizontally according to a length of the integral cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Barbera
  • Publication number: 20100116123
    Abstract: A saddle of a multi-stringed instrument includes a highly efficient means of coupling to sensors, vibrations from plucked musical instruments strings. The saddle includes a downwardly extending body portion for mechanically conveying string vibrations to transducers by way of cavities beneath a string saddle that define a vertically compliant area of sensitivity. The vertically compliant area beneath each respective string is mechanically responsive to vertical string motion. These areas couple the strings to transducers mounted within said cavities, and are selectively sensitive to vertical string vibrations from the top of the saddle, beneath the string. The uni-directional sensitivity does not respond to vibratory information from beneath the saddle and is only sensitive from its top or positive Z axis direction. This eliminates the introduction of micro-phonic noise from the body of the instrument in the amplified signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Barbera
  • Patent number: 4867027
    Abstract: A pick-up system for a stringed instrument in the form of a bridge structure, supporting a cartridge assembly having one or more of a plurality of independently vibrating segments, across each of which a corresponding string is tensioned. Each assembly contains an individual piezo element mounted in suspension in a clearance cavity, in alignment with and responsive to the vibrations of a corresponding string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Richard Barbera