Abstract: Method for controlling altitude of a vehicle moving along a segmented track. The method including receiving, at a controller, data generated by one or more sensors and determining, at the controller, an altitude of the vehicle relative to the segmented track. The method then receives, at the controller, data relating to the length of a track segment between two or more supports and the weight of the vehicle and determining, at the controller, a speed of the vehicle relative to the length of the track segment. The method also calculating, at the controller, the deflection of the segmented track between two supports based on the length of the track segment, the weight of the vehicle, and the speed of the vehicle. The controller adjusts the altitude of the vehicle relative to the segmented track by an offset equivalent to the deflection of the segmented track thereby maintaining a constant altitude.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain arrangements is a musical instrument that can include a plurality of tine tone generators. The musical instrument can include a keyboard including a plurality of keys. The plurality of tine tone generators can be configured to correspond with one of each of the plurality of tine tone generators. The musical instrument can also include a plurality of hammers, wherein each of the plurality of hammers is configured to strike one of the plurality of tine tone generators when one of the plurality of keys is depressed. The tine tone generator can be configured to form a single unitary piece and can include a tone bar and a tine. The tine can further include a tuning spring and can include a ferro magnetic tip.

Abstract: A keyboard-type tone plate percussion instrument which is simple in construction and light in weight and capable of easily unifying key-operation feelings and efficiently outputting well-balanced sounds. Percussion units are arranged to respectively correspond to keys and tone plates and each strike a corresponding tone plate when driven by a key depressing operation. A resonance box has resonance chambers corresponding to the tone plates and each having an opening side thereof close to a corresponding tone plate. The tone plates are constructed into a single-stage structure where they are arranged in an order of tone pitch in a direction of array of the keys so that tone plates neighboring in specific tone pitch are arranged adjacent to each other. The percussion units are constructed into a single-stage structure where they are arranged to correspond to array of the tone plates.

Abstract: A universal piano action having a minimum number of identical parts interchangeable in upright and grand pianos, under and above the tensioned strings and effecting rapid repetition in upright and grand pianos, this universal piano action responds to every strenght of touch evoking sounds from a whisper to thunder. In this universal piano action the hammers can be positioned to any at rest position, to any proximity in respect to the tensioned strings for a sensitive control of sound, permitting practice playing with a normal strenght of piano key touch without disturbing.

Abstract: A piano keyboard apparatus has an action assembly that includes a four bar linkage having four pivotably connected bars including a whippen pivotably connected to a repetition lever. An articulated jack has a lower link pivotably connected to an upper link and the lower link is pivotably connected to the whippen.

Abstract: A celesta produces sounds in response to keying-in by striking sound bars with hammer units associated therewith, and key action mechanisms are provided between the keys and the hammer units, wherein the hammer units are located under the associated sound bars so that the hammers promptly return to initial positions by the aid of the gravity exerted thereon.

Abstract: An action mechanism for the piano in which a jack is resiliently and rotatably mounted on a rear portion of a key, a jack receiver and a push-out protrusion are provided on a hammer support member that is rotatably mounted at its one end on a hammer shank rail via a flange over the key, and when the key is depressed, the hammer is turned toward the sound producing member owing to the engagement of the tip of said jack and said jack receiver and, at the same time, the engagement between the jack and the jack receiver is released by the push-out protrusion.

Abstract: A portable electric keyboard musical instrument is disclosed which includes a plurality of sound producing elements with each fixedly attached to the supporting structure, and a plurality of actions for selectively causing respective elements to vibrate. Each action is supported on the supporting structure and associated with one of the elements. Each action also includes a hammer assembly for selectively striking one of the reeds and an escapement assembly for initiating the striking action of the hammer associated therewith and to control its motion thereafter until reactivated. A plurality of keys are provided each associated with one of the actions for actuating its hammer assembly so as to strike its respective element. The action is a modified Viennese action characterized in one particular by the elimination of a pin axle and by the use of a resilient hinge.

Abstract: A portable electric keyboard musical instrument is disclosed which includes (1) a two-part folding supporting structure, (2) a plurality of vibratile reeds with each having an end fixedly attached to the supporting structure, and (3) a plurality of actions for selectively causing respective reeds to vibrate. Each action is supported on the supporting structure and associated with one of the reeds. Each action also includes a hammer assembly for selectively striking one of the reeds and an escapement assembly for initiating the striking action of the hammer associated therewith and to control its motion thereafter until reactivated. A plurality of keys are provided each associated with one of the actions for actuating its hammer assembly so as to strike its respective reed. A pickup device is used in spaced relation to the reeds for generating an electrical frequency from the vibrations of the reeds.

Abstract: A graduated leverage piano action is incorporated into a piano having graduated mass hammers for striking graduated mass strings. The mass of the hammers and strings is highest for the lowest bass strings and lowest for the highest treble strings. In the piano a plurality of keys are supported by and pivoted about a balance rail which divides each key into first and second lever arms. The length of the second lever arm is defined by the location of a capstan screw which is coupled to each key. The length of the second lever arm decreases as the mass of the hammers increases. A complex mechanical linkage is coupled to each hammer and is positioned above each capstan screw for displacing each hammer when contacted by an opposing capstan screw contacts the third lever arm. The third lever arm is displaceable by the corresponding capstan screw.

Abstract: An action for a piano type musical instrument in which the hammer striking force is produced by the reaction of a pneumatic piston. For the grand piano embodiment, the hammer pivot is carried by the key-lever and the piston is connected to the hammer butt such that when the instrument is played the resistance of the piston raises the hammer into the musical string. A similar action is shown for the upright piano. In each case the hammer is propelled into the string with a velocity proportional to key-lever velocity and the escape, check and repetition parts of conventional actions are made unnecessary by the inherent properties of the pneumatic piston.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modified striking mechanism for use in pianos and related instruments having strings or their equivalent to produce musical notes and keys to select the notes. The mechanism includes a hammer assembly, a lever driving the hammer, coacting gear means for imparting motion to the hammer and features a novel escapement action for use therewith. Additionally disclosed are improvements including an escapement action adapted for use with conventional piano striking mechanisms, a novel damper assembly, a mechanism for activation by the soft pedal of the piano, a tension adjustment mechanism for varying the amount of force necessary to strike a key, and novel balance rail and capstan lever assemblies.