Abstract: A machine for automated generation of movement of chimes with a base, an power source in the base electromagnetically connected to a post, chimes disposed about the post for receiving electromagnetic energy, a control circuit for generating intermittent electric power to said source for creating magnetic forces on said chimes. The chimes may also be moved by electric power, water movement, wind generated by the power source or ionic wind movement.

Abstract: A bell device includes a securing device attached to a bell member, a seat rotatably secured to the securing device with a shaft and rotatable relative to the securing device about the shaft, and a resilient member having one end secured to the seat and a clapper secured to the other end. An actuator rod may rotate the seat relative to the securing device, to actuate the clapper to strike against the bell member and to make sounds, without moving the bell member. A spring member may bias the seat to disengage the clapper from the bell member. The clapper may be caused to strike against the bell member when shaking or moving the bell member.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting bars of keyboard percussion instruments comprising: (a) rods of 90 degree angle mounted to a keyboard percussion frame so as to provide support for bars (b) springs for allowing movement of said bars by being through said bars and coupled to said rods.

Abstract: There is provided a performance apparatus which is capable of performing fine variable control of musical tone parameters so as to obtain a variety of sounding characteristics. A plurality of reeds are fixedly mounted on a center block and each excited to vibrate by a corresponding actuator. A plurality of, e.g. three, resonant plates of different sounding volume are arranged in layers and each provided with a short yoke. A plurality of, e.g. three, vibration transmission mechanisms are fixed on a lower surface of the center block in association the respective resonant plates, and each comprised of a clutch coil wound around a clutch yoke.

Abstract: A windchime support apparatus. The apparatus has a fan for providing a source of wind to a windchime suspended from the support apparatus. In one embodiment, an electrical fan with adjustable inlet damper is provided. An outlet screen is provided for the fan. The screen serves a base for supporting a plurality of airflow disrupting wooden balls. The airflow disrupter mechanism provided by the wooden balls serves to randomize the sounds generated by the windchime. An on-off electrical switch is provided.

Abstract: The present invention, a percussion instrument aid is useful to aid in the creation of acoustic vibrations, or more generally, music. The subject instrument includes a striking pad and a striking tip, positioned distally on a lever arm. Further, the lever arm is pivotally attached at a pivot joint to a brace, the brace having a percussion device attached distally from where the lever arm is pivotally attached. The instrument aid is used by displacing the striking pad with a force conveyed by a hand. As the striking pad is displaced, the pivotally attached lever arm is also displaced thereby causing a complementary displacement of the striking tip. The displacement of the striking tip eventually impacts upon the percussive device causing the characteristic vibrations of the percussive device.

Abstract: The invention relates to known signal appliances comprising chime tubes which are fixed in a circle and chime by means of a centrally mounted, motor-driven striking element. The aim of the invention is to use a novel arrangement that omits striking elements, whereby space is saved, and uses chime tubes of essentially different diameters for producing very big differences in tone levels, whereby said chimes have constant lengths. Five chimes are suspended from a carrier plate. The carrier plate is swivelled around a predetermined area by means of the drive motor and a pinion that engages with the gear ring. The carrier plate is mounted on an axle which is fixedly arranged in a stationary holding device that is fixed to a vertical wall by means of screws. The inventive arrangement is especially useful as door bell or a glockenspiel.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an electronic cymbal having improved accuracy for detecting a striking force and a striking position without hampering a striking sensation and an appearance. A piezoelectric sensor 5 and a cup portion sheet sensor 8 provided on a portion of a cup portion formed into a dome shape at a center of a cover 2 on a first frame 3 having the cover 2 formed out of a soft material, the cover 2 spreading to contact with an upper surface of the first frame 3, and an edge upper portion sheet sensor 7 and an edge lower portion sheet sensor 6 provided on an outer peripheral edge portion 3b formed to be lowered by a step are provided, and a center of a second frame 4 is supported by a cymbal stand (shaft) 10 penetrating an opening portion at a center of the first frame 3.

Abstract: A movement limiting suited for use with air gathering means that may also generate tones as a result of motion created by the energy of the wind gathered, is disclosed. The wind gathering means may be either flexible, or substantially rigid. The means are usually planar but may also be three dimensional. The motion is limited to an arc of less than 360 degrees, about a pivot point. The pivot may also be on the longitudinal access of a pole to which wind gathering means, such as flags or banners may be attached. The tone generation means may either generate original tones or cause the regeneration of preselected tones. An advantage of one embodiment of the rotation limitation device is that it prevents flags or banners from wrapping around the flagpole. In another embodiment of the device multiple tones may be generated by the relative motion of the tone actuator and tone generator.

Abstract: Known percussion instruments, employing conduits and free-moving rattle members therein, are inefficient for producing louder sounds without increased effort on a user's behalf. The present invention provides a plurality of spaced-apart conduits having first and second opposed open ends. A pair of planar, spaced-apart frame members is provided, with one frame member closing all of the conduit first ends, and the second frame member closing all of the conduit second ends. There is at least one free-moving rattle member inside each conduit. The frame members provide a common striking surface for the free-moving rattle members. The simultaneous striking of a common surface by free-moving rattle members produces an increase in sound volume with less work on the user's behalf.

Abstract: Known percussion instruments, employing conduits and free-moving rattle members therein, are inefficient for producing louder sounds without increased effort on a user's behalf, The present invention provides a plurality of spaced-apart conduits having first and second opposed open ends. A pair of planar, spaced-apart frame members is provided, with one frame member closing all of the conduit first ends, and the second frame member closing all of the conduit second ends. There is at least one free-moving rattle member inside each conduit. The frame members provide a common striking surface for the free-moving rattle members. The simultaneous striking of a common surface by free-moving rattle members produces an increase in sound volume with less work on the users behalf.

Abstract: A prescribed number of bars are arranged in a percussion instrument such as a xylophone and marimba, wherein each bar is formed by a base layer, a fiber reinforced plastic layer, and a surface layer that are combined together using an epoxy adhesive therebetween. Both the base layer and surface layer is made of the prescribed hardwood material such as rosewood, hard birch, padauk, and Chinese quince, while the fiber reinforced plastic layer is formed by laminating one or more fiber reinforced plastic sheets, each of which is formed by impregnating and hardening thermosetting epoxy resin with fibers. All fibers can be aligned in a single direction slanted to the longitudinal direction of the bar. Alternatively, fibers are woven in two directions rectangularly crossing each other in a cloth form. Thus, it is possible to improve bars in striking durability as well as in sound quality and design.

Abstract: A system and method for generating game sounds in a directionally adjustable manner which includes a friction pan call having a plurality of holes on generally opposing sides of a sound chamber wall, and a method whereby holes are successively closed in an incremental rotating manner around the call so as to help to create a sound emulating a moving sound source.

Abstract: A method of using a computer controlled machine to provide a hand plate for a predetermined pitch acoustic musical instrument device utilises the accuracy, repeatability and computer facility to use the scaling factor of the operating program of a forming machine controlled by a programmed computer. As shown in FIG. 1 an acoustic musical hand plate instrument comprises a plate 1, a handle 2, and a clapper mechanism 3. The plate 1 is made from a sheet of aluminum alloy. The parameters of the plate 1 and its operation as a musical instrument is substantially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,310. The handle 2 is a bifurcated block of plastics material into which the plate 1 is secured by means of two recessed bolts 4. The clapper mechanism 3 is mounted on the handle 2 by means of a pivot block 5 containing screw means 17 for adjusting the rotational friction of the clapper mechanism 3. Alternatively, the clapper may be coupled to the handle by means of an elastomeric material as described in U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A musical learning system including an instrument and method is disclosed. The instrument is comprised of a rectangularly shaped box designed for convenient handling by an operator in a manner analogous to other musical instruments such as a piano, a guitar, or a horn. Thirteen movable buttons on the top surface of the box sound eight natural notes and five notes of sharps and flats when pressed by the operator, the sounds being produced by either a built-in, acoustic or electronic sound system. Easily removable attachments having instructive musical notations are temporarily secured above and below the buttons can be used in a predetermined sequence, thereby enabling the operator to grasp music concepts over a relatively, brief period of time. In addition, in the electronic version, an “octave-up” switch enables an operator to sound a note one or more octaves higher for each of the buttons; and a “mute” bar allows the operator to silence a note being produced, if desired.

Abstract: A game call amplifying call holder device includes a concave member and upward sloping sides. A pair of parallel rail members within the concave member are elevated a selected distance by pairs of spaced apart support members. Each rail member has a retaining flange member extending along its length on a top side, and a biasing member extending along its length adjacent to and beneath the retaining flange member. A stop member and a bridge member are connected between adjacent ends of the parallel rail members opposite each other. The rail members reversibly secure at least one planar call device there between, with the planar circular call device secured on opposite edges between the flange member and the biasing member of each rail member. The flange members and biasing members allowing the planar call device to vibrate when activated by a striker, with the concave member amplifying vibrations thus produced.

Abstract: A simultaneous toasting device comprising a pair of vertical support members each having an arm extending therefrom, the arms further extending towards one another, the arms each having a filament depending therefrom, and a sounding element, the sounding element being supported by the filaments and extending between the vertical support members such that the arms each extend toward the sounding element.

Abstract: A vibraphone provided with at least one series of sound bars with resonance tubes provided thereunder, while above at least a number of the resonance tubes a shaft extends, provided with a series of fans, while driving means are provided for rotation of the or each shaft about its longitudinal axis, such that the fans rotate above the respective resonance tubes, while at least one slip coupling is provided, positioned such that a couple that can be transferred by the driving means to the shaft and/or a fan is limited.

Abstract: A percussion instrument mounting system comprising a connector means preferably and elastically flexible cord or plurality of cords, each having a first end attached to a percussion instrument such as a woodblock, and a second end attaching to a vibration absorbing material or to a rigid frame or support upon which the vibration absorbing material rests or is thereby supported. The elastic cord draws the percussion woodblock and the vibration absorbing material together into a flexibly fixed position so that the instrument is playable.

Abstract: A novelty item having extending appendages which are supported by springs so as to impart life-like movement thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a rhythm shaker for producing percussive sound. The shaker has a shell that envelops a hollow interior that contains a number of percussive particles. There is also provided a sound dampening insert that covers all but a portion of the interior surface of the shell. The rhythm shaker's shell has only one surface on which the enclosed sound producing material can strike the shell and make a sound. The remainder of the shell's surfaces are protected or covered with the sound dampening insert that mutes or dampens the sound by preventing the sound producing material from striking against the interior surface of the shell.

Abstract: A musical wind chime that can be placed in any indoor or outdoor environment where there is air movement and the musical wind chime will be activated regardless of the source of the air movement or the direction the air movement comes from. The inventive device includes a chime tether consisting of ball chain and ball chain connectors; a chime rod hanging structure which suspends on the ball chain and to which the chime rods are attached; a striker and a baffle mechanism attached to the lower portion of the ball chain. Air movement from any direction hits the baffle, causing the baffle to move which in turn causes the striker to contact the chime rods.

Abstract: An instrument or wind chime comprises an elongated suspender rod from which a plurality of sounding bodies are suspended and dangle at a distance from each other, the suspender rod being provided with a folding joint.

Abstract: A method of using a computer controlled machine to provide a hand plate for a predetermined pitch acoustic musical instrument device utilises the accuracy, repeatability and computer facility to use the scaling factor of the operating program of a forming machine controlled by a programmed computer. As shown in FIG. 1 an acoustic musical hand plate instrument comprises a plate 1, a handle 2, and a clapper mechanism 3. The plate 1 is made from a sheet of aluminum alloy. The parameters of the plate 1 and its operation as a musical instrument is substantially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,310. The handle 2 is a bifurcated block of plastics material into which the plate 1 is secured by means of two recessed bolts 4. The clapper mechanism 3 is mounted on the handle 2 by means of a pivot block 5 containing screw means 17 for adjusting the rotational friction of the clapper mechanism 3. Alternatively, the clapper may be coupled to the handle by means of an elastomeric material as described in U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and method for calling game animals when a user is hunting with a bow or a gun. The apparatus operates hands-free and includes a flexible conduit 24 that extends between a mouthpiece 12 and a game-attracting call assembly 30 that is operable when the user ingests air through the mouthpiece 12. The call assembly 30 includes an air-actuated sound-producing member 34 which is attached to the user's clothing. The apparatus 10 permits the user to initiate a game-attracting call without discernable movement of his or her upper body.

Abstract: A hand-held, gourd based percussion instrument, has a modified guiro gourd with two maraca gourds extended outwardly therefrom. A hollow, elongate guiro gourd is modified by having its ends removed and replaced with light-bulb shaped maracas with the spherical portions extending outwardly, the maracas attached by means of an extended member within the cylindrical center of the guiro. With sounding furrows on the outer surface of the cylindrical center and sounding pebbles within, the furrows are stroked with a rasper and the instrument is shaken to produce rhythmic sounds.

Abstract: A movement limiting suited for use with air gathering means that may also generate tones as a result of motion created by the energy of the wind gathered, is disclosed. The wind gathering means may be either flexible, or substantially rigid. The means are usually planar but may also be three dimensional. The motion is limited to an arc of less than 360 degrees, about a pivot point. The pivot may also be on the longitudinal access of a pole to which wind gathering means, such as flags or banners may be attached. The tone generation means may either generate original tones or cause the regeneration of preselected tones. An advantage of one embodiment of the rotation limitation device is that it prevents flags or banners from wrapping around the flagpole. In another embodiment of the device multiple tones may be generated by the relative motion of the tone actuator and tone generator.

Abstract: A sound producing device for producing a whistling sound when placed in the mouth of a user and blown through. The sound producing device includes a sound producing member for placing in the mouth of the user. The sound producing member comprises a first end edge and a second end edge, and first and second side edges extending between the first and second end edges. The sound producing member comprises a first section and a second section. The first and second sections are positioned substantially parallel to each other. The first and second sections are spaced from each other with a gap therebetween. Each of the first and second sections has an aperture through the respective section at a substantially central location of the respective section. A third section of the sound producing member extends between the first and second sections.

Abstract: There is provided a musical instrument according to the present invention having body wall with a single welded seam on the underside opposite the striking or playing side. This construction method allows for a vibrating surface of continuing proportions producing a sound that is very articulate, yet retains a nice balance of overtones. In addition, there is a cost savings in manufacturing musical instruments according to the present invention. The musical instruments of the present invention are also more durable.

Abstract: An improved percussion instrument having a single piece of rigid material which includes two distinct portions (FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6): an upper non-corrugated segment (10), and a lower corrugated segment (12). The material is shaped, sized and worn like a necktie by a downwardly appending hook member (18) attached over the user's collar (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6). Stabilizing tabs (14a and 14b) are inserted underneath the user's collar lapels to stabilize the necktie during its use as a percussion instrument. The user rubs various tools up and down the corrugations (22) to produce percussive sounds.

Abstract: A vibrating reed is provided which includes a base; and a vibration arm section formed so as to protrude from this base, a grooved portion is formed in one of the obverse surface and the rear surface of the vibration arm section, and a groove electrode portion and a side electrode portion is formed in the grooved portion and the side portion of the vibration arm section, respectively, wherein a short-circuit prevention section is formed between the groove electrode portion and the side electrode portion and thus vibration failure is made unlikely to occur while minimizing the CI value.

Abstract: A powered random chiming mechanism, related to the traditional outdoor wind chime that includes a body (10) by which a pendulum (20) is suspended centrally to a plurality of chimes (11a). A fan (14), integral to the device, generates a vertically rising column of air that emits from a point beneath the center rest position of the pendulum. A concave sail (20c) at the termination of the pendulum is then agitated, pulling the pendulum into random lateral motion. A striker (20a) located along the pendulum axis impacts the surrounding chimes to create tones of random sequence and degree for the purpose of enjoyment.

Abstract: A vibraphone provided with at least one series of sound bars with resonance tubes provided thereunder, while above at least a number of the resonance tubes a shaft extends, provided with a series of fans, while driving means are provided for rotation of the or each shaft about its longitudinal axis, such that the fans rotate above the respective resonance tubes, while at least one slip coupling is provided, positioned such that a couple that can be transferred by the driving means to the shaft and/or a fan is limited.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an electronic cymbal having improved accuracy for detecting a striking force and a striking position without hampering a striking sensation and an appearance. A piezoelectric sensor 5 and a cup portion sheet sensor 8 provided on a portion of a cup portion formed into a dome shape at a center of a cover 2 on a first frame 3 having the cover 2 formed out of a soft material, the cover 2 spreading to contact with an upper surface of the first frame 3, and an edge upper portion sheet sensor 7 and an edge lower portion sheet sensor 6 provided on an outer peripheral edge portion 3b formed to be lowered by a step are provided, and a center of a second frame 4 is supported by a cymbal stand (shaft) 10 penetrating an opening portion at a center of the first frame 3.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a musical and/or toy shaker made with a thermoplastic material. The shaker is injection or blow molded in the form of a substantially continuous body that defines an internal, hollow portion. In addition, the body defines a hole or vent that communicates with the hollow portion, thus allowing a fill material to be passed through the vent and deposited in the hollow portion. Significantly, the body in formed with a duct surrounding the vent. Upon filling the hollow portion, the duct is melted in order to seal the vent.

Abstract: A furniture piece incorporates a percussion element such as a key that can generate a musical sound. For example, the top of a coffee table may incorporate a set of tuned keys that together form a xylophone-like instrument. Thus, not only can one use the table for conventional purposes, he/she can also play the keys for enjoyment.

Abstract: There is provided a shaker instrument having a single, contiguous body with a sounding chamber that is in communication with an elongated hollow neck or handle. The hollow handle has an opening or aperture through which a fill material may be introduced to, or removed from, the sounding chamber. The fill material is restricted to the sounding chamber by a plug or insert that is placed through the opening and extends into the elongated hollow neck. In addition, there is provided a method of making such a shaker instrument. The method is simplified compared to prior art methods and eliminates any relatively weak and possibly unsafe seams on the instrument.

Abstract: There is provided a shaken idiophone having at least two segments that define a sound chamber for holding a sound producing material. The segments are preferably located along the periphery of the shaken idiophone. The segments of the shaken idiophone are held together by at least one fastener having a resilient member. The resilient member urges the segments away from one another so that there is a space between the two segments. The amount of space between the segments can be varied while the shaken idiophone in being playing by squeezing the shaken idiophone. Thus, the shaken idiophone can create a variety of sound qualities.

Abstract: Knockdown hand bell including two casings, a ram body and a hook member. The ram body serves to hit the casings and create a sound. The hook member serves to hook the ram body. The casings have multiple patterns and are replaceably mated with each other to form various types of hand bells to achieve a decorative effect.

Abstract: A tune changeable panpipe without harming the lips of a player includes a slightly arcuate alignment blow pipes lateral combined with each other and a plurality of sound pipes of different lengths and different diameters engaged with the bottom of the blow pipes on one by one basis from a longest one gradually to a shortest one. This disclosure is characterized in that each of the blow pipes has a smooth slope adjacent a mouthpiece without harming the lips of the players and a plurality of spare sound pipe are prepared to replace with those in the blow pipe in order to change the scale of music.

Abstract: An instrument or wind chime comprises an elongated suspender rod from which a plurality of sounding bodies are suspended and dangle at a distance from each other, the suspender rod being provided with a folding joint.

Abstract: A musical instrument that having a shaker that is adapted to house a plurality of impact particles. The instrument employs a spring mass system where the mean mass of the impact particles provide a force due to the accelerations as the impact the lower portion of the inner surface of the shaker member. Where the force of impact of the impact particles causes a compression of a shaker spring which provides an opposite force upon the impact particles while the spring is expanding and hence raises the mean mass of the impact particles away from the lower portion of the inner surface of the shaker. Thereby, the impact particles repeat the cycle of falling upon the lower surface and a damping oscillation motion is created. Where the impacts of the impact particles causes a desirable musical sound.

Abstract: The present invention is a percussion accessory for attachment to a percussion tool, such as a drum stick. The percussion tool has an attachment region, and the percussion accessory is provided for creating musical sounds through the use of percussion tool by a user. The percussion accessory has a attachment means for attaching the percussion accessory to the attachment area of the percussion tool; a support attached to and extending from the attachment means; and, a sound device, such as a jingle, moveably attached to the support, wherein the sound device will move to create the musical sounds when the user uses the percussion tool. The percussion accessory also has a muffle device. The muffle device has a muffle and a lever. A muffling material is attached to the top of the muffle for engaging the sound device. The muffle device is pivotally attached to the support, wherein when the user presses the lever, the muffling material will engage the sound device for muffling the sound device.

Abstract: A cymbal made of a sound producing a plate which includes a plurality of linear ribs to enhance the strength of the cymbal and to provide a unique sounding cymbal. The ribs are positioned on the top and/or bottom surface of the cymbal. The ribs extend substantially from the center of the cymbal and/or from a point spaced from the center of the cymbal. The ribs extend substantially to the edge of the cymbal and/or extend to a point which is spaced from the edge of the cymbal.

Abstract: A souvenir or keepsake baseball bat for baseball fans including young children. The souvenir baseball bat is approximately one-third the size of an actual baseball bat in length and dimension and includes a hollowed out portion that is filled with beans, beads, buckshot or the like which causes the souvenir bat to rattle when waved or shaken.

Abstract: A drumhead patch particularly adapted for use on snare drums used in marching bands consists of a plastic layer adhered to a section of the playing surface of the snare drumhead membrane. A first portion of the patch defines a series of openings while a second portion has no openings. The patch alters the vibration characteristics of the membrane and presents alternative playing surfaces to the musician. A guiro effect is produced by dragging a drumstick over the openings in the first portion of the patch. The second portion produces distinctly different impact sounds than the playing surface of the drumhead membrane when struck by a beater. The patch may be positioned on the playing surface to meet the needs of a particular musician.

Abstract: A musical shaker instrument has a shaped shell and pellets enclosed therein. The shell has two parts. A first large shell part (24) includes an exterior surface forming a first end portion and a central portion. The first part truncates at a second end portion of the shell and includes an opening (26) in the truncated end portion. The second small shell part (30) has a cap member (32) for closing opening in the first large shell part. The first and second shell parts are joined together by an internal joint which is not exposed to the external surface of the shell. In a second embodiment, the second shell part forms a handle.

Abstract: There is provided a musical instrument having a tubular body and a handle. The tubular body has an annular wall that defines a sound chamber. The handle is designed to shelter the hand of the player or serve as a mounting for use with a mounting cradle. The thickness of the tubular wall and the dimensions of the sound chamber may be modified to produce various sound qualities and pitches. Preferably, the musical instrument produces the characteristic sound of the traditional “clave.

Abstract: A percussion instrument has first and second shells each of which extends away from the other, the shells forming cavities; a closure for one of the shells having a diaphragm portion and closing a portion of the cavity formed by the one shell, the closure spaced from a shell interconnection region; a cavity formed by the other of the shells being open at one end thereof in a direction away from the interconnection region, and loose pellets contained in a portion of the cavity formed by one shell, the pellets freely movable to impact the one shell and diaphragm portion to produce a rattling sound when the instrument is shaken.

Abstract: In a keyboard musical percussion instrument having a series of tone bars mounted to at least first and second, spaced-apart support rails, each tone bar having a body with first and second nodes of its fundamental mode of vibration (Node A and Node B), Node B being spaced from Node A along a longitudinal axis of the tone bar body, and the body defining a bottom surface and a mounting hole formed in the bottom surface at Node A, a tone bar suspension assembly for mounting a tone bar includes first and second suspension bumpers extending from the first support rail and having upper suspension surfaces to engage the bottom surface of the body at spaced apart locations in a plane generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body at Node B, and a suspension pin extending from the second support rail to engage in the mounting hole. A keyboard musical percussion instrument employing the tone bar suspension assembly, and methods for mounting a tone bar and adjusting tone bar ring time are also described.