Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for a gaseous liquid to audibly deform the shape of a closed container. One embodiment includes pushing inward to depress a plurality of deformations integral with an exterior of the plastic container having a bottom, a top, the exterior, and an interior, wherein the top is at least partially opened. Further, the method includes sealing, subsequent to the depressing, the top to close the plastic container. Further still, the method includes pushing outward, subsequent to the sealing, by carbonation from a carbonated liquid contained within the interior, on the plurality of deformations. Yet further, the method includes deforming, by the pushing outward, at least two of the plurality of deformations to displaced positions. The method also includes creating two or more sounds and/or movement by the deforming.

Abstract: A sounding device of the present invention includes a grip, an actuator adjacent the grip, and a resonator adjacent the actuator. The grip is configured to be worn on one hand of a user. The actuator is configured to strike the resonator, and the resonator is configured to make a sound when struck by the actuator. A method of utilizing the sounding device includes securing the sounding device on a hand of a user by inserting a first finger of the user's hand near the thumb through the grip, and inserting a second finger of the user's hand adjacent the first finger on at least a portion of the grip. The method further includes placing the thumb on the actuator and activating the sounding device by causing the actuator to make contact with the resonator, wherein the resonator is configured to make a sound when contacted by the actuator.

Abstract: A device for mounting a percussion instrument with a strap handle including a bracket mounted on a horizontal support bar, where the bracket has a pinion parallel to the support bar at and held at a fixed radial angle relative to the support bar, and an option pivot over the pinion to fit inside the handle of the instrument, such that the strap handle fits over the pinion and the instrument dangles from the pinion and is thus free to swing in the direction away from the bar but is blocked by the bar or the bracket from swinging in the direction of the bar.

Abstract: A protective coating is applied to a bell body composed of bronze by simply dip-coating the bell with an outer layer of zinc. The process is carried out by immersing the bell body in a hot aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide and powdered free zinc. After the bell is removed from the coating solution it is rinsed and then polished. The coating protects the bell from environmental contaminants without changing the frequency or musical quality of the bell and therefore may be used equally with newly manufactured or refurbished bells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tuned harmonic bell musical instrument. The harmonic bell consists of a thin walled circular base, and a contiguous dome. The base is open at the bottom. The dome has a plurality of tongues cut into the surface thereof, thereby enabling notes with bell like harmonics to be generated when the tongues are struck with a mallet or other device.

Abstract: A protective coating is applied to a bell body composed of bronze by simply dip-coating the bell with an outer layer of zinc. The process is carried out by immersing the bell body in a hot aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide and powdered free zinc. After the bell is removed from the coating solution it is rinsed and then polished. The coating protects the bell from environmental contaminants without changing the frequency or musical quality of the bell and therefore may be used equally with newly manufactured or refurbished bells.

Abstract: A non powered, canine barking suppression device that can rapidly altering a dog's behavior so as to visibly reduce anxiousness and unwanted barking. The device subjects the dog to random vibrations and audible tones generated by an enclosed tuning fork that is worn around the dog's neck. The tuning forks when struck, emit a selected frequency selected for a specific purpose and or specific breed of canine. This frequency lies between 0 and 200,000 Hz, which is the range of sound that has been shown that most canines can hear. Since it is non powered it is not prone to failure in wet or cold environments, is durable and inexpensive. The device has claims of additional therapeutic properties and the general physical structure has applications elsewhere, although the preferred embodiment and best mode are directed to stopping unnecessary barking.

Abstract: A bell unit of a portable bell system, including a support structure, a plurality of bells mounted on the support structure, a bell shell including a plurality of segments, at least one of which is displaceable to allow a size change of the bell unit. The bell shell is configured to be in a first position when the plurality of segments form a shell that is of a shape of a bell, and hangs over and partially encloses the support structure and the plurality of bells, and is in a second position when the at least one segment is displaced to effectuate the size change.

Abstract: A method for designing a bell, comprising defining a shape of a body wall of the bell in a general form of a frustum that is open at both ends, and determining an optimal size and location of a stiffening element to be added to said bell for increasing a frequency ratio of a second mode of vibration of the bell relative to one or more other modes of vibration to be tuned in the bell. Also, a method of producing a bell, and a bell so produced.

Abstract: An ensemble of acoustic steelpan musical instruments, being an innovation which significantly improves upon traditional acoustic steelpan prior art. Improvements include an extension of note range across the assemblage of G-Pans, a substantial reduction in the number of steelpans required to effectively cover the steelpan musical range, the use of a compound design whereby individual component parts of the instrument, specifically the playing surface, chime, rear attachment, or skirt and the playing stick or mallet, are optimized for their specific function, the application of a variety of techniques for eliminating or reducing non-musical sympathetic vibrations, and the inclusion of a variety of mechanical and acoustic resonator designs to enhance optimally the sound projection of the aforementioned instrument.

Abstract: A support system for an acoustic instrument has connecting elements of flexible material extending between and attaching the instrument and a support frame to support and/or balance the weight of the instrument and isolate acoustic frequencies, thereby eliminating deleterious acoustical effects. Embodied exemplarily herein as a support system for a drum, flexible elements extend between and attach the drum head hoop to a circular frame or support that fully or partially encircles the drum. The flexible elements may be made integral with the drum head and/or its head skin.

Abstract: A percussion instrument incorporates a case with an inner surface having a substantially circular profile. Multiple high precision spherical balls are contained with the case for acceleration on the inner surface in uniform circular motion along the profile to produce a persistent sustained sound. In one exemplary embodiment the case is cylindrical and incorporates two end plates. In a second embodiment the percussion instrument case is torroidal. In a third embodiment the percussion instrument case is spherical. Use of varying materials in the case or differing surface textures on the inner surface allows timbre of the instrument to be modified. Motion of the instrument lateral or perpendicular to the circular profile allows the creation of pulsed percussion sounds.

Abstract: An idiophone comprising a first idiophonic member, a second idiophonic member, and, a means for swingably fastening said second idiophonic member within said first idiophonic member; and where the idiophone may take the form of a bell with a tuning fork for a clapper.

Abstract: This invention provides a bell string decoration assembly, and different sized bells are connected appropriately into a string, and colors of the bells are arranged to give a special stylish decoration. The assembly is made by passing at least two metal wires through a hanging portion of each bell and bending the wires into halves and twisting appropriately into a multiple of wires. The wires are used for connecting the bells into a string and then the bells are collectively twisted and fixed to complete connecting each layer of bells sequentially. With a variation of number and size of the bells at each layer, and an appropriate arrangement of colored bells a special stylish bell string decoration. In addition to connecting each layer of the bells into a string, the invention also provides appropriately sufficient moving spaces, such that the bells can be swung or twisted freely.

Abstract: A bell ensemble includes individual bells affixed to one of two parallel rails of a support framework. In keyboard fashion, a series of bells representing natural-pitched notes of a musical scale (white piano keys) extends forwardly from the front rail while extending from a second rearward rail are those bells corresponding to the sharps or flats (black piano keys). In order to position the bells for greatest ease of striking by the musician, the rear framework support rail is offset upwardly relative to the front rail to place them closer to the musician. The framework is preferably held by a freestanding support such as a cymbal stand well-known in the percussion instrument arts.

Abstract: A bell device includes a housing having two housing members secured together, and one or more peripherals rib extended into an opening of the housing, a securing device includes a shank engaged in the opening of the housing, and includes a peripheral flange extended from the shank for engaging with the peripheral rib of the housing and for anchoring the shank to the housing when the two housing members are assembled together, a bell member is supported in the housing with the securing device, a clapper includes a stem pivotally attached to the securing device and a striking member for striking onto the bell member. A push rod may actuate the clapper to strike onto the bell member.

Abstract: A clapper for a bell is hollow on the inside for receiving objects, such as a personal dedication. The clapper may also be provided with a coating for damping the volume of the bell strike, or at least change the sound.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a bass mallet percussion instrument which is physically compact as compared to previous instruments, where percussion bars are removeably fixed above a resonance box that is divided into a plurality of resonance spaces, and the resonance s spaces are delineated from each other by separating walls.

Abstract: Support apparatus for a percussion cow bell, to be operated or struck by a foot actuated beater unit, comprising a first support operatively connected to the cow bell and projecting for connection to and positioning by the beater unit, whereby the bell is positioned for impact by the beater, and means to block displacement of the cow bell in response to beater impact therewith.

Abstract: A wind chime constructed according to the invention includes a rotating wind bell apparatus having a downwardly opening bell that is adapted to be suspended from a separate support structure. A bell-striking mechanism in the form of a striker is suspended movably from the bell in a position to strike the bell. A striker-moving mechanism in the form of an impeller connected to the striker causes the striker to move in response to a wind moving past the striker-moving mechanism and to strike the bell so that the bell produces a tone. A bell-rotating mechanism in the form of another impeller connected to the bell causes the bell to rotate in response to the wind moving past the bell-rotating mechanism in order to thereby vary the tone and produce tremolo or Doppler-like effects. In one embodiment, the bell-rotating mechanism includes a Savonius type impeller attached to the upwardly facing surface of a circularly shaped impeller base.

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: The cushioned percussion device, comprising in combination, a projecting support for the device; a pivot for said support, and spring structure located to yieldably resist pivoting of the support.

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: 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: 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: The CELESTIAL CHIME BOX is a MUSICAL INSTRUMENT comprising of a number of metal tubes (F3), of graduated length and of varying pitch. The tubes are set up parallel to each other atop a wooden support box (F1) and are designed to produce the various notes of a musical scale when struck by a suitable playing stick (F4).

Abstract: A device for supporting an acoustical bell comprises a base member carrying a channel. The channel is formed to receive the handguard of the bell so that the bell can be pivoted about its handguard. An alternative embodiment comprises a T-shaped base with a recess formed therein for receiving the handguard. Rotating the bell handle downward elevates the bell a distance above a surface so that the bell can be rung by striking it. A strip of felt or rubber can be placed in the channel as a cushion for the handguard.

Abstract: In construction of a supporting mechanism for mounting a tubular tone generator to a stand of a percussive musical instrument, a holder shaft insertable into the sound generator is provided at its lower end with a pivotal lock bar of a biased mass distribution and a slidable coupled stopper to hold the lock bar at a prescribed angular position. When inserted into the sound generator, the lock bar turns automatically to assume the proscribed angular position due to the biased mass distribution and locks the holder shaft to the tone generator. Absence of the conventional tension wire binding system allows free choice in sound characteristics, simplified easy mounting operation and high mechanical durability even under vibratory conditions during performance.

Abstract: A musical instrument has a plurality of chime members disposed along its length, and each chime member is easily removed from the instrument or placed in a different position with respect to the other chime members. In some embodiments, plural slots are formed along the length of a base member and each chime member is suspended from a cord that is inserted into contiguous slots, and an elongate cover member overlies the base member to prevent inadvertent removal of the cords from their respective slots. Different structures are shown for spacing the cover apart from the base when it is desired to remove one or more cords from its associated slot. In additional embodiments, each chime member is suspended from a module, and the module releasably engages the base member.

Abstract: A windchime that generates musical tones in response to very low wind speeds includes chime members that are grouped in pairs. The chime members of each pair of chime members include a massive chime member and a less massive chime member that are closely spaced apart from one another. In very low winds, the less massive chime members begin swinging and impinge against their adjacent more massive chime members. Thus, a musical tone is produced even before the more massive chime members begin swinging. This arrangement of parts reduces the sensitivity threshold of the windchime so that it performs its intended function in breezes moving at less than one-half a mile per hour. In a preferred embodiment, three sets of chimes are suspended from a tripod-like mounting member that includes aesthetically pleasing support legs.

Abstract: A tuned musical handbell has been devised which has a surprisingly excellent musical tone quality. A bell casting made from aluminum is sized and tuned by metalworking processes to frequencies below 196 Hertz. Aluminum alloys, such as numbers 319, 356, and Precedent 71 are suitable. The aluminum handbells are produced as individual elements of a complete set which include the use of aluminum for frequencies below 196 Hertz, and bronze for frequencies above 196 Hertz.

Abstract: An anti-roll hand clip for handbells aids in the support of the handbell when resting on the playing table. The clip is a simple, wire device which attaches to the handle of the handbell and, more particularly, to the circular hand guard portion of the handle. The clip contains two feet which contact the table top providing a stable support. The clip is rotatable around the hand guards so that an angular position of the handbell handle with respect to the table top can be selected and maintained. The clip may be coated with an electrostatic powder coating of vinyl or the like to increase its non-slip quality and for abrasion resistence.

Abstract: A musical cow-bell is provided with a striking ridge of high impact plastic. The ridge provides versatility in playing, protection against damage to the bell or drumstricks and improved tone.

Abstract: A collapsible table cover assembly for use in the handbell performing arts also serves as a convenient carrying case for implements used in playing handbells. The collapsible nature of the cover also makes the article more compact for convenient transportation. A rear pocket portion is attached to an outer cover so that playing implements may be conveniently at hand during a handbell performance. Specially selected foam padding is employed to enhance the musical quality of the table cover. A releaseably detachable apron provides aesthetic appeal while contributing to the assembly's portability.

Abstract: An improved bell is disclosed which features a clapper continuously adjustable for hardness of strike. The clapper comprises a hard inner member and a resilient outer member. The periphery of the clapper is circular but the hard inner member is not circular about the same center as the periphery so that the amount of resilient material between the solid inner core member and the periphery varies circumferentially around the clapper. At the time of manufacture of the bell it is tested to locate the point on the bell body at which "wow and flutter" in the tone emitted by the bell is minimized. A single insulated pin serves to orient the handle of the bell, the bell body and the plane of swing of the clapper. The attachment of the handle, the bell body and the clapper is such as to minimize extraneous noise. An elastomer clapper shaft is employed, and its effective flexing length may be varied.

Abstract: A clapper body individually mounts two striker turrets on opposite ends. Each striker turret carries individual striker heads and is angularly movable on a turret platform tilted sufficiently in the swing plane so that only the head closest the bell mouth is operative.

Abstract: A handbell utilizes magnetic repulsion for impact control.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cowbell type of musical instrument with a plurality of sound producing ribs resonantly positioned on one side thereof to allow staccato sounds to be selectively produced intermittently during the play of the bell.

Abstract: An elliptical cymbal or gong. The cymbal structure has a platelike configuration bounded by a continuous edge defining opposite elliptical areal surfaces about its periphery. The foci of the boundary ellipse are visually indicated at the outer surface of the cymbal or gong to guide the user in striking the cymbal at one of these locations.

Abstract: A chime assembly is provided which includes an elongated chime support bar, a multiplicity of chimes, suspended from the support bar, and a damper bar pivotably secured to the support bar. The damper bar is movable between an engaged and non-engaged position relative to the chimes suspended from the support bar so as to produce dampened and non-dampened sounds, respectively, upon one striking the chimes.

Abstract: A bell tower arranged to permit a single person to ring a substantial number of bells as in the playing of a musical selection. The bell tower includes a stand for supporting a plurality of bells suitably to be rung by the selective striking thereof as by a mallet or other ringing element. The instrument includes a control for selectively damping rung bells. The control may be foot pedal operated and may be arranged to damp selected groups of the bells of the tower. The bells may be supported on the tower stand to define octaves corresponding to the notes of a conventional piano keyboard. The respective octaves may be vertically related. The damping control may be biased to a damping disposition and selectively released by the user in the playing of the instrument.

Abstract: A device for striking a bell comprises a hammer head having a head portion composed of hard material and another head portion composed of soft material to obtain both hard and soft sounding bell rings. The hammer head is connected to a rockable striking hammer lever which is driven with a rocking motion by a rotating eccentric cam to cause the hammer head to strike the bell. The center of rocking motion of the striking hammer lever can be shifted both manually and automatically to selectively vary the hardness and softness of the bell ring.