Music – Accessories – Tuning devices
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-06
2001-08-21
Donels, Jeffrey (Department: 2837)
Music
Accessories
Tuning devices
C084S734000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06278047
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for tuning stringed instruments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a stringed instrument, each string is extended with a predetermined tension between two critical contact points that primarily define the effective length of the string. The first critical contact point is generally at the bridge, which is provided on the body of the instrument. The second critical contact point is generally at the nut which, depending on the instrument, is usually positioned on the head or at a point of the neck distant from the body of the instrument. Both the tension and the effective length of the string determine its musical tone.
The distance between the bridge and the nut is the primary determinant of the effective length of a string. However, an instrumentalist can shorten the effective length during a musical performance, by depressing the string with a finger until it contacts any one of a plurality of frets that are positioned along the neck of the instrument between the nut and the bridge.
Vibrating the string generates a musical tone. In an instrument such as a guitar, a musical tone is conventionally obtained by plucking the string with a finger; in an instrument such as a violin, the musical tone is obtained by drawing a bow back and forth across the string.
A string that is extended with an improper tension and is extended for a distance of an improper string length may result in a generation of a musical tone of an incorrect sound frequency. Accordingly, each of the strings specially needs to be extended under a proper tuning state.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for tuning stringed instruments in which each of a plurality of strings is operably connected to a corresponding sensor and a tensioning driver. The sensor provides to a microprocessor controller a real time value of the tension in the corresponding string. A computer receives the real time tension value from the microprocessor and compares it with a predetermined reference value stored in the computer memory. Feedback information is provided to the microprocessor, which commands the driver to adjust the string tension accordingly.
In a preferred embodiment, the sensor that measures the string tension is a strain gauge. The operative component of a strain gauge is an electrically conductive element that is connected to the system whose tension is to be measured, and is thereby subjected to the same tension. The electrical conductivity of the element varies with tension in a known manner; it is determined by imposing a known voltage across the element, and measuring the resultant current. Since the musical pitch of a musical instrument is directly related to its tension, other factors being unchanged, the strain gauge therefore provides a simple means of tuning the instrument. The measurement of string tension may also be done using the conductivity of the strings themselves, if electrically conductive strings are used.
When, after time and repeated use, the string stretches and becomes looser, the microprocessor may compare the present value of the tension to the value in memory and command the driver to tighten the string back to the tension it possessed upon first being tuned.
The stored reference tuning values set by the user may be changed as desired. Further, multiple settings may be stored in the computer to allow a user to alter the tuning of the instrument as it is played.
A computer may be used having a wireless connection to the adjusting drivers on the instrument. In addition, plurality of instruments may be operably connected by the wireless communication to the operator, wherein each stringed instrument has its own channel of communication. The computer would coordinate actions among multiple instruments.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4023462 (1977-05-01), Denov et al.
patent: 4228715 (1980-10-01), Nourney
patent: 4297938 (1981-11-01), Kirby
patent: 4584923 (1986-04-01), Minnick
patent: 4909126 (1990-03-01), Skinn et al.
patent: 4958550 (1990-09-01), Kugimoto
patent: 5009142 (1991-04-01), Kurtz
patent: 5038657 (1991-08-01), Busley
patent: 5095797 (1992-03-01), Zacaroli
patent: 5323680 (1994-06-01), Miller et al.
patent: 5343793 (1994-09-01), Pattie
patent: 5390579 (1995-02-01), Burgon
patent: 5438902 (1995-08-01), Baker
patent: 5767429 (1998-06-01), Milano et al.
patent: 5886270 (1999-03-01), Wynn
Donels Jeffrey
Harter Secrest & Emery
Salet, Esq. Stephen B.
Shaw Esq. Brian B.
LandOfFree
Apparatus for tuning stringed instruments does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus for tuning stringed instruments, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus for tuning stringed instruments will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2517891