US3591700A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switch operated tone control circuitry and amplifier for musical instruments
Assignee: Thomas International Corp
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Filing: 1967-04-14
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Granted: 1971-07-06
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Expires: 1987-04-14
Abstract
Abstract The tone control circuit is particularly suited for an amplifier designed primarily for musical tone signals, for example, those generated by an electric guitar. Within the ready and instant control of the instrument player or performer is a switch actuator, such as a foot switch, by means of which there may be selectively connected in and out of the amplifier circuit a frequency-discriminating circuit or network. The network discriminates in favor of a narrow band of frequencies. By operating the foot switch in synchronism with his playing, the performer can create novel effects under his continuous control. The frequency-discriminating network is integrated into the conventional treble and bass manual controls on the amplifier so as to make double use of circuit components and create novel musical response.
Inventors
- 👤 Fred H Neubauer
- 👤 Sava W Jacobson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 00:53
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10H; G10H1/00; G10H1/02; G10H1/06; G10H1/12; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S84/00; Y10S84/07; Y10S84/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit comprising an L-section capacitance/inductance high pass filter network operating above critical damping, and having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said circuit being effective to give a greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies therein, and means readily operable by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit, and being biased to a position not giving preference to said band, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player, but requiring the player to maintain the operable means in operated position for so long as he desires said pass preference To be given by the pass circuit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit comprising an L-section capacitance/inductance high pass filter network operating above critical damping, and having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said circuit being effective to give a greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies therein, and means readily operable by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit, and being biased to a position not giving preference to said band, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player, but requiring the player to maintain the operable means in operated position for so long as he desires said pass preference To be given by the pass circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
123 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument, and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the circuit, over other frequencies therein, and a player-operable on/off switch, readily operable by the player of the musical instrument, for selectively enabling and disabling said circuit, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player, and pedal-operated means readily operable by the foot of the player for operating said switch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
123 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument, and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the circuit, over other frequencies therein, and a player-operable on/off switch, readily operable by the player of the musical instrument, for selectively enabling and disabling said circuit, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player, and pedal-operated means readily operable by the foot of the player for operating said switch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
113 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument, and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the circuit, over other frequencies therein, and a player-operable on/off switch including a light dependent resistor readily operable by the player of the musical instrument, for selectively enabling and disabling said circuit, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
113 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument, and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the circuit, over other frequencies therein, and a player-operable on/off switch including a light dependent resistor readily operable by the player of the musical instrument, for selectively enabling and disabling said circuit, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
148 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument, and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the circuit, over other frequencies therein, and a player-operable on/off switch, readily operable by the player of the musical instrument, for selectively enabling and disabling said circuit, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player, said switch comprising: the contacts of a relay also having a coil, a conductor connected to said coil, a second switch connected to said conductor for selectively energizing and deenergizing said coil, and pedal means for actuating said second switch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
148 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument, and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the circuit, over other frequencies therein, and a player-operable on/off switch, readily operable by the player of the musical instrument, for selectively enabling and disabling said circuit, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player, said switch comprising: the contacts of a relay also having a coil, a conductor connected to said coil, a second switch connected to said conductor for selectively energizing and deenergizing said coil, and pedal means for actuating said second switch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
154 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said pass circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the pass circuit, over other frequencies therein, said pass circuit comprising an L-section capacitance/inductance high pass filter network operating above critical damping, the capacitance of said network being connected to said input and the inductance of said network being connected across said output, and means readily operable by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit and including switch means connected in series with said inductance, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
154 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said pass circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the pass circuit, over other frequencies therein, said pass circuit comprising an L-section capacitance/inductance high pass filter network operating above critical damping, the capacitance of said network being connected to said input and the inductance of said network being connected across said output, and means readily operable by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit and including switch means connected in series with said inductance, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
141 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said pass circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a cerTain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the pass circuit, over other frequencies therein, said pass circuit comprising an L-section capacitance/inductance high pass filter network operating above critical damping, said capacitance comprising a plurality of capacitors, a multithrow switch for connecting one of said capacitors into said network, and means readily operably by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit, whereby the tone circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
141 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said pass circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a cerTain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the pass circuit, over other frequencies therein, said pass circuit comprising an L-section capacitance/inductance high pass filter network operating above critical damping, said capacitance comprising a plurality of capacitors, a multithrow switch for connecting one of said capacitors into said network, and means readily operably by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit, whereby the tone circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
156 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency resonant pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said resonant pass circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the pass circuit, over other frequencies therein, a pair of adjustable resistance means connected in series across said input, circuit means connecting one terminal of said resonant pass circuit to one of said resistance means, circuit means connecting the other terminal of said resonant pass circuit to the other of said resistance means, and means readily operable by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit, whereby the tone signal circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
156 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency resonant pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said resonant pass circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the pass circuit, over other frequencies therein, a pair of adjustable resistance means connected in series across said input, circuit means connecting one terminal of said resonant pass circuit to one of said resistance means, circuit means connecting the other terminal of said resonant pass circuit to the other of said resistance means, and means readily operable by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit, whereby the tone signal circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
154 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said pass circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the pass circuit, over other frequencies therein, said pass circuit comprising an L-section capacitance/inductance high pass filter network operating above critical damping, said capacitance of said network being connected across said output, and means readily operable by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit and including switch means series connected in circuit between said capacitance and said inductance, a second capacitance connected between said first-mentioned capacitance and said output, and a resistor connected from the junction point between said inductance and said switch means to said output.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
154 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said pass circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the pass circuit, over other frequencies therein, said pass circuit comprising an L-section capacitance/inductance high pass filter network operating above critical damping, said capacitance of said network being connected across said output, and means readily operable by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit and including switch means series connected in circuit between said capacitance and said inductance, a second capacitance connected between said first-mentioned capacitance and said output, and a resistor connected from the junction point between said inductance and said switch means to said output.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
156 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the circuit, over other frequencies therein, a player-operable on/off switch readily operable by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit, and being biased to a position not giving preference to said band, and a readily operable foot pedal for actuating said switch, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player, but requiring the player to maintain said switch in operated position for so long as he desires said preference to be given by the pass circuit.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
156 words
Tone control circuit for a hand-held musical instrument amplifier, comprising: an audiofrequency pass circuit having an input adapted to be fed from the electronic output of a hand-held musical instrument and an output adapted to feed an electroacoustic transducer, said circuit being effective to give greater pass preference to a certain narrow band of frequencies within the range of the circuit, over other frequencies therein, a player-operable on/off switch readily operable by the player of the musical instrument for selectively enabling and disabling said pass circuit, and being biased to a position not giving preference to said band, and a readily operable foot pedal for actuating said switch, whereby the tone control circuit may selectively prefer or not prefer said band of frequencies at the ready will of the player, but requiring the player to maintain said switch in operated position for so long as he desires said preference to be given by the pass circuit.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-05 | 1975-01-04 | 1975-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-05 | 1979-01-04 | 1979-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-05 | 1983-01-04 | 1983-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |