US3786167A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Musical instruments
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-08-14
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Granted: 1974-01-15
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Expires: 1992-08-14
Abstract
Abstract Musical instruments playable in duet fashion by one player includes a stringed instrument with segmented frets. A control system for the other instrument includes a control circuit for each string and which has actuating circuits that are associated with the open and keyed string tones playable on the string. The actuating circuits associated with the second and higher string keying positions are enabled by simultaneous string contact with adjacent fret sections, and simultaneous string contact with a plate and fret segment at the first position serves to enable the actuating circuit associated with the first string keying position. A disabling circuit has components associated with each actuating circuit and which disable the associated actuating circuit in response to output signals of the actuating circuits associated with the higher keying positions. Open tone sensing circuits are avoided in one embodiment especially designed for chord playing players of the stringed instrument and in which simultaneous signals from a predetermined number of disabling circuits that are enabled by simultaneous keying of different strings serve to control an auxiliary circuit to enable the actuating circuits associated with the open tones of the unkeyed strings.
Inventors
- 👤 A Bonham
- 👤 J Borell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 08:30
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10H; G10H1/00; G10H1/36; G10H1/32; G10H1/34; G10H1/342; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S84/00; Y10S84/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
409 words
The combination comprisiNg a. a first musical instrument which includes 1. a keyboard having a nut end, and 2. musical strings that are keyed against said keyboard at string keying positions when keyed string tones are played on said strings, b. a second musical instrument having tone producing means for producing audible tones that correspond in pitch to keyed string tones which are playable on said strings, and c. a control circuit for controlling said tone producing means to simultaneously produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to a keyed string tone being played on one of said strings, said control circuit comprising 1. a plurality of fret segments that are mounted on said keyboard and spaced apart one adjacent to the next in a row which underlies said one string and which commencing at said nut end extends remotely of said nut end, and 2. a plurality of actuating circuits that are connected to the respective fret segments and to said tone producing means, each of said fret segments being located at a respective one of said string keying positions and being arranged for contact by said one string when said one string is keyed against the keyboard thereat, said one string having string tones which are playable thereon and which include 1. an open string tone, and 2. a plurality of keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, said keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch being respectively associated with said fret segments and being playable on said one string when said one string is keyed into contact with the fret segment associated therewith, each of said actuating circuits being to actuate said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the respective one of said keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch that is associated with the fret segment connected thereto, said actuating circuits including a first circuit for actuating said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the keyed string tone that is associated with the one of said fret segments connected to said first circuit, said first circuit being responsive to simultaneous contact by said one string with said one fret segment and with another of said fret segments that is located next adjacent thereto in said row, and the other of said fret segments being further located between said nut end and said one fret segment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
409 words
The combination comprisiNg a. a first musical instrument which includes 1. a keyboard having a nut end, and 2. musical strings that are keyed against said keyboard at string keying positions when keyed string tones are played on said strings, b. a second musical instrument having tone producing means for producing audible tones that correspond in pitch to keyed string tones which are playable on said strings, and c. a control circuit for controlling said tone producing means to simultaneously produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to a keyed string tone being played on one of said strings, said control circuit comprising 1. a plurality of fret segments that are mounted on said keyboard and spaced apart one adjacent to the next in a row which underlies said one string and which commencing at said nut end extends remotely of said nut end, and 2. a plurality of actuating circuits that are connected to the respective fret segments and to said tone producing means, each of said fret segments being located at a respective one of said string keying positions and being arranged for contact by said one string when said one string is keyed against the keyboard thereat, said one string having string tones which are playable thereon and which include 1. an open string tone, and 2. a plurality of keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, said keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch being respectively associated with said fret segments and being playable on said one string when said one string is keyed into contact with the fret segment associated therewith, each of said actuating circuits being to actuate said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the respective one of said keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch that is associated with the fret segment connected thereto, said actuating circuits including a first circuit for actuating said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the keyed string tone that is associated with the one of said fret segments connected to said first circuit, said first circuit being responsive to simultaneous contact by said one string with said one fret segment and with another of said fret segments that is located next adjacent thereto in said row, and the other of said fret segments being further located between said nut end and said one fret segment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
107 words
a second circuit for disabling said first circuit when a keyed string tone is being played on the string associated with said control circuit and having an output signal when said first circuit is disabled, said first circuit being connected to receive said output signal from said second circuit, and an auxiliary circuit which is connected to receive the output signals from the second circuits of said control circuits and which is responsive to simultaneous receipt of a predetermined number of said output signals from said second circuits for enabling the first circuits of the control circuits that are associated with the unkeyed ones of said strings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
107 words
a second circuit for disabling said first circuit when a keyed string tone is being played on the string associated with said control circuit and having an output signal when said first circuit is disabled, said first circuit being connected to receive said output signal from said second circuit, and an auxiliary circuit which is connected to receive the output signals from the second circuits of said control circuits and which is responsive to simultaneous receipt of a predetermined number of said output signals from said second circuits for enabling the first circuits of the control circuits that are associated with the unkeyed ones of said strings.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
204 words
a plurality of keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, each of said control circuits being connected to said tone producing means for controlling said tone producing means to produce audible tones that correspond in pitch to string tones playable on a respective one of said strings and including a first circuit component which is connected to said tone producing means for actuating said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the open string tone of said respective one string, and a second circuit component which is connected to said first circuit for disabling said first circuit component when said respective one string is keyed against said keyboard, said second circuit component having an output signal when said first circuit component is disabled, and said combination comprising an auxiliary circuit connected to receive the output signals from the second circuit components of said control circuits and being responsive to the simultaneous receipt of the output signals from a predetermined number of said control circuits for enabling the first circuit components of the control circuits associated with the unkeyed ones of said strings, said predetermined number being less than the total number of strings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
204 words
a plurality of keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, each of said control circuits being connected to said tone producing means for controlling said tone producing means to produce audible tones that correspond in pitch to string tones playable on a respective one of said strings and including a first circuit component which is connected to said tone producing means for actuating said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the open string tone of said respective one string, and a second circuit component which is connected to said first circuit for disabling said first circuit component when said respective one string is keyed against said keyboard, said second circuit component having an output signal when said first circuit component is disabled, and said combination comprising an auxiliary circuit connected to receive the output signals from the second circuit components of said control circuits and being responsive to the simultaneous receipt of the output signals from a predetermined number of said control circuits for enabling the first circuit components of the control circuits associated with the unkeyed ones of said strings, said predetermined number being less than the total number of strings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
69 words
The combination in accord with claim 1 where said first circuit has an output signal, where said control circuit comprises a second circuit which is connected to said actuating circuits, and where said second circuit is controlled by said first circuit and responsive to said output signal to disable the actuating circuits which are connected to the fret segments located between said nut end and said one fret segment.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
188 words
a plurality of keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, said keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch being respectively associated with said fret segments and being playable on said one string when said one string is keyed into contact with the fret segment associated therewith, each of said actuating circuits being to actuate said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the respective one of said keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch that is associated with the fret segment connected thereto, said actuating circuits including a first circuit for actuating said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the keyed string tone that is associated with the one of said fret segments connected to said first circuit, said first circuit being responsive to simultaneous contact by said one string with said one fret segment and with another of said fret segments that is located next adjacent thereto in said row, and the other of said fret segments being further located between said nut end and said one fret segment.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
188 words
a plurality of keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, said keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch being respectively associated with said fret segments and being playable on said one string when said one string is keyed into contact with the fret segment associated therewith, each of said actuating circuits being to actuate said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the respective one of said keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch that is associated with the fret segment connected thereto, said actuating circuits including a first circuit for actuating said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the keyed string tone that is associated with the one of said fret segments connected to said first circuit, said first circuit being responsive to simultaneous contact by said one string with said one fret segment and with another of said fret segments that is located next adjacent thereto in said row, and the other of said fret segments being further located between said nut end and said one fret segment.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
67 words
a plurality of actuating circuits that are connected to the respective fret segments and to said tone producing means, each of said fret segments being located at a respective one of said string keying positions and being arranged for contact by said one string when said one string is keyed against the keyboard thereat, said one string having string tones which are playable thereon and which include
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
67 words
a plurality of actuating circuits that are connected to the respective fret segments and to said tone producing means, each of said fret segments being located at a respective one of said string keying positions and being arranged for contact by said one string when said one string is keyed against the keyboard thereat, said one string having string tones which are playable thereon and which include
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
85 words
musical strings that are keyed against said keyboard at string keying positions when keyed string tones are played on said strings, b. a second musical instrument having tone producing means for producing audible tones that correspond in pitch to keyed string tones which are playable on said strings, and c. a control circuit for controlling said tone producing means to simultaneously produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to a keyed string tone being played on one of said strings, said control circuit comprising
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
85 words
musical strings that are keyed against said keyboard at string keying positions when keyed string tones are played on said strings, b. a second musical instrument having tone producing means for producing audible tones that correspond in pitch to keyed string tones which are playable on said strings, and c. a control circuit for controlling said tone producing means to simultaneously produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to a keyed string tone being played on one of said strings, said control circuit comprising
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
286 words
a plurality of actuating circuits for actuating the respective generators, each of said fret segments being located at a respective one of the string keying positions and being arranged for contact by said one string when said one string is keyed against the keyboard thereat, said one string having string tones that are playable thereon and which include an open string tone, and a plurality of keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, said keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch being respectively associated with said fret segments and being playable on said one string when said one string is keyed into contact with the fret segment associated therewith, said plurality of actuating circuits comprising a group of circuits that are connected to the respective fret segments, each of the grouped circuits being connected to a respective one of said generators for actuating the respective one generator to produce a tone signal that is translatable to an audible tone which corresponds in pitch to the one of said keyed string tones that is associated with the fret segment connected thereto, said grouped circuits including a first circuit for actuating the generator connected thereto to produce a tone signal that is translatable to an audible tone which corresponds in pitch to the keyed string tone that is associated with the one of said fret segments connected to said first circuit, said first circuit being responsive to simultaneous contact by said one string with said one fret segment and with another of said fret segments that is located next adjacent thereto in said row, and the other of said fret segments being further located between said nut end and said one fret segment.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
286 words
a plurality of actuating circuits for actuating the respective generators, each of said fret segments being located at a respective one of the string keying positions and being arranged for contact by said one string when said one string is keyed against the keyboard thereat, said one string having string tones that are playable thereon and which include an open string tone, and a plurality of keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, said keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch being respectively associated with said fret segments and being playable on said one string when said one string is keyed into contact with the fret segment associated therewith, said plurality of actuating circuits comprising a group of circuits that are connected to the respective fret segments, each of the grouped circuits being connected to a respective one of said generators for actuating the respective one generator to produce a tone signal that is translatable to an audible tone which corresponds in pitch to the one of said keyed string tones that is associated with the fret segment connected thereto, said grouped circuits including a first circuit for actuating the generator connected thereto to produce a tone signal that is translatable to an audible tone which corresponds in pitch to the keyed string tone that is associated with the one of said fret segments connected to said first circuit, said first circuit being responsive to simultaneous contact by said one string with said one fret segment and with another of said fret segments that is located next adjacent thereto in said row, and the other of said fret segments being further located between said nut end and said one fret segment.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
306 words
musical strings that are keyed against said keyboard in playing keyed string tones thereon, b. a second musical instrument having tone producing means for producing audible tones that correspond in pitch to string tones playable on said strings, and c. a plurality of control circuits that are respectively associated with said strings, each of said control circuits being connected to said tone producing means for Controlling said tone producing means to produce audible tones that correspond in pitch to string tones playable on the respective one of said strings that is associated with the control circuit, said respective one string having string tones which are playable thereon and which includes a. an open string tone, and b. a plurality of string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, said control circuit comprising a first circuit component connected to said tone producing means for actuating said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the open string tone playable on said respective one string, and a second circuit component which is connected to said first circuit component for disabling said first circuit component when said respective one string is keyed against said keyboard, said second circuit component having an output signal when said first circuit component is disabled, and an auxiliary circuit which is connected to receive the output signals from the second circuit components of said control circuits and which is responsive to the simultaneous receipt of the output signals from a predetermined number of said control circuits for enabling the first circuit components of said control circuits which are associated with the then unkeyed ones of said strings, said auxiliary circuit being connected to each of the first circuit components of said control circuits, and said predetermined number being less than the total number of said strings.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
306 words
musical strings that are keyed against said keyboard in playing keyed string tones thereon, b. a second musical instrument having tone producing means for producing audible tones that correspond in pitch to string tones playable on said strings, and c. a plurality of control circuits that are respectively associated with said strings, each of said control circuits being connected to said tone producing means for Controlling said tone producing means to produce audible tones that correspond in pitch to string tones playable on the respective one of said strings that is associated with the control circuit, said respective one string having string tones which are playable thereon and which includes a. an open string tone, and b. a plurality of string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, said control circuit comprising a first circuit component connected to said tone producing means for actuating said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the open string tone playable on said respective one string, and a second circuit component which is connected to said first circuit component for disabling said first circuit component when said respective one string is keyed against said keyboard, said second circuit component having an output signal when said first circuit component is disabled, and an auxiliary circuit which is connected to receive the output signals from the second circuit components of said control circuits and which is responsive to the simultaneous receipt of the output signals from a predetermined number of said control circuits for enabling the first circuit components of said control circuits which are associated with the then unkeyed ones of said strings, said auxiliary circuit being connected to each of the first circuit components of said control circuits, and said predetermined number being less than the total number of said strings.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
80 words
The combination in accord with claim 2 where said control circuit comprises a third circuit that is connected to said tone producing means and responsive to the playing of said open string tone on said one string for actuating said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to said open string tone, and where said second circuit is connected to said third circuit and also disables said third circuit in response to said output signal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
78 words
The combination comprising a. a first musical instrument which includes a keyboard, and musical strings that are keyable against said keyboard, b. a second musical instrument having tone producing means for producing audible tones that correspond in pitch to string tones playable on said strings, and c. a control system that includes a plurality of control circuits that are respectively associated with said strings, each of said strings having string tones which are playable thereon and which Includes
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
78 words
The combination comprising a. a first musical instrument which includes a keyboard, and musical strings that are keyable against said keyboard, b. a second musical instrument having tone producing means for producing audible tones that correspond in pitch to string tones playable on said strings, and c. a control system that includes a plurality of control circuits that are respectively associated with said strings, each of said strings having string tones which are playable thereon and which Includes
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
335 words
The combination in accord with claim 4 where each of said control circuits includes a plurality of fret segments that are mounted on said keyboard and spaced apart one adjacent the next in a row which underlies said respective one string and which commencing at said nut end extends remotely of said nut end, and a group of actuating circuits that are connected to the respective fret segments and to said tone producing means, each of said fret segments being located at a respective one of said string keying positions and being arranged for contact by said respective one string when said respective one string is keyed against the keyboard thereat, the keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch playable on said respective one string being respectively associated with said fret segments and being playable on said respective one string when said respective one string is keyed into contact with the fret segment associated therewith, each of said actuating circuits being to actuate said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the respective one of said keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch that is associated with the fret segment connected thereto, said actuating circuits including a third circuit for actuating said tone producing means to produce an audible tone that corresponds in pitch to the keyed string tone that is associated with the one of said fret segments connected to said third circuit, said third circuit being responsive to simultaneous contact by said respective one string with said one fret segment and with another of said fret segments that is located next adjacent thereto in said row, the other of said fret segments being located between said nut end and said one fret segment, and where said second circuit is connected to said actuating circuits and controlled to respond to said third circuit and disable said first circuit and the actuating circuits which are connected to the fret segments between said nut end and said one fret segment.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
10 words
The combination comprising a. a first musical instrument which includes
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
10 words
The combination comprising a. a first musical instrument which includes
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
87 words
The combination comprising a. a guitar which includes a keyboard having a nut end, and strings that are keyed against the keyboard at string keying positions in playing keyed string tones on said strings, b. an electronic organ having tone signal generators, and c. a control circuit connected to said generators for controlling said generators to simultaneously produce a tone signal that is translatable to an audible tone which corresponds in pitch to a string tone being played on one of said strings, said control circuit comprising
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
87 words
The combination comprising a. a guitar which includes a keyboard having a nut end, and strings that are keyed against the keyboard at string keying positions in playing keyed string tones on said strings, b. an electronic organ having tone signal generators, and c. a control circuit connected to said generators for controlling said generators to simultaneously produce a tone signal that is translatable to an audible tone which corresponds in pitch to a string tone being played on one of said strings, said control circuit comprising
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
57 words
The combination in accord with claim 7 where said first circuit includes first gate means having an output signal, where the generator connected to said first circuit is connected to receive and actuated during the receipt of said output signal, and where said first gate means is enabled during said simultaneous contact to produce said output signal.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
177 words
The combination in accord with claim 8 where said generators include a first generator that is actuatable to produce a tone signal that is translatable to an audible tone which corresponds in pitch to the open string tone playable on said one string, where said plurality of actuating circuits comprise a second circuit for actuating said first generator and which is responsive to and has means for sensing said open string tone, where said control circuit comprises a third circuit connected to said plurality of actuating circuits and having second gate means operating under the control of said first gate means for disabling said second circuit and the grouped circuits which are connected to the fret segments between said nut end and said one fret segment, said second circuit and the grouped circuits which are connected to the fret segments between said nut end and said one fret being controlled by said second gate means, and said second gate means being connected to receive said output signal and being enabled during the receipt of said output signal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination in accord with Claim 8 where said control circuit comprises second gate means operating under the control of said first gate means for disabling the grouped circuits which are connected to the fret segments between said nut end and said one fret segment, said second gate means being connected to receive and being enabled during receipt of said output signal.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
117 words
The combination comprising a. a guitar having a keyboard and strings that are keyable against said keyboard, b. an electronic organ having tone signal generating means, and c. a plurality of control circuits that are respectively associated with said strings for controlling said generating means to simultaneously produce tone signals that are translatable to audible tones which respectively correspond in pitch to keyed string tones being played on said strings, each of said strings having string tones which are playable thereon and which include an open string tone and a plurality of keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, each of said control circuits being connected to said generating means and including
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
117 words
The combination comprising a. a guitar having a keyboard and strings that are keyable against said keyboard, b. an electronic organ having tone signal generating means, and c. a plurality of control circuits that are respectively associated with said strings for controlling said generating means to simultaneously produce tone signals that are translatable to audible tones which respectively correspond in pitch to keyed string tones being played on said strings, each of said strings having string tones which are playable thereon and which include an open string tone and a plurality of keyed string tones of progressively higher pitch than said open string tone, each of said control circuits being connected to said generating means and including
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination in accord with claim 11 where said predetermined numbers is three.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-14 | 1977-07-16 | 1978-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-07-16 | 1982-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-14 | 1985-07-16 | 1986-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |