US4095501A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic rhythm performing apparatus having a voltage-controlled variable frequency oscillator
Assignee: Nippon Gakki Co Ltd
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Filing: 1976-11-24
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Granted: 1978-06-20
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Expires: 1996-11-24
Abstract
Abstract An automatic rhythm performing apparatus comprises a voltage-controlled variable frequency clock generator, a plurality of tempo determining voltage signal sources, a selector for selectively coupling one of the tempo determining voltage signal sources to the clock generator, and an automatic rhythm generating circuit including a counter for counting clock pulses from the clock generator and generating a rhythm in response to the clock signal. The tempo of the rhythm produced by the rhythm generating circuit is dependent upon the magnitude of a tempo determining voltage coupled to the clock generator. A control circuit having a foot switch and a rhythm start switch may be provided to control the selector and counter. The counter is enabled to count the clock pulses by the operation of the rhythm start switch. The operation of the foot switch causes the counter to be disabled or causes the tempo determining voltage source coupled to the clock generator to be switched from one source to another.
Inventors
- 👤 Eiichiro Aoki
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:57
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10H; G10H1/00; G10H1/36; G10H1/40; G10H2210/00; G10H2210/375; G10H2210/385
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
An automatic rhythm performing apparatus having a presettable rhythm tempo, comprising: a plurality of tempo determining voltage signal sources; voltage-controlled variable frequency oscillator means having an input and an output and responsive to a tempo determining voltage signal at the input to generate at the output a clock signal having a frequency which is a function of the voltage value of the tempo determining voltage signal at the input; selecting means coupled to said tempo determining voltage signal sources for selectively coupling one of the plurality of tempo determining voltage signal sources to the input of said voltage-controlled oscillator means to thereby preset the rhythm tempo; and rhythm signal generating circuit means coupled to said voltage-controlled variable frequency oscillator means and responsive to the clock signal to generate a rhythm signal having a tempo corresponding to the frequency of the clock signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
An automatic rhythm performing apparatus having a presettable rhythm tempo, comprising: a plurality of tempo determining voltage signal sources; voltage-controlled variable frequency oscillator means having an input and an output and responsive to a tempo determining voltage signal at the input to generate at the output a clock signal having a frequency which is a function of the voltage value of the tempo determining voltage signal at the input; selecting means coupled to said tempo determining voltage signal sources for selectively coupling one of the plurality of tempo determining voltage signal sources to the input of said voltage-controlled oscillator means to thereby preset the rhythm tempo; and rhythm signal generating circuit means coupled to said voltage-controlled variable frequency oscillator means and responsive to the clock signal to generate a rhythm signal having a tempo corresponding to the frequency of the clock signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
188 words
An automatic rhythm performing apparatus according to claim 1 in which said rhythm signal generating circuit means includes a counter means having a reset input and coupled to said voltage-controlled oscillator means, said counter means being adapted to disable the count of a clock signal in response to the presence of a reset signal at the reset input thereof and to enable the count of a clock signal in response to the absence of the reset signal at the reset input thereof; and further comprising control circuit means coupled to said counter means and to said selecting means and having a first switch and a second switch of self-return type which self-return to a normal state, said control circuit means providing the reset signal to the reset input of said counter in response to the normal state of said first switch, enabling said counter means in response to the operation of said first switch, and causing said selecting means to switch said tempo determining voltage signal source coupled to said voltage-controlled oscillator means from one source to another source in response to the operation of said second switch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
An automatic rhythm performing apparatus according to claim 1, further including a resistor coupled between said selecting means and the input of said voltage-controlled oscillator means, and a capacitor coupled between the input of said voltage-controlled oscillator means and a reference potential point.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An automatic rhythm performing apparatus according to claim 3 in which said resistor is a variable resistor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
An automatic rhythm performing apparatus according to claim 3, further including a switch connected in parallel with said resistor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
An automatic rhythm performing apparatus according to claim 1 in which said tempo determining voltage signal sources each comprise an adjustably variable DC voltage source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
An automatic rhythm performing apparatus according to claim 6 in which said variable tempo determining voltage signal sources each comprise a DC voltage supply source and a potentiometer connected across said DC voltage supply source.
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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) | 1981-06-19 | 1981-12-19 | 1982-06-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-06-19 | 1985-12-19 | 1986-06-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-06-19 | 1989-12-19 | 1990-06-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |