Patent US5438902A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5438902A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Memory tuning system for stringed instruments
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-06-29
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Granted: 1995-08-08
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Expires: 2013-06-29
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a memory tuning system for use with stringed instruments. The system includes a main activator cam having a series of adjustable projection set screws located around its circumference. Each string of the instrument is connected to a compound lever assembly and rests against the cam. The compound lever assembly consists of a tuning lever and a separator lever both pivotally mounted to a frame assembly. A fine tuning adjustment screw is tapped into the tuning lever, but not through the separator lever. In the bridge mounted version, each string is clamped into a rotatable block assembly to allow for various tensions to be applied to the string. The lever assembly is interconnected to the block assembly to control the tension of the string based on either the adjustment screw position or the set screw position. The set screws on the activator cam allow the player to pre-set a plurality of pitch tunings that can be instantly recalled by merely rotating the cam, thereby causing the lever assembly to rotate, which in turn increases or decreases the tension in the strings.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael V. Baker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 19:31
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10D; G10D3/00; G10D3/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A memory tuning system for a stringed instrument, wherein the stringed instrument includes a plurality of strings that are pre-tensioned between two critical contact points, said memory tuning system comprising: a frame assembly for connection to said instrument; a plurality of string contact members connected to the frame assembly, said plurality of string contact members contacting said strings proximate and outside one of the contact points; a plurality of tuning levers each pivotally connected to the frame assembly and each operatively connected to a respective one of the string contact members; a plurality of separator levers each pivotally connected to the frame assembly and each operatively connected to a respective one of the tuning levers; and a cam member rotatable mounted to the frame assembly and contacting the separator levers for pivoting the tuning levers and the separator levers, said cam member having a plurality of spaced apart adjustable projection elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
A memory tuning system for a stringed instrument, wherein the stringed instrument includes a plurality of strings that are pre-tensioned between two critical contact points, said memory tuning system comprising: a frame assembly for connection to said instrument; a plurality of string contact members connected to the frame assembly, said plurality of string contact members contacting said strings proximate and outside one of the contact points; a plurality of tuning levers each pivotally connected to the frame assembly and each operatively connected to a respective one of the string contact members; a plurality of separator levers each pivotally connected to the frame assembly and each operatively connected to a respective one of the tuning levers; and a cam member rotatable mounted to the frame assembly and contacting the separator levers for pivoting the tuning levers and the separator levers, said cam member having a plurality of spaced apart adjustable projection elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The memory tuning system of claim 1, further including a plurality of fine tuning adjustment screws each tapped through a respective one of the tuning levers, each of the adjustment screws being adapted to act against a respective one of the separator levers when rotated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The memory tuning system of claim 1 or 2, further including cam locking means for locking the cam member in a fixed position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The memory tuning system of claim 1 or 2, further including cam rotation means for rotating the cam member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The memory tuning system of claim 1, further including a plurality of string securing means each connected to the frame assembly for stabilizing a respective one of said strings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
60 words
The memory tuning system of claim 5, wherein each of the string securing means includes: a base block element connected to the frame assembly; a string retaining block connected to the base block element, said string retaining block having a string receiving region and a clamping means for retaining the respective one of said strings within the string retaining block.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
61 words
The memory tuning system of claim 5, wherein each of the string securing means includes string guide means mounted to the frame assembly for receiving a portion of the respective one of said strings; and string end locking means mounted to the frame assembly and proximate the string guide means for fixing one end of the respective one of said strings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The memory tuning system of claim 5, wherein each of the string securing means includes: a housing having an aperture for receiving the respective one of said strings; and clamping means for retaining the respective one of said strings within the housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
96 words
The memory tuning system of claim 5, wherein each of the string securing means includes: a first housing mounted on the frame assembly having an aperture for receiving the respective one of said strings at an intermediate portion thereof; first clamping means for retaining the respective one of said strings within the first housing; a second housing mounted on the frame assembly located aft of the first housing for receiving an end portion of the respective one of said strings; and second clamping means for retaining the respective one of said strings within the second housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The memory tuning system of claim 9, wherein the second housing being further mounted on a track member for lateral movement thereon.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The memory tuning system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable projection elements include set screws, each of the set screws having a slotted head portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The memory tuning system of claim 11, wherein the tuning levers and the separator levers include access apertures for gaining access to the slotted head portion of one of the set screws.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
184 words
A memory tuning system for a stringed instrument having a plurality of strings, wherein each of the strings makes contact with the instrument at two critical contact points, said memory tuning system comprising a frame assembly adapted to be mounted on the instrument and a plurality of memory tuning units connected to the frame assembly, one of said tuning units for each of the plurality of strings of the instrument, said memory tuning unit comprising: (a) string securing means connected to the frame assembly for retaining a respective one of said strings proximate one of the critical contact points; (b) tension control means for changing the tension of the respective one of said strings; (c) a tuning lever pivotally connected to the frame assembly and operatively connected to the tension control means; (d) a separator lever pivotally connected to the frame assembly and operatively connected to the tuning lever; and (e) a cam member rotatably mounted to the frame and contacting the separator lever for rotating the tuning lever, said cam member having a plurality of adjustable projection elements spaced around the cam member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
184 words
A memory tuning system for a stringed instrument having a plurality of strings, wherein each of the strings makes contact with the instrument at two critical contact points, said memory tuning system comprising a frame assembly adapted to be mounted on the instrument and a plurality of memory tuning units connected to the frame assembly, one of said tuning units for each of the plurality of strings of the instrument, said memory tuning unit comprising: (a) string securing means connected to the frame assembly for retaining a respective one of said strings proximate one of the critical contact points; (b) tension control means for changing the tension of the respective one of said strings; (c) a tuning lever pivotally connected to the frame assembly and operatively connected to the tension control means; (d) a separator lever pivotally connected to the frame assembly and operatively connected to the tuning lever; and (e) a cam member rotatably mounted to the frame and contacting the separator lever for rotating the tuning lever, said cam member having a plurality of adjustable projection elements spaced around the cam member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
58 words
The memory tuning system of claim 13, wherein the string securing means includes: a base block element connected to the frame assembly; a string retaining block connected to the base block element, said string retaining block having a string receiving region and a clamping means for retaining the respective one of said strings within the string retaining block.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The memory tuning system of claim 14, wherein the clamping means includes a clamping screw having a string bearing surface, said clamping screw being threaded through the string retaining block.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The memory tuning system of claim 15, further including a ball bearing located at the string bearing surface of the clamping screw.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
58 words
The memory tuning system of claim 14, wherein the tension control means includes: means for rotating the string retaining block relative to the base block element; biasing means for urging the string retaining block to a string receiving position; stirrup means connected to the rotatable block element for counteracting the biasing means, and thereby altering the string tension.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
59 words
The memory tuning system of claim 13, wherein the string securing means includes string guide means mounted to the frame assembly for receiving a portion of the respective one of said strings and string end locking means mounted to the frame assembly and proximate the string guide means for fixing one end of the respective one of said strings.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
48 words
The memory tuning system of claim 18, wherein the tension control means includes: a string bearing member pivotally connected to the frame between the string guide means and the string end locking means, for making contact with the respective one of said strings to alter the tension thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The memory tuning system of claim 18, wherein the string guide means comprises a rotatable circular wheel.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
40 words
The memory tuning system of claim 13, wherein the string securing means includes: a housing having an aperture for receiving the respective one of said strings; and clamping means for retaining the respective one of said strings within the housing.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
28 words
The memory tuning system of claim 21, wherein the clamping means includes a clamping screw having a string bearing surface, said clamping screw being threaded through the housing.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The memory tuning system of claim 22, further including a ball bearing located at the string bearing surface of the clamping screw.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
49 words
The memory tuning system of claim 21, wherein the tension control means includes: means for rotating the housing relative to the respective one of said strings; and a string bearing member connected to said housing for making contact with the respective one of said strings to alter its tension.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
94 words
The memory tuning system of claim 13, wherein the string securing means includes: a first housing mounted on the frame assembly having an aperture for receiving the respective one of said strings at an intermediate portion thereof; first clamping means for retaining the respective one of said strings within the first housing; a second housing mounted on the frame assembly located aft of the first housing for receiving an end portion of the respective one of said strings; and second clamping means for retaining the respective one of said strings within the second housing.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
58 words
The memory tuning system of claim 25, wherein the tension control means includes: means for rotating the first housing relative to the respective one of said strings; and a string bearing member connected to the first housing for making contact with the respective one of said strings to alter the tension in the respective one of said strings.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
The memory tuning system of claim 25, wherein the second housing being further mounted on a track member for lateral movement thereon.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
The memory tuning system of claim 27, wherein the first and second clamping means each include a clamping screw having a string bearing surface, said clamping screw being threaded through the first housing and the second housing.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The memory tuning system of claim 28, further including a ball bearing located at each of the string bearing surfaces of the clamping screws.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
The memory tuning system of claim 13, further including a fine tuning adjustment screw tapped through the tuning lever, the adjustment screw being adapted to act against the separator lever when rotated.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The memory tuning system of claim 13, further including cam locking means for locking the cam member in a fixed position.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
The memory tuning system of claim 13, further including cam rotation means for rotating the cam member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
The memory tuning system of claim 32, wherein the cam rotation means include a lever connected to the cam member.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The memory tuning system of claim 13, wherein the adjustable projection elements include set screws, each of the set screws having a slotted head portion.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
34 words
The memory tuning system of claim 34, wherein the tuning lever and the separator lever each include an access aperture for gaining access to the slotted head portion of one of the set screws.
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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) | 1998-08-07 | 1999-02-06 | 1999-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-08-07 | 2003-02-06 | 2003-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-08-07 | 2007-02-06 | 2007-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |