US4583443A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic metronome and rhythm generator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-04-05
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Granted: 1986-04-22
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Expires: 2004-04-05
Abstract
Abstract An electronic metronome for training musical students in various rhythm patterns is disclosed. The electronic metronome is battery powered and completely contained within a hand held component case for ease in transport and storage. A solid state memory device which may be selectively programmed with a plurality of digital logic signals by means of manual switches is automatically and repetitively accessed in a selected sequential order and at a selected rate and the digital logic signals stored therein are converted to audible "clicks" or tones and inaudible pauses. Variable amplification circuitry coupled to the output of the memory device permits the volume of the clicks or tones to be selected by the operator and a pair of light emitting diodes permits the output of the memory device to be simultaneously converted to a visual signal. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, selectable timing circuitry included within the access circuitry permits the output of the memory device to be accessed at a number of variable clock rates to further enhance the flexibility of the electronic metronome.
Inventors
- 👤 Karl A. Senghaas
- 👤 Peter Senghaas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:52
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04F; G04F5/00; G04F5/02; G04F5/025; G09; G09B; G09B15/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
An electronic metronome comprising: (a) a solid state memory device for storing a plurality of digital logic signals; (b) means for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals in a selected order; (c) means for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals at a selected clock rate, said means including a manually adjustable multiple position switch for directly varying the clock rate without reprogramming said solid state memory device; and (d) means coupled to the output of said solid state memory device for converting said plurality of digital logic signals into a plurality of audible signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
An electronic metronome comprising: (a) a solid state memory device for storing a plurality of digital logic signals; (b) means for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals in a selected order; (c) means for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals at a selected clock rate, said means including a manually adjustable multiple position switch for directly varying the clock rate without reprogramming said solid state memory device; and (d) means coupled to the output of said solid state memory device for converting said plurality of digital logic signals into a plurality of audible signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 1 wherein said solid state memory device comprises a random access memory integrated circuit device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 1 wherein said digital logic signals comprises a plurality of logical "ones" and logical "zeros."
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 3 wherein means coupled to the output of said solid state memory device for converting said plurality of digital logic signals into a plurality of audible signals comprises means for generating an audible tone burst in response to an output of said solid state memory device comprising a logical "one."
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 1 wherein said means coupled to the output of said solid state memory device for converting said plurality of digital logic signals into a plurality of audible signals comprises a tone burst generator coupled to an audio output device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 5 wherein said audio output device comprises a speaker.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 1 further including means for generating a visual display correlated to said plurality of audible signals, said visual display comprising at least two light emitting diodes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 3 further including input means coupled to said solid state memory device for inputting said plurality of digital logic signals.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 8 wherein said input means comprises a first input switch for inputting a logical "one" and a second input switch for inputting a logical "zero."
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 9 wherein said first and second input switches comprise momentary contact pushbutton switches.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
129 words
An electronic metronome comprising: (a) a solid state memory device having a plurality of sequentially addressable storage locations for storing a plurality of digital logic signals; (b) means for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals in a sequential order from a first storage location to a predetermined last storage location within said solid state device; (c) means for manually selecting said last storage location; (d) means for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals at a selected clock rate, said means including a manually adjustable multiple position switch for directly varying the clock rate without reprogramming said solid state memory device; and (e) means coupled to the output of said solid state memory device for converting said plurality of digital logic signals into a plurality of audible signals.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
129 words
An electronic metronome comprising: (a) a solid state memory device having a plurality of sequentially addressable storage locations for storing a plurality of digital logic signals; (b) means for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals in a sequential order from a first storage location to a predetermined last storage location within said solid state device; (c) means for manually selecting said last storage location; (d) means for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals at a selected clock rate, said means including a manually adjustable multiple position switch for directly varying the clock rate without reprogramming said solid state memory device; and (e) means coupled to the output of said solid state memory device for converting said plurality of digital logic signals into a plurality of audible signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 11 wherein said solid state memory device comprises a random access memory integrated circuit device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 11 wherein said digital logic signals comprises a plurality of logical "ones" and logical "zeros."
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
56 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 13 wherein means coupled to the output of said solid state memory device for converting said plurality of digital logic signals into a plurality of audible signals comprises means for generating an audible tone burst in response to an output of said solid state memory device comprising a logical "one."
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
45 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 11 wherein said means coupled to the output of said solid state memory device for converting said plurality of digital logic signals into a plurality of audible signals comprises a tone burst generator coupled to an audio output device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 11 wherein said audio output device comprises a speaker.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
49 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 11 wherein said means for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals in a sequential order from a first storage location to a last storage location within said solid state memory device includes means for repetitively accessing said plurality of digital logic signals.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
157 words
An electronic metronome comprising: (a) a component case adapted to enclose electronic components, said component case being substantially the size of a human hand whereby said case may be easily transported and stored; (b) a solid state memory device within said component case for storing a plurality of digital logic signals; (c) access means disposed within said component case for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals in a selected order; (d) means for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals at a selected clock rate, said means including a manually adjustable multiple position switch for directly varying the clock rate without reprogramming said solid state memory device; (e) conversion means disposed within said component case for converting said plurality of logic signals into a plurality of audible signals; and (f) a battery power souce disposed within said component case for providing electric power to said solid state memory device, said access means and said conversion means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
157 words
An electronic metronome comprising: (a) a component case adapted to enclose electronic components, said component case being substantially the size of a human hand whereby said case may be easily transported and stored; (b) a solid state memory device within said component case for storing a plurality of digital logic signals; (c) access means disposed within said component case for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals in a selected order; (d) means for accessing said plurality of digital logic signals at a selected clock rate, said means including a manually adjustable multiple position switch for directly varying the clock rate without reprogramming said solid state memory device; (e) conversion means disposed within said component case for converting said plurality of logic signals into a plurality of audible signals; and (f) a battery power souce disposed within said component case for providing electric power to said solid state memory device, said access means and said conversion means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
An electronic metronome according to claim 18 wherein said component case is constructed of a plastic material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
An electronic metronome according to claim 18 further including visual display means disposed on the exterior of said component case for generating a visual display correlated to said plurality of audible signals.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 18 wherein said solid state memory device comprises a random access memory integrated circuit device.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 18 wherein said conversion means includes an electronic speaker disposed within said component case.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electronic metronome according to claim 18 wherein said conversion means further includes means for varying the volume of said plurality of audible signals.
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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) | 1989-04-21 | 1989-10-21 | 1990-04-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-21 | 1993-10-21 | 1994-04-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-21 | 1997-10-21 | 1998-04-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |