High hat actuating system with photoelectric control means
US5028776A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG10D13/065
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A high hat cymbals device is automatically actuated to hold the cymbals locked in place. The presence or absence of the drummer's foot on or above the foot pedal for actuating the high hat is sensed, and the cymbals held together if the drummer's foot is not sensed. Sensing is accomplished utilizing an infrared LED or other source of light, preferably one that is pulsed and frequency modulated, and a photodiode or other light sensing device. The signal from the photodiode is filtered and amplified and ultimately operates a solenoid to either allow normal operation of the high hat, or move the high hat cymbals together. The light source and sensor are mounted on the bottom of the foot pedal and cooperate with an opening in the foot pedal so that the light is reflected to the photodiode if the drummer's foot is present on or above the foot pedal, but passes through the opening if it is not.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.