Patent ID: 6049031
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: A62C,G10F,Y10T

Abstract:
A system comprising a valve having a housing with an inlet port and an outlet port; a valve member movably disposed in the housing; a coil responsive to electrical signals to change the valve between a closed state in which the valve member completely blocks fluid flow between the inlet port and the outlet port and an open state with the valve member moved to allow fluid flow between the inlet port and the outlet port; at least a first magnet in the housing and operable to maintain the valve in one of the states unless an activating electrical signal is applied to the coil, and wherein the first magnet is a permanent magnet, wherein the valve opens variable amounts depending on the magnitude of the electrical signal applied to the coil; and further comprising a pneumatic and wherein the pneumatic is operably connected to the valve such that operation of the valve controls the pneumatic; the pneumatic being operatively connected to sound a musical instrument; and further comprising a musical instrument and wherein the actuator is operable to sound the musical instrument at variable volumes depending on the magnitude of the electrical signal applied to the coil.