Patent ID: 7608771
Filing Date: 2009-10-27
Classification: G10D

Abstract:
1. A system for the controlled hitting of a percussion instrument including an implement and an object capable of vibrations under controlled action thereon by the implement, the system comprising: a controller for receiving a signal indicative of a beat and for sending a triggering command; and an actuator for coupling to the implement and to the controller for receiving the triggering command from the controller and for causing the implement to move at the beat in response to the triggering command from the controller; the actuator including a motor coupled to the controller so as to be controlled therefrom, a drive mechanism connected to the motor and to the implement for causing the motor to trigger the implement at the beat in response to the triggering command and a mechanical coupler connected to both the drive mechanism and to the implement for coupling the system with the percussion instrument via the implement wherein the mechanical coupler is in the form of a rod to be secured to the implement; the rod including an L-shaped element mounted thereto for rotation in unison; the motor including a drive shaft provided with a projection in registry with the L-shaped element; the mechanical coupler being rotatably mounted coaxially to the drive shaft therein; whereby, in operation, bringing the implement in operative relation with the object capable of vibrations for the controlled action thereon while the implement is coupled to and actuated by the actuator causes the percussion instrument to vibrate at the beat, and a user pivoting the mechanical coupler results in the implement causing the percussion instrument to vibrate without preventing the rotation of the drive shaft.