Abstract:
A machine for automated generation of movement of chimes with a base, an power source in the base electromagnetically connected to a post, chimes disposed about the post for receiving electromagnetic energy, a control circuit for generating intermittent electric power to said source for creating magnetic forces on said chimes. The chimes may also be moved by electric power, water movement, wind generated by the power source or ionic wind movement.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the field of wind chimes, and more particularly to a machine for automated generation of movement of chimes. 
     The generation of pleasing sounds has long fascinated mankind. From early days of percussion and wind instruments made from wood and animal hides, to more sophisticated instruments of metal and electronics, chimes have been made for many years to catch wind and produce a pleasing sound. Typically, a chime is a series of metal or ceramic pieces that hit each other or a striker in response to natural wind. 
     Chimes that operate on wind cannot work indoors having relatively low air movement. With so many people living in apartments or other confined spaces that cannot open windows, a chime that operates on a self-motivated principle is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary advantage of the invention is to provide a wind chime emulator for indoor use. 
     Another advantage of the invention is to provide a wind chime that operates by generated wind. 
     Another advantage of the invention is to provide a wind chime that operates by magnetic inducement. 
     A further advantage of the invention is to provide a wind chime that operates by moving water. 
     Yet another advantage is to provide a wind chime that works from wind generated by solid state electronic ion flow. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention a machine for automated generation of movement of chimes comprises a base, a power source in said base electro-magnetically connected to a post, chimes disposed about the post for receiving electromagnetic energy and a control circuit for generating intermittent electric power to said source for creating magnetic forces on said chimes to create movement of the chimes. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention a machine for automated generation of movement of chimes comprises a base having a motor for generating intermittent power, a wind generator powered by the motor, chimes disposed in proximity to the wind generator that move in response to the wind. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention a machine for automated generation of movement of chimes comprises a base, a motorized pump in the base for pumping liquid, a wind generator responsive to movement of the liquid and chimes that respond to the wind generation. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention a machine for automated generation of movement of chimes comprises a base, a power source in the base and chimes that move in response to power generated by the power source. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention showing a magnetically motivated wind chime. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention showing a water driven wind chime. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention showing a wind generator. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention showing a wind generated system where liquid movement creates the wind. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention showing an ionic wind flow generator. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
     Turning first to FIG. 1., there is shown a perspective view of the invention utilizing a magnetically powered wind chime. Base  10  houses an electrically powered motor  12  that is electrically connected to post  15  that may be battery operated or operated from an electrical outlet, or a combination. Post  15  receives electrical energy from power source  12  thereby creating a magnetic field about post  15 . Suspended in proximity to post  15  are a plurality of chimes  18  that may be made of any suitable material, such as a metallic material, for creating sound upon striking the post  15 . In another embodiment, the chimes may be in proximity to other objects to induce the chimes to strike those objects rather than the post itself. In either embodiment, the chimes are motivated to move at various times upon excitation of the post from the electrical energy created by the power source  12 . The power source  12  is controlled by a control circuit  16  that induces electrical power to the post at predetermined times or randomly depending upon the desired sound. A random generator  17  in circuit  16  is capable of causing the power source to operate at different times to create the kind of random sounds a wind chime might make in response to actual natural wind. The control circuit  16  may also be programmed to create movement on the chimes on a predetermined frequency or timetable or any other programmed order. 
     Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown another embodiment where the wind chimes are motivated by the movement of water about the chimes. Bowl  30  contains water that is continuously pumped by pump  20  through shaft  21  and out the aperture at the top of shaft  21 . As the water flows downward about the plurality of tiers  25  through channels  22 , it intermittently passes the wind chimes  24  and causes them to move. This movement is varied by the design of the channels to create a changing movement of the water to excite the chimes at differing intervals. “The exited chimes emit noise by engaging each other or another body such as tiers  25 .” The channels may be designed so that the water only flows down a particular channel at greatly extended time periods to create a wind like effect of intermittent breezes. 
     FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of the invention where a random generator  40  is housed in base unit  42 . The random generator is electrically connected to a motor  44  that may be driven by battery or other electrical means not shown. The random generator excites the motor, which in turn drives fan  46  that is placed under a grate below a plurality of chimes  48 . As the fan turns it generates a small wind that in turn causes the chimes to move and make sounds. The random nature of the motor is designed to achieve a realistic wind generation and not have the chimes constantly sounding. Alternatively, there may be some situations that require more constant chiming and it would be well known in the art to create a motor that activated the fan in a more recurrent fashion or continuously. Alternatively, constant wind may be generated through fan  46  that is driven through a series of one or more grates, each with apertures at irregular intervals that may also rotate at different speeds on in different direction to create the effect of random wind moving the chimes. 
     Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown another embodiment whereby the wind chimes are excited by a wind generator that is powered by the movement of water across wheels. Pump  50  is displaced in water within vessel  52 . As the water is pumped through shaft  54  it is pushed out of the top of the shaft and down the sides of the shaft and about the top surface of grate  55 . Grate  55  is shown in plan view in FIG.  4 A. As the water moves down and on top of the grate it goes through the grate and impacts wheels  56  which in turn drive fans  58 . The grate is designed to permit only water to hit the wheels at intermittent times and only with enough force to drive the fan intermittently. As the fans  58  turn with sufficient force, a wind is created that excites the chimes  60  and causes sounds to be made. Numerous combinations of how the chimes are located, the degree and location that the water can traverse the grate, and the location of the fans and their ability to be driven can be altered and changed to create the desired sounds and frequency of sound generation. 
     FIG. 5 shows another embodiment whereby the movement of the chimes is created by wind that is caused by an ionic wind generator. It is well known in the art that a corona discharge occurs from a discharge electrode such as a needle electrode to a counter electrode such as a plate electrode when a high energy voltage is applied between the discharge and counter electrodes and that an ionic wind is then generated. A typical ionic wind has a velocity of several meters per second, and the force of the wind can be increased or deceased according to the required application of the wind generator. An ionic wind generator is contained in column  70 , which is electrically connected to electronics in the base  72  for activating the ionic generator. As the ionic generator creates movement of air, the chimes  74  are excited and caused to strike each other or a third object such as column  70 . This causes sound to be created by the chimes. Since the ionic generator is electrically controlled, it can be modulated with a random generator to create the sensation of intermittent wind. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.