GB1290205A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1290205 Metronomes A CASTILLOUX 10 Sept 1970 43312/70 Heading G3T A metronome which may be set to produce a variety of rhythms comprises two sets of strikers 35 which are attached by hinges 36 to blocks 34 on platforms 10, 11 and which may be positioned in the paths of corresponding actuating arms 50 which are secured in angularly advancing succession, see Fig.7, to axles 12, 13. As the axles 12, 13 are rotated together by an electric motor (16) Figs. 8, 9 (not shown), strikers 35 are raised and then allowed to fall back on to a member 37 or corresponding control cams 38, producing sounds which are picked up by microphones 53 and amplified in a stereo reproducing system, Figs. 1 and 10 (not shown). Each striker 35 may occupy three rest positions depending on the position of the corresponding control cam 38 which is set by rotating its spindle 39 by means of knob 42: a lower rest position, Fig. 5 (not shown) in which a striker lies on the member 37 and which corresponds to a loud beat, a slightly elevated position, Fig.6 (not shown) corresponding to a soft beat, and a fully elevated position, Figs.11, 12 (not shown) which is silent since the striker 35 is outside the path of its arm 50. The motor 16 may be of constant or variable speed and the arms 50 may be fixed around a single axle.