Susan C Ward

US Patent:

53557611, Oct 18, 1994

Filed:

Feb 2, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/012203

Inventors:

Susan D. Ward - Vancouver WA
Keith M. Swartz - Scarsdale NY

Assignee:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G10D 1302

US Classification:

844222

Abstract:

Disclosed is an actuator for a percussion instrument, such as a hi-hat cymbal, that is sounded by motion of a sound initiation member. The actuator includes a heel driven member, which translates vertically under the user's heel, and is connected to the sound initiation member, so that the user can activate the percussion instrument by moving the heel up and down. An inclined pedal that rotates about an axis may constitute the heel driven member. The connection between the heel driven member and the sound initiation member may be a hinged action lever, which is connected to the heel driven member so that it pivots in response to vertical heel motion. The action lever is connected to the sound initiation member by a cable, which is drawn in response to the pivoting motion of the action lever. The drawn cable pulls the sound initiation member, causing the instrument to sound.

US Patent:

54602092, Oct 24, 1995

Filed:

Dec 8, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/164098

Inventors:

Louise Jandura - Belmont MA
Amy B. Smith - Lexington MA
Susan D. Ward - Vancouver WA

Assignee:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G01G 1302

US Classification:

141 83

Abstract:

An apparatus for dispensing dry ingredient has a plurality of containers, each for a different ingredient. Each has a body having an internal chamber, and a port for dispensing the ingredient, which is arranged gravitationally below the chamber when in use. Each container has at least two baffles adjacent the port. The baffles are inclined and define a passageway through which the ingredient may pass. The passageway is sized and the baffles are inclined such that the ingredient rests upon the baffles. The apparatus also includes a collection stage that is arranged relative to each of the plurality of container ports so that ingredient dispensed from each port is deposited upon the collection stage. The apparatus also includes a vibrator for exciting at least one of the baffles of each container such that the ingredient is urged to pass through the respective passageway and out of the chamber. The apparatus typically further includes a controller for activating and deactivating the vibrators.