Rockin’ Patent – TONUS Inc’s “Music Synthesizer Keyboard”

US Patent No. 3,665,089 – TONUS Inc – Music Synthesiser Keyboard - Patents Rock - Russell IP
  • Rockin’ Patent®: US Patent No. 3,665,089
  • Filed: 17 December 1970
  • In the name of: TONUS Inc
  • Title: Music Synthesizer Keyboard
  • What’s claimed“In an electronic system, in combination: means for providing a plurality of voltages of different values; means for selecting at least two of said voltages substantially simultaneously; means for providing a reference voltage; means for deriving a difference signal from the values of said reference voltage and one of the selected voltages; means for deriving an output signal from the values of said difference signal and the other of said selected voltages; and means for generating two signals having frequencies in accordance respectively with the values of said output signal and said other of said selected voltages.”
  • Why this patent rocks: This patent appears to relate to the two-voice ARP keyboards for the ARP 2500 and the 3620 keyboard for the original ARP 2600 synthesiser. This synthesiser has been used by a range of musicians from Stevie Wonder and Elton John to bands like Joy Division and The Cure. If you’re curious about the specifications, see here. If you’re interested to know more about the synthesiser, see here for a short documentary on the story of the ARP 2600.

If you’re a patent-savvy music tech business looking for patent help, get in touch with Russell IP here!

The information above is for general interest and information only and does not constitute legal advice.

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