Rockin’ Patent – Raymond Scott’s “Keyboard Operated Electrical Musical Instrument”

US Patent No. 2,871,745 – Raymond Scott – Keyboard Operated Electrical Musical Instrument - Patents Rock - Russell IP
  • Rockin’ Patent®: US Patent No. 2,871,745
  • Filed: 20 December 1956
  • In the name of: Raymond Scott (inventor)
  • Title: Keyboard Operated Electrical Musical Instrument
  • What’s claimed“A musical instrument comprising loudspeaker means for emitting an audible note, an oscillator of controllable frequency connected to energize said loudspeaker means for producing said note, said oscillator comprising a terminal for controlling the frequency of oscillation of said oscillator by variation of the capacitance to ground of said terminal, a fixed control electrode connected to said terminal, a movable grounded electrode cooperating with said control electrode for varying the pitch of said note by changes in the relative positions of said electrodes, a control bar by which said grounded electrode is carried, an end portion of said control bar being pivoted to supporting means for angular movement of said control bar, a keyboard comprising series of parallel elongated key bar members extending perpendicularly with respect to said control bar, and means’ individually interconnecting each of said key bar members and said control bar whereby those key bar members which are located nearer to said pivoted end portion of said control bar will produce greater angular displacements of said control bar than those of said key bar members which are more remote from said pivoted end portion.”
  • Why this patent rocks: This patent appears to relate to the ‘Clavivox’, a keyboard sound synthesiser and sequencer, invented by Raymond Scott. This article by 120 Years of Electronic Music describes the instrument as a vacuum tube oscillator controlled by a three-octave keyboard, designed to ‘simulate the continuous gliding tone of the Theremin’ but playable with a keyboard. For a more detailed take on the Clavivox, see here.

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.

Share the Post:

Related Posts

Banner for Russell IP article about Accelerating UK Patent Prosecution

Accelerating UK Patent Prosecution

Accelerating UK Patent Prosecution at the UK IPO: A Practical Guide Introduction Securing a UK patent is usually a long game. On a normal timetable, a UK patent application remains pending for several years before it is granted or finally refused. In many situations, that slow and steady pace is absolutely fine; it gives time to refine the technology, explore markets and spread costs. In other situations, there’s a need for the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) to move faster. Perhaps a competitor is gearing up to launch a similar product, an investor is asking to see patent grants

Read More
Banner for Russell IP article about guidance on generative AI in patent work

Guidance On Generative AI In Patent Work

New Guidance On Generative AI In Patent Work: Essential Reading For Inventors And SMEs The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) have issued new guidance on using generative AI for patent work. In this article, we answer some key questions about the new guidance, and who and what it is for. Why The New CIPA Guidance On Generative AI Matters Generative AI tools are now everywhere. Many inventors and small, innovative businesses are already using them to:  Brainstorm product ideas; Tidy up technical descriptions; Help draft patent-related documents; or Summarise prior art and

Read More

Gain the Competitive Edge

Let's see how we can help protect your IP

Get in touch using the contact form or the phone number below to see how we can protect your IP.

There’s no obligation to sign up for anything.