# US 10,121,462 B2 · Universal trigger module

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- Number: US 10,121,462 B2
- Document ID: US10121462B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/449,237
- Filed: 2017-03-03
- Published: 2017-09-07
- Granted: 2018-11-06
- Earliest claimed: 2016-03-03
- Applicants: Axis Percussion, Inc.
- Inventors: Darrell Nickson Johnston
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10121462B2

## CPC

- G10H 3/146: {using a membrane, e.g. a drum; Pick-up means for vibrating surfaces, e.g. housing of an instrument}
- G10H 1/34: Switch arrangements, e.g. keyboards or mechanical switches specially adapted for electrophonic musical instruments
- G10H 1/348: {Switches actuated by parts of the body other than fingers}
- G10H 3/143: {characterised by the use of a piezoelectric or magneto-strictive transducer}
- G10H 2220/525: Piezoelectric transducers for vibration sensing or vibration excitation in the audio range; Piezoelectric strain sensing, e.g. as key velocity sensor; Piezoelectric actuators, e.g. key actuation in response to a control voltage
- G10H 2230/291: Spint drum bass, i.e. mimicking bass drums; Pedals or interfaces therefor
- G10H: ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE

## Abstract

Described is a trigger module that can be used with percussive instruments to generate an electric signal. The trigger module includes an enclosure with a strike plate. A piezoelectric transducer is affixed with the bottom of the strike plate. A striker having a protrusion is attached with the enclosure such that the protrusion rests proximate the strike plate. Thus, forcing the striker towards the strike plate causes the protrusion to impact the strike plate, thereby causing the piezoelectric transducer to generate an electric signal.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A trigger module, comprising:
an enclosure;
a cushion pad attached to the enclosure;
a strike plate affixed with the enclosure;
a piezoelectric transducer affixed with the strike plate; and
a striker having a protrusion, the striker attached to the cushion pad, thereby connecting the striker with the enclosure such that the protrusion rests proximate the strike plate, whereby forcing the striker towards the strike plate causes the protrusion to impact the strike plate, thereby causing the piezoelectric transducer to generate an electric signal.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The trigger module as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a bracket pivotally attached with the enclosure.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The trigger module as set forth in claim 2, wherein the striker is selected from a group consisting of a leaf spring, torsion spring, extension spring, and compression spring.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The trigger module as set forth in claim 3, wherein the striker has a length that extends beyond the enclosure.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The trigger module as set forth in claim 1, wherein the striker is selected from a group consisting of a leaf spring, torsion spring, extension spring, and compression spring.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The trigger module as set, forth in claim 1, wherein the striker has a length that extends beyond the enclosure.