NZ716343A - Musical sound generator - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a musical sound generator (100) that generates random noise to provide a more relaxing environment. The generator comprises a tube (3) defining a resonant cavity, the tube comprising a plurality of sound producing chimes (4) configured to produce an audible sound when at least one object or plastic bead (2) impacts on at least one of the chimes; a reservoir (1) configured to hold a number of objects; and a transfer mechanism (7,7A,8,8A) configured to transfer the objects from the reservoir to an elevated position within the resonant cavity wherein the objects fall down from the elevated position within the resonant cavity by gravity after being transferred by the transfer mechanism, to strike the plurality of sound producing chimes to generate a continuous cycle of musical sounds at random intervals over time; a power source (9) and wherein a loading assistance means powered by the power source and configured to assist the uptake of the objects of the transfer mechanism from the reservoir. The loading assistance mechanism is configured to vary the position of the reservoir in relation to the transfer mechanism depending on the level of the objects held in the reservoir to improve uptake of the objects by the transfer mechanism from the reservoir. The transfer mechanism is a driven belt (7) configured with a plurality of paddles (7A) to capture and transfer the objects to the top of the tube. The tube is configured to rotate via a motor (3A) . The position of the reservoir in relation to the transfer mechanism is moved with at least one sensor configured to sense the level of the objects in the reservoir and at least one actuator configured to move the position of the reservoir via input from the at least one sensor.