A valve block for a valve assembly of a wind musical instrument, said valve block comprising a monolithic structure having a plurality of parallel and linearly spaced apart valve bores extending at least partially therethrough and for receiving a corresponding plurality of valve pistons therein an air ingress port extending through the valve block from external of the valve block and providing fluid communication between external of the valve block and a first valve bore; an air outlet port extending through the valve block from external of the valve block and providing fluid communication between external of the valve block and a further valve bore; transverse connecting passageways for providing fluid communication between adjacent valve bores; and a plurality of pairs of tuning section ports with each pair extending through the valve block from external of the valve block and providing fluid communication between external of the valve block and a valve bore.

A valve block for a valve assembly of a wind musical instrument, said valve block comprising a monolithic structure having a plurality of parallel and linearly spaced apart valve bores extending at least partially therethrough and for receiving a corresponding plurality of valve pistons therein an air ingress port extending through the valve block from external of the valve block and providing fluid communication between external of the valve block and a first valve bore; an air outlet port extending through the valve block from external of the valve block and providing fluid communication between external of the valve block and a further valve bore; transverse connecting passageways for providing fluid communication between adjacent valve bores; and a plurality of pairs of tuning section ports with each pair extending through the valve block from external of the valve block and providing fluid communication between external of the valve block and a valve bore.

An apparatus for operating a tuba comprises a board facilitating mounting one or more foot pedal units. Each foot pedal unit is connected to at least one rotary valve of the tuba, and comprises a pedal mounted to a frame using a drive unit and a chain. The chain is configured to run over a pulley member and is coupled at top portion of the frame. Upon pressing the pedal in sync with air supplied at mouthpiece of the tuba by a user, the chain is pulled through the pulley member causing a mallet shaped shaft to move in upward or downward direction. The movement of the mallet shaped shaft is configured to control movement of a paddle of at least one rotary valve via a cable for enabling the user to play all chromatic notes available within the tuba's range.

An apparatus for operating a tuba comprises a board facilitating mounting one or more foot pedal units. Each foot pedal unit is connected to at least one rotary valve of the tuba, and comprises a pedal mounted to a frame using a drive unit and a chain. The chain is configured to run over a pulley member and is coupled at top portion of the frame. Upon pressing the pedal in sync with air supplied at mouthpiece of the tuba by a user, the chain is pulled through the pulley member causing a mallet shaped shaft to move in upward or downward direction. The movement of the mallet shaped shaft is configured to control movement of a paddle of at least one rotary valve via a cable for enabling the user to play all chromatic notes available within the tuba's range.

A keyed wind musical instrument (100, 101, 102) including an elongate tubular body (200) having a plurality of tone holes (201) extending through a surface of the elongate tubular body (200); at least one key member (202) attached to the elongate tubular body (200) adjacent at least one of said plurality of tone holes (201), the at least one key member (202) including: a closure portion (202B) movable between at least one of a closed configuration in which the closure portion (202B) substantially seals the tone hole (201), and, an opened configuration in which the closure portion (202B) is spaced apart from the tone hole (201) wherein the tone hole (201) is opened; and an attachment portion (202A) integrally formed with the closure portion (202B), the attachment portion (202A) being configured for attaching the key member (202) to the elongate tubular body (200); and wherein the integrally formed attachment portion (202A) and closure portion (202B) are configured to bias the closure portion (202B) towards the opened configuration.

A keyed wind musical instrument (100, 101, 102) including an elongate tubular body (200) having a plurality of tone holes (201) extending through a surface of the elongate tubular body (200); at least one key member (202) attached to the elongate tubular body (200) adjacent at least one of said plurality of tone holes (201), the at least one key member (202) including: a closure portion (202B) movable between at least one of a closed configuration in which the closure portion (202B) substantially seals the tone hole (201), and, an opened configuration in which the closure portion (202B) is spaced apart from the tone hole (201) wherein the tone hole (201) is opened; and an attachment portion (202A) integrally formed with the closure portion (202B), the attachment portion (202A) being configured for attaching the key member (202) to the elongate tubular body (200); and wherein the integrally formed attachment portion (202A) and closure portion (202B) are configured to bias the closure portion (202B) towards the opened configuration.

A fluid flow control valve comprising an outer casing with an inner valve member displaceable between first and second positions within the casing, the valve member including passages which interconnect different valve inlets and outlets dependent on whether the valve member is in its first or second position, the valve member being made from plastic material so that the diameter of the valve member can be increased without increasing its weight above that of a conventional metal inner valve member. This allows the passages through the inner valve member to be of the same internal diameter as the tubing leading up to and away from the valve. The valve member can be acted upon by a magnetic restoring means which tends to return the valve member towards its first position when displaced therefrom.

A fluid flow control valve comprising an outer casing with an inner valve member displaceable between first and second positions within the casing, the valve member including passages which interconnect different valve inlets and outlets dependent on whether the valve member is in its first or second position, the valve member being made from plastic material so that the diameter of the valve member can be increased without increasing its weight above that of a conventional metal inner valve member. This allows the passages through the inner valve member to be of the same internal diameter as the tubing leading up to and away from the valve. The valve member can be acted upon by a magnetic restoring means which tends to return the valve member towards its first position when displaced therefrom.

Systems for raising pads on musical instruments to enable drying of pads and increase air flow around the pad and a body of the musical instrument. A vent spanner device, including a positioning feature and a retention feature, is placed between a pad and its corresponding vent to create an air gap. A pad prop is placed against a key mechanism or between the key mechanism and/or the body to raise a pad from sealing its corresponding vent. A linkage feature connects one or more vent spanners, pad props, end pieces, key mechanisms, or the body, and provides storage.

A piston valve for a brass-wind musical instrument has spring barrel in which are formed opposing first and second keyways. A valve stem screws onto the top of the spring barrel. A loose key extends transversely through the first and second keyways. A bottom ring is slidably disposed around the spring barrel. The bottom ring has opposing notches. The loose key acts as a crossbar supporting the bottom ring in its notches from underneath and enabling the bottom ring a degree of independent movement. A return spring is captured between the bottom ring and a top ring at the valve step/spring barrel interface. The loose key has a generally rectangular cross-section with first and second protruding ends fit within the respective first and second keyways. The first protruding end can have a major T-shaped head, whereas the second protruding end may have a minor t-shaped head.