US1356107A - Automatic musical instrument - Google Patents

Description

L.-H. MAIER AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED 1mm, 1911.

1,356,107, I Patented Oct 19,1920.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 'l.

L. H. MAIER.

AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.25, 1917.

L. H. MAIER. AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATlON HLED JAN.25, 1917 1,356,107.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

jam

3 nve'nfo z I Patented Oct. 19, 1920.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LOUIS H. MAIER, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

Application filed January 25, 1917.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, Lours H. MAIER, a citizen of the United States, and resident of New York city, borough of the Bronx, in the county of the Bronx and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Automatic Musical Instruments, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in automatic musical instruments, and has particular reference to such instruments wherein the action is controlled by pneumatically operating devices in turn controlled through the medium of a perforated music sheet traveling over a tracker bar. An object of my invention is to automatically control the variations in the rendition of a musical composition entirely through the medium of such music sheet.

A further object of my invention is to provide novel means, controlled by the music sheet, to cause lowering or raising of the pneumatic tension in the pneumatic action chest, according to the required expression in the musical composition, such means being controlled by the traveling music sheet.

In carrying out my invention I provide a tracker bar with one or more openings additional to the usual note orifices thereof, which openings are in communication with the aforesaid means for causing lowering or raising of the general tension in the pneumatic action chest, the music sheet being provided with perforations,supplemental or additional to the usual note perforations thereof, to cooperate with said additional tracker openings to cause operation of said means to control the degree of general tension in the action chest, or a section or division thereof, according to the degree of such tension required in the chest or a section thereof, for the production of the desired expression at any part of a musical composition being rendered. \Vhile my said improvements may be operated in direct connection with a non-divided action chest, they are also adapted for use in connection with a divided action chest, for which purpose I provide the tracker bar with one or more other openings, additional to the aforesaid additional openings thereof, being in Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 19, 1920.

Serial No. 144,472.

communication with means adapted for select1on of the divisions of a divided action chest, in accordance with a perforation or perforatlons in the music sheet (supplemental to the usual note perforations thereof) that pass over the second named additional openings in the tracker, such supplemental perforations being so located in the music sheet as to open to atmosphere said second named additional tracker opening or openings according to the action chest, or any section or sections thereof, is to be effected for expression of the musical composition as required.

In accordance with the foregoing the traveling music sheet, by means of the aforesaid supplemental perforations therein, will automatically control the expression of parts of the musical composition being rendered, whether the tension is raised or lowered from the previous tension in the action chest, or in an appropriate section or sections thereof, when the expression is to be varied.

The aforesaid devices for controlling the degree of general tension in the action chest may be used in conjunction with a nondivided action chest to which they would be directly connected, while the second named additional openings in the tracker in conjunction with the second named supplemental perforations in the music sheet may be utilized for controlling the hammer-rail raising devices of a piano action, said last named tracker openings being respectively connected to pneumatics for operating portions of the hammer-rail, an example of which hammer-rail raising mechanism, to which my present improvements are thusly applicable, being set forth in Letters Patent granted to me Nov. 21, 1911, No. 1,009,330.

My invention further comprises novel details of improvement and combinations of parts that will be more fully hereinafter set forth and then pointed out in the claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompanyin drawings forming part hereof, wherein, igure 1 is a partly sectional view more or less diagrammatically illustrating my improvements; Fig. 1 is a detail of valve mechanism;

Fig. 2 is a partly sectional front elevation, enlarged, of my novel improvements for controlling the degree of exhaust tension required at various parts of a musical composition Fig. 3 is a section substantially on the line 3, 3, in Fig. 2; V

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a valve chest hereinafter referred to;

Fig. 5 is a sectional detail illustrating a modified form of tension controlling means; and i and music sheet adapted for use in connection with my improvements.

in the drawings the numeral 1 indicates a tracker bar of any suitable or usual construction, having the usual note orifices 2, for connection by'tubes 3 with the valves of pneumatics 4 of the action, which pneumatics are operated by the tension in the action chest 5 in any well known or desired manner. in accordance with my invention a single may be utilized. in the drawings 1 have illustrated the action chest as having three sections 6, 7, 8 respectively corresponding to the bass, tenor and treble of a piano or organ, although the chest may have any desired number of sections. Tension may be maintained in the action chest or the sections thereof by any suitable exhaust mechanism, such as foot pumping bellows, or an electrically operated exhaust pump indicated generally at 9, my improved means for selec ing the section or sections of the action cnest for the desired expression to be rendered at any part of a musical composition, as well as the improved means for controlling the degree of expression then to be rendered being shown interposed between the action chest and the exhaust means.

The selecting devices for controlling the sections of the action chest required for any desired expression of a musical composition, may be described as follows: A board or block 10 is provided with a channel 11 in communication through a tube or pipe a with the exhaust means 9, which channel 11 is in communication through a port, 12 with a channel or chest 13 shown located between block 10 and the board or cover 14, and channel 11 also communicates through ported passages 15, 16, 1'7 with the interior of corresponding expression pneumatics 18, 19, 20 shown located upon board or block 10. The passages 15, 16, 17 have bleeds 15, 16, 17 respectively communicating with the cor responding pneumatics, to counteract the tendency to hold the movable boards of the pneumatics against the ports when the former entirely close the latter. The movable boards of said pneumatics are connected with corresponding pull-springs 21, 22, 23, shown respectively connected with sup ports 24, which springs have suitable tension in accordance with the tension to which a Fig. 6 is a view illustrating a tracker bar action chest or divided action chestcorresponding section-of the action chest is to be cut down. Each of the pneumatics has communication through a corresponding passage 25, 26, 27 with channel 13, and each of said passages is in communication with a corresponding passage 28, 29, 30 in board or block 10. The last named passages are in communication with corresponding sections of the action chest. The passage 28 is shown connected by tube 31 with the bass section 6, the passage 29 is shown connected by tube 32 with the tenor section 7, and the passage 30 is shown connected by tube 33 with the treble section 8, of themtion chest. The unrestricted exhaust maintained will be from the sections of the action chest through the tubes 31, 32, 33 and the corresponding passages described, to the channel 13, and thence through port 12 and tube a to the exhaust means, the movable boards of the aforesaid pneumatics being normally collapsed when not controlled by perforations in the music sheet, said hoards being drawn against the ports 15, 16, 17 respectively, against the tension of their corresponding springs. lVith the pneumatics in such positions the ordinary or normal rendition of a musical composition may occur according to the tension maintained in the exhaust means. When expression is desired differing from the normal rendition in a part or parts of a musical composttion being rendered, the direct flow of air from the corresponding section or sections of the action chest'to the channel 13 is cut oil so that such flow will be through the corresponding pneumatic or pneumatics according to the tension of the springs. For such purpose the passages 25, 26, 27 are shown provided with seats 34, 35, 36 respectively, in channel 13, opposing dia phragms or pouches 37, 38, 39 secured upon board or block 14 overcorresponding recesses 40, 41, 42, bleeds at 43 being shown communicating with said recesses and with channel 13. Tubes 44, 45, 46, communicate respectively with the recesses 40, 41, 42, and

are respectively in communication with openings 47, 48, 49 in tracker bar 1, additional to and at one end of the series of usual note orifices 2 therein. The perforated sheet 5 that is adapted to travel over tracker bar 2, and to be operated for such purpose by any well known means, is provided with side perforations c, d, e, (additional to the usual note perforations 7) that are' adapted respectively to pass over the openings 47, 48, 49 of the tracker bar. When one of such perforations 0, cl or 6 passes over one or" thelast named tracker bar openings, air will be admitted to the corresponding recesses 40, 41 or 42 to cause its corresponding diaphragm to be drawn against the corresponding seat 34, 35, or 36, whereby to shut off corresponding tube 31, 32, or 33 from direct communication through channel 13 and port 12 with channel 11, and to cause communication from such tube to be through the corresponding passage and port in block 12 into the corresponding pneumatic and thence through its port 15, 16 or 17 to channel 11, whereupon the corresponding pneu-v matic will be operated to permit a restricted flow through it in accordance with the tension of its spring 21, 22, or 23, thereby re ducing the exhaust tension from the corresponding section of the action chest below that tension maintained in tube a, leaving one or another of said pneumatics unaffected. When the music sheet next covers such opening 0, (Z, or 0 atmosphere will be cut off from the recess 40, 41 or 42, and, by reason of bleed 43, the corresponding diaphragm will be moved away from seat 34, 35, or 36, whereby the corresponding pneumatic will resume its first mentioned inactive position, and flow from the corresponding section of the action chest will be again direct to channel 13, as before described.

By means of the arrangements described a reduction of tension in a secton of the action chest will be effected whenever the corresponding perforation 0, d, or e of the music sheet admits atmosphere to the tracker opening 47, 48, or 49 and the remaining section or sections of the action chest will continue under the exhaust in pipe a. If all of the perforations c, d, e, of the music sheet pass over all of the openings 47, 48, 49 of the tracker at once, all of the pneumatics 18, 19 and 20 will be operated, in the manner described, to cause reduction of tension in all sections of the action chest simultaneously. The action of the striker pneumatics controlled through sections of the action chest will be modified from their operation due to the tension present in tube a whenever atmosphere is admitted through the music sheet to one of the openings 47, 48, or 49 of the tracker bar, for reducing musical tones produced by such pneumatic or pneumatics.

The above described devices which control selection of the sections of the action chest to vary the exhaust tension therein, may be directly connected through tube a with the exhaust means 9, but in order to control the degree of exhaust tension or suction to be in the pneumatic action chest, as required, according to the desired rendition of a musical composition, I interpose between the aforesaid action chest selecting devices and the exhaust means 9 (hence between the latter and the action chest) means adapted to cause the full general degree of exhaust tension to be maintained in the selecting devices or the action chest, or any desired modification of such general tension, according to expression desired at any part or parts in the rendition of a musical composition, such means being controlled through the medium of the perforations g, h, i, in the music sheet, additional to its usual perforations f and to the perforations c, d, 6, and in order to control the action of said interposed means asrequired, I provide what I term a stepping device adapted, by reason of said additional perforations g, h, z in the note sheet admitting atmosphere thereto as required, to cause the operation of said intermediate general tension-degree controlling means, as required. The last named means may be described as follows: In a board or block 50 a channel 51 is provided having communication through a port 52 with a channel shown located between said board 50 and a board 54. The channel 53 is shown in communication through a pipe or tube 55 with the exhaust means 9 for maintaining corresponding exhaust tension in channel 53. Upon board 50 are located pneumatics 56, 57, 58, the movable boards of which are shown connected with springs 59, 60, 61 respectively, which springs are connected with corresponding supports 62 shown mounted on board 50. Ports 63, 64, 65 provide communication between channel 51 and the corresponding pneumatics 56, 57, 58. Passages 66, 67, 68 provide communication between channel 53 and the corresponding pneumatics 56, 57, 58. Said passages are shown provided with seats 69, 70, 71 within the corresponding pneumatic 56, 57 58 and adapted to coact with the movable board thereof. Said seats are shown provided with bleeds. The passages 66 and 67 are shown provided with seats 72 and 73 respectively within channel 53, and the port 52 is shown provided with a seat 74 communicating in said channel. From the foregoing it will be understood that general tension in tube a, and in the action chest and its controlling devices before described, will be maintained from the exhaust means 9 through pipe 55, channel 53, port 52, and channel 51 to tube a, and such tension may be varied in tube a, hence in the action chest, by cutting off the direct tension from channel 53 to exhaust means 9 through pipe 55, and shunting such exhaust through one or moreof the pneumatics 56, 57, 58 according to the tension of its spring. Such action will be caused by reason of the perforations g, ii, i of the music sheet passing over corresponding openings 7', 70, m, in the tracker 1, and in the example illustrated, such action is controlled according to the desired expression to be rendered, in accordance with the operation of the aforesaid stepping device through the admission of atmosphere into the opening j, 70, m. To cause closing of the port 52 and the passages 66, 67, as required, to cause operation of the corresponding pneumatics 58, 56 and 57, according to the degree of tension at any time desired in the action chest or in its sections, I provide diaphragms 75, 7 6, 77 adapted respectively to cooperate with the seats 72, 7 3, 7a, which diaphragms are shown secured upon board 5 1 over corresponding recesses 78, 79, 80 therein, whereby if atmosphere be admitted to either of said recesses the corresponding diaphragm will be drawn up against the opposing seat to shut off exhaust from port 52 or from passage 66 or 67 to channel 53, or from one or more of them, as maybe required. The stepping device controls the operation of diaphragms .7 5, 76 and 77 and may be described as follows: a body or block 81 of any suitable construction is provided with passages 82, 88, 8 1 that are re spectively connected to tubes 85, 86, 87 The inlet orifices or passages 82, 83, 8 1 are adapted to communicate with atmosphere and are controlled by a valve 88 mounted to slide on a seat 81 at the upper edge of body or block 81, to close or open said passages in succession in one direction or another as may be required. A spring 89 carried by said valve and bearing against a stop 90 serves to maintain said valve on its seat 81 Means are provided to move said valve back and forth according to the degree of tension desired in the action chest, and for such purpose I have illustrated pneumatically operating means controlled by atmosphere admitted through the perforations g, h, 11 of the music sheet to the openings ,4, 7a, m, of the tracker, as required. A pneumatic 91 is shown mounted on one side of body 81, the movable board 91 of said pneumatic being shown provided with a projection 92 adapted to act on valve 88 to move it in one direction, and apneumatic 93 is shown mounted on body 81, its movable board 93 being shown provided with aprojection 91 adapted to operate on valve 88 to move it reversely. The projections 92 and 94: are movably coupled together by a rod 88 to retain said projections against the corresponding ends of valve 88. Passages 95, 96 in body 81 respectively communicate with pneumatics 91, 93, whereby exhaust tension in said pneumatics will cause them to collapse to correspondingly slide the valve 88. Passages 95, 96 are normally in communication with atmosphere, through channels 97, 98, communicating with a channel 99, that is open to atmosphere (Fig. 2). At 100 is an exhaust chest in communication with the exhaust means 9 through a tube or pipe 101, said chest being shown provided between boards 102 and 108, suitably secured on body 81. Passages 10 1 communicate with chest 100. Valves 106 are adapted to coact with seats 105, at the ends of channels 97, 98 to control the exhaust or atmosphere there through. Such valves may be of any suitable construction, and in the example illustrated the valves 106 are of a well known character of perforated valves, carried by diaphragms 107 located over the passages 101 and adapted to coact wlth the seats 105 and with opposmg seats 108, whereby when a valve is against its seat 105 exhaust fronr tracker opening j and recess 110 is connected by tube 118 with tracker opening is, bleeds at 117 providing communication between the tubes 115 and 116 and chest 100.

hen an opening 9 or it in the music sheet passes over a tracker opening j or atmosphere passing through tube 115 or 116 will cause the operation or the corre sponding valve 106 to place the pneumatic 91 or 98 in communication with exhaust chamber 100, whereby such pneumatic will be collapsed to cause movement of valve 88 to the right or left (Fig. 2), as the case may be, for closing or opening the orifices of channels 82, 88, 81 in accordance with the then position of valves 88. It is intended that valve 88 will move step by step to cover or uncover the orifices of channels 82, 83, 81- to cause step by step variation of the degree of tension in the action chest, as from Mid to P or through P to PP, or from hill to FF, except when it is desired to instantly vary the tension to one extreme or another, such as to FF or to P1 in which latter instance the valve 88 will be moved to one of its extremes without intermediate steps. To cause a step by step operation 01' valve 88 I provide means to check the move ment thereof by either of the pneumatics 91 or 93, according to which of the channel orifices said valve is then to cover or uncover. For such purpose 1 have shown what 1 term a pawl'118 adapted to coact with recesses or notches 119, 120 in valve 88 (Fig. 2), said notches being in such position that when pawl 118 is in notch 120, valve 88 will close channel 82 only, and when pawl 118 is in notch 119, valve 88 will close channels 82 and 83, and when valve 88 has been moved to the extreme righthand position in Fig. 2, the three channels 82, 88, 81- will be closed by the valve. Means ar provided to operate pawl 118 coincident with the operation of either pneumatic 91 or 93, for which purpose 1 have shown a pneumatic 121, for convenience. mounted upon body 81, and shown communicating through a tube 122 with a channel 123 in said body, which channel communicates with channel 124 in said body that in turn has communication with channels 95 and 96. Suitable valves 125, 126 (F 2) control communi cation res ectivcly between channels 95 and 96 with channel 124, said valves being shown connected together by a stem 127 to cause them to maintain the relative positions shown in 2, whereby if exhaust is in channel 96 to collapse pneumatic 93, valve 126 will open communication between channels 96 and 124 (and valve 125 will close communication between channels 95 and 124) and thence from pneumatic 121 to cause collapse of the latter. If exhaust is in channel, 95 to collapse pneumatic 91 valve 125 will open communication between channels 95 and 124, (and valve 126 will close communication between channels 96 and 124) and thence from pneumatic 121 to cause collapse of the latter. When pneumatic 121 is thus collapsed, in conjunction with one of the pneumatics 91 or 93, pawl 118 will be drawn down upon the top of valve 88, so that when, say, notch 120 registers with the pawl by the then movement of valve 88 to the right (Fig. 2), the pawl will drop into the notch and step further movement of the valve. Such action is caused when a supplemental perforation of the note sheet regise ters with tracker opening j, whereupon channel 82 will be closed by the movement of valve 88 to the right (Fig. 2) caused by the then collapse of pneumatic 91. If it were intended to close channel 83 by movement of valve 88 to the right, another following spaced aperture 9 in the note sheet would next register with tracker opening to cause a second operation of pneumatic 1 1 with pneumatic 91, (it being understood, however, that as soon as the note sheet covered opening the pneumatic 91 would have been opened to atmosphere and pneumatic 121 as well, which latter would be expended by the operation of its spring 121 to withdraw pawl 118 from notch 120), and the simultaneous operation of pneumatic 121 and its pawl 118 (in the manner before described), whcreupon said pawl will be caused to enter notch 119 of the valve when the latter has covered channels 82 and 83. To prevent pawl 118 from again entering the same notch 119 or 120 before valve 88 has started to move from a set position, I provide means to retard the action of pneumatic 121 with respect to the action of pneumatic 91 or 93 to enable one of the latter to start movement of valve 88 to the right or left (Fig. 2) sufficiently in advance of the downward movement of pawl 118 to cause the notch 119 or 120 to be out of register with the pawl at the time it is operated toward the valve by pneumatic 121, and whereby the pawl will ride on the top of the valve until the next notch registers with the pawl, whereupon the pawl will enter such notch. For such purpose the flow from pneumatic 121 to channel 95 or 96 may be restricted or retarded either by the passage 123 being smaller than channel 95 or 96, (as illustrated in Fig. 3), or by a suitable length of connecting tube 122 between pneumatic 121 and channel 123, the relative arrangements being such, however, that pneumatic 121 will operate pawl 118 before neumatic 91 or 93 has moved slide 88 the stance of one complete step. hen the music sheet next covers tracker opening atmosphere will be admitted to pneumatics 91 and 121, whereupon the latter will again expand to raise pawl 111 from pawl 119. If it be intended next to close channel 84 a third consecutive aperture 9 of the note sheet will register with tracker opening 7' causing a similar operation of pneumatics 91 and 121, but the pawl 118 would then rest upon the top of valve 88, whereupon the valve would be moved to cover channel 84, and when opening j is next closed by the music sheet atmosphere will be admitted to pneumatics 91 and 121. The extreme movements in either direction of valve 88 are limited by stops 92 and 94 shown opposing the projections 92, 94 of pneumatics 91 and 93 (Fig. 2). If it be desired to move valve 88 to the left in Fig. 2, step by step, the aperture or apertures h in the music sheet would register with the tracker opening 7c, causing operation of pneumatics 93 and 121 to return valve 88 step by step to the left, the pawl 118, however, in such case first entering notch 119 and then entering notch 120, and then resting upon the topiof valve 88 during the final operation of pneumatic 93, whereupon the three channels 82, 83, 84 will be uncovered. It thus will be understood that for each perforation g or k in the music sheet that registers with an opening j or k of the tracker valve 88 will be moved to the right or left a step to cover or uncover, step by step, the channels 82, 83, 84. In case it is desired to move valve 88 from any position to its extreme position at the right or left, a perforation 2' of the music sheet will be caused to register with an opening m of the tracker, with which a tube 128 is in communication. Said tube is adapted to cause operation of a valve, as hereinafter described to, provide exhaust in a pneumatic 130 (Fig. 3) which is shown mounted upon body 81 by the arm 131, and whose movable board 130 is connected by the bar 132 with the movable board 121 of pneumatic 121.

.During the step by step operations of valve 88 pneumatic 130 is open to atmosphere, whereby pneumatic 121 then may operate, but when the music sheet perforation i registers with tracker opening in atmosphere is cut oil from tube 129 and exhaust tension is applied in said tube, by means hereinafter tube 129.

when atmosphere enters tube 128 through tracker opening 772, as stated, a perforation g or it 01 the music sheet will at the same time register with a tracker opening 3' or k, whereupon the pneumatic 91 or 93 will operate and will move valve 88 to its extreme right or left position without being stopped by pawl 118; The perforation i in the music sheet will be out slightly in advance of the companion perforation g or it to cause exhaust in pneumatic 130 before suction in pneumatic 121.

The stepping devices described are so arranged as to cause atmosphere to be admitted to the recesses 80, 79 and 78 respectively to cause operation of their corresponding diaphragms to close against the seats 74, 73, 72 respectively, and whereby when atmosphere is admitted to channels 82, 83, 84 exhaust will be applied in the recesses 80, 79, 78 to withdraw their corresponding diaphragms. For such purpose I provide the following arrangements; The tubes 85, 86, 87 respectively communicate with recesses 133, 134, 135, in a board 139 (Fig. 4) over each of which recesses a diaphragm 137 is located. Said diaphragms are in a chest 138 provided between board 136 and a board 139, which chest, through a tube 140, has communication with the ex haust means 9, as by connection with tube 101 (Figs. 1 and 4). The diaphragms 137 through their stems 141, normally operate perforated valves 142 to push them from corresponding seats 143 (Fig. The perforated valves 142 are carried by diaphragms 144 that are opposed to corresponding openings 145 around the seats 143, which valves and diaphragms operate in a space 146 that is between boards 139 and 147, and open to atmosphere. Opposing each of said valves the board 147 is provided with recesses 148, 149, 150. The recess 148 is-connected by tube 152 with recess 80; the recess 149 is connected by tube 153 with recess 79; the recess 150 is connected by tube 154 with recess 78; and a recess 151 is connected with tube 129, the recess 136 of board 139 that opposes the recess 151 being connected to tube 128. When air enters tube 128 from tracker opening on the corresponding diaphragm 137 will be drawn up to operate the corresponding valve 142, to connect exhaust chamber 138 through said valve with recess 151 and thence though Such exhaust will act to collapse pneumatic 130 to then prevent the operation of pneumatic 121, as before stated. With the arrangements described with respect to Fig. 4, if valve 88 is pushed entirely F or such pur to the left in Fig. 2, thereby leaving the orifices of channels 82, 83, 84 exposed to atmos phere, the diaphragms 137 of valves 142 corresponding to said channels will be operated to push said valves from their seats 143 to their seats around recess 148, 149,.and 150, thereby placing the tubes 152, 153 and 154 incommunication with exhaust in chamber 138, whereby allot the diaphragms 75, 76 and 77 will be drawn back opening the corresponding seats 7 2, 73 and 74 for communication with exhaust channel 53, thus allowing the full degree of exhaust that is maintained in the exhaust means 9 to act upon the player action. 11 it is now desired to reduce the degree of tension in the player action, a perforation g of the music sheet will register with tracker opening j, and atmosphere then entering tube 115 will cause diaphragm 111 to operate the correspond ing valve 106 to move to its seat 105, placing channel 97 in communication with ex haust chamber 100, whereupon exhaust tension in channel 95 will cause collapse of pneumatic 91 to move valve 88 to close channel 82 from atmosphere, and valve 125 will move to communicate exhaust tension through tube 122 to pneumatic 121 to draw down pawl 118, the latter then dropping into notch 120 to retain valve 88 in such position. Atmosphere is now shut off from channel 82, and from the corresponding recess 133, and by reason of bleed 155 (Fig. 4) that provides communication between recess 133 and exhaust chest'138, diaphragm 137 will allow valve 142 to move from its seat at recess 148 to its chest seat 143, allowing atmosphere to enter tube 152, thereby causing shut-off diaphragm 77 to be drawn against the port seat 74 to cut off direct passage of the high tension exhaust from channel 51, then allowing only such tension through the MF pneumatic 57 correspond ing to the tension of its spring (the tension of such spring in the example illustrated being intended to be higher than the tension of the springs for P and PP of the pneumatic 56 and 58 respectively). The tension of the MF pneumatic 57 then predominates, and the movableboards or" the pneumat- ics 56 and 58 will be heldcollapsed against their corresponding seats 69 and 71. Such MF tension through pneumatic 57 will then .be the same in the action chest. Such MF chest, such as a further lowering of such tension-as to 1 the succeeding perforation g in the music sheet will register with the said tracker opening to cause pneumatic 91 to move valve 88 anotherstep-to the right (Fig. 2) in manner before described, the pawl 118 next entering notch 119 of valve 88, whereupon said valve will close the channel 83. The valve 142 corresponding to tube 86 now will be operated in manner previously described with respect to valve 142 corresponding to channel 82, to place tube 153 in communication with atmosphere through channel 146, whereupon atmosphere entering tube 153 will cause diaphragm 76 to close against seat 73 to shut 01f communication of MF pneumatic 57 with exhaust channel 53, the diaphragm 77 still remaining set in its previous position by reason of the continued closing of channel 82 by valve 88. The FF and the MF tensions now both being shut off from channel 53, the result is that tension is drawn from the player action to that reduced degree which compares to the tension of spring 59 of the P pneumatic 56, such pneumatic now coming into action because the MF pneumatic 57 has been rendered inactive by being cut ofl from the exhaust chest 53. The tension in the action chest remains as last stated so long as valve 88 remains set closing channels 82 and 83 from atmosphere. The last step toward low degree tension in the action chest will be effected by reason of another succeeding aperture 9 in the music sheet registering with the said tracker opening j, whereby (after pawl 118 has been released from the valve 88) pneumatic 91 will be again operated to cause valve 88 to close channel 84, whereupon the valve 142 corresponding to tube 87 will be operated to cause atmosphere to enter tube 154, whereupon the diaphragm 75 will close 72 and shut 011? the P pneumatic 56 from exhaust channel 53 (the three dia-,

phragms 75, 76, 77 now being against their seats, whereby direct tension from the action chest will be shut off at 74 and also tension through the MF expression pneumatic 57 and P expression pneumatic 56 will be shut off) leaving only the PP pneumatic 58 for action, (which has the lowest spring tension), and the remaining passage 68 open to channel 51,-, which passage is never shut off to said channel, for if it were the mo- Inent elapsing between changes of tension would stop the playing action. The exhaust then will be drawn from the action chest only from channel 51 through pneumatic 58 to chest and in accordance with the tension of spring 61 of said pneumatic the lowest exhaust tension in the action chest will be efiected. To raise the tension one or more perforations h in the music sheet will register with the opening k of the tracker, causing operation. of pneumatic 93 by reason of air entering the opening 70 to cause of the corresponding valve 106, the position of valves 125, 126 will be reversed, valve 126 now being open to channel 96 and valve 125 closing at channel 95 to cause operation of pneumatic 121 with pneumatic 93. As channel 84 now will have been opened to atmosphere the air entering recess 135 from tube 87 will operate the corresponding valve 142 to close atmosphere from tube 154, and open said tube to exhaust in chest 138 through said valve, whereupon diaphragm will be drawn from seat 72 to open pneumatic 56 to channel 53, and when a succeeding perforation It in the music sheet registers with tracker opening k channel 83 will be open to atmosphere again causing operation of pneumatic 93, the corresponding valve 142, as last described, opening tube 153 to suction in chest 138, causing diaphragm 76 to be drawn from its seat 73, and opening the MF pneumatic 57 to channel 53; and when a next succeeding perforation h in the music sheet registers with tracker opening is, atmosphere will be admitted to channel 82, causing further operation of pneumatic 93, and air through tube 85 will cause operation of the corresponding valve 142, before described, opening tube 152 to suction in chest 138, causing diaphragm 77 to be drawn from seat 74, and opening direct communication for FF tension between channel 51 and channel 53, whereupon slide valve 88 will be in the position shown in Fig. 2.

In Fig. 5 I have illustrated modified means as a substitute for the tension regulating devices having the pneumatics 56, 57, 58, before described, and for such purpose I have illustrated a variable tension expression bellows or pneumatic 156, provided with means operated by the pneumatics 91 and 93 for causing variation in the degree of tension within the action chest maintained through said bellows from tube or pipe at. The pipe 55 that connects with the exhaust means 9 is provided within bellows 156 with a port seat 157 adapted to coact with a flap valve 158 within the bellows. Said seat is shown provided with a bleed 159. The flap valve is pivotally supported at 160 and is connected by toggle levers 161 and 162 with the movable board 156 of the bellows, said levers being shown pivoted together at 163. Lever 161 is shown pivotally connected with valve 158 and lover 162 shown pivotally connected with board 156, and lever 161 is shown pivotally con- Fig. 5, (the pneumatic 91 then being collapsed and the pneumatic 93 then being expanded), the lowest tension is maintained in bellows 156 and in the action chest, since the flap valve 158 has only a short distance to move before it covers the port or orilice of seat 157, against which the normal full expansion of helical spring 165 oaerates. When the movable board of pneumatic 93 is next caused to move by partial collapse of said pneumatic, and the movable board of pneumatic 91 starts to open or expand, being then pushed by valve 88 or rod 8%, the rod or wire 161 will be pushed into bellows 156 causing angular movement of toggle levers 161, 162, and the approximate previous distance between valve 158 and the seat 157 of the bellows is maintained under suction, hence said 7 board 156 has to move a greater distance against the increasing tension of the spring 165 before the valve will touch the port or orifice of seat 157, hence higher or increas ing tension is maintained in the bellows 156, thus causing increase of tension in the action chest, and so on in the same direction according to the movement of projection 92 of pneumatic 91 in accordance with the previously described stepby-step or complete operation to an extreme of valve 88, each such step or extreme movement causing increasing tension in the action ch st. correspondingly, when projection 92 is moved in the opposite direction by reason of the collapse of pneumatic 91, and the expansion of pneumatic 93, the operation of the toggle levers will be reversed, and decreasing tension in the action chest will be caused by the decreasing tension of spring 165 in manner reverse to that described regarding the operation during increase of tension in the action chest and bellows 156. When the pneumatic or bellows illustrated in Fig. 5 is utilized in conjunction with the stepping device, the channels 82, 83, 8 1- and the devices controlled thereby will be omitted, and the member 88 in such case will not act as a valve but as part of the means for insuring step by step control of pneumatics 91, 93 for step by step control of the valve of the bellows 156 for varying the tension in the action chest.

While I have illustrated and described means whereby four tensions in the action chest are provided for, it will be understood that more or less varying, tensions therein be effected through the first described tension regulating devices or through the modification thereof, as illustrated in Fig. 5.

The manner of operation of my improvements may be described as follows: the music sheet 7) having the usual note perforations f will be provided with additional perforations c, d, e, and g, h, 2', preferably respectively near opposite sides of the sheet, in accordance with the expression desired to be produced. in the rendering of the composition represented by the perforations f. in the example illustrated in Fig. 6, it will be understood that the four perforations 9 shown near tracker bar Z are so located in orcer to assure foursuccessive operations through the tracker orifice j, for stepping the stepping devices entirely to the right in Fig. 2, to assure a common starting position for expression changes which may be desired in the rendition of a piece. The perforations 7t cause increase of tension from the tension previously set by reason of the perforations 9, hence if an increase of tension is desired for the first note represented through the perforation n of the music sheet the perforation It would first pass over tracker opening 7's to cause increase of ten sion in the action chest, and thereafter perforations n will cause playing corresponding to such tension until a different tension is desired, whereupon if the tension is to be raised a succeeding perforation 7b of the music sheet will pass over tracker opening is, and then if the tension is to be lowered a further succeeding sheet opening 9 will register with tracker'opening j, and so on in accordance with variations desired. If at any time in the rendering of the composition it is desired to change the then set ten sion in the action chest to its high or its low extreme, one of the music sheet openings i would register with the tracker opening m to permit shift of valve member 88 to its extreme position, to the right or left in Fig. 2, according to whether it be desired to lower or raise the tension in the action chest to the extreme, in conjunction with one of the perforations g or ii. The perforations z' are located in operative relation to the perforations g or 76 so that when one of the last named perforations passes over a tracker opening y or is a perforation i will simultaneously pass'over the tracker opening m, but the perforation 2' is cut in the music sheet with its forward edge slightly in advance of the corresponding edge of the per forations g or it, so that tension may be exerted in pneumatic 180 before tension is exerted in pneumatic 121. In Fig. 6 the music sheet is shown provided with a perforation 9 adjacent to a perforation i with the intention of lowering the tension in the action chest to its low extreme. If it were intended to raise the tension in the action chest to its high extreme, one of the perforations i would be located adjacent. to a perforation h in the relation shown with respect to perforation g. The arrangement described pertains to a divided or nondivided action chest. If a composition has a melody note struck by itself without any accompanying notes being struck at the same time, the music sheet with only the perforations g, h, 2' will be sufficient for opera tion in conjunction with a non-divided action chest to accent the melody in the composition, but should the melody note strike at the same time with other accompanying notes it will be understood that a divided action chest will be provided in the musical instrument, whereby that section of the chest corresponding to such melody note will be allowed to have unrestricted communication with the tube a, and the tension of the other two sections will be restricted. The same idea applies with respect to the hammer rail sections where divided hammer rail devices are provided in the musical instrument, and the section of the hammer rail corresponding to such melody notes will be left unmoved and the other two sections will be moved to the strings to reduce the blows of the hammers. Such operations are effected by reason of the perforations c, d, e, of the music sheet, cooperating, as required, with the additional openings 47, 48, 49 of the tracker. Assuming, in the example illustrated in Fig. 6, that the melody note 0 and the accompaniment note q are to be struck at the same time and note 0 is to be accented, the perforations c and e of the music sheet will simultaneously cooperate with the tracker orifices 47 and 49, whereby, through the action chest selecting mechanism before described, the bass and treble pneumatics 1S and 20 will become operative by reason of their respective diaphragms 37 and 89 being pushed against the corresponding seats 34, 36, thereby causing reduction of tension in the chest sections 6 and 8, leaving the melody or.tenor section 7 unrestricted through tube a to the general tension controlling devices. In the example illustrated, by reason of the perforation h of the music sheet shown a little ahead transversely of the sheet of the melody note 0 the tension will correspond to MF, and such melody note will be struck with. MF loudness. If the melody should run into the treble section, and it is desired to leave the bass and tenor sections restricted, such treble note being indicated at 1', the bass and tenor sections of the action chest will be restricted by reason of perforations c and (Z of the music sheet registering with tracker openings 47 and 49, whereby in manner just described with regard to the.

tension selecting devices, the pneumatics 18 and '19 wi lbe caused to operate to restrict the tension in sections 6 and 7 of the action chest, leaving the section 8 thereof unrestricted. to the general tension controlling devices.

It will be understood that if the melody note or notes to be accented be present in the bass section, then the tenor and treble sections are restricted by reason of appropriate perforations d and e in the music sheet, and the perforations c, d and e Wlll be arranged singly or for joint operation with the corresponding tracker opening in accordance with the variations desired in the parts of the special piece to be rendered. Hence, it will be understood that in accordance with the expression desired in a musical composition, the perforations c, d, e and 7, h, i will be arranged with respect to the usual note perforations in transverse alinement in the music sheet. The openings 9, h, i in the music sheet need be relatively short, whereas the openings 0, d, 6 must have such operative length, either as a single perforation or as a series of continuous perforations in the sheet, as corresponds to the period of time during which a given section of the action chest is to be restricted in tension. The foregoing will be obvious when it is borne in mind that after an operation of the stepping devices they remain set until again operated, because they may be operated by a relatively short perforation g, h or z in the music sheet, whereas with respect to the perforations 0, d, e, the corresponding pneumatics 18, 19, 20 are only operative so long as a perforation c, d, or c registers with a tracker opening 47, 48 or 49, hence a relatively long perforation or series of shorter perforations 0, d, or e are required in the music sheet for the operation of the corresponding pneumatic 18, 19 or 20 for the desired period of restriction of tension in the corresponding section of the action chest for a required period of time.

Having now described my invention what I claim is 1. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve adapted to control said channels, pneumatics 105 to operate said valve in opposite directions, means separate from said pneumatics and operative coincidently with said pneumatics to retain the valve in an intermediate position as moved by one or the other of said 0 pneumatics, and means to release the retaining means from the valve.

2. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a

valve adapted to control said channels, pneumatics to operate said valve in opposite directions, means separate from said pneu-. matics and operative coincidently with said pneumatics to retain the valve in an intermediate position as moved by one or the other of said pneumatics, and means to prevent operation of said retaining means to permit the valve to be moved to either of its extremes by either of said pneumatics.

3. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve to control said channels, pneumatics to move said valve in opposite directions to the extreme limit of its movements without stopping, another pneumatic, and means controlled by said pneumatic to cause the valve to stop at positions intermediate said extremes in either direction.

4:. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve to control said channels, pneumatics to operate said valve in opposite directions, means to cause collapse 01'? said pneumatics separately, a retainer "for the valve, a pneumatic separate from the first named pneumatics for operating said retainer, and means to place said pneumatic in communication with exhaust tension.

5. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve to control said channels, pneumatics to operate said valve in opposite directions, means to cause collapse of said pneumatics separately, a retainer for the valve, a pneumatic separate from the first named pneumatics for operating said retainer, means to place said pneumatic in communication with exhaust tension, and means to prevent operation of said second named pneumatic.

6. A step by step controllercomprising a body having a plurality of channels, avalve to control said channels, pneumatics to operate said valve in opposite directions, means to cause collapse of said pneumatics sepa rately, a retainer for the valve, a pneumatic for operating said retainer, means to place said pneumatic in communication with exhaust tension, a fourth pneumatic connected with the third named pneumatic, and means to cause the fourth named pneumatic to prevent operation of the third named pneumatic.

7. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve to control said channels, pneumatics to operate said valve in opposite directions, valve mechanisms to control exhaust for the pneumatics, means to cause separate opera tion of the valve mechanisms for each of said pneumatics, a retainer for said first named valve comprising a pneumatic having a pawl to stop the movement of the valve, and means to place said pneumatic in communication with each of mechanisms.

8. A step by step controller comprising a body having plurality of channels, a valve to control said channels, pneumatics to opcrate said valve in opposite directions, valve mechanisms to control exhaust for the pneumatics, means to cause separate operation oi the valve mechanisms for each of said pneumatics, a retainer for said first named ated with the second pneumatic to prevent operation of the latter and pawl.

said valve 9. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve to control said channels, pneumatics to operate said valve, channels communicating with said pneumatics and having a passage therebetween, valves to alternately control said passage, valve mechanisms to control exhaust from said pneumatics through said channels respectively, a pneumatic in communication with said passage, and a pawl operated by said pneumatic to stop the movement of the valve by either of the first named pneumatics.

10. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve to control. said channels, pneumatics to operate'said valve, channels communicating with said pneumatics and having a passage therebetween, valves to alternately control said passage, valve mechanisms to con trol exhaust from said pneumatics through said channels respectively, a' pneumatic in communication with said passage, and a pawl operated by said pneumatic, said first named valve having spaced notches engaged by said pawl to step movement or" the valve by either of the first named pneumatics.

11. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve to control said channels, pneumatics to operate said valve, channels communicat ing with said pneumatics and having a passagetherebetween, valves to alternately control said passage, valve mechanisms to control exhaust from said pneumatics through said channels respectively, a pneumatic in communication with said passage, a pawl operated by said pneumatic, said first named valve having spaced notches engaged by said pawl to stop movement of the valve by either of the first named pneumatics, a third pneumatic operatively connected with said pawl to prevent its movement by the second pneumatic, and means to cause e2:- haust tension in the third pneumatic.

12. step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve adapted to control said channelrnpi "Fv' matics to operate said valve in opposite di rections, a seconc pneumatic, separate from the first named pneumatics a pawl. operative thereby to coact with the valve to stop the same at intermediate positions of travel, and means to place the second pnea matic in communication with either of the first named pneumatics to operate therewith to cause operation of pawl to set the valve, in combination with a tracker having usual note orifices and provided .ith openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations therein, separate valve mechanisms to control each of said pneumatics, said valve mechanisms being respectively connected with corresponding additional tracker openings for causing operation of the corresponding pneumatic,

13. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve adapted to control said channels, pneumatics to operate said valve in opposite directions, a second pneumatic separate from the first named pneumatics, a pawl operative thereby to coact with the valve to stop the same at intermediate positions of its travel, means to place the second named pneumatic in communication with either of the first named pneumatics to operate therewith to cause operation of the pawl to set the valve, in combination with a tracker having usual note orifices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations therein, separate valve mechanisms to control each of said pneumatics, said valve mechanisms being respectively connected with corresponding additional tracker openings for causing operation of the corresponding pneumatic, a third pneumatic operatively associated with the second pneumatic, tension producing means, valve mechanism controlled by tension in such tension producing means and in turn operatively associated with said third pneumatic, said valve mecha nism being also in communication with one of said additional tracker openings for oporation of said valve mechanism through cooperation of said additional tracker opening with perforations in the traveling music sheet for causing exhaust tension in the third pneumatic to prevent operation of the second pneumatic.

14:. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve adapted to control said channels, pneumatics to operate said valve in opposite directions, a pneumatic separate from the first named pneumatics, means operative by the separate pneumatic to retain the valve in an intermediate position as moved by either of said first named pneumatics, in combination with a tracker having usual note orifices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations thereof, valve mechanisms respectively connected with said channels, tension producing means operatively associated with said valve mech anisms, an action chest, tension controlling means between the action chest and the tension producing means, and means operatively connecting said tension controlling means with said valve mechanisms to control the degree of tension in the action chest according to the relation of the first named valve to said channels.

15. A step by step controller comprising a body having a plurality of channels, a valve adapted to control said channels, pneumatics to operate said valve in opposite directions, means operative coincidently with said pneumatics to retain the valve in an intermediate position as moved by either of said pneumatics, in combination with a tracker having the usual note orifices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations thereof, valve mechanisms respectively connected with said channels, tension producing means, a divided action chest, tension controlling means associated with the tension producing means, means to select the sections of the action chest as required located between the action chest and the tension producing means, means operatively connecting said tension controlling means with said valve mechanisms, to control the degree of tension in the action chest according to the relation of said valve mechanisms to said channels, said tracker having other additional openings for cooperation with other additional perforations in the music sheet, said last named tracker openings being operatively connected with said means for selecting sections of the action chest.

16. A step by step controller comprising a body havin a plurality of channels, a valve adapted to control said channels, pneumatics to operate said valve in opposite directions, means operative coincidently with said pneumatics to retain the valve in an intermediate position as 'moved by either of said pneumatics, in combination with a tracker having usual note orifices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations thereof, valve mechanisms respectively connected with said channels, tension producing means operatively associated with said valve mechanisms, an action chest, tension controlling means between the action chest and the tension producing means, and means operatively connecting said tension controlling means with said va ve mechanisms to control the degree of tension in the action chest according to the relation of the first named valve to said channels, a pneumatic opera-- tively associated with said retaining means and with one of said valve mechanisms, and means providing communication between said valve mechanism and an additional tracker opening for cooperation with an additional music sheet perforation to allow operation of the first named valve when such perforation registers with the lastnamed tracker opening.

17. The combination of an action chest, with a tracker having usual note orifices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note )Ql'lOI'ittlOllS therein, tension producing means, tension controlling means b tween the action chest and the tension producing means comprising a plurality of pneumatics connected with the tension producing means and with the action chest, means to cut oil? direct communication from such tension producing means to the action chest, and to cut off communication of certain of said pneumatics with said tension producing means, and devices operative step by step for controlling the operation of the said direct tension cut-oil means and the operation or said pneumatics, said step by step devices being operatively associated with. said additional tracker openings for step by step operation in accordance with said additional perforations in the music sheet.

18. The combination of an action chest, with a tracker having usual note orifices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations therein, tension producing means, tension controlling means between the action chest and the tension pro ducing means comprising a plurality of pneumatics connected with the tension pro ducing means and with the action chest, means to cut off direct communication from such tension producing means to the action chest and to cutoff communication of certain off said pneumatics with said tension producing means, and devices operative step by step for controlling the operation of the said direct tension cut-oil means and the operation of said pneumatics, said step by step devices being operatively associated with said additional tracker openings for step by step operation in accordance with said additional perforations in the music sheet, and means to cause said step by step devices to operate to extreme positions "from any position.

19. The combination of an action chest, with a tracker having usual note orifices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations therein, tension producing means, tension controlling means between the action chest and the tension producing means, comprising a body having a channel communicating with the tension producing means and having a channel communicating with the actionchest, said channel having a port communicating with the first named channel, pneumatically operating means to control said port, a plurality of pneumatics in communication with said channels, pneumatically operating means to control the communication between one of said pneumatics and the first named channel, and devices operatively associated with said pneumatically operating means and with said additional tracker openings controlled by said additional perforations in the music sheet cooperating with said addi tional tracker openings for changing the degree of communication between said channels with respect to said pneumatics.

20. The combination of an action chest, with a tracker having usual note orifices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations therein, tension producing means, tension controlling means between the action chest and the tension producing means, comprising a body having a channel communicating with the tension producing.

means and having a channel communicating with the action chest, said channel having a port communicating with the first named channel, pneumatically operating means to control said port, a plurality of pneumatics in communication with said channels, pneumatically operating means to control the communication between one of said pneumatics and the first named channel, and de vices operative step by step for controlling the operation of said pneumatically operat ing means for changing the degree of communication between said channels with respect to said pneumatics, said step by step devices being operatively associated with said additional tracker openings for step by step operation in accordance with said additional perforations in the music sheet.

21. The combination of a divided action chest, with a tracker havingusual note oriices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations therein, tension producing means, tension controlling means between the action chest and the tension producing means, comprising a body having a channel communicating with the tension producing means and having a channel communicating with the action chest, said channel having a port communicating with the first named channel, pneumatically operating means to control said port, a plurality of pneumatics in communication with said channels, pneumatically operating means to control the communication between one of said pneumatics and the first named channel, devices operatively associated with said pneumatically operating means and with said additional tracker openings controlled by said additional perforationsin the music sheet cooperating with said additional tracker openings for changing the degree of communication between said channels with respect to said pneumatics, means to select the sections of the action chest as required and in communication with said sections and with. said second named channel, said tracker having other additional openings for cooperation with other additional perforations in the music sheet, said last named tracker openings being operatively connected with said means for selecting sections of the action chest.

22. The combination of an action chest, with a tracker having usual note orifices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations therein, tension producing means, tension controlling means between the action chest and the tension producing means, comprising a body having a channel communicating with the tension producing means and having a channel communicating with the action chest, said channel having a port communicating with the first named channel, pneumatically operating means to control said port, a plurality of pneumatics in direct communication with the second named channel and havin ported seats in communication with the ofiher channel, one of said ported seats communicating with. the second named channel, pneumatically operating means to control said ported seats, and devices controlled through said additional tracker openings in accordance with the additional perforations in the music sheet for controlling the operation of said pneumatically operating means.

23. The combination of an action chest, with a tracker having usual note orifices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations therein, tension producing means, tension controlling means between the action chest and the tension producing means, comprising a body having a channel communicating with the tension producing means and having a channel communicating with the action chest, said channel having a port communicating with the first named channel, pneumatically operating means to control said port, a plurality of pneumatics in direct communication with the second named channel and having ported seats in communication with the other channel, one of said ported seats communicating with the second named channel, pneumatically operating means to control said ported seats, and devices operative step by step for controlling the operation of said pneumatically operating means step by step, said step by step devices being operatively associated with said tracker openings for step by step operation in accordance with said additional perforations in the music sheet.

24. The combination of a divided action chest, with a tracker having usual note or fices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations therein, tension producing means, tension controlling means between the action chest and the tension praducing means, comprising a body having a channel communicating with the tension producing means and having a channel conimunicating with the action chest, said channel having a port communicating with the first named channel, pneumatically operating means to control said port, a plurality of pneumatics in direct communication with the second named channel and having ported seats in communication with the other channel, one of said ported seats communicating with the second named channel, pneumatically operating means to control said ported seats, and devices controlled through said additional tracker openings in accordance with the additional perforations in the music sheet for controlling the operation of said pneumatically operating means, means to select the sections of the action chest as required and in communication with said sections and with said second named channel, said tracker having other additional openings for cooperation with other additional perforations in the music sheet, said last named tracker openings being operatively connected with said means for selecting sections of the action chest.

25. The combination of a divided action chest, with a tracker having usual note orifices and provided with openings additional thereto for cooperation with perforations in a traveling music sheet additional to the usual note perforations therein, tension producing means, tension controlling means between the action chest and the tension producing means, comprising a body having a channel communicating with the tension producing means and having a channel communicating with the action chest, said channel having a port communicating with the first named channel, pneumatically operating means to control said port, a plurality of pneumatics in direct communication with the second named channel and having ported seats in communication with the other channel, one of said ported seats communicating with the second named channel, pneumatically operating means to control said ported seats, and devices operative step by step for controlling the operation of said pneumatically operating means step by step, said step by step devices being operatively associated with said tracker openings for step by step operation in accordance with said additional perforations in the music sheet, means to select the sections of the action chest as required and in communication with are, 1356,

said sections and with said second named Signed at New York city, in the county of channel, said tracker hevlng other addl- New York and State of New York, this 24th 131011211 openlngs i'or cocperatlon with other day of January, A. D. 1917.

additionei perforations in the music sheet, LOUIS H. MAIER. sald last named tracker openings belng op- Whtnesses: eratlvely connected with said means for se- T. F. BOURNE,

lecting sections of the action chest. MARIE F. WAINRIGHT.

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