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US1713124A - Jest available copy - Google Patents

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US1713124A
US1713124A US1713124DA US1713124A US 1713124 A US1713124 A US 1713124A US 1713124D A US1713124D A US 1713124DA US 1713124 A US1713124 A US 1713124A
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chamber
valve
suction
pneumatic
arm
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G10MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10CPIANOS, HARPSICHORDS, SPINETS OR SIMILAR STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ONE OR MORE KEYBOARDS
    • G10C3/00Details or accessories
    • G10C3/02Cases
    • GPHYSICS
    • G10MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10FAUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
    • G10F1/00Automatic musical instruments
    • G10F1/02Pianofortes with keyboard

Definitions

  • This invention relates to inusical instruments and particularly to automatic pianofortsf v
  • the invention has particular reference to improvements in means'for contmllin'g and modulating the" Iiiusie'produc'ed automatic 'p'iailos to imparting to the music produced" by "s'u'ch inst-iuments' new and agreeable effects as wll' aslto improving the quality oftonefp'rodluced' by particular instrument.”
  • l i One of the features of the invention is the provision of 'an'impiove'd modulating mechanism 'for'vari'a-bl controlling the intensitytf thepercuss1ve”action"of the instrument' and simultaneously modu ating the sound "ei'i'1it ted 'froi'nthe insti unleiit.
  • a'plil'ralitiy of soundl'eflecting devices are provided in the casing "of" the instrument whereby the sound may be directedas desired and thusthe' 'int e'nsity of sound heard by a"parti'c'ular listener may be effectively modulat'edand controlled. and these device: are" ⁇ i ip eratively interconnected with the pneumatic's' oi? the instrument.
  • Another feature relates to improved means for coupling the several groups of reflecting devices together so that they may be controlled in synchronism.
  • Figure 1 is a bottom plan view of so much of an automatic player piano as is necessary to an understanding of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the variable mechanism of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a front elevation partly in section of the piano shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a section taken on the line -l4 of Figure 3; t
  • Figure 5 is a detailed view of a portion of the operating mechanism
  • Figures 9an'd 9*,Wvhich will be understood are to be read with the bottom edge o'f- Figure 9? adjoining the top edge of Fisure'9 form collectively a schematielayoiit of'an automatic playing :mechan'i'sin ofanother'well known forniof' aiitomatic' player piano embodying features of the invention;
  • Figure 10 is a View partly in'section at the primary valve box, the accordion pneumatic-and-thc expression box of Figure 9., the section of the expression t'box-"being taken on the li1ie1010v of Figure 11; and
  • Figure 'll is a cross section of the expression box taken on the Eline 11-11 of Figu re ltl" I i 1
  • Figures 1 to 5 there is shown so much of an automatic player instrument of the. grand piano type as is necessary to an understanding of the invention.
  • the instrument includes a suction pump 11, driven by nieans of a belt 12 from an electric motor 13.'
  • the motor 13 is connected by a flexible cable to a source of power such as a pair of power mains 14.
  • the pump 11 is connected by means of a pipe 15 to two modulating mechanisms 16 and 17, of well known construction.
  • the outlet side of the modulating mechanism 16 is connected. by a pipe 20 to the bass end of the player mechanism QOthe playing mechanisms being divided into two separate groups at approximately the middle of the keyboard.
  • the modulating mechanism 17 is connected by a pipe 21 to the treble end of the player mechanism, 21.
  • a branch pipe 22 Leading from the pipe 20 is a branch pipe 22 which communicates with the interior of a pneumatic 23. Secured to the other side of the pneuinatic 23 is a rod 21 which is pivoted at 25 to an arm 26 which is pivotally secured at 27 to the framework of the piano] Secured to the rod 24 is a spring 28 the end. of which is herein;
  • bracket 31 mounted on the end 30, which is heldby to the framework of an adjusting screw , a bracket 31 is provided a knurled .headjfiZ ,so
  • 38-a'nd has one that it maybracket 31.
  • valve 37 .- is:-provided with an opening 43 which is always .'n co mmunication with the inlet port 40. It: is also provided withtwo two openings; '46 and longiitudinalygro'oves '44 and 45.
  • T ie secondary valve 42' is provided with 47 which continually register withitwo ports 50 and 51 respectively.
  • the bellows consist oftwo stationary bases '56 and- 57'which are rigidly secured to the .frameworlc of;the piano. anda movable memzber 58 )Which is common: and twhiclrm'ziy be moved :to the twobellows inf either: one. 'direction or the other depending. upon "which bellows is deflated.
  • the outer endof the member 58 is pivoted to a link 60 'which'in turn ispivoted to the end-of an. arm .61.
  • the arm 61 is rigidly secured to one end of a' shafted-which 1n the framework of vented from movin means of a collar (36.
  • a rod 70 Pivotedto the rod are a-plurality of arms 71 which are rigidly equal number of reflectors 72.
  • Each reflector is conof sound insulating material for eli'ectiveiy.suppressing sound.
  • an inner face-of sou nd reflecting material 74 such as sheet aluminum or other sheet metal.
  • a second mechanism similar to that just described, is provided at the treble end of the piano.
  • the controlling pneumatic of this mechanism is con the pipe 21.
  • the res nected by apipe 75 to t ofthe mechanism is secured. of'the piano.-
  • Pivot-ed to the end of the arm 58 is a. second link 77, the other end of which is connected to one arm of a bellcrank 78 which is pivoted for rotation on a pin 79, which is secured to the frame of the piano.
  • a link 81 To the end of the other arm of the -bellcrank 78 is pivoted a link 81, the other end of which is connected to a rod 82.
  • Pivoted to'the rod 82 are a plurality of arms 83 which are rigidly secured to an equal numwhich is mounted inside the casing of the piano 10.
  • the reflectors 72 together with the frame 73 close the upper part of the piano forming resonating chamber.
  • 87 above the sounding board 87, which contains the strings and the reflectors 84 with the frame 85 close the lower part of the piano forming a second resonating chamber 88, below the sounding board 87.
  • the interior of the chambers 87 and 88 are'linc-d with sound reflecting matcrial89, such. as sheet aluminum.
  • a tracker bar 90 is provided which is mounted in a recess located above the keyboard of the piano. Adjacent to the tracker bar 90 are two spools 91 and 92, upon which is wound a strip 93 of perforated paper, the perforations of which are so located that they cause the proper notes to be sounded as the paper passes in front of the tracker bar 90.
  • the spools 91 and 92 are actuated by motor mechanism of well known construction to causethe paper strip 93 to be moved across the tracker bar at any desired rate of speed. This speed is controlled by means of a speed control handle 93 located in front of the keyboard.
  • the tracker bar 90 is prm'ided with two additional groups of three holes each 94: and 95 respectively.
  • the group of holes 9& are connected by three pipes 96 to the modulating mechanism 16. and the group of holes are connected by three pipes 97 to the modulating mechanism 17.
  • These modulating mechanisms are controlled in a well known manner so that when any one or any combination of the. three holes is open to the atmosphere, they will cause the modulating means to vary the suction in the p11 e 20 or 21 which controls the strength with which the notes will be struck.
  • the remaining holes in the tracker bar 90 are connected by tubes 100 to primaries 101 which consist of pouches 102 covered by pieces of flexible leather 103. Resting upon the upper surfaces of these leathers are .i g u e i i t slli provided with arms 114tothe ends dfwhich fifention sl 1 which is controlled I adjustment of the-handle 93', the paper valves-10 t which are normally held in the position shown by the suction in the chammunication with the pipe 2 A bleed hole 108 is provided between the duct 106' and the pouch
  • the valves ;104 are located infchamberslw 'which are normally in corn- 1n'unication..with the atmosphercby means of dac'ts llland also communicate means of ductsfim'fwith th "interior ofthe strik- .h s ipeei w. are
  • Thesucti'on 'in'pipe'20 is communicated by means of pipe22 to the pneumatic 23 causing' th s to be'collapsed, an amount tionalto the differential between the in the ropersuct on pipe and the tension of tli'efspriug 28.
  • the rod 24 moves the primary valve- 37 to a corresponding position by means of the arm 26.
  • the arm 61 being rigidly secured to the shaft 65, causes this to be rotated, which in turn causes the rotation of the arm 67, (see Fig. 5), in a coouter-clockwise direction.
  • This arm being connected by link 68 to the rod 70 causes this to be moved to the left as seen in Figure 5, thus rotating the reflectors 72 in a counter-clockwise direction which will increase the opening between these shutters.
  • the angular displacement of the reflectors from the closed position will, therefore, be proportional to the 'suction in the pneumatic 23, which in turn is proportional to the strength with which the notes will be struck.
  • t s t n are beinsisttu k by .r matics 113. it u
  • the refiectors84 areeontrolled by the arm 58.so that: asjthis arm moves'. dwnwardly, as
  • e link 81 and the rod reflecttn is sa ml'asimim maimer to that just described in conjieetion the reflectors the .foi'n'i invention shown F ur sBi o @SJfli I ys i S wn as applied to. one commercial-dorm of automatic piano player.
  • atrackerbar 150 over which the standard player piano paper isn rovedby any well known means, two expression mechanisms 151 and 152 tor regulating b nd eb e Plew p q at and 154; respectively, two1 crescendo ,pneumatics 1 and 156 which the action of the expression I echanrs ns i s ill appear hereinafter,- a.',' lou'd -;p'edal pneui'natic 157,.a. soft pedal pneumatre158, suction pump.
  • l 160 T for producing the, suction necessary to operate the'player, a'jco'ntrol mechanism1 61 for causing the [piano to be played either; so ft,- medium or brilliant, a reroll mechanism 162 which when operated shuts off the supply of suction to the player pneumatics 153 and 154.
  • two shutter control systems 163 and 164 which operate two sets of refiectois 165 and 166 which are located above the bass and treble divisions of the strings respectively.
  • the tracker bar 150 is provided with a plurality of holes which are divided into three groups 170, 171 and 172.
  • the group holes which control the expression mechanisms for the bass end and the loud pedal.
  • the group 171 consists of eight holes which control the expression mechanism at the treble end, the soft pedal and the reroll mechanism.
  • the group 172 consists of eighty-three holes which control the playing of the notes of the piano.
  • the group 170 comprises seven holes 173 to 179 which communicate with tubes 183 to 189 respectively.
  • the three tubes 184, 186 and 188 are connected to three chambers 191; 192 and 193 in the expression mechanism 151 (see Figure 7). Each of these chambers is covered by a flexible leather pouch 194 upon which rests the atmosphere.
  • valve 195 which consists of .upper and lower members interconnected lby a rod. These valvesare located in chambers such as 196 and are connectedby passages 197 to a duct 198.
  • the chambers196 aref connected 'by 'circiilar passages which the stems of the valves 195112135 to These'; passages are nor- 'mally closed 'to the atmosph'ereby the upper' members ofthe V which pommuni ate with the I ducts T 202 communicate vide'd with i'valves' 1.2%; m nt 1 P011 hambers 210 which fil i ifi lnicatefwith' a duct 211. Between the'ch'ambers 191 and From these ducts t o the all bleed holes j213.
  • ducts 212 are ducts 212.
  • chambers 196 are sm
  • the duct 198 commun cates with a a cham- 217 through which the stem of'the valves
  • the duct 211 is in'coinmunica-
  • the valve 216 the tube"189.
  • the tube'189 is connected to the duct 198 by" 1iieans small bleed hole
  • valve 231 which operates in a. chamber 232 which communicates with a large supply tube 233.
  • the valve 231 is carried by a rod 234, the upper end of which is secured to a yoke 235 which is pivoted at 236 and is secured to the tops of the pneumatics 203, 204 and 205.
  • the opening 230 is covered by a valve 24-2 secured to a rod 243 the lower end of which is adjustably secured to one side of a pneumatic 244.
  • a spring 243 Surrounding the rod 243 between the arm of thepneumat' 244 and the expression mechanism'151 is a spring 243.
  • the interior 'of the pneumatic 244 communicates by means of a duct 245 with a chamber 246 which is provided with an atmospheric port 247.
  • the chamber 246 is mounted a valve250 having a stem 251 which passes through an opening leading from a chamber 246 to a chamber 252.
  • the low r end of the stem 251 rests upon a. pouch 253 200 through valves 195.
  • sages 200 are connected by ducts1201 secj n i y t$.-.2 2 three -.pneu'inatics 203,7204and 205, The lower ends" 'ot I with chambers such 267 which are prowhich covers a chamber 254 which is in communication with a tube 255.
  • the chamber 252 communicates by means of a duct 256 with a chamber 257 which isin communication with a pipe 258.
  • a small bleed hole 259 is provided which connects the chamber 254 with the duct 256.
  • the crescendo pneumatic (see Fig. consists of a .bellows 260, mounted; a base .261.- The-bellows 260 carries of a spring 263the-other end of which is ecured to a second arm 264 mounted on the base 261. Pivotally mounted on the base 1 261 is an arm 265 which oscillates about the edge. 266 as a fulcrum. The arm 262is provide d, with 2. lug 265'.normall v in contact with the arm 2.65.; A spring 266' is secured to the base 261 for retracting the arm 2 Normally the arm 265 covers two ports 26? and 268 which communicate respectively with two ducts 270 and 271.
  • the duct 270 communicates at onecnd .wi th the tracker bar tube 187 and at the other end with a chamber 272.
  • the duct 2'51 comn'iunicatesat one end with the tracker bar tube 183 and at the other end with a chamber 273.
  • the chambers 272 and .2' ?3 are connected by "a small bleed hole 274 whichcommunicates with a chamber 275.
  • This chaf'nber separated from the chambersQT-2 and' 2i'3 by two pouches 276 and-2T7. Resting upon these pouches ,are two .valves ,280 and @281 which are located inchamhers .282 and respectively.
  • the chambers 282 and 283 communicate with 't-ll chamber 276 whymeans of circular ports .and comni' nicate with the atmosphere by means of ports 281 and 285 espectiy'ely.
  • the chamber 282 is in communication, .by way of a duct 286, with a chamber 287. Covering this chamber is a pouch 288 .to whichis secured a valve 280 which operates in a chamber 291. This chamber communicates with the chamber 283 by means of a duct 292.
  • a small duct 293 leads from'the duct 202 to the interior of the bellows 260. ading from the top of the chamber 291 is a pipe 29$ which communicates with the interior of the belh-nvs 260. The p'pe 241 from the pneumatic 240 also communicates with the interior of the hollow 260.
  • the loud pedal mechanism 1377 consists of a pneumatic 300, to the upper side of which connected a rod 301, which when the pneumatic is deflated, causes the loud pedal to be operated.
  • the interior of the pneumatic 300 communicates by means of a duct 302 with a chamber 303 in which is mounted a valve 304.
  • the chamber 303 is provided with an atmosp ieric vent 305 and with a port 306, which communicates with a chamber 307, the
  • a chamher 311 which is i i-communication with the tube 185.
  • a small bleed hole 312 is rovided which connectsthe chamber 311 with the pipe 310.
  • he expression mechanism 152, the crescendo pneumatic 156 and the soft pedal pneumatic 158 are similar iii construction to the expression mechanism 151, the crescendo 155 and the loud e'zlal pneumatic 157 respectively audit is tlibught that the description given for one will sufiice for all.
  • the primary meclianism, 153 and 1:34am similar to those disclosed in Fi ure 1, and described 'in connectiontherewith ,ie pump unit 160 is driven by an. electrical motor 315 operated by a convenient source of electrical power and belted lo a pulley316 mount-colon a suction pump 317.
  • the pump317 which consists of fourpneumatics 3 18 operated successively from the shaft of the pulley 316.
  • any of the pneumatics 318 are. opened air is drawn from a chamber 320 through check waives 321 into the interiorjof the pneumatics 318 and when these are collapsed, air is forced through-check valves 322 into the interior of the pump 317 from which it escapes through, holes in the casing 323.
  • a reservoir which communicates with the passage 320 by ineansof a art 325. Inside the reservoir 32 1 is inounte a spring 326 which tends to hold the reservoir open.
  • On "one side of the pinnp is mounted a pneumatic 330 the interior of which communicates witha tube 331.
  • this pneumatic carries an arm 332 the end ot'which is connected by a spring, 333 to the frai'ne of the pump 3.17.
  • a -valve 334 is provided in the passage 320 which normally covers a port 335.
  • the valve 33 1 is opeial'ively connected to the arm 332 by means of a spring 336.
  • he duct 320 is ing's 3 10 and 341 in communication with a chamber 342 which is provided with an opening 343, communicating at the left with the pipe 233 from the expression mechanism 151 and at the right corresponding with the pipe 233" from the expression mechanism 152.
  • a pouch is located under the opening 343 and covers a chamber 347 which is connected to a tube 348.
  • a small bleed .hole 349 connects the chamber 347 with the chamber 342.
  • the tube 331 communicates with a chamber 350 located in a valve block 351 which forms part of the control mechanism 161.
  • the chamber 350 is provided with an at mosoheric port 352 and an internal port 353 which communicates with a second champrovided with two openor medium position.
  • This second chamber communicates with two check valves-355 and 356 which in turn communicate with-tubes 357 and 358.
  • the tube 357 is connected to'the pipe258 of i the expression mechanism 151, and the tube 358 is' connected toacorresponding'pipe of the secoritl expression" mechanis'm 152.
  • a valvc'360 the stem of which rests upon a pouch which covers a chamber 362 which is in communicatioii with a tube 363.
  • T he tube 363 leads to athree-position control valve 364, which is shown in its central
  • the valve 364 is 'providcd with an atmospheric port 365 which at suitable times communicates with the tube 363'. By rotating this valve in a clockwise direction the port 365*vvill communicate with the tube 255.
  • the tube 255 is connected to a corresponding tube 255"o'f -the modifying means152.”
  • the tube 348 communicates with a' pas sage 370 in the reroll valve mechanism 162.
  • the passage 370 communicates with the chambers 371 and 372, and is provided with a valve 373 which rests upon a pouch 374 covering a ch amber375.
  • the chamber 371 is provided with an atmospheric port 376,
  • the chamber 372 is connected by a pipe 377 to the pipe 233 of the second expression mechanism 152.
  • Asinall bleed hole 378 eonnects the chamber 375 withthe chamber 372.
  • the chamber 375 communicates with a .tube
  • the reflector control system 163 consists of a pneumatic 390 which is connected by a pipe 391 to the pipe 258 This pneumatic is similar to that shown in Figure 1. at Z3 and the" rest of the control mechanism. including the reflectors, is the same as that (lcscribed in connection with Figures 1 to 5.
  • the tube 225 is connected to the bottom of a valve casing 393 in which slides a plunger 394 provided with a longitudinal hole 395.
  • a spring 396 is provided under the plunger 394 to hold it in its uppermost position.
  • An atmospheric port 397 passes through the wall of the valve casing 393 and is'normally covered by the plunger 394, the upper end of which is tapered, so that when it is depressed it will gradually uncover the port 397.
  • a similar control valve 398 is provided which is connected to the pipe 225' of the expression mechanism 152.
  • 'a hole in the paper uncovers the corresponding hole of the group 171 air is admitted to-the soft pedal primary 158, thus causing its pneumaticto be collapsed and-operating the soft-pedal action.
  • the suction produced by thepunip 160 is maintained constant bym'eans of the valve 334 which normally covers-the port 335, if the suction in the pump should increase beyond a predetermined amount which is dependent on' the tension of the-spring 336, the valve 334 will automatically be pulled open .by the pressure of the atmospheric air, thus allowing air to enter the chamber 320 and reducing the suction in this to the predetermined value.
  • the control lever 364 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction to the'positi'on-marked brilliant.
  • the port 365j registers with the opening of the tube 363, thus allowing air to enter the chamber 362 and inflating the pouch 361, thus raising the valve 360 which closes the port 352 and connects thetube 331 with the suction chamber 354, thus causing the air to be withdrawn from the tube 331 and collapsing the pneumatic 330 which rotates the arm 332 in a clockwise direction thus increasing the tension on the spring 336.
  • the suction in the chamber 354 is dependent on the suction in the tubes 357 and 358 and will be the same as the greater of these.
  • the amount of suction in the pipes 357 and 358 is determined by the modulating means 151 and 152 and will be explained more may hereafter.
  • the check valves 355 and 356 are provided so as to prevent the suction from passing from one tube to the other.
  • mechale suction from the pun-i1) pasees through the pipe 233 to the chamber- 232 thence through" the opening 228 into the ch'a'inber227 from which it passes tl'n'o'ugh the penin the chamber 257-, 'fro'm which it thr'ougli the' pipe 258 th the b'a'ss pneumatics 153.
  • the position of the-"valve 231 is determined by the suction in the pneumatic 240 pushin iip'wardly on-tlie rod 234 and theconibihefjsuction in the pneurniitics 203, 204 and 205, any one or any combination of whic'h'm'ay be on, as will be presently described, pushing downwa'r'dlyloh the rod 234.
  • the suction in the'c'hamber 227 is less: than that required to hold the valve 231 on its seat, this valve will be lifted by the suction in the chamber 232tliiis increasing the suction in the. chamber 227'. This increased suction "will pass through the duct 226, chamber 222, duct 198, pipes 197, chambers '196, ducts 201 secondary ducts 202,
  • the pneumatics 203, 204 and 205 are controlled by the valves 195 which are operated by the pouches 194.
  • the valves 195 which are operated by the pouches 194.
  • either the pneumatic 20! or 205 may be inflated by holesin the paper coining opposite holes 176 and 178 respectively in the tracker bar 150.
  • a hole in the paper co'tnes'bpposite the hole 179 in the tra'clce'r bar'l5'0 and allows air to pas; through tube 189 to chamber 220, thus inflating the pouch 218 and liftin the valv 216 whibi allows air duct 211 and thcnce into the This in tiates the three pouches 209 and lifts the three'valves'20S, closing the opening to the secondary duct 202.
  • the bleeds 213 then suck the at: from the chambers 191, thus causing thepnuehe's 194 to be deflated and the valves 195 loivered to the positions shown in F igur 7.' This shuts off the atmosphere, from the neumatics 203, 20stand 205 and connects thcin'to t 'e' suction chambers 196 -th'us deflating the three pneuinatics.
  • the suction in the pneumatic 240 can be changed at either a fast 'or slow rate or may be maintained at any desired point within certain limits.
  • the suction'in this pneumatic is the same as that in the bellows 260 as they are connected togetherv by the tube 241.
  • any one or compneumatics 203, 204 and 205 may ,be deflated intermittently at desired rates and the pneumatic 240;may be thereby to control thesuction pressures.
  • the striking pneumatics can be operated with any desired force.
  • the control valve 364 is moved in a clockwise direction to the position Soft, thus bringingthe portBGfi in linewith the openin of the tube 255 admitting air to this tu e which inflates the pouch 253 lifting the .valve 250, which closes the atmospheric, port 247 and connects the duct 245 to the chamber 252, which is under the same regulated suction as the chamber 257. This causes the pneumatic 244 to be collapsed by the same amount of suction as is in the chamber 257.
  • her 257 is always maintained in a certain ratio to that in the chamber 227, which causes the notes to be struck softly butwith the same relative intensity as they were when the control valve was at Medium.
  • the eiqir ession mechanism 152 and the crescendo pneumatic 156 are 'co'ntrolledfin a mannersimilar to that just described by means of the group of li'olesl'il.
  • FIG. 94 and 9 an illpthe system is shown as applied to anothcr'lcommercial form of; automatic piano.
  • This mechanism consists of a tracker bar 401, two cut-out blocks402 and 403, a. ;pr imary valve box. 404, two' accordion p'neu'matic's 405 and 406, an expression'box 1407, a theme primary valve box 408, 'a' bass and treble stack of pneumatics 410 and 411, a bass and treble modulator control mechanism 412 and 413, a set of bass and treble reflectors 414 and 415, a regulator pneumatic" 417 and a suction pump 418'.
  • the tracker bar 401 is provided with a groii p of holes 421 which communicates with an equal number of" tubes 422.
  • Two groups of holes are provided adjacent to the group 421 which are connected respectively to two groups of tubes 423 and 424.
  • the tubes included in the groups 422, 423 and 424 control the striking of the notes in a well known manner.
  • Two secondary groups of holes Located directly above these two groups of holes are two secondary groups of holes, the left hand group of which communicate with four tubes 425, 426, 427 and 428 and the right hand group which communicates with four tubes 430, 431, 432 and 433.
  • the group of tubes 423 and the four tubes 425-428 pass through the cut-out block 402 which when it is in the position shown, shuts off the group of tubes 423 but lcavesthe tubes 425-428 open. When this cut-out block is moved manually to the other position the tubes 425-428 will be shut off and the group of tubes 423 will be open. In a similar manner the groups of tubes 424 and the tubes 430433 are controlled by the cut-out block 403.
  • the tracker'bai- 401 also provided with six holes on -e'ach side) 435440 which communicate respectively with tubes 44-1446.
  • the tube 443 is connectedby a branch tube 447 to aiflval-v'e 448 contr'olled by a handle pivoted-for rotation upon a block" 450 and is provided with” a -felt pad 45Lwhieh covers the opening to'the tube 447.
  • the -valve 448 is held in the position shown by'lneans of-a spring 452- '
  • the tube 444 is connected byaa branchtubc 455 to a.
  • valve 456 controlled by'a' handle 457 which is pivotetl for rotation 'upon a block; 458 and is provided with a felt pad 460 which oovcrs the opening to the tube 459.
  • the tubes 425-428 and 430433 lead to the primary-valve box 404 (see Fig.
  • the upper part of each valve 465' is-located in'a chamber 471 which communicates with the-atmosphere through poi-U472.
  • the chambers 471 communicate with flexible tubes 475 to 478 and 480, 'to 483. Thesearc soarranged that the tubes 42.- 428 control the supply ofsuction to the tubes 475-478 respectively and the tubes 430 433 control the supply of suction to the tubes 480483 respectively.
  • the tubes 475'478 communicate with four bellows 485488 of the accordion pneumatics' 405 and the tubes 480 to 48?, communicate. with four corresponding bellows of the accordion pneumatic 406.
  • the accordionpneumatics 405 are mounted upon the base 490 and are connected by means of a link 491 to an arm 492 which is loosely mounted upon a-shaft 493. Upon this shaft is also loosely mounted an arm 494 which connected by means of a rod 495 to an arm 496 which'is rigidly secured to shaft 497 which is mounted for rotation in a bearing 498 secured'to the block 490. Rigidly secured to the other end of the shaft 497 is an arm 500 to the other end of which is pivoted a rod 501' the other end of which is connected to a bell crank 502 which is mounted for rotation upon'the block 450. The other end of the bell crank 502 is provided with a handle 503.
  • the bell crank 502 is: held in the position shown by means of: a spring
  • the shaft 493 is'supportcd in bearings 505 which are'mounted upon the expression box 407 and has fastened t it; an arm 506 which earries'at its end a pi :5()6' which rests upon the arms 492 and 494.
  • 815 cured to the other end of the-shaft493 is an arm 507, to the end of which is pivoted alink 508 the other end of whichispivotedto an arm 509, which is rigidly secuved'to a shaft 510 mounted for rotation-in the side of the expression box 407.
  • a similar mechanism is tion with the accordion is manually controlled 4 mounted on the block 458. also controls one end (see F igure 11) which'is similar-to-the floating valve 512.
  • the other end'ofthe valve" 516 is connected by a link 517 to'th'e top 'of a. pneumatic 518.
  • Secured-to the movable y a handle 515 walls of the pneumatics 514 and 518 are-two valves 527 and 528 which'coverports 530 and 531 leading to chamber 532 and 533 used iii pneumatics 406 and- This mechanism of a floating valve "516;.
  • the chambers 532 and 533 are 536 and 537 which are 540 and 541.
  • the interiors of these valves are in communication with two tubes 542' provided with ports controlled by valves and 543.
  • the valves 540 and 541 are located in chumbers 550 and 551 which are connected together by means of a passage 552.
  • chamber 551 communicates with the interior of the bellows 518 by means of a duct 553'.
  • the floating valves 512 and 516 cover two ports 554 and 555 which communicate with a. chamber 556 which is provided with aport 557. co-opcrating with the port 557 is a valve 558 which is rigidly secured to a shaft 559 which is mounted for rotation in thesides of the expression box 407; Rigidly secure-d to each end of the shaft 559are two sets of arms 561 and 562, the former set of which is kept pressed .upon the arms 509 by means of two springs 563 which are connected from the other arms 502 to two lugs 564 secured to the sides of the expression box 407. bcr 505 which is provided with a port 566 in the side of the expression box 407.
  • 570 and ⁇ 57l are providedv with .ports 572 and 573-.which connect themwith the atmosphere. They, are also providedwit-htwo. ports 574 -;and 575J-inwhich slide ;two valves .576 and 577, thelo-wenparts oiwhich are in. a chamber 578. and; restupon two pouches 586 and 58lswhichcover .two chambers 582 and 583 which tare connected to the. s two tubes 444 -;and.443-.;.-.The chamber 578 is connected to a supply-.ipipe'% 584. t which communicates 1with the. two chamber-S 582 andi583 by means of two bleedih'oles,585. and 586.;
  • the chamber 556 in the expression box s407 is in-communication Ewith apipe 590, the
  • llhis chambenisi provided with a second port 604-.which communicates chamber.
  • port .607..whicl 1 connects the chamber 605 to :the chamber 591.
  • the interior of the neiunatic; 606' is connectedto the interiorv of-the chamber 605 by means of a bleed hole ;60 8 andtis. alsoconnected to a tube 610 which i'unsto a ,port 611 in a block 612 located adjacent; to the .key board of. the piano.
  • Mounted. upon this block is an arm 6'13 which, when it is in the Concert position 5 shown, covers the port 611.
  • this lever is inv the Soft,position, it llllc ') ⁇ (.1'S theport 611, thus allowing air to enter the tube 610.
  • the chamber 603 is connected by apipe 615 tothe suction pump 418 which iiSQPIOVldmLWltll a large-pulley 616 which is driven from a suitable electric motor 617 by means oi abelt 618.
  • the ipe .615 is connected a branch c 620 w iich 15 connected to the pipe 584 and which'is also connected to a port 621 located in a bellows 622 which forms part of the pedal regulator pneumatic 416.
  • a knife Secured, to the movable wall of this bellows is a knife; valve 623 which controls the opening ofthe port 621.
  • a spring 624 Fastened to the outside of the top of the bellows 622 is a spring 624, the other end of which is secured to a block 625.
  • the interior of the bellows 622 communicatesby means of a duct 626, with a.
  • chamber 627 which is provided with two communicates qwith .a chamber-.5591 in the modulator pneumatic with a longitudinal :pneumatic: 606. avhich .whcn inflated closes a pouches 628 and 629 which cover .two chainbers (Bland 632.
  • chambers are .provided with'ratmospheric;
  • a branch pipe 2 controls the soft-":p'edalaction 650, the other end of which is connected'toa pneumatic 651 onthe top of whichz'iis mounted a rod endof the rod 652 is connected a spring 655', the other end of which is rotatably mounted- 652, the other end of which; is pivoted to an arm 653 which is mounted. for rotation about .the point 654., Todthe' upon the end of an adjusting-screw 656 which is threaded into a bracket 657; The,
  • the arm 673 675 which passes through the framework of" the piano and has secured to its upper end an arm 676.
  • the end of the arm 676' is connected to a link 677, the other end of which connected to a rod 678. To this rod is.
  • matic 651, valve 663, hollows 668 and 669, and arm 673 are viewed from beneath the piano looking upward, while the arm 676 and its associated parts are viewed from above, lookin down from the top of the piano.
  • a similar mechanism consisting of a pneumatic 680 which is connected by a pipe 682 to the pipe 535, a valve 683 which is supplied by a pipe 684 connected to the pipe 615 and which is connected by two tubes of arms 679, mount-ed is rigidly secured to a shaft.
  • the groups olfi'p'ipes 423 and 424 will be connected to the corresponding holes in the tradrer bar40l-and any perforations in the paper stripwhich come opposite the holes in the tracker bar will cause the corresponding notes to be struck. If, however, the cut-out blocks 402 and 403 are in the position shown in Figure 9", the groups of tubes 423 and 424 will he disconnected from the tracker bar and therefore the notes controlled by them cannot be sounded.
  • hea perforations in the paper strip come opposite anypf th'e holes 4:25-428 and 430 433,11irwill enter the corresponding tubes and actuate the corresponding primary valve in t hewalveboir 404,--thus suppose air enters 1 pass into the chamber that ,shown m Figure the tube 425. It wil 463 (see 10) thus elevating the pouch 464 flnd' l1LlSlll g-t h0 valve 465.
  • the-accordion pneumatics 406 are controlled by perforations in the paper allmving the air to enter the tubes 430433.
  • the motion of. the accordion pneumatic 406 is transmitted to the floating valve 516 in a manner similar to that just descr bed and controls the amount of suction in the bellows 518..
  • the suction in the chamber 526 controls the minimum suction in the chamber-$532 and 533 by means of the checkivalves' 527'and 528. For, should the -suction in either of -.'thesechambers :be less. than that in the chamber 528,- the corresponding check valve will open, thus drawinglthe air.
  • the suction in the pipes 534 and 535 which control the suction in-the bass and treble pneumatics 410 and 411 will be controlled by the theme regulator-bellows 518.
  • the intensity of thesuction'in-thepipe is transmitted to-thezpneumatic .65L-by means of the pipe 650, thus-causingthi's pneumatic to takeup a position. dependent upon the amount of this suction and-tension of the spring (555 which may be regulated by the screw 656.
  • the reflectors ,415 are controlled by the suction ,in the pneumatic 110 (380 which is the same as the suction in the treble pneumatics 411 and therefore the reflectors 415 will be openedan amount proportional to the strength with which the treble notes are struck.

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Description

May 14, 1 J. H. HAMMOND. JR
AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANO HAVING TONE MODULATORS Filed Oct. 1925 8 Sheets-Sheet 4/ I a W h Z//////// 2&2?
ay 1929' J. H. HAMMOND. JR 1,713 12 AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANO HAVING TONE MODULATORS Filed on. 8. 1925' a Sheets-Sheet 2 ravine May 14, 1929. J. H. HAMMOND. JR
I AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANO HAVING TONE MODULATORS Filed Oct. 8. 1925 8 Sheets$heet 3 cum ucnuuuunnunuun m E LU LK II y 14, 1929' J. H. HAMMOND. JR 1,713,124
AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANO HAVING T-ONE MODULATORS Filed Oct. 8. 1925 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 y 14, 1929/ J. H. HAMMOND. JR 1,713,124
' AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANO HAVING TONE MODULATORS Filed Oct. 1925 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 a? 91. fifiaii g May 14, 1929.
J. H. HAMMOND, JR 1,713,124
AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANO HAVING TONE MODULATORS Filed Oct. 8. 1925 a Shee ts-Sheet 6 May 14, 1929. J. H. HAMMOND. JR 1,713,124
AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANO HAVING TONE MODULATORS Filed Oct. 1925 8 Sheets-Sheet- 7 CONCERT SO May l4, 1929. J. H. HAMMOND. JR
AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANO HAVING TONE MODULATORS Filed Oct. 1925 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 striking Patented May 14, 1929.
ME? TA E 2 131313 5 Ararat $551633.
- Application filed Octane-r a, 1925.
This invention relates to inusical instruments and particularly to automatic pianofortsf v The invention has particular reference to improvements in means'for contmllin'g and modulating the" Iiiusie'produc'ed automatic 'p'iailos to imparting to the music produced" by "s'u'ch inst-iuments' new and agreeable effects as wll' aslto improving the quality oftonefp'rodluced' by particular instrument." l i One of the features of the invention is the provision of 'an'impiove'd modulating mechanism 'for'vari'a-bl controlling the intensitytf thepercuss1ve"action"of the instrument' and simultaneously modu ating the sound "ei'i'1it ted 'froi'nthe insti unleiit. According to'tlris feature of the. invention a'plil'ralitiy of soundl'eflecting devices are provided in the casing "of" the instrument whereby the sound may be directedas desired and thusthe' 'int e'nsity of sound heard by a"parti'c'ular listener may be effectively modulat'edand controlled. and these device: are" \i ip eratively interconnected with the pneumatic's' oi? the instrument.
According to another feature of the invention t l lere'tlectin devices'are arranged in separate groups corresponding in general to portions .of'the musical scal'e'anda separate modulatin 'deyice is provided for each group so that the control'of -the solo o! theme part may be effected independently of the 'control'of the bass or accompaniment. i
Another feature relates to improved means for coupling the several groups of reflecting devices together so that they may be controlled in synchronism.
Other objects of the invention will appear description taken in accompanying drawfrom the following connection with the ings in which Figure 1 is a bottom plan view of so much of an automatic player piano as is necessary to an understanding of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the variable mechanism of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front elevation partly in section of the piano shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a section taken on the line -l4 of Figure 3; t
Figure 5 is a detailed view of a portion of the operating mechanism;
F igureS is an' enlarged:
Figures (5 and- 6*,which will be understood are to be read with the bottom edge of F igure (3 adjoining the top edge of- Figure 6.? form collectively atschematic layout o f an ahtomatic playing mechanism of one well known form ofautomatic plaverpiano embodying features of the invent'ion;
Figure (':is an enlarged view, with-parts broken away, of one of the expression mechanisms or modulating devices of Figure 6"; A view, witihpart-s broken away, of the suction pump and: pedal pneumaticsof Figure 6";" i
Figures 9an'd 9*,Wvhich will be understood are to be read with the bottom edge o'f-Figure 9? adjoining the top edge of Fisure'9 form collectively a schematielayoiit of'an automatic playing :mechan'i'sin ofanother'well known forniof' aiitomatic' player piano embodying features of the invention;
Figure 10 is a View partly in'section at the primary valve box, the accordion pneumatic-and-thc expression box of Figure 9., the section of the expression t'box-"being taken on the li1ie1010v of Figure 11; and
"Figure 'll is" a cross section of the expression box taken on the Eline 11-11 of Figu re ltl" I i 1 Referring to the. form of the invention illiistrated in Figures 1 to 5 there is shown so much of an automatic player instrument of the. grand piano type as is necessary to an understanding of the invention.
The instrument includes a suction pump 11, driven by nieans of a belt 12 from an electric motor 13.' The motor 13 is connected by a flexible cable to a source of power such as a pair of power mains 14. The pump 11 is connected by means of a pipe 15 to two modulating mechanisms 16 and 17, of well known construction. The outlet side of the modulating mechanism 16 is connected. by a pipe 20 to the bass end of the player mechanism QOthe playing mechanisms being divided into two separate groups at approximately the middle of the keyboard. The modulating mechanism 17 is connected by a pipe 21 to the treble end of the player mechanism, 21.
Leading from the pipe 20 is a branch pipe 22 which communicates with the interior of a pneumatic 23. Secured to the other side of the pneuinatic 23 is a rod 21 which is pivoted at 25 to an arm 26 which is pivotally secured at 27 to the framework of the piano] Secured to the rod 24 is a spring 28 the end. of which is herein;
mounted on the end 30, which is heldby to the framework of an adjusting screw ,a bracket 31 is provided a knurled .headjfiZ ,so
-ing. 38-a'nd has one that it maybracket 31.
The end of the arm 82310? 35', inn-which slides to the end ofia prim e easily adjusted in the J 26 provided with a. pin 36 secured a ry --valve member 37,
which slides in-a 'valveicasing 38. This;cas-
41,- which in turn ismgis provided-with -a port =40,=-(see Figure which is iii-"communication- :With. a .pipe
connected :to the pipe -.of the. primary 'iace adj acentto; a 'face zvalve: i 37.-
valve 37 .-is:-provided with an opening 43 which is always .'n co mmunication with the inlet port 40. It: is also provided withtwo two openings; '46 and longiitudinalygro'oves '44 and 45.
T ie: secondary valve 42' is provided with 47 which continually register withitwo ports 50 and 51 respectively.
These ports communicate with two tubes 52 and 53, which in turn communicate with two bellows 5i and 55 i respectively.
The bellows consist oftwo stationary bases '56 and- 57'which are rigidly secured to the .frameworlc of;the piano. anda movable memzber 58 )Which is common: and twhiclrm'ziy be moved :to the twobellows inf either: one. 'direction or the other depending. upon "which bellows is deflated. The outer endof the member 58 is pivoted to a link 60 'which'in turn ispivoted to the end-of an. arm .61.
Pivoted to the arm 62, the other end of the secondary valve 61 a second link which is pivoted to member 42.
The arm 61 is rigidly secured to one end of a' shafted-which 1n the framework of vented from movin means of a collar (36.
Rigidly is rotatably mounted the piano and is preg longitudinally by (See Figure 3.)
secured to the upper end of the shaft (55 is'an arni ()7 (see Fig. 5) to the outer end of which is pivoted a link (38, the
other end of which is pivoted to a rod 70. Pivotedto the rod are a-plurality of arms 71 which are rigidly equal number of reflectors 72.
at their ends to a frametors are pivoted secured to an These reflecwork 73 which is mounted inside the casing of the piano 10. structed with alayer Each reflector is conof sound insulating material for eli'ectiveiy.suppressing sound. and
an inner face-of sou nd reflecting material 74 such as sheet aluminum or other sheet metal.
A second mechanism similar to that just described, is provided at the treble end of the piano. The controlling pneumatic of this mechanism is con the pipe 21. The res nected by apipe 75 to t ofthe mechanism is secured. of'the piano.- The "screw similar to that already described and controls a set of reflectors 7 6 which are pivotally mounted in the frame 73.
Pivot-ed to the end of the arm 58 is a. second link 77, the other end of which is connected to one arm of a bellcrank 78 which is pivoted for rotation on a pin 79, which is secured to the frame of the piano. To the end of the other arm of the -bellcrank 78 is pivoted a link 81, the other end of which is connected to a rod 82. Pivoted to'the rod 82 are a plurality of arms 83 which are rigidly secured to an equal numwhich is mounted inside the casing of the piano 10. These reflectors are of similar construction to the reflectors 7 4 and are provided with an inner face of reflecting material 86. V
The reflectors 72 together with the frame 73 close the upper part of the piano forming resonating chamber. 87 above the sounding board 87, which contains the strings and the reflectors 84 with the frame 85 close the lower part of the piano forming a second resonating chamber 88, below the sounding board 87. The interior of the chambers 87 and 88 are'linc-d with sound reflecting matcrial89, such. as sheet aluminum.
Inorder to control the operation of the musical instrument a tracker bar 90 isprovided which is mounted in a recess located above the keyboard of the piano. Adjacent to the tracker bar 90 are two spools 91 and 92, upon which is wound a strip 93 of perforated paper, the perforations of which are so located that they cause the proper notes to be sounded as the paper passes in front of the tracker bar 90. The spools 91 and 92 are actuated by motor mechanism of well known construction to causethe paper strip 93 to be moved across the tracker bar at any desired rate of speed. This speed is controlled by means of a speed control handle 93 located in front of the keyboard.
The tracker bar 90 is prm'ided with two additional groups of three holes each 94: and 95 respectively. The group of holes 9& are connected by three pipes 96 to the modulating mechanism 16. and the group of holes are connected by three pipes 97 to the modulating mechanism 17. These modulating mechanisms are controlled in a well known manner so that when any one or any combination of the. three holes is open to the atmosphere, they will cause the modulating means to vary the suction in the p11 e 20 or 21 which controls the strength with which the notes will be struck.
The remaining holes in the tracker bar 90 are connected by tubes 100 to primaries 101 which consist of pouches 102 covered by pieces of flexible leather 103. Resting upon the upper surfaces of these leathers are .i g u e i i t slli provided with arms 114tothe ends dfwhich fifention sl 1 which is controlled I adjustment of the-handle 93', the paper valves-10 t which are normally held in the position shown by the suction in the chammunication with the pipe 2 A bleed hole 108 is provided between the duct 106' and the pouch The valves ;104 are located infchamberslw 'which are normally in corn- 1n'unication..with the atmosphercby means of dac'ts llland also communicate means of ductsfim'fwith th "interior ofthe strik- .h s ipeei w. are
are'piv'oted striking membersilizi, which ,fwfhen the pheumatics are. collapseistrike the under ,sijde' 'f the keysj116, causing them to be rotatedvabo t he p VQ .11Z.. lS in? the striking actions which actuat- A may be c wen; fownand standard construc- .tiqn, and which are rovided withhamstrike the" a ag managin them to vimounted in a metallic frame board 87 -In the operation oftlie form of the inlawn in Figures 1' to- 5 the paper snip 93 isjcaused to pass in front of the tracker bar.9t) athny desiredrate of speed in the usual. manner by passes over thetracker bar '90, the holes in the paper willcomeopposite corresponding holes in the, trackerbar thus allowing air to center the corresponding tt1be 100. This will cause the pouch 102 to be inflated thus raising the valve' lo which will close the port 111 andplace the chamber 105111 communication with the pneumatic 113 by way of the chamber 110 and the duct 112, thus de- Hating the pneumatic 113. This-will cause the member 115 to be moved rapidly upward, striking the under side of the key 116 which inturn will operate the action 118 causing the hammer 120 to strike the. string 121 and sound the respective note. \Vhen the paper strip 93 has moved sufficiently to cover the hole in the tracker bar 90. atmospheric air will be shut off from the tube 100 and the bleed hole 108 will cause the pouch 102 to be deflated, thus allowing the valve 104.- to be seated which will shut off the supply-of suction to the pneumatic 113 and allow it again to be connected to the atmosphere through duct 111 thus causing the pneumatic 113 to be inflatedand therefore causing the member 115 to drop back to the position shown in Figure 4. In a similar manner whenever a hole in the paper 93 passes in front of a hole in the tracker bar, the corresponding note will be struck.
WVhen holes in the paper come opposite the grou of holes 94 in the tracker bar 90,
they wil allow air to pass through the tubes 96'to the modi 'ing means 16 which causes the suction in tile pipe 20 to be varied according to the hole or combination of holes of the group'Q, which are uncovered, as will subsequently appear. The modulated suctiwi in the pipe 20 is communicated to the duct 107 and causes whichever .pneumatics 113 which may be operated, to strike the keys a blow, the .itorce of which is determined by the suction in the pipe 20. In this manner any dcsited strength of notefmay be produced.
Thesucti'on 'in'pipe'20 is communicated by means of pipe22 to the pneumatic 23 causing' th s to be'collapsed, an amount tionalto the differential between the in the ropersuct on pipe and the tension of tli'efspriug 28. The rod 24 moves the primary valve- 37 to a corresponding position by means of the arm 26. If,'for example, the rod 2* is moved downward, as shown in Figure 1, due to an increase of suction in' pipe 20, the primary valve 3 'will'a-lso move downward as seen in Figure .2, thus communicating the suction from the port 40 through the hole 43 to the passage 46 thence through port- 50 and tube 52to the pneumatic 51 which is their collapsed, causing the link to be moved downwardly, which in turn rotates the arm 61 in a clockwise direction. This causesthellnktiB to pull the secondary valve 42 downwardly until the section between the openings 46and 47 has covered the hole 43,
motion of the then remain in that posimatic 54. This willstop the arm 61 which will 't-ion until the primary valve '37, has been again moved under the action of the pneumatic 23. "It is evident, therefore, that the arm 61 will take up a position corresponding to the amount of suction in the pneumatic 23 and, therefore, corresponding to the suction the pipe 20.which as previously stated, controls the strength with which the notes will be struck. The tension of the spring 28 may be adjustably varied, and thus the action of the arm 61 may be varied as desired.
The arm 61 being rigidly secured to the shaft 65, causes this to be rotated, which in turn causes the rotation of the arm 67, (see Fig. 5), in a coouter-clockwise direction. This arm being connected by link 68 to the rod 70 causes this to be moved to the left as seen in Figure 5, thus rotating the reflectors 72 in a counter-clockwise direction which will increase the opening between these shutters. The angular displacement of the reflectors from the closed position will, therefore, be proportional to the 'suction in the pneumatic 23, which in turn is proportional to the strength with which the notes will be struck.
This will control the volume of sound heard b a listener according to the inteny 170 consists of seven sity of the,percussive action, and therefore will produce ant additional modulation vof the soundemittedfbyfihe piano.
Asimilanactionztakes place at the treble end of the piano causing the swell shutters 76 to-openan amount proportional to the suction in .the pipe 21'. In this way the .so und: emitted trom. either section of the piano by. the reflectors -.will be proportional to the stre which the strings. in
t s t n, are beinsisttu k by .r matics 113. it u The refiectors84 areeontrolled by the arm 58.so that: asjthis arm moves'. dwnwardly, as
e link 81 and the rod reflecttn is sa ml'asimim maimer to that just described in conjieetion the reflectors the .foi'n'i invention shown F ur sBi o @SJfli I ys i S wn as applied to. one commercial-dorm of automatic piano player. system consists of atrackerbar 150 over which the standard player piano paper isn rovedby any well known means, two expression mechanisms 151 and 152 tor regulating b nd eb e Plew p q at and 154; respectively, two1 crescendo ,pneumatics 1 and 156 which the action of the expression I echanrs ns i s ill appear hereinafter,- a.',' lou'd -;p'edal pneui'natic 157,.a. soft pedal pneumatre158, suction pump. l 160 T for producing the, suction necessary to operate the'player, a'jco'ntrol mechanism1 61 for causing the [piano to be played either; so ft,- medium or brilliant, a reroll mechanism 162 which when operated shuts off the supply of suction to the player pneumatics 153 and 154. two shutter control systems 163 and 164 which operate two sets of refiectois 165 and 166 which are located above the bass and treble divisions of the strings respectively. y
The tracker bar 150 is provided with a plurality of holes which are divided into three groups 170, 171 and 172. The group holes which control the expression mechanisms for the bass end and the loud pedal. The group 171 consists of eight holes which control the expression mechanism at the treble end, the soft pedal and the reroll mechanism. The group 172 consists of eighty-three holes which control the playing of the notes of the piano. The group 170 comprises seven holes 173 to 179 which communicate with tubes 183 to 189 respectively.
The three tubes 184, 186 and 188 are connected to three chambers 191; 192 and 193 in the expression mechanism 151 (see Figure 7). Each of these chambers is covered by a flexible leather pouch 194 upon which rests the atmosphere.
' 19 355 8 vi k 2 ion about the pivot V y 216 passes. the suetionto the jtion witlrtlie chamber2 17.
' is mounted on apo'ueh218 which'covers a chamber 220 which is in communication with a valve 195 which consists of .upper and lower members interconnected lby a rod. These valvesare located in chambers such as 196 and are connectedby passages 197 to a duct 198. The chambers196 aref connected 'by 'circiilar passages which the stems of the valves 195112135 to These'; passages are nor- 'mally closed 'to the atmosph'ereby the upper' members ofthe V which pommuni ate with the I ducts T 202 communicate vide'd with i'valves' 1.2%; m nt 1 P011 hambers 210 which fil i ifi lnicatefwith' a duct 211. Between the'ch'ambers 191 and From these ducts t o the all bleed holes j213.
207 are ducts 212. chambers 196 are sm The duct 198 commun cates with a a cham- 217 through which the stem of'the valves The duct 211 is in'coinmunica- The valve 216 the tube"189. The tube'189 is connected to the duct 198 by" 1iieans small bleed hole The duct-19S commu "cates with a chamber 222'w'liich is provided'witha pouch 223 covering a second chamber 224, which is in communication with a. tube 225'. =The chamher 222 is connected by 1a duct 226 to a large chamber 227 which is provided. with two openings 228 and 230 .""1he opening 228 is covered by'a valve 231which operates in a. chamber 232 which communicates with a large supply tube 233. The valve 231 is carried by a rod 234, the upper end of which is secured to a yoke 235 which is pivoted at 236 and is secured to the tops of the pneumatics 203, 204 and 205. he lower end 0 the rod 234 -is adjustablysecured to one side of a pneumatic 240 the interior of which communicates with a tube 241.
The opening 230 is covered by a valve 24-2 secured to a rod 243 the lower end of which is adjustably secured to one side of a pneumatic 244. Surrounding the rod 243 between the arm of thepneumat' 244 and the expression mechanism'151 is a spring 243. The interior 'of the pneumatic 244 communicates by means of a duct 245 with a chamber 246 which is provided with an atmospheric port 247. Inv the chamber 246 is mounted a valve250 having a stem 251 which passes through an opening leading from a chamber 246 to a chamber 252. The low r end of the stem 251 rests upon a. pouch 253 200 through valves 195. The: pas. sages 200 are connected by ducts1201 secj n i y t$.-.2 2 three -.pneu'inatics 203,7204and 205, The lower ends" 'ot I with chambers such 267 which are prowhich covers a chamber 254 which is in communication with a tube 255. The chamber 252 communicates by means of a duct 256 with a chamber 257 which isin communication with a pipe 258. A small bleed hole 259 is provided which connects the chamber 254 with the duct 256. A
The crescendo pneumatic (see Fig. consists of a .bellows 260, mounted; a base .261.- The-bellows 260 carries of a spring 263the-other end of which is ecured to a second arm 264 mounted on the base 261. Pivotally mounted on the base 1 261 is an arm 265 which oscillates about the edge. 266 as a fulcrum. The arm 262is provide d, with 2. lug 265'.normall v in contact with the arm 2.65.; A spring 266' is secured to the base 261 for retracting the arm 2 Normally the arm 265 covers two ports 26? and 268 which communicate respectively with two ducts 270 and 271. The duct 270 communicates at onecnd .wi th the tracker bar tube 187 and at the other end witha chamber 272. The duct 2'51 comn'iunicatesat one end with the tracker bar tube 183 and at the other end with a chamber 273. The chambers 272 and .2' ?3 are connected by "a small bleed hole 274 whichcommunicates with a chamber 275. This chaf'nber separated from the chambersQT-2 and' 2i'3 by two pouches 276 and-2T7. Resting upon these pouches ,are two .valves ,280 and @281 which are located inchamhers .282 and respectively. ,Surroundingthestem of the valve 281-is aspring 281 which 'tends to maintain the izalve 281 in the position shown in the drawing. The chambers 282 and 283 communicate with 't-ll chamber 276 whymeans of circular ports .and comni' nicate with the atmosphere by means of ports 281 and 285 espectiy'ely. The chamber 282 is in communication, .by way of a duct 286, with a chamber 287. Covering this chamber is a pouch 288 .to whichis secured a valve 280 which operates in a chamber 291. This chamber communicates with the chamber 283 by means of a duct 292. A small duct 293 leads from'the duct 202 to the interior of the bellows 260. ading from the top of the chamber 291 is a pipe 29$ which communicates with the interior of the belh-nvs 260. The p'pe 241 from the pneumatic 240 also communicates with the interior of the hollow 260.
The loud pedal mechanism 1377 consists of a pneumatic 300, to the upper side of which connected a rod 301, which when the pneumatic is deflated, causes the loud pedal to be operated. The interior of the pneumatic 300 communicates by means of a duct 302 with a chamber 303 in which is mounted a valve 304. The chamber 303 is provided with an atmosp ieric vent 305 and with a port 306, which communicates with a chamber 307, the
an .arm 262 to which 5 is attached, one end lowerpart of which is covered by a pou h 308, upon which rests the stem of the valve 30-1. The chamber 307 communicates with the suction supply pipe 310. i
Under the pouch 308 is located a chamher 311 which is i i-communication with the tube 185. A small bleed hole 312 is rovided which connectsthe chamber 311 with the pipe 310.
he expression mechanism 152, the crescendo pneumatic 156 and the soft pedal pneumatic 158 are similar iii construction to the expression mechanism 151, the crescendo 155 and the loud e'zlal pneumatic 157 respectively audit is tlibught that the description given for one will sufiice for all. The primary meclianism, 153 and 1:34am similar to those disclosed in Fi ure 1, and described 'in connectiontherewith ,ie pump unit 160 is driven by an. electrical motor 315 operated by a convenient source of electrical power and belted lo a pulley316 mount-colon a suction pump 317. The pump317 which consists of fourpneumatics 3 18 operated successively from the shaft of the pulley 316. \-V hen any of the pneumatics 318 are. opened air is drawn from a chamber 320 through check waives 321 into the interiorjof the pneumatics 318 and when these are collapsed, air is forced through-check valves 322 into the interior of the pump 317 from which it escapes through, holes in the casing 323. 'On the lower side of the pump 3171s mounted a reservoir which communicates with the passage 320 by ineansof a art 325. Inside the reservoir 32 1 is inounte a spring 326 which tends to hold the reservoir open. On "one side of the pinnp is mounted a pneumatic 330 the interior of which communicates witha tube 331. The 'top of, this pneumatic carries an arm 332 the end ot'which is connected by a spring, 333 to the frai'ne of the pump 3.17. A -valve 334 is provided in the passage 320 which normally covers a port 335. The valve 33 1 is opeial'ively connected to the arm 332 by means of a spring 336.
he duct 320 is ing's 3 10 and 341 in communication with a chamber 342 which is provided with an opening 343, communicating at the left with the pipe 233 from the expression mechanism 151 and at the right corresponding with the pipe 233" from the expression mechanism 152. A pouch is located under the opening 343 and covers a chamber 347 which is connected to a tube 348. A small bleed .hole 349 connects the chamber 347 with the chamber 342. I The tube 331 communicates with a chamber 350 located in a valve block 351 which forms part of the control mechanism 161. The chamber 350 is provided with an at mosoheric port 352 and an internal port 353 which communicates with a second champrovided with two openor medium position.
her 354. This second chamber communicates with two check valves-355 and 356 which in turn communicate with-tubes 357 and 358. The tube 357 is connected to'the pipe258 of i the expression mechanism 151, and the tube 358 is' connected toacorresponding'pipe of the secoritl expression" mechanis'm 152. In the "chamber'350is located a valvc'360 the stem of which rests upon a pouch which covers a chamber 362 which is in communicatioii with a tube 363.- A hole eonnects the chamber 362 with'tlie 'c'liainber 354'.- T he tube 363 leads to athree-position control valve 364, which is shown in its central The valve 364 is 'providcd with an atmospheric port 365 which at suitable times communicates with the tube 363'. By rotating this valve in a clockwise direction the port 365*vvill communicate with the tube 255. The tube 255is connected to a corresponding tube 255"o'f -the modifying means152."
The tube 348 communicates with a' pas sage 370 in the reroll valve mechanism 162. The passage 370 communicates with the chambers 371 and 372, and is provided with a valve 373 which rests upon a pouch 374 covering a ch amber375.. The chamber 371 is provided with an atmospheric port 376,
' and the chamber 372 is connected by a pipe 377 to the pipe 233 of the second expression mechanism 152. Asinall bleed hole 378 eonnects the chamber 375 withthe chamber 372. The chamber 375 communicates with a .tube
380', the other end of which: communicates with a hole 381 provided in a plate 38 Slidably mounted upon'the plate382 is a disk 383wliich is carried by an arm 384 which controls the' rewindmechanism.
The reflector control system 163 consists of a pneumatic 390 which is connected by a pipe 391 to the pipe 258 This pneumatic is similar to that shown in Figure 1. at Z3 and the" rest of the control mechanism. including the reflectors, is the same as that (lcscribed in connection with Figures 1 to 5.
The tube 225 is connected to the bottom of a valve casing 393 in which slides a plunger 394 provided with a longitudinal hole 395. A spring 396 is provided under the plunger 394 to hold it in its uppermost position. An atmospheric port 397 passes through the wall of the valve casing 393 and is'normally covered by the plunger 394, the upper end of which is tapered, so that when it is depressed it will gradually uncover the port 397. A similar control valve 398 is provided which is connected to the pipe 225' of the expression mechanism 152.
In the operation of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, the note holes 172 in the tracker bar 150 are uncovered by the perforations in the music roll, thus allowing air to enter these pipes,
which in turn operate the striking pneumatics as described in connection with the structure of Figure 4.
Vhen a hole in the paper comes opposite the hole 175 in the tracker'bar150, air is admitted to the tube-185 and into thechamber 311, raising the p0u ch 308 and thus litting the valve 304 whiclr closes the atmospheric'port305 and connects the pneumatic 300 to thesuction'supply in chamber 307, thus collapsing the pneumatic 300 and pulling'down on the rod 301which-causes the loud pedal mec ianism to be operated. Ina similar manner when 'a hole in the paper uncovers the corresponding hole of the group 171 air is admitted to-the soft pedal primary 158, thus causing its pneumaticto be collapsed and-operating the soft-pedal action.- e
The suction produced by thepunip 160 is maintained constant bym'eans of the valve 334 which normally covers-the port 335, if the suction in the pump should increase beyond a predetermined amount which is dependent on' the tension of the-spring 336, the valve 334 will automatically be pulled open .by the pressure of the atmospheric air, thus allowing air to enter the chamber 320 and reducing the suction in this to the predetermined value.
If it'is desired to increase the suction in the pipes 233 and 233' the control lever 364 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction to the'positi'on-marked brilliant. Inthis posi-' tion the port 365jregisters with the opening of the tube 363, thus allowing air to enter the chamber 362 and inflating the pouch 361, thus raising the valve 360 which closes the port 352 and connects thetube 331 with the suction chamber 354, thus causing the air to be withdrawn from the tube 331 and collapsing the pneumatic 330 which rotates the arm 332 in a clockwise direction thus increasing the tension on the spring 336. This will not occur, however, until the suction in the chamber 354 is suiiiciently great to overcome the pull of the spring 333. The suction in the chamber 354 is dependent on the suction in the tubes 357 and 358 and will be the same as the greater of these. The amount of suction in the pipes 357 and 358 is determined by the modulating means 151 and 152 and will be explained more may hereafter. The check valves 355 and 356 are provided so as to prevent the suction from passing from one tube to the other.
\Vhen the reroll lever 384 is moved to the right, in order to actuate the reroll mechanism, the hole 381 is uncovered allowing air to enter tube 380 thus inflatin pouch 374 which lifts the valve 373 shutting off the tube 348 from the suction and allowing ir to enter through port 376, passing through tube 348 to the chamber 347 inflatnism 151, t
the pouch 3&8 which covers the hole thus shutting" off the supply of suction the striking pneumati'cs.
.In' the operation of the expression mechale suction from the pun-i1) pasees through the pipe 233 to the chamber- 232 thence through" the opening 228 into the ch'a'inber227 from which it passes tl'n'o'ugh the penin the chamber 257-, 'fro'm which it thr'ougli the' pipe 258 th the b'a'ss pneumatics 153. The position of the-"valve 231 is determined by the suction in the pneumatic 240 pushin iip'wardly on-tlie rod 234 and theconibihefjsuction in the pneurniitics 203, 204 and 205, any one or any combination of whic'h'm'ay be on, as will be presently described, pushing downwa'r'dlyloh the rod 234. the suction in the'c'hamber 227 is less: than that required to hold the valve 231 on its seat, this valve will be lifted by the suction in the chamber 232tliiis increasing the suction in the. chamber 227'. This increased suction "will pass through the duct 226, chamber 222, duct 198, pipes 197, chambers '196, ducts 201 secondary ducts 202,
into the pneumatics 203, 204 or 205 depending upon whichvalves 195 are'opcn. This will increase the suction in these pneulnatics, thus forcing the rod 234 down "with greater strength, thus tending to close the valve 231. This operation,'thei'efore, maintains the suctidn 'in' the chamber at a predetermined amount depending'non which of'th pneiimatic's 203, 20 i o'r'205 are "operating and de'; pe'ridin upo'nlthe suction in the pneumatic it flute-noticed that the pneumatiesf203, 204 and are at different distances from the Fulcrum 236 of"the m-rfi'235. Seven different combinations of pressure may, therefore, be
obtained upon the rod 234 depending upon which'one 'or combination of pneumatics203, 204 and 205 are deflated, thus if 203 alone is deflated the first intensity will be produced. 204 will produce the second, 203 and 204 will )l'oduce the third, 205 alone will produce the fourth, 205 and 203 the fifth, 205 and 204 the sixth, 205, 203 and 204 the seventh.
The pneumatics 203, 204 and 205 are controlled by the valves 195 which are operated by the pouches 194. Thus, ifr for example, when the hole in the paper comes opposite the hole 174 in the tracker bar 150, air is admitted to the tube 184 and enters the corre sponding pouch 191 inflating same and cansing the valve 195 to move upwardly, shutting oil the suction from the pneumatic 203 and allowing-air to enter through the passage 200, duct20l, secondary duct 202 to the pneumatic 203 thus inflating it. t the same time air passes into the chamber 207 and through the duct 212 into the chamber 191, under the pouch 194 so that when the hole in the passes from in front of the hole 174 in the tracker bar this pouch will remain inflated 343 with air, thus holding to enter the -three chambers 210.
paper the valve 195 open and the pneumatic 203 inflated.
In a siinilar manner either the pneumatic 20! or 205 may be inflated by holesin the paper coining opposite holes 176 and 178 respectively in the tracker bar 150. lVhen it is desired to deflate the pile- nineties 203, 204 and 205, a hole in the paper co'tnes'bpposite the hole 179 in the tra'clce'r bar'l5'0 and allows air to pas; through tube 189 to chamber 220, thus inflating the pouch 218 and liftin the valv 216 whibi allows air duct 211 and thcnce into the This in tiates the three pouches 209 and lifts the three'valves'20S, closing the opening to the secondary duct 202. The bleeds 213 then suck the at: from the chambers 191, thus causing thepnuehe's 194 to be deflated and the valves 195 loivered to the positions shown in F igur 7.' This shuts off the atmosphere, from the neumatics 203, 20stand 205 and connects thcin'to t 'e' suction chambers 196 -th'us deflating the three pneuinatics. If it is desired to put any of them on again, suitable holes are placed 'on the paper so as to come opposite the 'proper holes in the tracker bar as previously describcdQ v The suction in the pneumatic 240 can be changed at either a fast 'or slow rate or may be maintained at any desired point within certain limits. The suction'in this pneumatic is the same as that in the bellows 260 as they are connected togetherv by the tube 241. If it is desired to increase 'the suction ataislow rate, a hole in the paper comes opposite the hole 173 in thet'racker bar 150 and air is'adrnittcd to tube 183 and thence through duct 271 to chamber 273 il'u'iatin; the pouch 277-, thus moving the valve 281 upwardly against the action of the spring. This'shuts eff chamber 283 from the atmospheric port 285 .and conn'cctsit to the suction chamber 275. Airis then sucked through the small duct 293 from the belp it at a slow rate sprm; 263.
lows 260 (i0flfltlil against the action of the u If it is desired to change the suction in the pneumatic 240 at a rapid rate, holes in the paper appear opposite holes 177 and 173 in the tracker bar 150, the former allowing air to enter the tube 187, thence through duct 270 into chamber 272 inflating the pouch 276 and liftingthe valve 280, and the latter lifting thc'valve 281 as just described. This closes the atmospheric port 284 and connects the duct- 280 to the suction chamber 275, thus sucking the air from the chamber 287 and pulling the 'valve289 away from the opcning to the tube 294 which is then connected to the suction chamber 275, by the duct 292 and under the valve 281. This causes air to be rapidly withdrawn from the bellows 260, deflating it at a. rapid rate, which at the same time defiates the bellows the act on o positioned maintained ;at" an .,-1nterrnediate suction by suitably .-plg.cing .the holes in the paper which cooperatewith the holes 173 and 177. ln,order .to..give. a rapid collapse of the bellowsifitioiboth ports -1Z3. and I 177 can be opened simultaneously, Z
hen both holes 173 closed,
iT oi s 2.59.zii l dl eqn e eth at mospher'e, through duct 23 and atmospheric 1501:?285; fljhe b llows w ll then ,open. undcr f l s er e ?=v u t l; the h s 265engagesthearm 265,rotatiny it in a qonnter clockwise direction. about Elie. point 266;, This expose, the port 2 208' which lifts. the valve 281 as! reviously described, thus connectinggthe; ows 260 to the suction chamber 275 rapidly, it: will, rotate; the lever 265 enough alsmui coversthe port 267, thus allowing air to rter the chamber 272, lifting the valve 2SO,, thus, dropping the valve 289, and ,connectip'g}the bellows 260 to the suction through the pipe 294 as previously described. Thus, ,when a both holes 173 and 171 are covered the suction in the bellows 260. will, be, maintained, at a high value which is,deterini ned by the tension of the P n =2fi34 T ligy proper positioning ofjthc; holesin the paper, in sufiicienflnu mbeqand at proper intervals,v it i s evident that any one or compneumatics 203, 204 and 205 may ,be deflated intermittently at desired rates and the pneumatic 240;may be thereby to control thesuction pressures. Thus, the striking pneumatics can be operated with any desired force. If it should be desired to' cut down :the pressure in the pneumatics153 to a predetermined ratio of the pressure in the chamber 227, the control valve 364 is moved in a clockwise direction to the position Soft, thus bringingthe portBGfi in linewith the openin of the tube 255 admitting air to this tu e which inflates the pouch 253 lifting the .valve 250, which closes the atmospheric, port 247 and connects the duct 245 to the chamber 252, which is under the same regulated suction as the chamber 257. This causes the pneumatic 244 to be collapsed by the same amount of suction as is in the chamber 257. This will close the valve 242 which will remain closed until the suction in the chamber 257 has decreased sufiiciently to cause this valve to be opened, thereby increasing the suction in the chamber 257 and as the pneumatic 244 is under the same suction this will start to collapse, thus closing the valve 242 again. In this way the suction in the chamf ion o't th p the small duct 293. If the bellows, 2670-; shouldibe' opening very.
her 257 is always maintained in a certain ratio to that in the chamber 227, which causes the notes to be struck softly butwith the same relative intensity as they were when the control valve was at Medium.
The regulated air in the pipe 25S -passcs through pipe 391 tothe pneumatic 390 which is collapsed an amount proportional to the suction in the pipe 258 and operates to control the swellshut-ters 165 in a manner similar to I that described in connection with Figures]. to i 7 If is desiic thepiano by hanththe plunger 394 is depressed with theh iger thus uncovering the atmospheric port SQTanamount depending upon how far the plung er has been dep- Tliis'allows a c -r't-ii quaiitity of air to pass through the duct 395*and tube 225 to the chamber 224, inflating the pouch"223 and cutting oti-thejsupply etsueumtw the duct 198.. J j
The eiqir ession mechanism 152 and the crescendo pneumatic 156 are 'co'ntrolledfin a mannersimilar to that just described by means of the group of li'olesl'il.
the modified form of the invention shown in Figures 94 and 9,'10 an illpthe system is shown as applied to anothcr'lcommercial form of; automatic piano. This mechanism consists of a tracker bar 401, two cut-out blocks402 and 403, a. ;pr imary valve box. 404, two' accordion p'neu'matic's 405 and 406, an expression'box 1407, a theme primary valve box 408, 'a' bass and treble stack of pneumatics 410 and 411, a bass and treble modulator control mechanism 412 and 413, a set of bass and treble reflectors 414 and 415, a regulator pneumatic" 417 and a suction pump 418'.
The tracker bar 401 is provided witha groii p of holes 421 which communicates with an equal number of" tubes 422. Two groups of holes are provided adjacent to the group 421 which are connected respectively to two groups of tubes 423 and 424. The tubes included in the groups 422, 423 and 424 control the striking of the notes in a well known manner. Located directly above these two groups of holes are two secondary groups of holes, the left hand group of which communicate with four tubes 425, 426, 427 and 428 and the right hand group which communicates with four tubes 430, 431, 432 and 433. The group of tubes 423 and the four tubes 425-428 pass through the cut-out block 402 which when it is in the position shown, shuts off the group of tubes 423 but lcavesthe tubes 425-428 open. When this cut-out block is moved manually to the other position the tubes 425-428 will be shut off and the group of tubes 423 will be open. In a similar manner the groups of tubes 424 and the tubes 430433 are controlled by the cut-out block 403.
d to controltheexpression of 449 i which is "eo'nnccteddo a suppl-y pipe 468.
The tracker'bai- 401 "also provided with six holes on -e'ach side) 435440 which communicate respectively with tubes 44-1446. The tubes44l and 445 control the rerolfand the -motorin a well known mannerwhich n6ed-'-I1O= tbe more fully described; 1
-The tube 443 is connectedby a branch tube 447 to aiflval-v'e 448 contr'olled by a handle pivoted-for rotation upon a block" 450 and is provided with" a -felt pad 45Lwhieh covers the opening to'the tube 447.
The -valve 448 is held in the position shown by'lneans of-a spring 452- 'The tube 444 is connected byaa branchtubc 455 to a. valve 456 controlled by'a' handle 457 which is pivotetl for rotation 'upon a block; 458 and is provided with a felt pad 460 which oovcrs the opening to the tube 459. The valve 456 is-held in=the position shown bymeans of a sPrin 461-. i F a The tubes 425-428 and 430433 lead to the primary-valve box 404 (see Fig. 10) where each oncoommunicates' with a chamber463icach'of which is covered by a pouch 464 uponwhich :l'ests a valve 465 which is positioned inFa seQ- nd chamber 466. All of the chambers460-are in communication with each other" byimea'ns of ports 4G7, and are Between each chamber-466 andits correspondingtube is' a bleed' hole-470. The upper part of each valve 465' is-located in'a chamber 471 which communicates with the-atmosphere through poi-U472. The chambers 471 communicate with flexible tubes 475 to 478 and 480, 'to 483. Thesearc soarranged that the tubes 42.- 428 control the supply ofsuction to the tubes 475-478 respectively and the tubes 430 433 control the supply of suction to the tubes 480483 respectively.
The tubes 475'478 communicate with four bellows 485488 of the accordion pneumatics' 405 and the tubes 480 to 48?, communicate. with four corresponding bellows of the accordion pneumatic 406.
The accordionpneumatics 405 are mounted upon the base 490 and are connected by means of a link 491 to an arm 492 which is loosely mounted upon a-shaft 493. Upon this shaft is also loosely mounted an arm 494 which connected by means of a rod 495 to an arm 496 which'is rigidly secured to shaft 497 which is mounted for rotation in a bearing 498 secured'to the block 490. Rigidly secured to the other end of the shaft 497 is an arm 500 to the other end of which is pivoted a rod 501' the other end of which is connected to a bell crank 502 which is mounted for rotation upon'the block 450. The other end of the bell crank 502 is provided with a handle 503. The bell crank 502 is: held in the position shown by means of: a spring The shaft 493 is'supportcd in bearings 505 which are'mounted upon the expression box 407 and has fastened t it; an arm 506 which earries'at its end a pi :5()6' which rests upon the arms 492 and 494. 815 cured to the other end of the-shaft493 is an arm 507, to the end of which is pivoted alink 508 the other end of whichispivotedto an arm 509, which is rigidly secuved'to a shaft 510 mounted for rotation-in the side of the expression box 407. To the other end of the shaft 510 is rigidly secured an arin- 51-1 which is pivoted to one end of a-floating valve 512, the other end of which is connected by a link 513, tothe movable wall of a bellows 514.- l
A similar mechanism is tion with the accordion is manually controlled 4 mounted on the block 458. also controls one end (see F igure 11) which'is similar-to-the floating valve 512. The other end'ofthe valve" 516 is connected by a link 517 to'th'e top 'of a. pneumatic 518. Secured-to the movable y a handle 515 walls of the pneumatics 514 and 518 are-two valves 527 and 528 which'coverports 530 and 531 leading to chamber 532 and 533 used iii pneumatics 406 and- This mechanism of a floating valve "516;.
which communicate with two pipes 534 and 535 which form the supply pipes to the two pneumatic stacks 410 and 411. The chambers 532 and 533 are 536 and 537 which are 540 and 541. The interiors of these valves are in communication with two tubes 542' provided with ports controlled by valves and 543. The valvcs 540 and 541.consist of two soft leather pouches 544 and 545 which are covered by two diaphragms 546 and 547.- The valves 540 and 541 are located in chumbers 550 and 551 which are connected together by means of a passage 552. chamber 551 communicates with the interior of the bellows 518 by means of a duct 553'.
The floating valves 512 and 516 cover two ports 554 and 555 which communicate with a. chamber 556 which is provided with aport 557. co-opcrating with the port 557 is a valve 558 which is rigidly secured to a shaft 559 which is mounted for rotation in thesides of the expression box 407; Rigidly secure-d to each end of the shaft 559are two sets of arms 561 and 562, the former set of which is kept pressed .upon the arms 509 by means of two springs 563 which are connected from the other arms 502 to two lugs 564 secured to the sides of the expression box 407. bcr 505 which is provided with a port 566 in the side of the expression box 407.
The tubes 543 and 542 communicate with The The valve 558 is located in a chnm- V two chambers- 570 and-5.71. The chambers.
570 and\57l are providedv with .ports 572 and 573-.which connect themwith the atmosphere. They, are also providedwit-htwo. ports 574 -;and 575J-inwhich slide ;two valves .576 and 577, thelo-wenparts oiwhich are in. a chamber 578. and; restupon two pouches 586 and 58lswhichcover .two chambers 582 and 583 which tare connected to the. s two tubes 444 -;and.443-.;.-.The chamber 578 is connected to a supply-.ipipe'% 584. t which communicates 1with the. two chamber-S 582 andi583 by means of two bleedih'oles,585. and 586.;
The chamber 556 in the expression box s407 is in-communication Ewith apipe 590, the
other zend of. which 417.-,i: lhis;chamber is provided with a port 592Lwhichcommunicates, witha bellows 593 2(1ain3wliichiis mounted almifeyalve 594 which is-pivotedat. 595-andis provided with a felt pad 596 which Whcmthe bellows is collapsed 1 whiclnconununicatesJwith a chamber (363..
llhis chambenisiprovided with a second port 604-.which communicates chamber.
port .607..whicl 1 connects the chamber 605 to :the chamber 591. The interior of the neiunatic; 606' is connectedto the interiorv of-the chamber 605 by means of a bleed hole ;60 8 andtis. alsoconnected to a tube 610 which i'unsto a ,port 611 in a block 612 located adjacent; to the .key board of. the piano. Mounted. upon this block is an arm 6'13 which, when it is in the Concert position 5 shown, covers the port 611. \Vhen this lever is inv the Soft,position, it llllc ')\(.1'S theport 611, thus allowing air to enter the tube 610. The chamber 603 is connected by apipe 615 tothe suction pump 418 which iiSQPIOVldmLWltll a large-pulley 616 which is driven from a suitable electric motor 617 by means oi abelt 618.
.To. the ipe .615 is connected a branch c 620 w iich 15 connected to the pipe 584 and which'is also connected to a port 621 located in a bellows 622 which forms part of the pedal regulator pneumatic 416. Secured, to the movable wall of this bellows is a knife; valve 623 which controls the opening ofthe port 621. Fastened to the outside of the top of the bellows 622 is a spring 624, the other end of which is secured to a block 625. The interior of the bellows 622 communicatesby means of a duct 626, with a. chamber 627 which is provided with two communicates qwith .a chamber-.5591 in the modulator pneumatic with a longitudinal :pneumatic: 606. avhich .whcn inflated closes a pouches 628 and 629 which cover .two chainbers (Bland 632. The chamber 627-communicates with the tube 468. .These chain-- bers are connected to the duct .626 by means.
of two bleed holes 633 and 634. -;.Ihe-eham-v bers 631 and 632 communicate with the. tubes with two chambers 640.,and== 641.-1These:
chambers: are .provided with'ratmospheric;
.- ports 642- and .643 and, arealso connected to 644 and -645 which in turn are con tubes nccted to twohpneumatics646 and 647.- :Thepneumatic 646 controls th'ezloudpedal action:
of the. piano by means ofa .rod648 and the;
pneumatic 647 of the piano by means of a rod 649.
To the pipe-534 is connected a branch pipe 2 controls the soft-":p'edalaction 650, the other end of which is connected'toa pneumatic 651 onthe top of whichz'iis mounted a rod endof the rod 652 is connected a spring 655', the other end of which is rotatably mounted- 652, the other end of which; is pivoted to an arm 653 which is mounted. for rotation about .the point 654., Todthe' upon the end of an adjusting-screw 656 which is threaded into a bracket 657; The,
outer end of the arm 653 is provided with i a slot 660 in which slidesaipin 661 2carried on the end of a zprimaryi slide-.yalveh6621 which slides inthc valve casing 663. This valve isidentical in construction with'that shown in Figure 2 andis provided :with a. secondary valve 664, a supply pipe.v 665 which is connected to the pipe 620 and two tubes 666 and 667 which are connected to two bellows 668 and 669 between which ismounted an oscillatingmember 671 to the end of which is connected :1. link 672 the other end of which is pivoted to an arm 673, to which is connected a link674 the other end of which is connected to a secondary slide valve 664.
The arm 673 675 which passes through the framework of" the piano and has secured to its upper end an arm 676. The end of the arm 676' is connected to a link 677, the other end of which connected to a rod 678. To this rod is.
pivoted a plurality upon the tone reflectors 414. matic 651, valve 663, hollows 668 and 669, and arm 673, are viewed from beneath the piano looking upward, while the arm 676 and its associated parts are viewed from above, lookin down from the top of the piano.
Mounted atthe other end of the piano is a similar mechanism consisting of a pneumatic 680 which is connected by a pipe 682 to the pipe 535, a valve 683 which is supplied by a pipe 684 connected to the pipe 615 and which is connected by two tubes of arms 679, mount-ed is rigidly secured to a shaft.
ne pneuproviding the proper arm 5.07 in a counter-clockwise 685 and 6864041. double bellows 687 which conhrolsthe-imotion of an-arm 688 secured to a shaft '689 to the'other-end of which is fastenedpn arm 691 which controlsthe tone in the operation of the form of the invention shown in:Fignres 9, 9", 10 and 11, the paper strip is- 1 caused to pass over the tracker; bar- 401- in a well known manner provided holes which when they coinejoppo's'ite holes-in the tracker bar allow air to enter'thecorresponding tubes hen a perforation in the paper comes opposite any of the-holes in the group 421, air is admitted {to 5 the corresponding tubes of the and causes the; corresponding note ob t/he piano to -be struck. If thecut-out blocks 4O2-and 403 are in the opposite position from 9, the groups olfi'p'ipes 423 and 424 will be connected to the corresponding holes in the tradrer bar40l-and any perforations in the paper stripwhich come opposite the holes in the tracker bar will cause the corresponding notes to be struck. If, however, the cut-out blocks 402 and 403 are in the position shown in Figure 9", the groups of tubes 423 and 424 will he disconnected from the tracker bar and therefore the notes controlled by them cannot be sounded.
hea perforations in the paper strip come opposite anypf th'e holes 4:25-428 and 430 433,11irwill enter the corresponding tubes and actuate the corresponding primary valve in t hewalveboir 404,--thus suppose air enters 1 pass into the chamber that ,shown m Figure the tube 425. It wil 463 (see 10) thus elevating the pouch 464 flnd' l1LlSlll g-t h0 valve 465. This closes the atmospheric port 472 and connects the chamber 466 to the chamber 471 thus connccting-the bcllows 485 to the suction which is constantly in the chamber 466 as this is connected to the suction supply tube 465 by the port 467. This causes the bellows 485 to be deflated. If air enters the tube 426, the bellows 486 will be collapsed in a similar manner; As the bellows 485, 486, 487 and 488 are so constructed that when they collapse they will move through distances proportional to the numbers 1. 2, 4 and 8, any desired motion of the arm 492 may be produced by collapsing any one of these bellows or any combination of them. Thus, for example, if the bellows 485 is collapsed, a motion proportional to 1 will be produced. If 485 and 486 are both collapsed a motion proportional to 3 is produced, and if 485, 486 and 488 are collapsed, a motion proportional to 11 is produced. In this way by perforations in the paper strip any desired mot-ion of the arm 492 may be produced. This motion is transmitted by means of 'a pin 506 to the arm 506 which by means of the shaft 493 rotates the direction,
thus moving the link 508 to the right which rotates the arm 509 in a clockwise direction which in turn rotates the 'arm in the same direction thus moving theleft hand end of the floating valve 512 downwardly-.- The location of the end of the floating valvewill therefore be determined-by t'he'ainount that the accordion pneumatic 405 hasbeen= collapsed which in turn'depends upon'the arrangement of the perforations in'the-paper strip passing over the trackerbari 'Dhe po sition of this end of the floating valve 512 willdetermine the amount otsu'ction in the pneumatic 514 for as this is collapsed due to the air beingsncked out through-"the port 554 into the chamber 556 which is constantly undersuctio-n, it willca-use the bellows to be 'collapsedwhich willcause the valve 512 to close off the port 554, -thusshutting off the suction to thisbellows. Assoon' as this happens the's'pring 522 :williend to: open the bellows which will -thus calise the port 554 to be opened. Thisaction will continne thus keeping the suction in'the bellows 514 at a constant amount depending the position of the left hand end of the valve 512 and the strength of the spring .522. lA-s the position of the lefthand end of the valve 512 is changed, the position of the movable wall of the bellows 514 when .the'- valve 512 shuts off the port 554, will also be changedi and therefore the tension of the spring 522 when the port 554 is shut oflF,-will be changed a corresponding amount. Int-his way mny desired suction may be produced-lathe bczllows 514. This can also lie-controlled by means of the handle 503 which as i-t=is moved to the-right will cause, by means ofthc rod 501, a. counter-clockwise rotation of the-shaft 497, thus liftingthe rod 495which will cause a counter-clockwise rotation of thearm 494 which by meansof the pin 506 will cause a corresponding rotation of the shaft 493, thereby changing the amount of suction in the bellows 514 in a manner similar to that just described.
In a similar manner the-accordion pneumatics 406 are controlled by perforations in the paper allmving the air to enter the tubes 430433. The motion of. the accordion pneumatic 406 is transmitted to the floating valve 516 in a manner similar to that just descr bed and controls the amount of suction in the bellows 518..
W'hen either the arm 509 or the corresponding arm on the other side is rotated, it will rotate the corresponding ann 561 thus rotating the shaft 559 in a counter-clockwise direction against the action of the spring 563. This will cause the valve 558 to gradually close the port 557. This valve acts as a spill valve so that when the suction in the bellows 514 and 518 is below a certain amount, this valve will be open, thus allowing air to enter the port 566,.passthmugh otherwiseiwould havex-to do.
- holesi585-and 586 thus causing the pouches 580 and 581 and the corresponding valves 576 and 577.:to beheld in the :positions shown iniFigure-Q L'-. This:will allow the tubes 542 and '543 ;to be. connected .to the atmosphere through the-chambers 570 and 571 and the portsi572'and-i573 -:This-ivill allow air to enter vthe values 540 and' 541, inflating them and thus causing Ediscs4546 and 547 to close the por1tsa536 and-537. The suction. in the -'chamber'526 is the same as that in the bellows .514 as they are in constant communication throughthe duct 525. The suction in the chamber 526 controls the minimum suction in the chamber-$532 and 533 by means of the checkivalves' 527'and 528. For, should the -suction in either of -.'thesechambers :be less. than that in the chamber 528,- the corresponding check valve will open, thus drawinglthe air. fromthis chamber into 526 and reducing' the pressure therein to that in the chamber 526; --Under these conditions, the suction in thepipes 534 and 535 which supply the bassan d treble pneumatics respectively,-is:controlled by the suction in the bellows 514 which is known-as the as, companimentregulator. Therefore, as long as no holes-in the paper come opposite the holes 437 and 438 in the tracker bar, the intensity witli which:the notes of the instrument are struck will be determined by the perforations in the paper which control the air entering the tubes 425-428.
If perforations in the paper strip come opposite the holes 437 and 4.38 in the tracker bar, air will. be admitted to the tubes 443 and 444. thusinflating the pouches 580 and 581 which lift the valves 576 and 577 thus connecting the two tubes 542 and 543 to the chamber 578 which is connected to the suction supply pipe 584. This'canses suction to be produced in the valves 540 and 541 thus collapsing them which opens the ports 536 and537. This causes the chambers 532 and 533 to be' put in communication with the chambers 550 and 551 which are in communication with the interior of the bellows 518 known as the theme regulator, by means of the ducts 552 and 553. In this way, the suction in the pipes 534 and 535 which control the suction in-the bass and treble pneumatics 410 and 411 will be controlled by the theme regulator-bellows 518. The suction in this inturn is controlled'as previously .de-. scribed by the perforationsin the paper strip which allows air to enter the tubes 430- 133! If only ,the hole 437 iscxposedto zthe atmos he:e,,only the ehamber 532 and-there-. fore the bass pneum'atics 410., will=zbe=con-g nected' to-the themeregulator bellows 2518,. while the treble .pneuma'tics 411, ,which are controlled from the chamber 533,- ;will "be regulated by the accompaniment regulator bellows 514., In this wayeit-her all the-pneu-. matics maybezcontroll'ed by; the Ebass For treble regulator perforations in: the tracker; ba 1- or; either; halt of these neumatics may; be controlled- ?by4;either the bassor treblel regulator, depending upon the proper .-cut+ ting of the perforations inthe. paper which; co-operate. in the holes;437 andz438 inathe; tracker bat-.1 T l r:
The intensity of thesuction'in-thepipe is transmitted to-thezpneumatic .65L-by means of the pipe 650, thus-causingthi's pneumatic to takeup a position. dependent upon the amount of this suction and-tension of the spring (555 which may be regulated by the screw 656. The suction in the pneumatic G51 therefore determines the positionof the arm 653 which by means-of the-primary siide valve 662 tout role the suction admitted to the bellows (S68 .and'. 6691 thus-- control hug the ipositiorrotLthe arm" 673 =i11 .:a manner similar 't that previously described in connectionavith F igures- -1-;and 100 2. This causes-the arm 676, link 677, rod 678, arm (379 and the reflectors414 to fassumeta position.dependent upon thesuetion in. the pneumatic 651i :mdtherefore thefopening of. the refiecto1s414' isproportionatc-to the 105 strength of the suction in the bass-pneumatics 410 and therefore :to the intensity with which the bass notes are struck.-
In a similar manner the reflectors ,415 are controlled by the suction ,in the pneumatic 110 (380 which is the same as the suction in the treble pneumatics 411 and therefore the reflectors 415 will be openedan amount proportional to the strength with which the treble notes are struck. v
By manipulating the handles 449 and 457 air may be admitted -to the tubes 443 and 444 thus controlling the primary valves 576 anal 577 which in turn control the valves. 540 and 541, thus connecting the bass or 120 treble pneumatics with the theme regulator when desired. These handles are used when paper rolls are being played which were not cut for automatic expression playing, but which are prox'ided with four extra note 125 holes at each end of the scale which eo-operate with the holes connecting with the groups of tubes 423 and-424.7 At this time the cut-out blocks 402 and 403 are in their uppermost positions thus disconnecting the 1:0
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