GB144247A - Accompanying and transposing apparatus for key-board musical instruments - Google Patents

Abstract

144,247. Virolet, L., and Virolet, J. May 30, 1919, [Convention date]. Void [Published under Sect. 91 of the Act]. Vamping - apparatus; transposing means.-A supplementary keyboard is employed, the keys of which are mounted on a slide and actuate a series of chords for each position of the slide determining the major or minor key. Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section, Fig. 2 a cross-section, and Fig. 3 a plan. The keys 6 operate through the slide 4 with slight friction and act upon cross-bars 7 having feltcovered strikers 8 and normally applied against the slide by springs 10. Strips 12 pivoted to supports 14 are depressed against springs 15 and so operate the instrument keys through hammers 13. Arrows on the slide indicate on strips 17, 18 the key obtained by movement of the slide, which is locked in any position by a spring catch. Blinds 5 connected to each end of the slide conceal the interior of the apparatus. A change of key may be quickly effected without reference to the strips by previously inserting pins 27a, 28a, against either of which the slide abuts when moved into the correct position. Or a handle for each key may cause a rod to slide through the casing and engage with the slide. The keys may be variously coloured to indicate the minor chords and those which must be employed simultaneously or successively. The apparatus may occupy a varying amount of the keyboard and allow this to be operated by the performer's right hand whilst the accompaniment or bass is contributed by the apparatus.