US1009828A - Interior piano-player. - Google Patents

Description

M. CLARK.

INTERIOR PIANO PLAYER.

APPLICATION FILED APR.8,1909.

Patented N0v. 28, 1911.-

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M. CLARK. INTERIOR PIANO PLAYER. APPLICATION FILED APR. a, 1909.

Patented Nov. 28, 1911 8 SHEETS-SHEBT 2 DUDDUU D WHDUUDDDUDDD M. CLARK.

INTERIOR PIANO PLAYER.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 8, 1909.

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Patented Nov. 28, 1911.

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lwwLzmx. INTERIOR PIANO PLAYER.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 8, 1909.

1,009,828. Patented Nov. 28, 1911.

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INTEEIOHPIANO PLAYER.

APPLICATION FILED A1R.8, 1mv

Patented Nov. 28, 1911.

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APPLIGATION FILED APR. 8, 19011 Patented Nov. 28, 1911.

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APPLIUATION FILED APR 8, 1909.

Patented Nov. 28, 191:.

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MELVILLE CLARK, OF CHICAGO ILLINOIS.

INTERIQR PIANO-PLAYER.

noo'aszs.

To a l whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MEM'ILLE CLARK, a

citizen of the United. States, residing at Chi cage, in the countyotCook and State oi Illint'i, have invented new and useful Im' provenuints in. Interior Piano-Players, of which the :t'ollowing is ajspecil'ication, reterence being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part. thereof.

The purpose ofthis invention is to proride improved construction for interior player pianos adaptedfor playing melody and. on: illllllflllt or for giving promi-,

. and particularly for playing the melody or accented or otherwise distinguished parts by means of a separate action from that by which 5 the accompaniment or undistinguishcd portion of the music is played.

It consistsof the features of construction and their combinations shown and described as indicated in the claims.

In. the drawings :-Figure l is'a fore-and-j aft vertical section through a portion of a piano case comprising the manual equipped.

with, this invention. Fi ."2 is an.--ed e ele-- vation of the tracker board. "Fig. 3 is a of the other row.

the same. l

partly sectional inverted plan view of the tracker board. partly broken away, 'secti'on' being made in part at theplane of one rpw of tracker ducts, and, in part at the plane Fig. 4 is a detail plan view of a portion of the tracker through which the tracker ducts emerge I for the seating 01 the flexible tube carrying slide thereon. Fig, 5 is a top plan View of the action and manual partly broken away at the middleportion, to condense the View. Fig. 6 an under plan view of the tracker device. Fig. 7 is a section at the line 7-? on Fig. om:- one adjustment of th tube-cal ryingslide. Fig. 8 is a similar view-"of the Sallie-at another adjustment of said slide.

Fig. 9 is a rear clcvationn'rt the p c action. Fig; 10 1.55 a torw: "(:l

I l a plan vi section, of the par eluding the bellows ing devices. Fig.

Specification ofLetters Iatent.

Application filed April 8,

particular part of the music,

Patented. Nov. 28, 1911'. 1909. s'eriaiivo. 488,625.

on F ig. ll. Fig lil is an end elevation of part of the same. Fig. l.- lis a tore'and-alt vertical section at the line l l llon Fig. 11. Fig. is a detail section at the line'l5-l5 on Fig. 11. Fig. 16 a section at the line I Iii-16 on Fig. 14: Fig. l?" is a section at the line 17 17 011 Fig. 11. Fig. 18 is a plan View of the top of the action, showing the bottom of the tracker bar supporting frame and slide operating connections.

In the construction shown, the manual keys, A, are actuated for playing by two pneumatic actions, hereinafter referred to, respectively, as the principal action and the melody action. The principal action coinprises the motor pneumat-ics, 1, and their primaries, 2, contained in the primary chamber, This action covers the full range of the instrument -88 notes,--con sisting, therefore, of 88 motor neumatics, 1, and corresponding number of primaries, 2, only a portion of which are shown, the re mainder of the action being broken away in certain of the views to condense the same.

"Preferably, this principal action is posi t-ioned with the motor pneumatics overhanging the manual keys, A, for downward stroke thereon forward of the fulcrum of the keys, as fully shown in my Patent No. 879,739, dated February 18, 1908. The melody action comprises pneumatics for opcrating upon only a limited portion of the manual. As illustrated,'59 ofthe manual keys, A, are exposed to the melody action, being a portion ofthe manual intermediate the ends and comprising a larger number of keys above than below the middle of the entire manual. This action comprising n1otor neumatics, 4-, and primary pneiunatics, 4."), is positioned for action of the motor pneunia-tics upon the manual keys by bell crank levels, 41-, engaging them for upward pull upon them at a point behind their fulcrum,

keys, the construction. for this purpose being as fully shown in my Patent No. 869,230, dated October 29, 1.907. The primary pneuniiatic chamber, 6, for the melody action is most conveniently located immediately ad jacent to and back t the chamber, 3, of the principal act-ion. Pumpers, 7, are connected with the two exhaust chambers, 8 and 8, both-connected with a high tension control-- "bellows, 9,-and" the mare leum 5 connected ,With. a. 130w. tension controlling and as illustrated, near the rear ends of the tion lookingfrom the rear'on line l2-l2 zellows, 10, (see Figs. 12 and 15), theditference as to tension between the two bellows being determined by the strength of i their respective expanding springs, 11 and v 12, as well understood, the low tension heh i the hish tension bellows, 9, said valves be 'ing operated by hereinafter lior uti poses indm, v, 7. construction and d means and connections v;ed. e two actions for the puris provided a tracker -ounectrons therefrom us, which will now be to the re.-: a

e." *rioed. r tracker as a whole cornpi a men piece, 20, having two rows of dii mouths, the first row, B, comprising 88 apertures cut on a wider scale than the other row, C, which comprises 126 noteplaying apertures, c, and two additional apertures, c, for purpose hereinafter mentioned, said 126 apertures being cut on a narrower scale than the apertures of the row, 13, so that the two rows of apertures occupy substantially the same length in the mouth-piece. From the mouth-piece the ducts of two sets extend rearward for connections by flexible tubes to the pneumatic actions. Preferably, the tracker has two longitudinal ribs, D and E, which contain the forward and rear portions of the narrower spaced set, C, said front and rear portions being connected by flexible tubes, F. The wider spaced set, B, is conveniently formed in the body G, of the tracker, extending from front to rear therein.

The ducts of the set, B, open through the lower surface of the tracker board at the rear portion in two rows of small apertures 7 in the customary staggered arrangement for obtaining suitable intervals longitudi;

nally in the apertures of each row. The ducts of the set, C, are diverged alternately upward and downward for issuing from the rear edge of the rib, D, in two rows, so that in each row they may be spaced sufficiently for the customary nipple connection with the flexible tubes, 1; a similar double row arrangement for connection with the flexible tubes is provided atthe forward edge of the rear rib, E. 88 duets out of the middle of the set, C, including all but 20 at each end, open down through the surface ol' the board in two parallel rows of apertures, 0 corresponding to and spaced equally with the two l l l principal action,

the board. turcs or the two sets, gered oppo i ely w' other,--thatis, so tl V apertures ot one set are in an obii uel ne whose inclination is oppi ';e that o" l in which the two corresponding c apertures oi the other set "tand. ference between the longituc nal spa M the apertures oi the set, If, and the spacing of the mouths Z) of the set of ducts, B, at the tracker board edge is covered ll \ergence or splaying at the flexible 1; between the two ribs, D and F mainder of the ducts of the set 20 at each end, open down thro portions of the rear rib, ls), when tended beyond the end of th i and are titted with nipple. tion of the t i )le tubc' melody action, as hereiual Upon the surface oil the rib. which the aperturt is mounted a de, l,, Q facing said ri hi, two of and (1, each in two rows, the each other of the four rows as that of the four rows of rib, D, the apertures in and also the apertures in being staggered with 2 the spacing of the apei being the same and el the rows of apertun D, of the tracker board; but the wrresponding apertures of the set 7 and i f the slide are not relatiyel instead are directly opposite each and-aft or transversely ol the row this construction, it 'rillbe seen that slide, H, at one position may have the apertures, B registering with the apertin i), of the rib, D, and being moved longitudinally half the distance between the cause tive apertures in the rows, the aperli will be carried out of registration apertures, 7) while the apertures, t, be carried into registration with the apertures, c of the rib, thus changing the connection from the tracker duet mouths, to, the tracker duct mouths, C, to tl'ie -extent ot' the 88 middle mouths of the latter set.

For shifting the eoi'inection a lever, 2" is provided pivoted on the tracker board and connected with the slide, H. The du. J: from the corresponding apertures, B" a d C, unite within the slide and emerge at e opposite surface of the slide, in eoini'uon mouths, fitted with nipples, 1, for connection of flexible tubes, H leading to the principal action. Of these tubes, middle group, H comprising 6'? tubes. lea d directly-to the prifnary pneumatics oi the and lateral gI'Ol1PS'-.Ul'

separated portions of a group, H, compris .ing 10 tubes at one end of the series and 11 tubes at the other end, 21 in all,lead respectivelyto slides, K, mounted upon the upper side of the nimary chamber, 3, of the princi pal action, having its apertures with which the tubes, ll", are connected registering at the oppositeside from that at which the said connection is made, with the corresponding duct-s leading to the primary pneumatics, 2, such slide being adapted to be shifted so as to cut off communication, operating thus as cut-off valves for said 21 ducts. o

The tworslides, K, are conveniently mounted above the opposite'end portions of the primary pneumatic chamber, 3, and connected, by a rod, 15, for simultaneous movement, which is effected by means of levers, 16, 16 connected with the slides respectively or their said connecting rod, 15, and having any suitable operating connections, as a rod, 18, extending to either of the levers, and a slide handle, 18*, mounted for sliding move ment in any convenient position on the tracker board and roll-supporting frame, 17.

lVhen the slide, H, is adjusted by means of the lever, 20, for communication of the set of ducts, C, with the action, and the lever, 16, is adjusted for communication of the tubes by the slides, K, with the principal action, perforated rolls out on the wide scale can be used for playing with the full range of 88 notes.

When it is desired to use perforated rolls similarly out for 65 notes, the lever, 16, will be moved to cut off the extra 21 notes, ten at one end and eleven at the other. When the lever, 20, is adjusted for communication of the ducts of the set, B, with the action, similar adjustment of the. lever, 16, will adapt the instrument for operating with rolls out on a narrow scale for 88 notes and 65 notes.

The ducts com )118111" the ten at one'end and eleven at the other end which are don-- nected to. the slides, K, by the tubes, H, are branched at any convenient point, prefer ably as shown, within the slide, H, and the branches which in that case are fitted with nipples, h, are connectedv by tubes, h, with a slide, J, mounted on the melody action and having its ducts with. which the said branch tubes connect, adapted to register with ports for connecting with twenty-one consecutive primary pneinnatics of the melody action at the middle n'n'tion of its range. For operating this slide, J, a rod, 19, is connected with the lever, 18, the connections being adj listed so that movement of the lever which carries the slides, K, to open position earries the slide, J, to closed position. As illustrated, the connections comprise arock shaft 25 to one of whose crank arms 25 the rod 19 is connected, Said rock shaft having another lever arm 25 to which rod 22 is connected, the opposite end being connected to a lever 16 which operates the rod 15 by means of a pin engaging in a slot 19 in said rod 15 so that while the slide, J, is at closed position the slide, K, may be moved. to open position, if desired, for playing 88 notes without supplemental melody. The 40 tubes, C connecting, 20 at each end with the end groups, comprising 20 each, of the set, C,that is, those outside of the middle 88 which have connection with the principal action,-are connected respectively with the next 20 primary pneumatics of the melody action respectively, above and below the middlefZl appropriated for connection with the 21 tubes, h, last above mentioned, 61 tubes being thus provided for connection with the 61 primary pneumatics of the melody action.

The valve, 14, which controls communication of the controlling bellows, 9, with the high tension chamber, 8, is provided with operating connections connected with those for operating the slides, J and K, so that when said valve is moved to position for giving the chamber, 8, connection with the high tension controlling bellows, 9, said slides, K,are moved to position for cutting off the 21 tubes which they control from communication with the principal action primaries, thereby leaving only the branch tubes, h, in service for connecting the 21 tracker mouths of the set, B, corresponding to said 21 tubes, in communication with the melody action only, at the same time that the 40 tubes, G are in service, by reason of opening communication between the chamher, 8, and the bellows, 9. The connections for this purpose between the slides, K, and the valve, 14, comprise a bell-crank lever, 21, fulcrumed on the action frame, a connecting rod, 22, from one of its arms to one of the slides, K, and a connecting rod, 23, from its other arm to one arm, 24, of a rock-shaft, 25, whose other arm, 25*, is connected with the lever arm,%, of the valve, 24. For operating the slide, J, at will the bell crank lever, 21, is connected by a link, 22, with a slide handle, 22", operating in a slotted guide plate mounted at any convenient place on the tracker board and roll supportin frame, 17. The details of this mechanical connection may be modified indefinitely according to the relative situation of the differentparts connected.

One aperture at each end of the set, C, in the tracker board and the duct connecpose of operating the valve, 14, to open and close communication of the chamber, 8, with the low tension controlling bellows, 10. These c'nd apertures in the t'acker board are controlled by perforations in the controlling sheet which .are formed therein at positions at which, for the purpose of the tions therefrom are PIOViCiQtl for the purmusic, the said valve should be shifted, being opened when the high tension is to he made operative for playing the accompaniment, and being otherwise closed to cause the accompaniment to be played with the low tension and thereby less prominently than the melody. The devices for controlling this pneumatic, 30, are designed. to cause it to maintain its position, either inflated or collapsed, until action is produced by the registration of an aperture at one side or the other of the paper with the corresponding extreme aperture of the set, C. F or this purpose there is provided a small eX- haust or rarefied air chamber, 31, having connection by a trunk tube, 32, with the chamber, 8 and in this small exhaust chamber there are mounted on a support, 81", two primalpneumatics, 83 and 34, which are connected by tubes, and 3G, with said opposite end apertures of the set, C' (see Fig. 9). Thetwo pneumatics have their moving walls connected by loop, -37, so that they move together. and each pneumatic is collapsed when the other expands. One of said primary pneumatics carries a valve, 38, which operates in the usual manner of a primary pneumatic controlling a motor pneumatic to control the motor pneumatic, 30. It will be seen that, for collapse of the motor pneumatic, 30, the primary pneumatic, 34, will be inflated, and for inflation ot the pneumatic, 30, the primary pneumatic will be inflated. The inflation of the primary pneumatic, 3

occurring when atmospheric air admitted to it by the registration of the corresponding aperture of the perforated roll with the extreme duct mouth at the righthand end of the set, C, will collapse the pneumatic, ill, by reason of the rigid loop connecting them, but the two pneumatics would resume their normal position upon the passing of the aperture of the paper away from the mouth with which.

it registers to inflate the pneumatic, unless some provision were made to the contrary. Such provision consists in providing a duct, 39, leading out through the partition beard. 31. on which the two primary pneumatics, 8b and 3%, are mounted, through the side of the chamber, 31, and

providing a valve. 40, for closing the end of such duct, such valve being connected with the motor pneumatic, 30, so as to be moved for closing the duct when the motor pneumatic is inflated, and for opening when it. is collapsed, said collapse occurring when the primary, 3%, is inflated by registration of the proper aperture of the controlling sheet. It thus results that when such registration has occurred and passed, the air supply to the primary pneumatic, 33, provided first by the re istration of the cture-controllmg sheet with the tracker hoard duct mouth, is maintained afterward through the duct, 39, and the motor pneumatic, 30, is thereby held in collapsed position until an aperture at the other side of the perforated sheet registers with the opposite end duct ot the set, E, causing inflation of the primary pneumatic, 3? which reverses the valve, 38, admitting atmospheric air through a screen 43 to the motor pneumatic, 30, causing it to he inflated and to close the valve, i0. By this means'the expression of the accompaniment, that is, the intensity or loudness with which it, is played,-niay be controlled by perforations alternating at the opposite sides of the perforated sheet for alternately registering with the extreme tracker duc mouths of the set, C, only a short aperture measured in the direction of travel of the sheet being necessary in each instance. because the valve which controls the connnunication ot' the high tension governor bellows with the chamber, 8 of the principal action will remain in the position to which it is moved in each instance until the reverse action of the motor pneumatic, 30. is caused by the arrivaloii an aperture at the opposite side of the paper atthe corresponding tracker duct mouth. F or etl'ccting a like variation of the expression of the acconi niniment at will. instead of by perforations in the controller sheet, the tubes, 35. and 36 are branched. branches, 35*, 36*, extending to valves, 4-1, and i2 mounted in any convenient position, as at the edge oi the instrument, in front of the manual. as shown, so that the operator c it open one or the other valve "with the same eli'ect when the primary pneumatics are vented through, the perforations ot the controller In order that the melod may not be inrproperly etii'ected when in the constructit herein shown is employed with a tracker board which is mounted for t position. by longitudinal nioveunait, in view oi the. tact that the ducts for operating thev pneugroups sepai ted from each other at the traclrerlumrd the controller sheet for play-- ,ing accompariment and melody is made as fully shown in application ol if). G. Clai Serial No. tTel-jilii, filed January 1.. i)! that is, having two blank areas or lanes, 41. ll, separating the middle group oi perforations pertaining to the accompaniment from the end groups pertaining to the melody, shch lanes being of a width corre sponding to the total flllll'llXl. of steps of movement which maybe made for trans as sition. As illus uted. it being intended to provide for transposition two steps in each direction from middle position, giving a total of tire posi ions to which the tracker hoardrnay he ad usted,',thc :5 lanes have an area which would he required for four rows matics ot the melody action are in twotension in a sin le duct to the pncumatic.-

'lIhis feature is fully set out and explained in detail in my said application Serial No. 474,364,, above mentioned. 4

In View of the provisimi for transposition,

the two end duct mouths of the set, E, of

the trai'rker are extended longitudinally of the tracker, and the corresponding apertures oi the perforated roll are also elongated.transversely of the paper, so that registration of apertures with duct mouths may not he prevei'ited by the movement for transposition. This feature is also fully shown and explained in said application Serial No. 4571364.

l. 111 an interior player piano, in combination with the manual keys, two pneumatic actions positioned for operating independently of each other upon the manual keys; a tracker board having separate groups of ducts comnuinicatiug with said actions re spcctively, and a perforated controller sheet ci'ioperating with such tracker hoard having perfmraiions' for separate portions of the music which are to he produced with differentdegrees of loudness, segregated in:

separate longitudinal. vZones of the sheet for traveling over said separate groups respectively.

2. In an interior player piano, in combination with the manual keys, two pneumatic actions for operating independently of each other upon the keys, one of said actions be ing positioned above the keys for acting upon the latter forward of their llllClIllQS, the other action being piiaiitioncd above the keys and comprising means tor engaging the keys for lifting them up rearward of their fulcruins'; a tracker board having separate groups. of ducts communicating with said actions respectively, and a controller sheetcooperating with such trackerboard having PQLfOIiLtlOIlS relating to difi'crent portions of the music which are to be produced with ditlerent degrees oi. loudness, segregated in separate longitudinal zones of the paper for traveling over separate groups of ducts re 3. In an interior player piano, in combination with manual keys, a principal pneumatic action and a supplemental pneiunatic action for oponating independently ofeach other upon the, keys; a tracker hoard having two sets of ducts terminating in two parallel rows of mouths at the edge of the tracker heard, one of said sets comprising separate groups of ducts communicating respectively with the principal action and. with the supplemental action, and the other set having ducts communicating with the principal action only.

4. In an interior player piano, 1n GOIfllJl nation with the manual keys, a principal pneumatic action and a supplemental pneumatic action foroperating independently of each other upon the manual keys; a tracker hoard having a set of ducts comprising one group which communicates with the principal action, another group which communicates with the supplemental. action, and a third group having provision for communication with both actions, and means for shifting communication of said third group from one action to the other.

53 In an interior player piano, in combination. with the manual keys, a principal action and a supplemental action for operating independently of each other upon the manual keys; a tracker board having two sets of ducts terminating in two parallel rows of tracker mouths, one of said sets comprising a group of ducts communicating with the principal action, a second group communieating with a supplemental action, and a third group provided with means of communication with both actions, the other set having communication with the principal action only; means for shifting communica tion of the actions from one set of ducts to the other and for shifting the (EOIXlIllilillCfir tion of said third group from one action to the other.

6. In an interior player piano, in combination with the manual keys, a principal action and a supplemental action mounted for operating independently of each other upon the keys; a tracker hoard having two sets of ducts terminating in two parallel rows of mouths, one set and a group of the other set communicating with the principal action only: a second group of the second set communicating with the supplemental action only, and a third group of said second set having means" of communication with both actions; means for cutting off communication of the first set and the third group of the second set with the principal action.

7. In an interior player piano, in combination with manual keys, a principalaction and a supplemental. action mounted for operating independently of each other upon the manual keys; a' tracker having two sets of ducts terminating in two parallel rows of months, the first set having communication with the princij aal action only, the second sethaving a group of ducts communicating with the principal action only, a second group comrmmieating with the supplemental action only, and a third grouphavin means of communication with, both actions, the sec ond set being greater in number than the first and the excess comprising said second "clip, the llf t set and the first and third oups ot' the second set extendin to a parting plane br-tnccn the tracker board and a valve bar thereon; such bar and a single set of tlcxible tubes leading therefrom to the principal action, and adapted to he moved to shift the communication of said single o v of tubes from one to the other of said two sets of tracker hoard ducts; a group of supplemental tubes from said third group of tracker hoard ducts leading to the supplemental action, and means with which the ci'n'responding roup ot said tubes from the ear provided intermediate said bar and the principal action for cutting ott their communication with said action.

8; in an interior player piano, in combi nation with manual keys, a principal action and a supplemental action mounted for operating independently of each other upon the manual keys: a tracker having two sets of ducts terminating in two parallel rows of months, the first set having cmnn'mnication with the principal ac Ion only, the second set group o'fducts communicatingwith n'inc oal action only, a second group lill'lll'tltlllg with the supplemental action and a third group having means of u 'ration with both actions, the second greater in number than the first :ess conmrising said second group, and the first and third groups of nd set exteiiding to a parting plane the tracker heard and a valve bar such slide and a single set of flexicading thei from to the principal dapted to he moved to shift the han of said single set of tubes the other of said two sets of rd ducts; a group ofsupplcmcnfrom said third group of tracker s leading to the supplemental ans with which the corresponding aid tubes from the bar is provided 'd bar and the principal n for (,utting ott' their communication ith said action, means for putting the supmental action into and out of service, and

ions between said last mentioned and the means for cutting ofi' said adapted to actuate the latter means g ott' said group when the suppleatal action is put in service.

'1'). in an interior player, in combination v-f'h the manual keys, a principal pneumatic action and a supplemental pneumatic action tor operating independently of each uner upon the manual keys; a tracker board ing a set (it ducts comprising one group ch communicates 'ith the principal aci, another group which communicates with the suppienr 'al action, and a third group having provision for communication with both actions; means for putting the second group into and out-of action; means for shifting communication of the third group from one action to the other, and connections between said two means for operating them simultaneously in putting the second group out of action and shifting the third group into connection with the principal action.

10. In an interior player piano in combination with the hammer action, two pneumatic actions positioned and connected for operating independently of each other upon the hammer action; a tracker board having separate groups of ducts communicating with said pneumatic actions respectively, and a perforated controller sheet for co operating with said tracker hoard, having perforations for dilierent portions of the music which are to he produced with diftercnt degrees of loudness occupying areas which travel over said separate groups of tracker ducts respectively. a

11. In an interior player piano in combination with the hammer action, a principal pneumatic action and a supplemental pneumatic action positioned and connected for operating independently upon the hammer action, a tracker hoard having two sets of ducts terminating in two parallel rows of mouths at the edge of the tracker board, one of said setsot ducts comprising separate groups of ducts communicating respectively with the principal action and with the supplemental action, the other set having ducts comn'iunicating with the principal action only.

12. In an interior player -)iano in combination with the hammer action, a principal pneumatic action and a supplemental pneumatic action positioned and connected for operating independently of each other upon the hammer action; a tracker hoard having a set of ducts comprising one group which communicates with the principal action, another group which communicates with the supplemental action, and a third group having provision for communication with both actions, and means for shifting communication of said third group from one action to the other.

13. In an interior player piano in combination with the hammer action, a principal pneumatic action and a supplemental pneumatic action for operating independently of each other upon the hammer action; a tracker board having two sets of ducts terminating in two parallel rows of tracker mouths, one of said sets comprising a group of ducts communicating with the principal pneumatic action, a second group communicating with the supplemental pneumatic action, and a third group provided with means of communication with both actions, the other set having means for communication for shifting communication of the actions from one set of ducts to the other and for shifting the communication of said third group from one pneumatic action to the other. i

14. In an interior player piano, in combination with the hammer action, a principal action and a supplemental action mounted for operating independently of each other upon the hammer action; a tracker having two sets of ducts terminating in two parallel rows of mouths, thefirst set having communication with the principal action only, the second set having a group of ducts com-' municating with the principal action only, a second group communicating with the supplemental action only, and a third group having means of communication with both actions, the second set being greater in numher than the first and the excess comprising said second group, the first set and the first and third groups of the second set extending to a parting plane between the tracker board and a valve bar thereon; such bar and a single set of flexible tubes leadingthere- -from to the princi al action, and adapted to be moved to shi t the communication of said single set of tubes from one to the other of said two sets of tracker board ducts; a group of supplemental tubes from said third group of tracker board ducts leading to the supplemental action, and means with which the corresponding group of said tubes from the bar is provided intermediate said bar and the principal action for cutting off their communication with said action.

15. In an interior player piano in combination with the manual keys, two neumatic actions for operating indepen ently of each other upon the keys, one of said actions being positioned above the keys for acting upon the latter forward of their fulcrums, the other action being positioned above the keys and comprising means for engaging the keys for lifting them up rearward of their fulcrums; a tracker-board having separate groups of ducts occupying respectively different portions of the length of the tracker-board, and a controller sheet cooperating with such tracker-board having perforations for cooperating with the separate groups of ducts, correspondingly positioned at different portions of the width of the sheet.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, in the MELVILLE CLARK.

In the presence of- M.. GER'rRUnn ADY, JULIA S. ABBOI'I.

resence of two witnesses, 'at Chicago, Illinois, this 25th day of March,

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