US1146542A - Governor-bellows for player-pianos and the like. - Google Patents

Description

A. YOUNG.

GOVERNOR BiELLOWS FOR PLAYER PIANOS AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.23, 1914.

1,1%6,542. Patented July 13, 1915.

COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH (70., WASHINGTON, n. c.

FTQ.

AUGUST YOUNG, 0F NEWYORK, N. Y.

GOVERNOR-BELLOWS FOR PLAYER-PIANOS AND THE LIKE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 13, 1915.

Application filed March 23, 1914. Serial No. 826,602.

its object to provide an improved device which will enable the force applied to the neumatics for moving the music rolls to be properly regulated.

The invention has been shown as applied to one embodiment, in the accompanying drawin and will be more fully described hereinafter and finally pointed out in the claims. 7

' In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is a side-view of an embodiment of a governorbellows containing my invention, Fig. 2 is, a vertical longitudinal section thereof, taken on line 22 of Fig. 4, Fig. 3 is a plan-view, with the top-wall removed, taken on line 3-3 of'Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a horizontal section taken on line 44 of Fig. 2.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the different figures of the drawing.

Referring to the drawing, and more par ticularly to Fig. 1, the governor-bellows shown in side-view therein is arranged at a suitable place on the player-piano, intermediate the power-bellows and the musicroll motors, and theobjeot of this governorbellows is to equalize the force used in the motors. It has often been found that where the operator uses different degrees of force when using his foot, this difierent degree of force is transmitted to the music-roll motors, and thus a very unsatisfactory effect is produced during the rendering of the piece of music. For this purpose, governor-bellows are provided intermediate the power-bellows and music-roll motors to bring about an equal speed. My improvement in these governor-bellows will be clearly apparent from the description to follow, and from the drawing, in which the casing 10 is providedwith a top-wall 11. At one end of the casing 10 the tube, 13, is connected by means of the joint 14, which tube 13 is in turn connected with the power or foot bellows, while the other end of the casing 10 is connected with the tube, or pipe, or channel 15 which leads to the pneumatics forming the motor for moving the music-roll, wall 16 forming the fixed part of the main-pneumatic forming a part of the governor-bellows, which in turn is provided with several different channels therein, as for instance, the longitudinal main channel 18, the vertical channel 19, the transverse channel 20, and the secondary channel 21, which is connected with the tube 15. The cooperation of these channels will be described hereinafter. These different channels are controlled by different valves, as for instance, spring-valve 22, the slidevalve 23 and a second slide-valve 24, both of these slide- valves 23 and 24 being held in position by springs 25 and 26. All these channels and valves are within the fixed part of the pneumatic.

A diaphragm 30 is connected with the valve-stem 31, to which is secured the valvedisk 32 covering an opening 33, and which valve-stem 31 extends into the upper board 11, being guided by the recess 34. At the lower portion of the diaphragm 30 a plate 35 is provided, which is within the governor pneumatic, which is also provided with a recess forming a diaphragm chamber 36, and which recess is in communication with a channel 37 having the opening 38. A vent 39'is provided by means of which the suction action in the channel18 is normally caused to exert its action on thediaphragm 30 in the chamber 130 arranged in enlarged manner transversely across the main channel, and thereby causes the valve 32 to be forced downwardly to cover the opening 33 in the partition 40. When, however, it is desired to actuate the diaphragm-valve 32, the opening 38 is connected with the atmosphere by means of the channel or tube 41, which in turn is operated by a push-button on the front of the piano, whereby atmospheric air is caused to enter through the channel 41, opening 38, diaphragm chamber 36, and atmospheric pressure is caused to exist below the diaphragm 30, whereby the suction in the channel 18 will force the diaphragmvalve 32 upwardly from the opening 33 in the partition 40, and thereby cause connection between the channel 18 and the tube 15 through the opening 42 in the fixed part 16. This will cause the motor for the music-roll to be operated very quickly and thereby the music-roll will pass over the tracker-baror board very rapidly, without any playing of the instrument. This action, however, only takes place in those cases where it is desired to move the motor rapidly and cause the music-roll to pass rapidly over the trackerbar. The important feature of this arrangement is that the diaphragm is adjacent the fixed part of the pneumatic, and the diaphragm chamber is arranged within the bellows, and also has the valve stem operated by said diaphragm passing through the fixed part of the pneumatic. By operating this diaphragm valve by push-buttons instead of wire connections, these objectionable wire connections are done away with.

Normally, however, the object of this invention is to provide means for regulatingthe speed of the music-roll, and for this pur ose the spring-valve 22 is provided. his spring-valve 22 has. one end-portion secured to the fixed part of the governor-bellows by means of the screw 45, whereas the free end of this portion is loosely secured to the same fixed part by means of the screw 46; it is not firmly secured, but in a manner to give a certain movement to the parts to enable a variation of tension to be obtained. The other free end of the spring 22 has a curved portion 48, which is engaged by a stud 49 adapted to be adjusted by the screw 50, passing through the movable part 51 of the bellows, which movable part is hinged at 52 and has the flexible bellows-portions at 53. In order to limit the movement of this fixed part, a second stud 55, adapted to be changed in position by means of the screw-threaded rod 56, is provided, which passes through the movable part 51 of the bellows. In order to enable the screws 45 and 46 to be properly adjusted, the movable part of the bellows is provided with two openings 60 and 61, which are adapted to be covered by means of a plate 63 pivoted to the movable part 51 by means of the screw 64. A screwdriver may thus be inserted through either of the holes 60 or 61, and thereby engage the screw 45 or 46 and vary the tension of the spring 22.

The valve 23 has already been referred to, but it has a special shape, being provided with a V-shaped incision at one end, and a valve-rod 71 at the other end, which is provided at the exterior of the bellows with a handle 72. Instead of providing the valve 23 with a V-shaped incision, the opening 19 may be made a V-shaped opening in order to give a gradual increasing or decreasing speed. hen, for instance, it is desired to have the music-roll pass over the trackerbar at a certain speed, say 60, then the valve 23 is placed in the position corresponding thereto. When, however, it is desired to operate the music-roll passing over the tracker-bar somewhat quicker for a certain period, but still maintain this normal speed when this desire has been fulfilled, the valve gradually close up opening 42. as before stated, if it isdesired. to move the 24 is operated to uncover the opening 75. This valve 24 is provided with a rod 76 having a handle 7 7 at the outside of the bellows. When it is desired to decrease the speed, the opening 42 will be gradually decreased by the valve 24.

From the description of the parts, the op eration of the governor-bellows becomes clear, and which is as follows: When it is desired to move themusic-roll at a certain speed the valve 23 isplaced in a position over the opening 91 of the channel 19. By this position a certain amount of power exerted by the power bellows and entering through the channel 13 and channel 18, will be permitted to pass through the opening 99 into the bellows, then through the channel 19, through the chamber 100, into the channel 21 and tube 15, and move the motor for the music-roll correspondingly. In order to prevent, however, any extra force which is exerted on the power-bellows by the irregular movement of the feet of the operator from being transmitted to the motor of the music-roll, and thereby cause an irregular movement of the same, the spring 22 with the bellows 53 acts as a governing or equalizing device. Hence, if the suction is suddenly very great, the spring 22 will become compressed and will close'the opening 99 of the channel 18 and hence prevent this suction from passing through the channel 19, and finally into the channel 15. ()n the other hand, if the suction is less, the spring 22 will move the movable part 51 of the bellows outwardly, thereby uncovering the opening 99 and permitting a greater amount of the suction action to enter'into the bellows, and thereby also enter into the channel 19, and through the opening 91 thereof into the chamber 100, and through the opening 42 into the channel 15, the curved arrow 110 indicating this very nicely. Hence by the action described, the spring 22 acts to equalize any sudden or unequal movement of the power-bellows and the force exerted through the channel 15 on the motor of the music-roll is substantially constant. As before described, when it desired to give a special or rapid movement to the motorbellows moving'the music-roll, the valve 24 is moved to uncover the opening 75, whereby the music-roll may be, moved somewhat quicker depending on: the desire ofthe per son who is playing the instrument, in order to render different parts of the piece to be properly played. When, as before stated, it is desired to decrease the speed of the musicroll, the temporary valve 24 is moved to Of course,

music-roll very quickly, without rendering any music, then the press-button is operated and the atmospheric air permitted to enter underneath the diaphragm 30, and thereby tion-channel 18 and the tube 15.

open direct communication between the suc- The invention may also be applied to be used with player action Pneumatics, and in this case also, the regulating of the varying pressure of the pumping bellows being also made possible, so that by the equalization, the rendering of the piece is enabled to be uniform throughout. Also, various desired renditions may be made as desired by the player.

I have described my invention as applied to one embodiment, but changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. I

IIaving thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. In a governor, the combination of a fixed part of a pneumatic provided with an opening, a movable part of a pneumatic forming a bellows portion, a channel arranged longitudinally in the fixed part of the pneumatic, communicating with the said opening, communicating directly with the bellows portion of the pneumatic, a fiat spring adjustably mounted at one end to the fixed part of the pneumatic, and movable by the movable part of the pneumatic, said spring being arranged over the opening of the fixed part of the pneumatic, adapted to open and close said opening, and adapted to control the longitudinal channel.

2. In a governor, the combination of a fixed part of a pneumatic provided with an opening, a movable part of a pneumatic forming a bellows portion, a channel arranged longitudinally in the fixed part of the pneumatic, communicating with the said opening, communicating directly with the bellows portion of the pneumatic, a fiat spring adjustably mounted at two points, at the end and approximately near the end of said opening, on the fixed part of said pneumatic, to vary the tension oi said spring, and movable by the movable part of the pneumatic, said spring being arranged over the opening of the fixed part of the pneumatic, adapted to open and close said opening, and adapted to control the longitudinal channel.

3. In a governor, having a fixed part of a pneumatic provided with an opening, and a movable part of a pneumatic, forming a bellows portion, a longitudinal channel in said fixed part of the pneumatic, communicating with the said opening, communicating directly with said bellows portion, a chamber in said fixed part of said pneumatic, a second channel between said chamber and said bellows portion, an inlet duct in said fixed part communicating with the exterior thereof, and a third channel connecting said chamber with said inlet duct.

4. In a governor, the combination of a fixed part of a pneumatic provided with an opening, a movable part of a pneumatic forming a bellows portion, a longitudinal channel in said fixed part of the pneumatic, communicating with said opening, communicating directly with said bellows portion, a chamber in said fixed part of said pneumatic, a second channel between said chamber and said bellows portion, an inlet duct, in said fixed part communicating with the exterior thereof, a third channel connecting said chamber with said inlet duct, and a valve between said first-mentioned channel and said chamber.

5. In a governor, the combination of a fixed part of a pneumatic, provided with an opening, a movable part of a pneumatic forming a bellows portion, a longitudinal main channel, in said fixed part of the pneumatic, communicating with said opening, communicating directly with said bellows portion, a chamber in said fixed part of said pneumatic, a diaphragm in said main channel intermediate the inlet and outlet thereof, normally under tension of suction, a diaphragm chamber in said movable part of said pneumatic, also under said tension, a valve between said main channel and said chamber operable by said diaphragm, and means for placing the diaphragmchamber under atmospheric pressure, whereby the said valve is opened over direct communication established between said main channel under suction and the channel communicating with the motor bellows.

6. In a governor, the combination of a fixed part of a pneumatic, a bellows portion of a pneumatic, a main-channel longitudinally arranged in the fixed part of the pneumatic in communication with the suction, a chamber interposed in said main-channel, openings in said fixed part, a diaphragm for one of said openings, a valve for the other of said openings, a stem connecting the valve and diaphragm, a chamber in the bellows portion of the pneumatic for said diaphragm normally maintained under suction, and means through the fixed part of the pneumatic connecting the chamber in the bellows portion with the atmosphere, for establishing communication between the chamber and the atmosphere, for moving the diaphragm, and its stem and valve.

7. In a governor, the combination of a fixed part of a pneumatic provided with an opening, a movable part of a pneumatic forming a bellows portion, a longitudinal channel in said fixed part of the pneumatic communicating with said opening, communieating directly with said bellows portion, a chamber in said fixed portion extending along the fixed portion of the pneumatic the length thereof, a second channel between said bellows portion and said chamber, an inlet duct in said fixed part communicating with the exterior thereof, a third channel connecting said chamber with said inlet duct, a slide valve for said second channel, arranged in said chamber, a slide valve for said third channel, arranged in the same chamber, and means at the exterior of the governor for operating the slide valves.

8. In a governor, the combination of a fixed part of a pneumatic, provided with an opening, a movable part of a pneumatic forming a bellows portion, a longitudinal channel in said fixed part of the pneumatic, communicating with said opening, communicating directly with said bellows portion, a chamber in said fixed portion extending along the fixed portion the length thereof, a second channel between said bellows portion and said chamber, an auxiliary channel between said second channel and said chamber, an inlet duct in said fixed part communicating with the exterior thereof, a third channel connecting said chamber with said inlet duct, a slide valve for said second channel, arranged in said chamber, a slide valve for said third channel and said auxiliary channel, arranged in the same chamber, and means at the exterior of the governor for operating the slide valves.

9. In a governor, the combination of a fixed part of a pneumatic provided with an opening, a movable part of a pneumatic forming a bellows portion, a longitudinal channel in said fixed part of the pneumatic communicating with said opening, communicating directly with said bellows portions, a chamber in said fixed portion extending along the fixed portion of the pneumatic the length thereof, a second channel between said bellows portion and said chamber, an inlet duct in said fixed part communicating with the exterior thereof, a third channel connecting said chamber with said inlet duct, a slide valve for said second channel, arranged in said chamber, a slide valve for said third channel, arranged in the same chamber, means at the exteriorof the governor for operating the slide valves, and a diaphragm chamber and valve whereby direct communication is established between said main longitudinal channel under suction and said third-mentioned channel communicating with the motor bellows.

10. In a governor, the combination of a fixed part of a pneumatic provided with an opening, a movable part of a pneumatic forming a bellows portion, a longitudinal channel in said fixed part of the pneumatic communicating with said opening, communicating directly with said bellows portion, a flat spring adjustably mormted at one end to the fixed part of the pneumatic, and movable by the movable part of the pneumatic, said spring being arranged over the opening of the fixed part of the pneumatic, adapted to open and close said opening, and adapted to control the longitudinal channel, a chamber in said fixed portion extend ing along the fixed portion of the pneumatic, the length thereof, a second channel between said bellows portion and said chamher, an inlet duct in said fixed portion communicating with the exterior thereof, a third channel connecting said chamber with said inlet duct, a slide valve for said second channel, arranged in said chamber, a slide valve for said third channel, arranged in the same chamber, means at the exterior of the governor for operating the slide valves and a diaphragm chamber and valve whereby direct communication is established between said main longitudinal channel under suction, and said third-mentioned channel com municating with the motor bellows.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as my invention, I have signed my name in presencev of two subscribing witnesses.

AUGUST YOUNG.

Witnesses F. Hose,

Jos. BISBANO.

Gopies of this, patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C.

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