US1467889A - Pneumatically-controlled regulator for musical instruments - Google Patents

Pneumatically-controlled regulator for musical instruments Download PDF

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US1467889A
US1467889A US840912A US1914840912A US1467889A US 1467889 A US1467889 A US 1467889A US 840912 A US840912 A US 840912A US 1914840912 A US1914840912 A US 1914840912A US 1467889 A US1467889 A US 1467889A
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regulator
pneumatic
power
valve
striker
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US840912A
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Welte Edwin
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WELTE MIGNON CORP
WELTE-MIGNON Corp
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WELTE MIGNON CORP
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G10MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10FAUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
    • G10F1/00Automatic musical instruments
    • G10F1/02Pianofortes with keyboard

Definitions

  • the invention relates to record controlled musical instruments, and particularly to certain. improven'ients in. the mechanisms employed toregulate and control the wind,
  • the object of the invention is to provide a controllerintermediate the main source of power and primary orstriker pneumatics which may be so modified in its action as to provide any attenuation-of air pressure upon the striker pneumatics having given a maxi mum initial pressure in themain source of power.
  • the purposes of the invention are efiected by arranging a regulator connected with the main source of power and the striker pneu matics and having connected with said regulater an automatically actuated mechanism which will intensify or diminish the normal effect of the main source of power upon the regulatorand consequently, upon thestrikeu Be it known that LEDWIN W'nnrna sub- I Y piano player.
  • the full details of the mechanism of the instrument arenot illustrated, the art being so well understood'as to make diagrams such as shown ample for the pur: poses of understanding: the particular mechanismhereinafter described. 4
  • Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic viewillustrating the relative arrangement of-striker pneu matics, main source of power, controller and. pneuniiatic valve actions for efl'ecting manipulation of the controller.
  • Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view on some: what enlarged scale, illustrating particularly the controller and its connections to the automatic actuating devices and the primary pneumatics.
  • Fig. 1' the various elemental parts are illustrated in duplicate as" they would be applied to a musical instrument of the piano player or player piano type, wherein there: is ordinarily employed a divided wind-chest to give independent action to the treble and bass or tosectional parts of the instrument and'in the description of the device, a single set of elements is hereinafter referred to and it is to be understood that the mechanism particularly refers to the type of -instrument in which a trackenboard is used andis controlled by a perforated music system by which a valve controlling eommunieation between a main source of power and a regulating bellows is controlled by the action ot' said regulating bellows and ismoditied in its control by an automatically actuated expression bellows.
  • T 1e invention hereinafter described, while analogous to that of my prior patent, shows a mechanism in which the regulator which is connected with the main source of power and with the striker pneumatics is primarily a controlling element, in as much as, it is always in definite communication with a valve which controls communication between the main source of power and the regulator.
  • a system of pneumatic devices having interconnected mechanical elements, retards or advances the action of the regulator in such manner that said regulator,
  • the regulator D is in direct con'imunication through a pipe 9 with the wind-passage G which is common to the several striker pneiunatics H. It is understood, of course, that there is a striker pneuniatic for each note or tone producing device of the musical.
  • striker pneumatic H is of the ordinary bellows type subject to inflation and deflation. Each of the striker pneumatics H are,
  • striker pneumatics act with greater or less force to produce corresponding effects upon the keys or notes of the instrument.
  • the movable member (Z of the regulator D is normally distended by a spring l; which one element of a. mechanical pneumatic system for producing *ariable resistant tension upon the regulator D with a consequent variable regulation oi? the air through corresponding moven'ients oi? the valve F.
  • the spring K is a cantilever spring, i. e., it has a substantially ilat longitudinally bendable portion having one end connected with the regulator board (l, while the other end is connected to the movable member of a pneumatic I, whereby it will be bent or flexed longitudinally in accordance with the tensions of the air in the pneumatics I and D.
  • the condition oi the pneumatic I will. determine the resistant pressures of the spring K with retereinte to the regulator D.
  • the pneumatic I is pneumatically connected either to the main source of power or to natural atz'm'isphcric condition try a valve IIIGCllfllllSDl hereinafter described and the movable member i ot the pneumatic I is mechanically connected to this valve mechanism and is also connected to a pneumatically actuated mechanism controlled automatically from the tracker-board.
  • the pneumatic I through a duct 1.
  • COIUIIlUIllCHi'GS with a valve chamber 2 which has a valve 3 controlling communication through a duct 4 with the main bellows or sustaining bellows B.
  • the valve chamber 2 also has a valve 5 controlling communication to atmospheric air.
  • Both the valve 3 and are mounted upon a spindle 6 which has fixed abutments 7 and 8 which, upon a movement of the spindle 6 will move either of the valves 3 or 5.
  • Said valves 3 and 5 are normally held to their seats by springs 8 and 9 and upon. an opening movement oi the valve 3, the pneumatic I subjected to the pressure or suction oi? the main. bellows or sustaining bellows B and the spring K has its tension increased with reference to the regulator D.
  • the penir matie I Upon an opening of the valve the penir matie I is open to atmospheric pressure and distends. reducing the pressure ot the spring K with reference to the regulator D.
  • the valve stem or spindle 6 is connected with what might be termed a hunting lever 10 which, through a rod 11., is connected with the movable member 'i r of'the pneumatic I.
  • the lever 10 may turn aboutthe point 14 as a fulcrum'for controlling the valves 3 and 5, or, through the-bar 12, it maybe turned about a point or fulcrum 15, where :it joins'therod 11. From the above construction, it;
  • the bar 11 will move the hunting leverlU' and open the valve 5-to atmosphere, .whereupon the pneumatic I will expand.
  • the pneumatic 13 is controlled in its movements and consequently controls-the position of the bar 12and fulcrum 14 of the hunting lever 10 through a system of valve actions controlled by the trackerboard of the instrument.-
  • the pneumatic 13 is controlled in its position and its operation upon the bar 12-and hunting lever 10 by ducts 17, 18 and 19.
  • the duct'17 is larger in diameter and gives a more rapid contro'l'to the pneumatic 13 than the duct.
  • Each of the valves 22, 23, 24 are controlled by tracker-ducts which communicate with chambers located below diaphragms 2'7, 28, 29, so that as either of the corresponding ducts- 30, 31, 32 of the tracker-board. are vented, the valves controlled by the diaphragms will rise and" place the ducts 17,, 18, 19. in communication with the main suction. This in effect, will collapse the pneumaticj13to a greater or less extent and with greater or less speed, owing to the difference in the diameter of the ducts 17 and 18- or will permit immediate expansion or distension'; of the pneumatic 13 when 0 us the valve 20.
  • valve chamber 44 has a duplex valve 45 which controls a port 46, opening into the wind-chest 25 and a port 47 opening to the atmospheric channel 48 which channel is common to the various valves of the system.
  • the duplex valve 45 is controlled as to its position by a diaphragm 49, the'chamber of which is vented through atracker duct .50.
  • the spindle oft-hevalve 45 has, at its upper end,.a diaphragm-51, the upper side of V the action of the main source of power and the ducts 17, .18, 19, which are under control irom'. the tracker-board. It may also be confined in 'its' -movements by the pneu matic 42 which is'also controlled automatically from the tracker-board.
  • valve F which is the primary means of controlling the connection between the source of power and the regulator D is immediately undcrcontrol oi" the regulator and that the effective regulation for varying the intensity of pressure upon the primary .pneumatics is effected by modifying the resistance opposed to the natural action and tendency of the regulator D.
  • This resistance is secured by a pneumatic system interposed between the regulator and the automatically controlling tracker-board. vices and their connection with the regulator D, an unlimited number of variations of pressure may be automatically secured.
  • the exact form of lever connection and arrangement of pneumaticdevices is not absolutely essential, the purposes and intention of the invention being to give a variable resilient control upon the regulator which. will cause said regulator to re-act and produce pressures of any possible intensity upon the striker pneumatics.
  • a main source of power striker pneumatics, means providing a wind passage for the striker pneuma'tics and means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with the wind passage, in combination with means between the main source of power and wind passage to regulate the tension of the air in the wind passage, in cluding a regulator operable to vary the said tension and to maintain uniformity of the tension to which it has been set regardless of the numbeno'f striker pneumatic-s operated simultaneously
  • an expression mechanism comprising'two pneumatic means and a tension controlling means and mechanism between said. pneumatic means and the tension controlling means whereby the movement of one of said means of the expression mechanism will affect the operation of another.
  • a main source of power striker pneumatics
  • means providing a wind passage for the striker pnenmatics and means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with the 'wind passage, in combination with means between the main source of power and wind passage to regulate the tension of the air in the wind passage, including a regulator operable to vary said Through the pneumatic de-' It is. of course,'
  • an expression mechanism comprising a plurality of inter depcndently-connected means connected to the regulator to vary the tension therein and record-controlled means acting with relation to the interdependently-connccted means to effect the variable operation of said regulator.
  • a main source of power striker pneumatics
  • means. providing a wind passage for the striker pneumatics and. means to control communication oil the striker pneumatics with the wind passage, in comlfiination with means between the main soura'e of power and wind passage to regulate the tension of the air in the wind passage, including a regulator operable to vary said tension and to maintain uniformity of the tension to which it has been set regardless of the number of striker pneumatics operated simultaneously, nd a rccord-controlled expression mechanism having connection with the regulator to control the operation thereof, the connection including a lever having a shittable fulcrum.
  • a main source of power striker pneumatics
  • means providing a wind passage tor the striker pneumatics. and means to control con'nnunication of the striker pneumatics with the wind passage, in combination with means between the main source of power and wind passage to regulate the tension of the air in the wind passage, including a regulator operable to vary said tension and to maintain uniformity of the tension to which it has been set regardless of the number of striker pneumatics operated simultaneously, a variable resistant tensioning device conne' ted to the regulator, interdependently-conneeted means to operate said device to vary the resistance imposed byit upon.
  • 9.-A- regulating device formusical instruments comprising aregulating pneumatic communicating withtlie. main source of power and with thest-rikerpneumatics, a valve controlled by said regulator, a ten: sion device connectedgwith the-regulator and comprising a. spring and a pneumatic controlling the position thereof to thereby vary its tension, connections intermediate said pneumatic and the main source of power,
  • controlling valves may be effected by the a main source of power and with the striker v pneumatics, a tensioning pneumatic having aresilient connectionwith the regulating pneumatic, valves forconnecting said tensioning pneumatic with the atmosphere or with the-main source ofpower for varying the tension of the resilient connection, a lever connecting said tensioning pneumatic and valves and an. automatic device for operating saidvalves independently of the action ofthe pneumatic. I c r 11.. A.
  • regulator formusical instruments comprising a regulating pneumatic and its valve, said pneumatic communicating with a main source, of power and with the striker pneumatics, a controlling pneumatic having a resilient connection with the regulating pneumatic, valves for. conn'ectingsaid con-- trolling pneumatic with .the atmosphere or with-the mainsource of power for varying the tension of the resilient connection, a lever connecting said controlling pneumatic and valvesand an automaticdevice for operating ,said valves independently ofthe action of the controlling pneumatic, said automatic device having automatically controlled pneumatic actions controlling the main source of power with reference to said automatic device and tracker connections for adjusting said actions.
  • a variable resistant tensioning means having a pneumatic connected to the regulator, a valvular mechanism for controlling the tension of the air in the pneumatic, including chambers for airs of dilferent tensions respectively, an additional chamber having comnmnication with the pneumatic, ports through which the additional chamber'may have communlcation with either of the other chambers, valve. members to-control said communication, respectively, a spindle upon which the valve members are mounted, means to hold the valve members normally to their seats, means whereby the movement of the spindle in one direction unseats one valve and its movement in the other direction unseats the other valve, and record-controlled means to move said spindle.
  • I11 a record controlled musical instrument, :1 main source of power, striker pneumatics, a regulator between the main source of power and striker pneumatics, a variable resistant tensioning means having a pneumatic connected to the regulator, a valvular mechanism for controlling the tension of the air in the pneumatic, including chambers for airs of different tensions respectively, an additional chamber having communication with the pneumatic, ports through which the additional chamber may have communication with either of the other chambers, valve members to control said communication, respectively, a spindle upon which the valve members are mounted, means to hold the valve members normally to their seats means whereby the movement of the spindle in one direction unseats one valve and its movement in the other direction unseats the other valve, and record-controlled means including a lever having connection with the spindle and with the pneumatic for the purposes set forth.
  • a main source of power striker pneumatics
  • a regulator in the connection between the main source of power and striker pneun'iatics
  • a tcnsioning member acting upon the regulator
  • pneumatic connections including valve members between the tension ing member and the main source of power and atmosphere, a spindle to open the valves severally, said members being movable relatively to the spindle and having means tending to close them, respectively, and record controlled operating means connected to the spindle.
  • a main source of power striker pneumatics
  • a regulator in the connection between the main source of power and striker pneumatics
  • a tensioning member acting upon the regulator pneumatic connections including valve members between the tensioning member and the main source of power and atmosphcre, a spindle to open the valves severally, said members being movable relatively to the spindle and having means tending to close them, respectively, a mechanical connection between the tensioning member and valve spindle, and record controlled means connected to said connection to move the same.
  • a main source of power striker pneumatics, means providing a wind passage for the striker neumatics, means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with the wind passage
  • a regulator comprising a member whose interior is in communication with the main source of power and with the wind passage and also comprising a pivotally mounted valve to control communication of the interior of said member with the source of power and wind passage and means connecting the regulator member with the "alve, a motor pneumatic, a spring connection controlled by the motor pneumatic and in turn controlling the regulator valve through the regulator member, the connections from the regulator to the motor pneumatic and to the valve being out of alignment, and record-controlled means having connection with the main source o't power and with the motor pneumatic to actuate the latter to vary the tension of the spring connection.
  • a main source of power striker pneumatics, means providing a wind. passage for the striker pneumatics, means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with the wind passage
  • a regulator comprising a member whose interior is in communication with the main source of power and with the wind passage and also comprising a valve to control communication of the interior of said member with the source of power and wind passage and means connecting the regulator member with the valve
  • a motor pneumatic a spring having a cantilever action interposed between the mo tor pneumatic and the regulator member to be controlled by the motor pneumatic and in turn to control the regulator valve through said member, said spring having one end rigidly secured to the movable member of the motor pneumatic
  • record controlled means having connection with the main source of power and with the motor pneu matic to actuate the latter to vary the tension of the spring.
  • a main source of power striker pneumatics, means forming a wind passage for the striker pneumatics, means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with said wind passage
  • a regulator comprising a member whose interior is in communication with the main source of power and with the wind passage and also comprising a pivotally mountedvalve to control communication of the interior of said member with the source of power and wind passage and a connection between said member and valve, a motor pneumatic, a spring having a cantilever action controlled by the motor pneumatic and in turn controlling the regulator valve through said member, said spring having one end rigidly secured to the movable member of themotor pneumatic, and record controlled means having connec' tion with the main source of power and with the motor pneumatic to actuate the latter to vary the tension of the spring.
  • a main source of power striker pneumatics, means forming a wind passage for the striker pneumatics, means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with said wind passage, a regulator having a duct through which it has communication with the source of power and a second duct through which it has communication with the Wind passage, said regulator comprising a bellows and a pivotally mounted valve, the valve being operatively related to one of the ducts and operatively connected to the movable member of the bellows, a motor pneumatic, a spring connection between' the motor pneumatic and movable member of the bellows, the connections from the regulator to the motor pneumatic and to the valve being out of alignment, and record controlled means having connection with the main source of power and with the motor pneumatic to actuate the latter to vary the tension of the spring, for the purposes set forth. 7
  • a main source of power, striker cation with the source of power and a second duct through which it has communica tion with the'wind passage said regulator comprising a bellows and a valve, the valve operatively related to one of the ducts and operatively connected to the movable member of the bellows, a second bellows, a spring having a cantileveract-ion secured at one end to the movable member of the second bellows, said spring having one end rigidly secured to the movable member of the second bellows, means connecting the other end of the spring to the movable member of the regulator bellows and record controlled means having connection with the main source of power and with the main second bellows to actuate the latter to vary the tension of the spring, for the purposes set forth. 7

Description

Sept. 11, 1923.
E. WELTE PNEUMATICALLY CONTROLLED REGULATOR-FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Filed May 25 1914 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 WITNESSES ATTOI? EY Sept. 11,1923. 1,467,889
E. WELTE PNEUMATICALLY CONTROLLED REGULATOR FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Filed May 25, 1914 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 M 37 34 as 38' 51 19 35 1 18 1 I T 47 52 17 I. 1| '1 20 z 21 1a 25 53 -1 1 I Fig- 2 1O 15 L j I T 1 14 E fig -11 1 A \\\\\W F 1 d v WW E8 W v lymvroR zuw'n hlte,
M4 8 I 2 MAW Baden German Em oire have-invented cer- Patented Sept. 11, 1923.
p 1 g I 1,467,889 U I D STATES PATENT'OFF'ICE;
EDWIN WELTE, OF FREIBURG, GERMANY, ASSIGNOR, BY ASSIGNMENTS,
WELTE-MIGNON YORK.
CORPORATION, or NEW'-YOBK,'N. Y., A CORPORATION on NEW PNEUMATICALLY-CONTROLLED REGULATOR FOR IEUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
.Applicatiomfiled May 25, 1914. Serial M sicale.
T 0 all w Zi-omhz'vf may concern ject of. the Grand Duke of Baden, and a resident of Freiburg, in the Grand Duchy of tain new and useful. Improvements in Pneumatically-Controlled Regulators for Musical Instruments, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, whereby anyone skilled in the art may makeandj use the same. v l
The invention relates to record controlled musical instruments, and particularly to certain. improven'ients in. the mechanisms employed toregulate and control the wind,
pressure or suction which is utilized to actu' ate the striker pneumatics, primary pneumatics or similar sounding devices and contemplates a control of aregulator which will give any and everymodulation of action of the primary or striker .pneumatics to soper feet a degree asto simulateand reproduce theactual playmg of an operator.
These results can only be attained by modifying the wind pressures or suction and" controlling the main source of power with reference to the striker pneumatics. Obviously, the whole control is dependent upon a variable attenuation of the pressure or suction acting upon the primary Pneumatics and the present invention has to do with an automatic regulation of the main source of power with reference to the striker pneu-.
matics, said regulation being variable and under' automatic control so that there is practically no limit to the number of pressures and gradations of pressure or. suction which it is possible to impress upon the strikerpneurhatics. v
The object of the invention is to provide a controllerintermediate the main source of power and primary orstriker pneumatics which may be so modified in its action as to provide any attenuation-of air pressure upon the striker pneumatics having given a maxi mum initial pressure in themain source of power. The purposes of the invention are efiected by arranging a regulator connected with the main source of power and the striker pneu matics and having connected with said regulater an automatically actuated mechanism which will intensify or diminish the normal effect of the main source of power upon the regulatorand consequently, upon thestrikeu Be it known that LEDWIN W'nnrna sub- I Y piano player. The full details of the mechanism of the instrument arenot illustrated, the art being so well understood'as to make diagrams such as shown ample for the pur: poses of understanding: the particular mechanismhereinafter described. 4
Referringto the drawings 1 Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic viewillustrating the relative arrangement of-striker pneu matics, main source of power, controller and. pneuniiatic valve actions for efl'ecting manipulation of the controller.
Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view on some: what enlarged scale, illustrating particularly the controller and its connections to the automatic actuating devices and the primary pneumatics. i
It is of course understood that the drawings herein do not attempt to illustrate all power, cont-rolling devices, automatically actuated mechanism for modifying. the action of the controlling devices and'theconnections to the primary or striker pneu matics are sufficient for a thoroughunderstanding of the invention. d
i In Fig. 1', the various elemental parts are illustrated in duplicate as" they would be applied to a musical instrument of the piano player or player piano type, wherein there: is ordinarily employed a divided wind-chest to give independent action to the treble and bass or tosectional parts of the instrument and'in the description of the device, a single set of elements is hereinafter referred to and it is to be understood that the mechanism particularly refers to the type of -instrument in which a trackenboard is used andis controlled by a perforated music system by which a valve controlling eommunieation between a main source of power and a regulating bellows is controlled by the action ot' said regulating bellows and ismoditied in its control by an automatically actuated expression bellows. Obviously, in this prior patent thcfie is disclosed in the regulating bellows, a means for maintaining a defi nite pressure of the main source oi. power with reference to the striker pneumatics and there is also illustrated a regulating or expression bellows which will automatically vary the control of the main regulating bellows with. reference to the main source of power and its action upon the striker pneir matics.
T 1e invention hereinafter described, while analogous to that of my prior patent, shows a mechanism in which the regulator which is connected with the main source of power and with the striker pneumatics is primarily a controlling element, in as much as, it is always in definite communication with a valve which controls communication between the main source of power and the regulator. To modify the action of this controller, a system of pneumatic devices having interconnected mechanical elements, retards or advances the action of the regulator in such manner that said regulator,
while always controlling its valve for maintaming any given pressure, will be varied in its control so that a imiltitude of pressures oi. different characters and degrees may be maintained by the regulator with reference to the striker pnenmatics. This effect in the main, is produced by increasing or decreasing the resistance of the regulator and its connected controlling valve by a pneumatic system which operates independently of, though primarily in conjunction with the induced pressures of the main source of power. I
In the accompanying drawings there are the usual feeders or exhaust bellows A Which are in communication with a sustaining bellows or chamber B, this chamber representing the highest pressure of the system. The sustaining chamber B, through a duct 7) communicates with a regulator D, which, as illustrated, is of the pneumatic bellows type and has a movable board (Z which, through a. connection f, controls a valve F that governs the connecting duct 7) from the main bellows.
The regulator D is in direct con'imunication through a pipe 9 with the wind-passage G which is common to the several striker pneiunatics H. It is understood, of course, that there is a striker pneuniatic for each note or tone producing device of the musical.
instrument and illustrated herein, the
striker pneumatic H is of the ordinary bellows type subject to inflation and deflation. Each of the striker pneumatics H are,
through suitable tracker-ducts it connected with a tracker-board T. Upon venting of a tracker-opening which connnunicates with the tracker-ducts N, the primary or striker pneumatics are subjected to the then prevailing tension which is induced in the regulater D dependent upon the pressure in the regulator D and wind-passage G. The
striker pneumatics act with greater or less force to produce corresponding effects upon the keys or notes of the instrument. The movable member (Z of the regulator D is normally distended by a spring l; which one element of a. mechanical pneumatic system for producing *ariable resistant tension upon the regulator D with a consequent variable regulation oi? the air through corresponding moven'ients oi? the valve F.
As illustrated herein, the spring K is a cantilever spring, i. e., it has a substantially ilat longitudinally bendable portion having one end connected with the regulator board (l, while the other end is connected to the movable member of a pneumatic I, whereby it will be bent or flexed longitudinally in accordance with the tensions of the air in the pneumatics I and D. Obviously, the condition oi the pneumatic I will. determine the resistant pressures of the spring K with retereinte to the regulator D.
The pneumatic I is pneumatically connected either to the main source of power or to natural atz'm'isphcric condition try a valve IIIGCllfllllSDl hereinafter described and the movable member i ot the pneumatic I is mechanically connected to this valve mechanism and is also connected to a pneumatically actuated mechanism controlled automatically from the tracker-board.
As illustrated in the drawings, the pneumatic I, through a duct 1. COIUIIlUIllCHi'GS with a valve chamber 2 which has a valve 3 controlling communication through a duct 4 with the main bellows or sustaining bellows B. The valve chamber 2 also has a valve 5 controlling communication to atmospheric air. Both the valve 3 and are mounted upon a spindle 6 which has fixed abutments 7 and 8 which, upon a movement of the spindle 6 will move either of the valves 3 or 5. Said valves 3 and 5 are normally held to their seats by springs 8 and 9 and upon. an opening movement oi the valve 3, the pneumatic I subjected to the pressure or suction oi? the main. bellows or sustaining bellows B and the spring K has its tension increased with reference to the regulator D.
Upon an opening of the valve the penir matie I is open to atmospheric pressure and distends. reducing the pressure ot the spring K with reference to the regulator D.
The valve stem or spindle 6 is connected with what might be termed a hunting lever 10 which, through a rod 11., is connected with the movable member 'i r of'the pneumatic I. The: lever 10 is pivoted to a mov-' able "bar 12, the position of 'which is-con-= trolledby a pneumatic 13 so that the fu1-' crum orpivot point'of the lever 10, which is at 14i's variable in position. The lever 10 may turn aboutthe point 14 as a fulcrum'for controlling the valves 3 and 5, or, through the-bar 12, it maybe turned about a point or fulcrum 15, where :it joins'therod 11. From the above construction, it;
is apparent that if the point 14 is depressed by a movement of the bar 12, the valve 3 will be opened, subjecting the pneumatic I to the suction of the main source of power 1 B. This will immediately causeia partial collapse'ofthe pneumatic I'and an. increase of tension of the spring K with 'referenceto the regulator 'D. The movement of the member 6 will be transmitted through the bar 11 to the hunting lever 10,- which will shift uponlits fulcrum 14 and im: mediately close the valve 3. In like man ner, if the regulator D moves beyond a normal fixed, position requisite to pull upon the movable member 2' of the pneumatic I,
the bar 11 will move the hunting leverlU' and open the valve 5-to atmosphere, .whereupon the pneumatic I will expand.
i From the above, 'it-is apparent that there is always a definite balance which will maintain the regulator D in a definitefixed position unless the fulcrum 14 is varied position by the pneumatic 13.
The pneumatic 13 is controlled in its movements and consequently controls-the position of the bar 12and fulcrum 14 of the hunting lever 10 through a system of valve actions controlled by the trackerboard of the instrument.- The pneumatic 13 is controlled in its position and its operation upon the bar 12-and hunting lever 10 by ducts 17, 18 and 19. The duct'17 is larger in diameter and gives a more rapid contro'l'to the pneumatic 13 than the duct.
18, while the duct-19 actuates a pneumatic valve '20, subjecting the pneumatic 13 to? atmospheric pressure and giving it an im med-iateop-portunity to expand under the influence of its spring 21. Each of the ducts. 17, 18 and 19 communicate with valvechambers w'hicliare respectively controlled by valves 22, 23, 24. Said valves control ports which communicate with a wind-chest 25, that is connected through a suitable duct 26 with the mainsource of power B;
Each of the valves 22, 23, 24 are controlled by tracker-ducts which communicate with chambers located below diaphragms 2'7, 28, 29, so that as either of the corresponding ducts- 30, 31, 32 of the tracker-board. are vented, the valves controlled by the diaphragms will rise and" place the ducts 17,, 18, 19. in communication with the main suction. This in effect, will collapse the pneumaticj13to a greater or less extent and with greater or less speed, owing to the difference in the diameter of the ducts 17 and 18- or will permit immediate expansion or distension'; of the pneumatic 13 when 0 us the valve 20. v
Th'e valve chambers in which the valves 22 and: 23'are located-communicatethrough ducts 83, 34: withthe upper side of. dia
the duct 19 'phragms35, 36, sothat either of said valves are held in unscated position withyrefer ence to theports connecting with thewindchest 25 until -pressu re is equalized upon the diaphragms by subjecting the under side thereof to the suction of the wind'chest 25 throughv ductsx37, 38; The "duct 38- is controlled 7 and-admits atmospheric air or suction tothe under side of the diaphragm 36dependent upon'the position of a valve 39 which is controlled by a tracker duct 4O.
Tolimit the movement of the'pnc-umatie 13 or to hold it within definite limits of 'movemenua latch 4'1 is provided and this I is pneumatically operated by-a bellows or pneumatic 42 which communicates through aduct 43'witha valve chamber 44. This. valve chamber 44 has a duplex valve 45 which controls a port 46, opening into the wind-chest 25 and a port 47 opening to the atmospheric channel 48 which channel is common to the various valves of the system. The duplex valve 45 is controlled as to its position by a diaphragm 49, the'chamber of which is vented through atracker duct .50.
The spindle oft-hevalve 45 has, at its upper end,.a diaphragm-51, the upper side of V the action of the main source of power and the ducts 17, .18, 19, which are under control irom'. the tracker-board. It may also be confined in 'its' -movements by the pneu matic 42 which is'also controlled automatically from the tracker-board.
From this automatic control of the pneumatic 13, it is apparent that the-hunting lever 10 maybe moved to unseat the valve 3 in a great variety of positions and under an unlimited number. of pressure conditions; The valve will be almost instantly re-seatediby the re-action'ot' the pneumatic I and therefore, there is an existing bal ancedcondition always modifying the tcnsion. upon the movable member d of the regulator D, which will, in etlect, vary the position of the valve'F and give an unlimited variation of pressures of the main source of power with relerence to the rcgulator D and the striker pneumatics connccted therewith.
It will be observed that the valve F which is the primary means of controlling the connection between the source of power and the regulator D is immediately undcrcontrol oi" the regulator and that the effective regulation for varying the intensity of pressure upon the primary .pneumatics is effected by modifying the resistance opposed to the natural action and tendency of the regulator D. This resistance is secured by a pneumatic system interposed between the regulator and the automatically controlling tracker-board. vices and their connection with the regulator D, an unlimited number of variations of pressure may be automatically secured. upon the striker pneumatics through the control of the regulator. to be understood that the exact form of lever connection and arrangement of pneumaticdevices is not absolutely essential, the purposes and intention of the invention being to give a variable resilient control upon the regulator which. will cause said regulator to re-act and produce pressures of any possible intensity upon the striker pneumatics.
lVhat I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:
1. In a record controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker pneumatics, means providing a wind passage for the striker pneuma'tics and means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with the wind passage, in combination with means between the main source of power and wind passage to regulate the tension of the air in the wind passage, in cluding a regulator operable to vary the said tension and to maintain uniformity of the tension to which it has been set regardless of the numbeno'f striker pneumatic-s operated simultaneously, an expression mechanism comprising'two pneumatic means and a tension controlling means and mechanism between said. pneumatic means and the tension controlling means whereby the movement of one of said means of the expression mechanism will affect the operation of another.
2. In a record controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker pneumatics, means providing a wind passage for the striker pnenmatics and means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with the 'wind passage, in combination with means between the main source of power and wind passage to regulate the tension of the air in the wind passage, including a regulator operable to vary said Through the pneumatic de-' It is. of course,'
tension and to 'maintain uniformity of the tension to which it has been set regardless of the number of striker pneumatics operated simultaneously, and an expression mechanism comprising a plurality of inter depcndently-connected means connected to the regulator to vary the tension therein and record-controlled means acting with relation to the interdependently-connccted means to effect the variable operation of said regulator.
In a record controlled, musical instru-, ment, a main source of power, striker pneumatics, means. providing a wind passage for the striker pneumatics and. means to control communication oil the striker pneumatics with the wind passage, in comlfiination with means between the main soura'e of power and wind passage to regulate the tension of the air in the wind passage, including a regulator operable to vary said tension and to maintain uniformity of the tension to which it has been set regardless of the number of striker pneumatics operated simultaneously, nd a rccord-controlled expression mechanism having connection with the regulator to control the operation thereof, the connection including a lever having a shittable fulcrum.
it. In a record controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker pneu inatics, means providing a wind passage for the striker pneumatics and means to control commnnication of the striker pneumatics with the wind passage, in. combination with means between the main source of power and wind passage to regulate the tension of the air in the wind passage, including a regulator operable to vary said tension and to maintain uniformity of the tension to which it has been set regardless of the number of striker pneumatics operated si-' multaneously, a tensioning device connected with the regulator, a lever having a shiftable fulcrum, connections between said lever and tensioning de vice, and record controller means connected to said lc' to operate the same.
In. a record controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker pneumatics, means providing a wind passage tor the striker pneumatics. and means to control con'nnunication of the striker pneumatics with the wind passage, in combination with means between the main source of power and wind passage to regulate the tension of the air in the wind passage, including a regulator operable to vary said tension and to maintain uniformity of the tension to which it has been set regardless of the number of striker pneumatics operated simultaneously, a variable resistant tensioning device conne' ted to the regulator, interdependently-conneeted means to operate said device to vary the resistance imposed byit upon. the regulator, said means including a controlling lever having a shift able-fulcrum, and record-controlled means to actuate said lever. I V f 6. In a record controlled musical instru nient, main source of power, striker pneuinatics, means providinga wind passage for the striker pneumatics andmeans to control communication of the striker pneumatics with thewind passage, in combination withv means between the main source of power and wind passageto regulate the tension of the air in the" windpassage, including a regulator operableto vary said tension and to maintain uniformity of the tension to which it has been set regardless of the number of striker pneumatics operated simultaneously, a variable resistant tensioning device connected to the regulator, including a. pneumati ihaving; a movable meinber and. V resilient connection between said member and the regulator a lever having ashiftable fulcrum, means controlled by said lever to vary the tension'of the air in the pneuinatic,.a connection between said lever and the movable member of the pneumatic, and. record-controlled means to actuate said lever. v
7..- In a record. controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker, pneuinatics, a regulator between the main source of power and the strikerpneumatics, a; variable tension device acting upon saidregulator, pneumatic connections. between, the main source of power and thetension 'device and means to; control said connections, said means having a separate connection .to the tension device. 1 I 5 p 8. In a record controlled musical. instrument, a-main. source of power,'strikerpneu-' matics, a regulator between the main source of power and the striker pneumatics, a variabletension device acting upon said regulator, valved pneumatic means through which the main source of power is connected to the tension device, and recordcontrolled nieanshaving one connection to the tension device and another connection to the valved pneumaticmeans for the purpose set forth.
, 9.-A- regulating device formusical instruments comprising aregulating pneumatic communicating withtlie. main source of power and with thest-rikerpneumatics, a valve controlled by said regulator, a ten: sion device connectedgwith the-regulator and comprising a. spring and a pneumatic controlling the position thereof to thereby vary its tension, connections intermediate said pneumatic and the main source of power,
valves controlling said. connections to the main'source of power and to .the atmosphere,
a lever connecting said valves and the-pneu-' matic of the spring tension device and record controlled acuated devices for shifting-the fulcrum point of. said lever. whereby the controlling valves may be effected by the a main source of power and with the striker v pneumatics, a tensioning pneumatic having aresilient connectionwith the regulating pneumatic, valves forconnecting said tensioning pneumatic with the atmosphere or with the-main source ofpower for varying the tension of the resilient connection, a lever connecting said tensioning pneumatic and valves and an. automatic device for operating saidvalves independently of the action ofthe pneumatic. I c r 11.. A. regulator formusical instruments comprising a regulating pneumatic and its valve, said pneumatic communicating with a main source, of power and with the striker pneumatics, a controlling pneumatic having a resilient connection with the regulating pneumatic, valves for. conn'ectingsaid con-- trolling pneumatic with .the atmosphere or with-the mainsource of power for varying the tension of the resilient connection, a lever connecting said controlling pneumatic and valvesand an automaticdevice for operating ,said valves independently ofthe action of the controlling pneumatic, said automatic device having automatically controlled pneumatic actions controlling the main source of power with reference to said automatic device and tracker connections for adjusting said actions.
13.. In a record controlled musical instrument, a main. source of power, striker pneumatics, a regulator betweenthe main source of power and striker neumatics, a variable resistant tensioning means acting upon the regulator, said 'tensioning means including a pneumatic, valvular means forcontrolling the air'in the pneumatic, connecting means connected to the valvular means and to the pneumatic, and irecord-conti'olled controlling means connected to the connecting means. r
14L. In a record controlled musical instruo'f power and striker pneumatics, a variable resistant tensioning means having a pneumatic connected to the regulator, a valvular mechanism for controlling the tension of the air in the pneumatic, including chambers for airs of dilferent tensions respectively, an additional chamber having comnmnication with the pneumatic, ports through which the additional chamber'may have communlcation with either of the other chambers, valve. members to-control said communication, respectively, a spindle upon which the valve members are mounted, means to hold the valve members normally to their seats, means whereby the movement of the spindle in one direction unseats one valve and its movement in the other direction unseats the other valve, and record-controlled means to move said spindle.
16. I11 a record controlled musical instrument, :1 main source of power, striker pneumatics, a regulator between the main source of power and striker pneumatics, a variable resistant tensioning means having a pneumatic connected to the regulator, a valvular mechanism for controlling the tension of the air in the pneumatic, including chambers for airs of different tensions respectively, an additional chamber having communication with the pneumatic, ports through which the additional chamber may have communication with either of the other chambers, valve members to control said communication, respectively, a spindle upon which the valve members are mounted, means to hold the valve members normally to their seats means whereby the movement of the spindle in one direction unseats one valve and its movement in the other direction unseats the other valve, and record-controlled means including a lever having connection with the spindle and with the pneumatic for the purposes set forth.
17. In a record-controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker pneumatics, a regulator in the connection between the main source of power and striker pneun'iatics, a tcnsioning member acting upon the regulator, pneumatic connections including valve members between the tension ing member and the main source of power and atmosphere, a spindle to open the valves severally, said members being movable relatively to the spindle and having means tending to close them, respectively, and record controlled operating means connected to the spindle.
18. In a record-controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker pneumatics, a regulator in the connection between the main source of power and striker pneumatics, a tensioning member acting upon the regulator, pneumatic connections including valve members between the tensioning member and the main source of power and atmosphcre, a spindle to open the valves severally, said members being movable relatively to the spindle and having means tending to close them, respectively, a mechanical connection between the tensioning member and valve spindle, and record controlled means connected to said connection to move the same.
19. In a record controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker pneumatics, means providing a wind passage for the striker neumatics, means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with the wind passage, a regulator comprising a member whose interior is in communication with the main source of power and with the wind passage and also comprising a pivotally mounted valve to control communication of the interior of said member with the source of power and wind passage and means connecting the regulator member with the "alve, a motor pneumatic, a spring connection controlled by the motor pneumatic and in turn controlling the regulator valve through the regulator member, the connections from the regulator to the motor pneumatic and to the valve being out of alignment, and record-controlled means having connection with the main source o't power and with the motor pneumatic to actuate the latter to vary the tension of the spring connection.
20. In a record controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker pneumatics, means providing a wind. passage for the striker pneumatics, means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with the wind passage, a regulator comprising a member whose interior is in communication with the main source of power and with the wind passage and also comprising a valve to control communication of the interior of said member with the source of power and wind passage and means connecting the regulator member with the valve, a motor pneumatic, a spring having a cantilever action interposed between the mo tor pneumatic and the regulator member to be controlled by the motor pneumatic and in turn to control the regulator valve through said member, said spring having one end rigidly secured to the movable member of the motor pneumatic, and record controlled means having connection with the main source of power and with the motor pneu matic to actuate the latter to vary the tension of the spring.
'21. In a record controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker pneumatics, means forming a wind passage for the striker pneumatics, means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with said wind passage, a regulator comprising a member whose interior is in communication with the main source of power and with the wind passage and also comprising a pivotally mountedvalve to control communication of the interior of said member with the source of power and wind passage and a connection between said member and valve, a motor pneumatic, a spring having a cantilever action controlled by the motor pneumatic and in turn controlling the regulator valve through said member, said spring having one end rigidly secured to the movable member of themotor pneumatic, and record controlled means having connec' tion with the main source of power and with the motor pneumatic to actuate the latter to vary the tension of the spring.
22. In a record controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker pneumatics, means forming a wind passage for the striker pneumatics, means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with said wind passage, a regulator having a duct through which it has communication with the source of power and a second duct through which it has communication with the Wind passage, said regulator comprising a bellows and a pivotally mounted valve, the valve being operatively related to one of the ducts and operatively connected to the movable member of the bellows, a motor pneumatic, a spring connection between' the motor pneumatic and movable member of the bellows, the connections from the regulator to the motor pneumatic and to the valve being out of alignment, and record controlled means having connection with the main source of power and with the motor pneumatic to actuate the latter to vary the tension of the spring, for the purposes set forth. 7
23. In a record controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker cation with the source of power and a second duct through which it has communica tion with the'wind passage, said regulator comprising a bellows and a valve, the valve operatively related to one of the ducts and operatively connected to the movable member of the bellows, a second bellows, a spring having a cantileveract-ion secured at one end to the movable member of the second bellows, said spring having one end rigidly secured to the movable member of the second bellows, means connecting the other end of the spring to the movable member of the regulator bellows and record controlled means having connection with the main source of power and with the main second bellows to actuate the latter to vary the tension of the spring, for the purposes set forth. 7
24. In a record controlled musical instrument, a main source of power, striker pneumatics, means forming a windpassage for the striker, pneumatics, means to control communication of the striker pneumatics with said wind passage, a regulator having a duct through which it has communication with the source of power and a second duct through which it has communication with the Wind passage, said regulator compris ing a bellows and a pivotally-mounted valve, the valve operatively related to one of the ducts and operatively connected to the movable member of the bellows, a second bellows, a spring having'a cantilever action secured atone end to the movable member of the second bellows, said spring having one end rigidly secured to the movable member of the second bellows, means connecting the other end of the spring to the movable member of the regulator bellows, and record controlled means having connection with the main source of power and with the main second bellows to actuate the latter to vary the tension of the spring, forthe purposes set forth. 7 l
EDIVIN VVELTE.
Witnesses WM. A. TAYLOR,
W, ll. Brennan.
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