US1561199A

US1561199A - Automatic player piano

Info

Publication number: US1561199A
Application number: US649395A
Authority: US
Inventors: Russell I Wilcox
Original assignee: WESTERN ELECTRIC PIANO Co
Current assignee: WESTERN ELECTRIC PIANO Co
Priority date: 1923-07-05
Filing date: 1923-07-05
Publication date: 1925-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 1942-11-10

Description

Novi 10,1925 LSLQQ R. l. wlLcox vAUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANO isa-Sheei l Filed July 5. 1925 NOV. 10,

F?. I. WHLQGX AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIAN() Filed July 5. 1923 5 Sheetsheze: 3

i618 jw Nov. 10, 1925 R. L WILCOX AUTOMATIC PLAYER PIANo 5 Shevets-Sheot 4 Filed July 5. 1923 IIIIII IIIII. 'Il' lll'll wwf@ WMS

' ISO Nov. 10, 1925. 1,561,199

R. l. wlLcox AUTOMATIC PLAYER PLANO Filed July 5. 192s s sheets-snm 5 Ifufenm ffl/27001 iii) Patented Nov. 1Q, '1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT QFFEQE.

RUSSELL I. WILCOX, F CHICAGO, ILLNOS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO VJESTERN ELECTRC EANO COIVE'ANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATON 0F ILLINOIS.

Application led July 5, 1923.

To uZZ 'whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, RUSSELL I. VILCOX, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of illinois, have invented a certain new and useful improvement in Automatic Player Pianos, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, andezract description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

This invention relates to automatic player pianos of the character in which an indicator may be set to determine 'the particular selection from a number of selections on a single music sheetwhich is to be played. Then upon the insertion of a. coin, or upon otherwise tripping the mechanism, the music sheet is rapidly wound in one direction or the other as required to automatically select the desired piece, and then is wound slowly forward to play the selected piece.

The object of the invention is to provide a device of this character which will be simple in construction and easy and certain in operation, and in which the probability of the selecting mechanism getting out of adjustment is reduced to a minimum.

Another objectof the invention is to provide a new and improved expression device which will operate to more perfectly control the volume of sound of the instrument.

One of the features of the invention is the selection controlling mechanism in which the co-operating valve members are both driven, an arm being set to automatically shift one of said valve members in relation to 'the other to effect the selection of the desired piece.

Another feature resides inthe expression device which is so constructed as to obtain practically any degree of volume between the two extremes of loud and soft.

Other features and advantages will appear from time to time as the description of the invention progresses.

ln the drawings- Figure 1 is a face view of th-e tracker board of the player with the principal parts of the controlling mechanism associated therewith;

Figure 2 is a section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1; fi

Serial No. 849,395.

Figure 3 is a. section on the line 3-3 of Figure l;

Figure-4 Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a sectional view through the selecting mechanism with parts broken away to show the driven selecting member and the relation of the distributing disc thereto;

Figure 6 is a detached perspective view of one of the selecting valve elements;

Figure is a section onthe line 7-T of Figure l, and shows the tilting bar which, upon actuation, is arranged to move the clutch members of the device into slow, forward or playing position;

Figure 8 is a section on the line 8-8 of Figure 3;

Figure 9 is a sectional view through the cut-out valve;

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view through the valve shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a sectional view through one of the drive clutches of the selecting mechais a section on the line et-t of vnism Figure l2 is a side elevation of the expression controlling bellows;

Figure 13 is a selection on the' line 13-13 of Figure 12;

Figure 111 is a. section on the line 1li- 1st of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a view of the lower portion of the expression device substantially on the line 15-15 of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic layout shewing the pneumatic connections between the several parts of the controlling mechanism, and

Figure 17 is a section on the line 17-1T of Figure 1.

It is believed the invention will be best understood by a detailed description thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate like parts in the several figures, 2O indicates the drive shaft which may be driven from an electric motor, or other suitable source of power. The main drive shaft 20 is joined to the operating shaft 2l through the medium of a clutch member consisting of the sliding sleeve 22 which is .secured on the end of the shaft 20 by means of the pins Q53 passine' through slots 24 in the sleeve 22. Sleeve is norma ly forced toward the lel't by means ot the compression spring 25, and is proif'ided at its lett end with the notches F26 l 27 extendii1 0 Yroin the h receive the pins .ig

fit @l L 14.0

il@ opposite sides of the sha *li i may, if desired, be teeh directly into @d substantially in a are the shafts 30, 3l lits 36 and 32 are arranged music sheet plane will the and r s in axial drinn shafts -3 be merely Looseiy mounten gear which inesl` i the gear "n on the shaft is the with the gear 26, and

shes witl'i the .in the idler gear 3r- 3l, which in turn '.,i the gear :23. The idlfr gear ided between the gear '23 and the zin order that the shaft 3ft may be driven in the opposite direction from the shalt 33.

Fixed lo the shaft 36, in any desired manner, are the sleeves and 46. Slidably mounted on the shat't is the collar The collar il is provided with the oppositely extending vngers lf2 and 43 which slidably pass through notches v-Li and respectively in the sleeves 39 and -lO respectively. lllhen the collar 451 is shifted to the right, as seen iu lligure l, the end of the pin l2 will be brought into the path of alug L6 xed to the hub li of the gear Thus, as the gear is in mesh with the driven gear 2S, and as the pin ft2 slidably passes through the notch in the collar 39, which is fixed to the shaft 30, the shafts 30 and 33 will be driven whenev r the clutch sleeve lll is in its right hand position.

Slidably incnted on the shaft 32 is a collar L3 provi led with a linger lll which passes freely through a notch in the sleeve 5i fii'ed to the is shifted to the right, as seen in Figure l, the end or the lin r i9 is brought into the path of the lug carried by the hub oil the gear 3?. rlhus, as the gear 37 is driven from the gear 2S through the medium of the idler gear 36, the shaft 32 and its extension will be driven.

Pivotally mounted on the screw or bolt the bracket member is a bar shaft lllhen the collar1` tl e lower end of the bar 56 is moved to its left hand position, indicated by the dotted lines, the pin 49 carried by the collar -l6 will be positioned in the path ot' the lug 52, and the extension shalt 34.1. will be driven. vWhen, however, the bar 56 occupies a mid position, as indicated in full lines in AFigure l, the downwardly extending end 6.1 of the linger 43 will be placed in the path of one of the lugs 62. rEhe shaft 33 will now be driven through the medium of the gears 29 and 36. The gears 29 and 36 are so proportioned that gear 36 will lnale approxin'iately one revolution to twenty revolutions of the gear rlhe gears 2S, 35 and 3'? are all ot substantially equal size. Thus when the shafts or 311- are driven through the medium of the

gears

35 or 37, they will move approximately twenty times as fast as will the shaft when driven through the medium of the gears 29 and 36.

Gears or 3T will be clutched to theirl respective shafts to wind the music strip rapidly `forward or backward to select a desired piece on the strip, while gear 36 will be clutched to shaft 30 to wind the music strip slowly forward to play the selected piece.

Carried on the shafts 33 and 34 are. the music sheet drums 63 and 64 respectively. llvhen the bar 56 is moved with its lower end to the lett (Figure l), the gear 3'4"' will be lined to the shaft 32, and the drum 64; will be rot-ated rapidly to rewind the lnusic sheet. lf, however, the lower end ot the bar 56 is moved to its right hand position, gear 35 will be tired to the shaft 30 and the druin 63 will be rotated rapidly to wind the music sheet toi-ward. lli, however, the bar 56 occupies an intermediate position, the gear 36 will be lined to the shaft 30 and the drum 63 will be rotated to slowly wind the music sheet forward to play the selected piece, Rotating with the inusic sheet rolls 63 and 6l are music roll drags 63 and 6.1i in the tori/n of small grooved rollers on the shafts and Friction drag;` means engage with each of these rollers, such drag means not being illustrated as they are elements well known in the art.

Loosely secured to the lower end ot' the bar 56 is a rod or link which is adapted to be acted on by the rewind pneumatic 66 or the last forward pneumatic 67 to shirt the bar 56 into either ot its extreme positions. The pneumatic 66 is provided with a projection 63 adapted to engage the lug 69 on the rod 65 when the pneumatic is collapsed, and, in like manner, the pneumatic is provided with a projection 7() adapted to engage the lug 7l on the` rod 65 when this pneumatic is collapsed Thus, when the rewind pneumatic 66 is collapsed, the lower end of the bar 56 is moved to the left and will cause the drum 6l to be rotated rapidly llfA TID

Lat-31,199

rewind the music sheet. fast forward pneun'iatic 0'? is collapsed, bar will be moved to its extreme alternate position, and the drum 03 will he rota ed to rapidly wind the uc sheet forwardly.

The mechanism for moving the bar into its intermediate or playing position will now be described. lotatably mounted, by means of the pivots "J9 which pass loosely through openings in th bracket members 73, is a bar 7d. The bar llis provided with a pair of fingers and 76 which entend adjacent to the bar 56 on opposite sides of its pivotal support i llhztending latere-ily from the bar 'Tit adjacent to the lower end thereof is an arm 'T T connected bj.' a linlt T3 to the movalile part of the slow for 'ard or playing meumatic Thus when the pneumatic 79 is collapsed, the har Fil is moved about its pivots 72 to brirf" the laterally extending lingers 75 and into engagement with the edge of the shift bar 56, insuring that the l" oar will be .moved to its intermediate or playing position.

From an inspection of YFigure l, it will be noted that when the l 50 occupies an intermediate position, tl., igers ft2 and lt3 are disengaged from the lugs etti and rcspectiively, so that the shaft 33 is now driven through the medium ot gears 29 and 35. its the lugs G2 carried by the hub ot the gear 3G are engaged only by the downrmrdlj.' projecting portion 01 of tie lingl L.'l-3, .it is erident that when the collar fl-.l is moved either to its cxtreme right hand or left hand position, the gear will freely rotate ontlie shaft 30.

Brietiy stated, the clutch mechanism operates as follows: lf the rewind pneumatic 56 is collapsed, the lower end of bar is moved to its extreme left position, and gear 3i" is loclred to the shaft and at this time beim?, free to rotate about the shaft 30. lf the i. st torward pneumatic oi' is collapsed, the lower end of bar 56 is moved to its extreme right position, loft--y ing gear to shaft. 307 the gears and 5T at this time being free on their remi-active shafts. ',f, however, the slow forward or playing pneumatic i' 9 collapsed, the bar Tft is rotated about its pivots 72, moving the bar 5G to its intermediate position, thus disconnecting' the

gears

35 and 3"? from their respective shafts and locking gear 30 to the shaft 30.

lWhen bar 50 has been shifted to either of its extreme positions, its movement baclt to its intermediate position is resisted the following means. @n the side of the bar 50 is rotatably secured the disc 256 which is engaged by the laterally extending portion Q57 of the bar The bar 253 is pivotally supported at and the portion 25'? thereof is forced toward the disc Q53 by the action of tension spring of the shaft 35.

The indicating and Vselecting mechanism will now be described, reference being had particularly to the left portion of Figure 1 and Figures 3, d, 5, 5 and 1T. lotatablv .mounted on the shaft or spindle 30 ll ure 3) is a worin wheel 31 which meshes with the worm 32 tixed to the shaft 33. Fixed to the Shaft 33 is a star wheel 84s provided with four radially extending slots 34". lirictionally secured to the portion 35 of the supporting shaft for the forward wind drum 63, by sleeve 38, an arm 33 provided at di ametrically opposite points with the laterally extending pins 37 adapted to engage succes viely in. the slots 3st upon rotation Thus the wheel 31 will be rotated, step by step, upon rotation of' the drum G3. The purpose of this will be presently explained.

ris the shaft rotates with the forward wind drum G3, through the arm 3G, disc 84 and the worin 82, the worm wheel Si will be driven in one direction or the other according to wlizet'her the music sheet is being wound on or un wound from the drum 63.

tdnugly engaging the left side o t' the worm gear 81 is a distributing' disc 91 which is provided with four concentric grooves 92, 9st and 95 (see Figure The disc .,l. is held against rotation with the gear 81 but is slidably mounted on a 'sleeve S9 so that it may loe resilientiy pressed against the gear by the spring 90. The disc 91 is held against rotation by a fork 91 which enr braces a fixed rod or pin ,91h (Figures Il and 5). n. collar 39 on the sleeve 89 acts as a rear abutment for the spring 90. The worm gear 81 is provided with four openings which entend therethrough. rlhe outermost opening 96 extends directly through the wheel and communicates with the outermost groove 92 in the distributing disc The left openine,` 9T slants slightly upwardly, as seen in Figure 5, and communicates with the groove 93 in the distlbi ii! n; disc. The lowermost opening` 93 slants downwardly and communicates with. the innerinost groove 95 in the disc 91 while the right hand opening 99 communicates with the groove lt may be here explained that the sole purpose of the disc 91 is to provide constant communication between the openings 90, 07, 9S and in the right face of the worm gear 31 and the

tubes

1,00, 101, 102 and 103 which communicate with the grooves 92 to 95 respectively.

ltotatably mounted on the right face of the worm gear 31, by mea1 s of the screw 104, is the disc 105. The screw 104i taps into the gear 31, and a spring 104iunder the head of the screw urges the disc 105v against the 3l. 'the disc- 105 is provided vith a central concentric groove 100 (see Figure and a laterally extend it will be obvious that ing slot 107 communicating therewith. The concentric groove 106 is adapted to overlie the opening 96 in the face of the worm gear 81. Thus the groove 105 and its extension 107 are at all times connected to the tube through the distributing disc 91. As above stated, the disc is rotatably mounted on the face of the worm gear 31, and when rotated in clochwise direction, as viewed from the rignt in Figure 3, the extension 10? is adapted to overlie and communicate with the opening 97 in the worin. and be connected through the groove 93 in the distributing disc 91 to the tube 101. lllhen, however, the disc 1.05 is rotated in counterclockwise direction, the extension 107 will overlie the opening 99, thus effecting eonnnunication through the groove 94 to the tube 102. Then the disc 105 occupies an intermediate position, the extension 1075" will overlie the opening 98, thus effecting communication through the groove to the tube 103. Briefly stated, the disc 105 acts to complete communication from the tube 100 to the

tubes

101, 102 or 103 according to whether the disc is rotated in a clockwise direction to its eXtreme position, in a counterclockwise direction to its extreme position, or is left in intermediate position.

Fixed to the shaft 30 for rot:` ion therewith is an arm 10S provided. with an inwardly extending finger 1.09 adapted to engage with the notch in the circumference of the disc 105 to rotate the disc to its various operativepositions. For illustration, if the shaft 80 is rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed from the right in Figure 3, the disc 105 will also be rotated in a. clockwise direction until the finger 109 passes out of the notch 110. rlhis operation will rotate the disc 105 liust far enough so that the extension 107 will overlie the opening 97 in the face of the worin gear 31. 1f, however, the shaft 30 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the lfinger 109 will operate to rotate the disc 105 in a similar direction to position the extension 107 over the opening 99.

Carried at the outer end of the arm 103 is a sleeve 112 within which is slidably arranged a plunger 113 provided at the inner end thereof with an anti-friction device, such as a roller 11-1. A compression spring 115 is positioned between a shoulder on the sleeve 112 and the head of the plunger 113, and normally operates to force the plunger toward the right, as seen in Figure 3.

Pivotally supported by the ears 116 on the arm 108 is a lever 117, the lower end of which is adapted to engage the flange 11S of the collar 119 slidably mounted on the shaft 80. The flange 120 of the collar 119 is arranged to be engaged by the bifurcated end of the strap 121 fixed to the movable side of the pneumatic 122. The pneumatic 122 is connected through the tube 123 to the main bellows, (not shown) and, therefore, constantly tends to collapse. whenever the instrument is in operation. 'lhe result of this is that the lower end of the lever 117 is urged toward the right, thus forcing the plunger 113 towards the left and maintaining the roller 1111- in engagement with the face of the worm gear S1. The worin gear S1 is provided with an opening 121; which is in the path of travel of the roller 114, and is positioned on the radius of the worm gear 31 which passes through the opening 93 and. pivot screw 10i- Thus whenever thc main bellows of the instrument is in operation and the arm 103 reaches a position such that the extension 10T in the disc 105 overlies the opening 93, the roller 11-1 will be forced into the opening 121i in the worm gear and loclr the parts in this position 1t may be here noted that the opening 99 through the tube 102 controls the actuation of the rewind pneumatic: 96, the opening 9T through the agency of tube 101 operates to control the actuation of the fast forward pneumatic 67, and the opening 9S through the agency oi' tube 103 operates to control the actuation of the slow forward or playing pneumatic 79. The manner in which this is brought about will be subsequently described.

The disc 105 is provided in its edge with a plurality of

depressions

125, 126 and 127. Rotatably mounted on the pin 128 (Figure is an arm 129 having an oiiset end 130 adapted to engage the

notches

125, 120 and 127, and thus tend to retain the disc 105 in its actuated positions. The notches 125, 126 and 12T are arranged in accordance with the positions which the disc 105 must occupy in order that the extension 107 may overlie the

openings

97, 93 and 99 respectively. The extension 130 is maintained in engagement with the periphery of the disc 105 by means of tne spring 131 which tends to rotate the cani in a clockwise direction, as seen in Figure 1.

Fixedly mounted about the shaft 90 is a dial 132 which is provided with divisions about its circumference ranging from 0 to 100, as shown at the left in Figure 1. Fixed to the shaft 80 is a pointer 133 which is adapted to be moved over the dial 132 when the shaft 80 is rotated by means of the hand wheel 131. The right hand side of the dial is provided with an arcuate slot 135 in which is mounted an adjustable stop 136. Bv releasing the nut 136 the stop can be shifted to any desired point in the slot and clamped there. This stop is intended to be set on the dial in a position corresponding to the end of the last selection on the sheet, which may be determined from a stop setting number on the music sheet, or by trial. This -ll (l 1,5e1,1ee E stop ilirereuts the pointer beine adnext be described. The purpose oli this ranced beyond thisl szoint. cut-out valve, shown in detail in 'eures 9 .it m15v be hei-el eii'yelgplained that when and 10, is to in one position cut ott the a new music sheet 44rip is placed on the rolls connection ot the tube 103 to the valre 'Chest l and het. the pe' iff-il placed at 0 at and open the tube 102 directly to the atthe beginning ot' the strip, and as the piece mospl ere, and in the other position to close is wound forward from the drinn 6-1- onto the openingl in the tube 102 tothe atmosphere the drum 655, the indication ot the pointer and connect theltube 103 through to its parat the beginning ot each ot the successive pieces or selections is noted. '[hus, the hand 133 may point to '1I-3 at the beginning olf the second piece, at the beginning ot the third, el() at the beginning ot the ltoui'tln and .so toi-th. Then a program ma)7 be made out in which the title oi each ot the selections will be tollowed bj.; an indication as l0, etc., and in the subsequent of eration ot the instrument, the particular piece will beselected by moving the pointer to the correspondinv indication on the dial. As shown in Fi I3, the dial may be mounted on a stationary' boss 136 through the pro-v vision of a spring pressed detent 1259 on the rear ot the dial Which is adapted to snap into a small opening' in the top ot the boss 136.

In order that the sha't't 60 may remain stationair)Y after being set to indicate a selection, and ret maj)y be readily moved to malte the selection. the lollon-*ing` mechanism is prov'ided. Fixed to the lett end oit' the sha'lt 60, as seen in TEigure 3, is a bralre disc or drum 150 adapted to be engaged .by a brake shoe 151 (Figures 1 and 3).

The brake shoe 151 is carried by a lever 152 W `rich is pivotall).lv mounted. on the stud rhc movable sido 151 o' the pneumatic 155 is provided with an arm 156 which is adapted to engage the projectingl end 157 of the bralre lever The pneumatic 155 connected through the medium ot the tube 15S directly to the main bellows (not shown). Thus when the p ayer is at rest7 the shaft 60 may he readiliv turned to indicate the selection desired. 'i'lhen, however, the instrument has been started into operation, the pneumatic will be collapsed, causing` the bralre shoe 151 to lirmly engage the brake di e 15th thus tendingI to prevent rotation et the shaft' 80.

Proiecting from the Worm gear 81 is a lug 159 which, upon rotation in one direction,

is adapted to engage the 1.60 acent to the Worm 82 and upon. rotation oi the Worm `gear in the opposite direction, the lug Will engage the lug'161 on the opposite4 side of the Worin 62. This arrangement is provided in order to limit the degree ot rotation of the Worm Ojear 8L Shinild the drum con'tinue to rotate after the l thus shaft v will' turn. in .thesleeve 66 preventing damage to the selecti 159y hasengaged the lug 160, or lugA 161..y the.

ticular operating part in the Valve chest. This valve is operated in one direction when the rewind cutting' at the end ot the music strip passes over the tracker bar. Aand in the other direction when the replay cutting in the music strip, precedingiI the tiret selection, passes over the traclrer bar. illveu the Valve' is actuated by the rewind cutting', the rewind pneumatic is caused to collapse, and when actuated by the replay cutting at the beginning; ot' the music strip. the slow forward or play pneumatic control line is clear to operate through the Valve 162 cutting off the openingv 164.

Referring' new to Figure 9, it will be noted that the Valve consists of the tapered sleeve 162 having the opening 163 With which the tube 1021 communicates, and an opposite openiinij,` 164. The sleeve also has an opening` 165 which communicates with the tube 108, and an opposite opening 166 which is connected. by means ot the tube 103.u to the Valve chest 167, as shown in Figure 16 l/Uithin the tapered sleeve 162 is the core` 168 having a pair of

openings

169 and 170 therethrough. The core 166 is adapted to be rotated through the medium ot the arm 171 by meansot the pneumatics 172 and 173 (Figures 1 and 16). Upon the collapse oi pneumatic 172` the valve member 166 is rotated in a clockwise direction.` as seen in- Figure 16, and places the transverse opening 169 in a position to join the tube 1021 to the opening 164-. thus creatine atmospheric pressure in the tube 102 and likewise in the tube 1022. Then atmospheric pressure is admitted to tube 1022, it operates a valve in the Valve chest 16'?,` Which connects the tube 1023 to the Vacuum chamber in the Valve chest 167, thus causing' the operation of the rewind pneumatic 66.

Upon the collapse ofthe pneumatic Y the valve member 16S is rotated in a ecu. clockwise direction., shuttingl oli the tube 1021 from the atmosphere. and connecting tube 103 to tube 103l through the opening The expression device .next be described. 4 This expression ldevice consists of a pair ofpneumatics 1754 and 176 ywhich are mounted on opposite sides of the L lired partitionl'''l Leading' trein the exoression dei/,iode is ja tubeA 1.78 which tornshown at the lett i -in Figure 16. and also in Figures 12. 13., el .and 15, by means of which the volume menige player action decreased, the vacuuni within the pneumatic 176 will be slightly increased, ca ising it to collapse to a greater extent, thus moving the plate 196 down- Wardlyv to close a greater portion ot the opening in the recess 186. in this Way, thc degree vacuuin in the player action is maintained at all times substanti/alli,7 constant, and in accordance with the position occupied by the adjustable plate 188 ot the pneumatic 1'? lli/'lith the present expression device, any desired degree of Volume between the two xtreme liinits may be obtained by adjustine` the plate 18S to the desired position.

Ti'vhile in the present disclosure, no partie ular means is disclosef; for actuating the rod 1597 it is to be understood that his rod may he zdjustt means oit a lever extending cxteriorly to the instrun'ient case` or, it desired, may be adjusted througl'i the niedium oi" openings in the inusic sheet strip.

.Cen operation f l 'ice vwill nou' he descrioed. suine that the ccuitrollingi` nie position indicated in lf' l to pla); a selection which is in@` the pointer 133 to pos ting` the pointer. as just t eser'` ift tlf `will be rotated in a elo-cl; i

ie 1th and L in a ciocltes Vieuod troni the right 'n.F the disc 105 will also he rotatt se direction to pia the n through tube 101 wwith the ire ineinher in "i l f Arinitis the air the i'aii'e chest 1o finit-h oru'ard pirinto be exhai. ted troni the tast i matic se ot' the pneun'iatic shiitt bar will causing' the found on the drun'i o3. torea as the .music strip is Wound on the p" 'otated in a druni oo, the gear will be clockwise direction, thus bringing the notch 110 in the 'iso into engagement with the in entendirfg tiifzer 109 car4 ried hy t-lr-v arn'i 'lO/9. Upon congear 81, trio nioveinent tiniied rotation f disc 105 will be re ot the ouer ed gear 81. l enter Vthe openinciting the select rl"he tube 100 which terminates at one end in the o" Ot) in the tracker bar i201. fis the openii 20() .is now uncovered by one oit the, cuttin .902 in the inusic sheet, the slow forward or playing pneumatic T9 is collapsed, actiniting the bar T1 i'vhieh, through lingers 75 and 75, inoif'cs the shift bar 56 into its intermediatc position. The 3() will now be locker to gears 35 i ufl-.l be disconnected troni the shafts i0 and 32 respectively, thus causing the. inusicsgrii the be Wound slowly upon druin 63. ililhen trie selection has been coinpleteljiv played, the n'iotor will be shut oli7 by appropriate ineans which need not be here described as it forros no part ct the present invention.

Assuming ioW that is desired to play a selection indicated by lic aosition 13, the pointer 133 Will be rotated in counterclockwise direction, as riefed in Figure i, until it occupies position 13. During this movement`r the selecting` disc 105 `has been rotated in a counterclocltwisc direction, as viewed troni the right in Figure 1G, thus inciting the extension 1Q? over the opening 9i) which communicates tl rough the tnhe 102 with the particular valve in the valve chest which joins the tube 102:7, to the eX- haist chamber, thus causing` the rewind pneinnatic "f t J f it into engagement wr'l the tineei 10Q,

i D and disc 105 will be rotate?. to cau e the extension 10? to o'rerlic the opening` 98.. `on' as the. tracker bar opening` 20G is uncoi'ered by one ot the-out tings 202 in the nn a, the planing pneumatic i will be coilaps ci., as ireifiously descrioed, andv the piece will `be pla've lith-en the inulc s e' .cuttings on the beyond-the ,racket ne shaft 30 While the fi" lill) CFI . of the roller bar 201, the opening ,-,05 in will be uncovered bv t i in the music strip vih the end ot the last selection. i is joined through the tube 205 with tA c particular valve in the valve chest 16T which joins the tube 205, to the exhaust chamber. Thus, when the o enin VV 203 is uncovered, the pneumatic 11,2 controlling; the cut-out valve will he collapsed, rotating the movable member oi the cut-out valve .in aclo/'livvise direction. In this moY-Jement, the valve will connect the tube 102 to the atmosphere through the port 16d, and will close the connection bem-'

een tubes

103 and 103,. As the tube 10:22 is non' connected to the atmosphere through the tube 102, a id port loll, the rewind pneumatic 06 will be collane/ad and will cause the music strip to be renie-und rapidly. Then the strip has been conipletely rewound, the opening 206 in the tracker bar Will be uncovered by the replay opening 20.7 at the beginningl ot' the musi;- strip, causing the pneun'iatic 1173 to collapse and rotate the movable member in the valve 162 in a countercloclzivise direction, thus closing' the connection between tube 102 and port 164, and joining the tube 103 to tube' 103,. As the tracker bar openiir?,` 200 is at this time uncovered by one oitl the openings 202, the pneumatic 79 will be actuated to disconnect the gear 37 it'ron'i shaft 82 and connect gear 36 to shaft Thus, i1a it Were not for the fact that the motor is stopped at this time by the means previoushT rererred to, the first selection in the series vwould be played. It now a, coin b inserted or the motor be tripped in any other manner, Without the indicator having been i oved, the iirst selection on the music strip will be played. Likewise, it the motor be tripped in any other manner, Without the indicator having been moved, the irirst selection on the music strip will be played. Likewise, if another coin is inserted after the rst selec tion. has been played, Without the indicator having been moved in the meantime, the second selection will be played, and so on. Thus, il the indicator is not moved, the instrument Will continue to play the pieces successively, one after another. until all ot the selections have been played, and vill then return to the irst piece, ready to repeat the operation.

At any timehoivever, When the instrument is at rest,the pointer 133 nmv be moved to position to indicate any c esired one o" the selections on the music strip, and upon the subsequent operation of the instrument,the selected piece Will be played. 1t sl'iould vbe noted that at all times While the instrument is in, Operation, the selecting,` arm 108 is locked to the Worm ,Q'ear e1 by reason opening 1241 in gear 8l. 1t will lio-reinema bercd that the pnenm;y which Yforces the 'ringer 1123 carrying roller 114 towards the gear Wheel, is collapsed at all times While the main bello-ws is in operation. rlhus durno' the playiin;l of the sucessive pieces, the selecting arm 108 is carried around Witl'i. the valve members, and its position in relation to the gear 81 can be changed only While the instrument is at rest.

above explained, the controlling mechanism is moved by the shatt which carries the forward wind drum through the medium ot the arm S6 and the slotted disc Sil. This niiechanism imma ts a step by step moven'ient to the selecting disc 105, thus insuring' that when the slot extension 101d ot.' the controlling' disc has reached a position such that it is about to over-lie one of the control openrs 9'?, 9S or 09 in the disc 81, the final vement will take place quickly. thus detiiining; the instant when the cor-- pneumatic Will operate.

the drawings and in the above description but a single embodiment ot api'ilicants invention has been disclosed, it is o be under stood t iat modiiications are contemplated and the invention should be limited, therefore, only by the scope ot the appended claims.

That I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent ot the United States is:

1. In an automatic player piano, a pair o'lI drums, means for rotating said drums in opposite directions to iind the music strip in one direction or the other, and a selecting' device tor controlling, the operation ot said drums, said selecting device consisting of a movable element operatively associated with one ol said drums, a valve movably supported on said movable element and a cio-operating movable elementadapted to be manually set.

2. ln an automatic player piano, a pair of drums, a motor mechanism, meansY lor joining said motor mechanism to said drums 'for rotating them in opposite directions to Wind the music strip in one direction or the other, and selecting means for controlling' the operation of said means tor joining', said selecting,` means consisting of a movable element operatively associated with one oli said drums. a valve pivotally supported on said movable element and a cooperating' element adapted to be manually set.

3. ln an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receive the music strip, motor mechaism for rotating one or the other of said durms to move the strip in one direction or the other, means for selectively joining; said drums to said motor mechanism,

and selecting` device for controlling the operation ot saro. means for goimng, said seed on said first rotatable element eccentricallj oit the latters center ot rotation as to be carried thereby.

4. dfn an automatic player pianof` a pair o? drums adapted to receive the music strip, motor .mechanism for selectivelj1 rotati one or the other or" said drums to move t strip in one direction or the other, means 'lor selectively joining said drun'is to sait motor mechanism. and a selectinol device for controlling' the operation ot said means tor joining, said selecting device consisting' of a rotatable element driven from one ot' said drums, an element carried by said rotatable element` and a third element movable independently ot said 'first tivo elements and adapted to be set manually to actuate said second mentioned element.

5. ln an automatic player piano, a pair ot drums adapted to receive the music strip motor mechanism tor selectivelv rotating; one or the otherI ot said drums to move the strip in one direction or the other. means for selectively' joining' said drums to said motor mechanism, and a selecting' device :tor controllingv the operation ot said means 'for joining'. said selectingi device consisting` ot a rotatable disc operativelv joined to one ot said drums and arranged to be driven there bi; said disc having' 'perforations thereir1 a second disc rotatably mounted on said iii'st disc and provided vvith a pertoration. and an arm separate therefrom and adapted to be manuallv set and rotated step bj.' stejo incident to the operation otl the piano said arm being' arranged to rotate said second disc to cause its perforation to overlie one l ot the perforations in said first or the otner mentioned disc.

(i. ln an automatic plaver piano. a pair cit drums adapted to receive the music strip. motor mechanism Ytor selectivelv rotating one or the other ot said drumsto move the strip in one direction or the other. means tor selcctiveli' joining; said drums to said meter mechanism. and a selecting' device 'toi' coninn' the operation ot said means for joini said selecting; device consistir; al o'lE rotatable disc operativelv joined to one oit said rums and arranged to be driven therebv. said drum having' pericorations thereinA a second disc rotatablv mounted on said disc eccentricallv ot the latters cent-er rotation and provided With a perforation and an arm adapted to be manually set and ar ranged to rotate said second disc to cause its perforation to overlie one or the other of the pertorations in said first mentioned disc.

7. In an automatic plaver piano. a pair of drums adapted to receive the music strip. motor mechanism for selectivelj7 rotating; one or the other of said drums t0 move the strip in one direction or the other, means for selectively joining said drumsto said motor mechanism, and a selecting` device for controllingl the operation of said means for said selecting device consisting of a e disc driven by one or the other ot said drums, a secoue` disc rotatably mounted on said lire' disc7 said discs being provided 'with openings adapted to be brought into alignment upon rotation olf said second disc on said iirst disc and an arm separate Jfrom said second disc adapted to be set manually and arranged to rotate said second disc in relation to said tirst disc ivhen said first disc has rotated to a point corresponding1 to the set position ot said arm.

8. ln an automatic player piano. a pair ot drums adapted to receive the music strip. a tracker bar motor mechanism tor rotating one or the other ot said drums to move the strip in one direction or the otherv a pair oi? clutches Jor respectively joining; said drums to said motor u'iechanism, al lever for operating said clutches, a p, air or" pneumatics Vtor moving` said lever in one direction or the other to selectivelj7 actuate said clutches. a second lever, means carried by said seconl lever for moving said first mentionel lever into neutral positioin a pneumatic for actuating' said second mentioned lever7 and oneratinp; mechaism operable to selectivelv energize each oi" said three pneiunatics through a single control aperture in said tra cker bar. j

9. In an automatic plaver piano, a pair ot drums adapted to receive the music` strip. motor mechanism tor rotatingl one or the other ot said drums to ivind the strip in one direction or the other. clutches. one for each of said drums for it to the motor mechanisnn a lever pivotaliv supported intermediate said clutches and provided with means for moving` one the other ot said clutches into operat positio'r as said lever is rotated in one direction or the other.

pair of pneumatica for selectivelv i ving said levern a second lever pir-,totally7 si ported intermediate its ends. means projecting' from said second lever adapted to engage sait. firstlever on opposite sides of its pivotal support.y a pneumatic tor actuating said second lever` and a pair of spur gears adapted to onerativelv connect said motor mechanism With one of said drums upon the actuation ot said latter pneumatic. y

l0. In an automatic player piano, the combination of a pair ot drums adapted to receive the music strip., a driving member 'for selectivelv rotating; one or the other of said drums. selective connecting mechanism for connecting said driving member to said drums tor Winding the strip in one direction or the other. a tast forward pneumatic for actuating said connecting mechanism to drive one oi' said drums for a tast forward motion of the music strip, a rewind pneumatic for actuating said connecting mechanism to drive one or said drums for a rewind motion of said music strip, a playing; pneumatic 'for actuating said connecting` mechanisin to drive one oit said drums forl a playing,r motion o't' said music strip, a primary valve for each of said pneumatics, select-or mechanism comprising a control element adapted to he advanced with the motion or' the music sheet, a tracker har havingv a main control aperture therein, a main duct leading' from said aperture to said selector mechanism, three ducts leading' 'from said selector mechanism to the three primary valves which control said forward,v rewind and playing` pueumatics, said selector mechanism operating' to place said main duct lea-ding from the trac rer har control aperture in selective communir'fation with said three ducts, separate valve mea-.ns 'tor preventing` the operation ot said playing' pneumatic, venting means tor ventinif' atmosphere into the duct leading 'from said selector mechanism to the prin'iary valve for said rewind pneumatic. and pneu-matic means controlled from said tracker oar tor c-:mtrollingl `d separate valve means and sa id venting means.

l1. In an automatic player' piano, a pair oi drums adapt-ed to receive the music stripv` motor mechanism i'or selectively rotat: one or the other of said drums to wind the strip in one direction or the other, tor selectively joining said drums to said motor mechanism, a selecting' device for controlling the operation of said means for joining, said selecting device consisting et tivo rotatable elements, one o't which is operatively joinedr to one of said drums, the other being' ar'- ranged to he set manually, a brake for -preventing rotation of said manually seit element, and means for applying' said hra'lrev only when said piano in playing ope-ration.

l2. In an automatic player piano, a i ot drums adapt d to receive the music st L), motor meehan i for' selectively rotating one or the other ot sa'd drums to Wind the strip in one direction or the other, means tor selectively joinin said drums to said n'iotor mechanism, a selecting' device; tor controlling the opera-tion of said means for joining', said selecting' device consisting oct one element arranged to be driven from one oit said drums, and the secondelement adapted to he manually set, and a brake adapted to prevent movement of said manually set element.` s'aid hralre being; normally retracted to permit said manually set element to he moved treely, and pneumatically actuated means for applying' said brake when said piano is in normal playing operation.

413. In an automatic player piano; a pair of drums adapted to receive the music strip, a drivingr member for selectively rotating one o1' the other of said drums to Wind the strip in one direction or the other, means for selectively joiningl said drums to said driving' member and a selecting' device :tor controlling the operation ot said means tor joining; said selecting' device comprising` a plate having a pluralityY ot concentric grooves in its tace, a rot-ary member adapted to be advanced in substantial synchronism Wit-h the travel of the music strip, said rotary member having' holes therein for registration with said ygrooves, a valve ineinher m'ovahly supported on said rotary inemher in direct contact therewith and having' a passageway adapted to register with ditferent ones of said holes, and a manually set operating member adapted to move said valve in the cotation' of said rotary inc'nrher.

lli. In an automatic player piano.l a pair ot drums adapted to receive the music stripA` motor mechanism for rotating one or the other of said drums to Wind the strip in one direction or the other, means for selectively joining said drums to said motor mechanisn'r. a selecting' device for controlling the operation. ot said means tor ioininn', said selecting' device consisting or tivo rotatable elements` one or said elements heine" arranged to he set manually, and drivi o' ineans associated With one of said drums 'tor movi g the other said element, said driving; means consisting' an arm attached intermediate its ends to one of said drums, laterally projecting' nins at the opposite ends ot said arm, a. shaft in geared relation tol said driven element, disc fixed to said shatt provided with a plurality of radially extending slots, said pins heine' adapted to said slots on rotation oi the corresponding' drum.

15. In an automatic player piano, the couiloina-tion of a pair ot drums adapted to receive the music strip1 a driving member tor selectively rotatin'lu one or 4the' other oi said drums, selective connectiner mechanisni ttor connecting said drivii'igr member to said drums for Winding' the strip in one direction or the other, a last forward pneumatic for actuating; said connecting; mechanism to drive one of said drums tor a Jfast Ytor'Ward motion of the n'iusic strip, a rewind pneumatic for' actuating said connectingv mechanism to drive one ot said drums for aA re- Wind motion or said music strip, a pla-yimgT pneumatic for actua ing said connecting mechanism to drive one oi said drums Ator a playing' motion ci said' music strip. a primary valve for each of said pneum'atics, selector mechanism comprising;` a control element adapted to he advanced with the inotion of the music sheet` a tracker' har having' a main cont-rol aperture the-rein; a m'ain ductlearding troni' said aperture to said selector mechanism, three duct-s leading' from saidV selector mechanism to the three primary valves Which control said? fast' forwarde re'- Wind and playingVV pneumatcs, said selector mechanism operating to place said main duct leading from the tracker har control aperture in select-ive communication with said three ducts, cut-ott valve means interposed in the duct leading trom said selector mechanism to the primary valve Vfor said playing pneumatic; venting means tor vening atmosphere into the duct leading' troni said selector mechanism to the primar "zito `for said rewind pneumatic, a pair oi" control pneumatics tor actuating sain cutoti valve means and said venting means. pri valves tor said latter controlling pneumA l and ducts leading from said latter primaryY valves to apertures in said tracker bar.

16. In an automatic player piano, a pair ot' drums adapted to receive the music strip.. motor mechanism for selectively rotating' one or the other of said drums to wind the strip in one direction or the other, means for selectively joininff said drums to said motor mechanism; a. selecting device tor controlling the operation ot said means tor joining, said selecting device consisting' ot an element operatively joined to one of said drums, and a second element adapted to be manually set relatively to said first element` said second element advancing with said first elementl when the latter is driven by said drum, and pneumatically iuttuatee means tor preventing relative movement hetweeu said elements while said piano is in playing operation.

l?. ln an automatic player piano, a selecting device consisting ot an element adapted to he mechanically rotated, a seconn element arranged to be manually set, means tor lot-ll:- ing said second elementto said first element`v and j )neuinatic means 'for actuating said locking means.

18. In an automatic player piano, a pair ot drums adapted to receive the music strip` motor mechanism, means tor joining said motor mechanism to one of said drums rapidly to rewind the music strip, second means tor joining said motor mechanism to the other drum rapidly to wind said music strip, and a third means for joining` said moe tor mechanism to said last mentioned drum to wind the said strip during playing operation, pneumatics for said means, respective ly, for actuating the same, and selecting mechanism for controlling the operation oit said pneumatics, said selecting mechanism consisting of a disc operatively associated with one of said drums and provided with openings, one for each of said pnenmatics, second disc rotatably mounted on said first disc and provided with an opening adapted to selectively overlie one or another et the openings in said first mentioned disc, and manually actuated means adapted to rotate said second mentioned disc to cause the opening therein selectively to overlie one or the other ot the openings in said first mentioned disc.

19. In an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receive the music strip, a tracker bar, a driving` member, means tor joining said driving member to one oit said drunis to rewind the music strip, a rewind duct controlling said means` a second moans tor oining said driving member to the other drum to impart a tast `forward motion thereto tor winding said music strip, a tast 'forA ward duct controlling said second means, a third means tor joining said driving` mein` ber to one oi sait drums to slowly wind the strip during playing operation, a playing duct controlling said third means, an air venting aperture in the tracker bar tor eontrolling said ducts, and valve mechanism operative to place said single controlling aperture in communication with either said rewind duct, said tast forward duct, or said playing duct.

20. In an automatic player piano, a pair ot drums adapted to receive the music strip, a tracker bar, a driving member, means tor joining said driving` .member to one of said drums to rewind the music strip, actuating means for said joining means comprising a pneumatic valve, a rewind duct controlling` said pneumatic valve, a second j oining means for joining said driving member to the other drum to impart a forward rotation thereto for winding said music strip, actuating means yfor said second joining means com prising a pneumatic valve, a` 'forward notion duct controlling said pneumatic valve, a third joining means for joining said driving member to one ot said drums to slowly wind the strip during playing operation, actuating means tor said third joining means comprising a pneumatic valve, a playing duct controlling said pneumatic valve, a controlling aperture in said tracker bar, selecting means comprisingl a movable element operatively associated with one of said drums and av cooperatingmoveable element adapted to be manually set, said selectingI mechanism being operative to place said single control aperture ot the tracker bar in communication with either said rewind duct` said forward motion duct, or said playing duct.

2i. ln an automatic player piano. a pair ot' drums adapted to receive the music strip, a tracker bar, a driving member tor rotating one or the other of said drums, means for selectively joining said drums to said driving member to wind the music strip in one direction or the other, pneumatic means tor actuating said joining means, selecting mechanism comprising a movable element operatively associated with one of said drums and a cooperating movable element adapted to be manually set, a duct between said pneumatic means and said selecting mechanism, a valve cooperating with said duct for controlling the flow through the latter, a pair of pneumatics for operating said valve, and controlling apertures in said tracker bar for controlling said pneumatica.

22. In an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receive the music strip, a tracker bar, a driving member Yfor rotating one 0r the other of said drums, means for selectively joining said drums to said driving member for winding said music strip in one directionor the other, pneumatic means for actuating said joining means, selecting mechanism comprising n'iovable element operatively associated with one ot said drums and a cooperating` movable element adapted to be manually set, pair ot ducts between said pneumatic means and said selecting mechanism, a rotary valve operable to vent one of said ducts to atmosphere and to cut ofi' the other of said ducts, a pair ot pneumatics for rotating said valve and a pair ot control apertures in said tracker be controlling said pneumatica.

23. In an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receive the music strip, a tracker bar, a driving member for selec tively rotating one or the other of said drums to wind the strip in one direction or the other, means for selectively joining said drums to said driving member, a tast Jrorward pneumatic for actuating said joining means to drive one oi said drums for a tast forward motion of the music strip, a rewind pneumatic for actuating said joining means to drive one of said drums for a rewinding motion of said music strip, a playing pneumatic for actuating` said joining means to drive one of said drums for a playing motion of said music strip,r a primary valve for each of said pneumatics, selector mech- -anism comprising a plate having tour concentric grooves in its tace,` ducts connecting three of said grooves with the three primary valves for said pneumatics, a duct con` necting the fourth groove with a iirst control aperture in said tracker bar, said selector mechanism comprising a rotary member adapted to be advanced in substantial synchronism with the motion of the music strip, said rotary member having holes therein for registration with said grooves, a valve inember movably associated with said rotary member and having a passageway adapted to register with diii'erent ones ot said holes, manually set operating means for tripping said valve member, valve means vtor interrupting the duct leading to the primary valve for said playing pneumatic, said latter valve means being also operative to vent atmosphere in the duct leading` to the primary valve for the rewind pneun'i tic.` a pair ot pneumatics tor actuatii" said last named valve means, a pair of ary valves controlling said latter pneumatics, and ducts leading trom said last named primary valves to second and third control aperturesV in said tracker bar.

2li-.ln an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receive the music strip, driving means for rotating one or the other oi" said drums tov move the strip in one direction or the other, means for selectively joining said drums to said driving means, selector mechanism comprising a rotating element driven by one oi said drums, a second movable element adapted to occupy delinite positions relative to said rotating element, means tor clutching said second movable element to said rotating element in one position, and pneumatic means governed by the operation of the piano for controlling said clutching means.

25.,v ln an automatic player piano, a pair of drums, driving mean's, means for joining said driving means to said drums for rotating them in opposite directions to wind the music strip in one direction or the other, selector mechanism comprising a rotating element operatively associated with one of said drums, a manually set element adapted to cooperate therewith, means tor clutching said manually set element to said rotatable element, and pneumatic means governed by the operation of the piano for controlling said clutching means.

26. In an automatic player piano, a pair of drums adapted to receive the music strip, driving means for rotating one or the other oit said drums to wind the strip in one direc-- tion or the other, means tor selectively joining said drums to said driving means, a

selecting device tor controlling the operation for said means for joining, said selecting device comprising two rotatable elements, one or.' said elements beingarranged to be set manually, and 'driving means assoiated with one of said drums for Vmoving the other said element, said driving means comprisin(r a pair or Geneva gear elements for transmitting a step by step motion to the other said element.

in witness whereof, hereunto subscribe my name this l5 day or' June, 1923.

RUSSELL l.. lNILCOX.