US1656224A - Automatic whistler - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 17, v1928. Y

' W. OROZCO AUTOMATIC wHIsTLER Filed Jan. 17, 1928. 1,656,224

w. oRozco AUTOMATIC WHISTLER Jan.- 17, 19?:5 1,656,224 t W. OROZCO AUTOMATI C WHISTLER IIIIIIIHIMMHHWW.

lil

Patented Jeri. 1?',

rarest err-ica.

AUTOVIATIG VII-.T ESTLER.

Application led January My invention relates to an electrically Vcontrolled'Whistle to be used as a warning Aobject is to construct a musical Whistle which can be readily rearranged at Will to play any simple tune desired by the user. @ther objects ivill appear hereinafter. rlhe invention consists in the combination and arrangements of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

rihe invention will be best understood by kreference to the accompanying drawings,

forming a part of this specification, and in Which7 Figure 1 is a side elevation of the Whole device7 part of the casing beingbrolren away to slioiy the interior arrangement of the resonance chamber of the ivhistle and the electrical connections to the commutator by means of which the pitch of the Whistle is varied so as to produce a tune.

Figure 2 is a4 longitudinal section of the coininutator` the connecting spirals and the driring mechanism.

Figure 3 is a section on the line 3 3 of Figure 2, showing a plan View of one connecting spiral.

Figure d is a perspective view of one of he removable segments for the cominutator.

Figure is a planrievv of the commutator, the driving gear and clutch being removed on the line of Figure 2, to show the parts below.

Figure 6 is a sectional View on t-he'line e-Gfot Figure 5, showing details of the coinniutator brush and pati.

Figure I is a detailed sketch of the coininutatorlnush Figure 8 is a detailed sketch o1 the governor, a` section being taken on the line 8-S o Figure 2.

Figure 9 is a. detailed end View of the mechanism on the rear ot the commutetor connector-casing on the line 9 9 of nigis an elevation of the Whistle,

arrangement. is a detailed sketch oi the con- -ton 1S.

isa?. serial No. 164,776.

r ds used to connect the coininutator segments With the spirals.

igure 12 is a sketch oi" a modicaticn 01" my invention, showing vtwo Whistles arranged to play in harmony.

Figure 13 is a section on the line 13-13 oi"- Figure 12, showing the cross arm and associated guide rods.

The preferred form of construction as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises a VWhistle 15 consisting` of the usualfform for steam or compressed air. Compressed air is supplied to it from a coW ressed air chamber (not shown) through the port 16. The compressed air chamber may be supplied with compressed air 'from any available source, as for instance from one or" the cylinders of an automobile engine. T he flow of air to the Whistle is controlled by a suitable Valve in the l ort 1G, one such valve being illustrated in i igure 10. I

cylindrical chamber 17 is formed 'through the casing oi"` the Whistle at right angl-es to the port 16 in which a piston 18 operates With reciprocatingmotion. A bore 19 is drilled through piston 1S approximately of the same diameter as port 16. A piston rod 20 integral Wit-li the piston 18 ef:- tends beyond the frame of the valve and Whistle. An internal rib or rim 21 is formed in the valve chamberk 17, decreasing the diameter of the chamber to that of the piston rod 20. Beyond the rib 21 the diameter ot the chamber again increases to accommodate a spring 2L which is seated against the rib 21. The diameter of the chamber again decreases to that of the piston rod 20, forming an outer rim 24. A collar 23 is fastened to the piston rod 20, against which the outer end of the spring 22 is seated, and it in turn rests against the rim 2d. Normally the spring 22 holds the cellar' Q3 against the outer rim 24C, thus, holding the piston 1S so that the bore 19 occupies a position out of alignment with the port 16, the port 16 being closed by the pisllfhen pressure is applied to-the external end ot the rod 20, the piston 18 and rod Q0 more i laterally, compressing the sprinf" 9.2 between the collar Q3 and the rib 21 until the bore 19 registers with the port allowing the air from the compressed air chamber not shown) to operate the whistle CII north poles in the-.same direction.

15. `When the pressure is released the spring Y 22 Vrestores the piston 18 to its normal position, shutting off the air supply to the whis-A tle '15.

Positioned vertically above the whistle l5 and fastened thereto by suitable brackets 25 (see Figure l) is a resonance chamber 25, cylindrical in form, the top of which may be closed except for a small opening 27. 'Vithin the resonance chamber 26 is an einbolus 2S, adapted to close the resonance chamber 26, which normally rests on thev supports 29 attached to the innerwall of Vthe resonance chamber 26. rlhe embolus 28 Y the resonancerchamber 26 as hereinafter described. i

rllhe portion oi" the resonance chamber 26, which is below the rests 29, may be made of any rigid material `which is suitable; the part of the resonance chamber 26 which ris Vabove the rests 29 is composed ot' a series ot electromagnets 3G, composed of coils of insulated wire capable ot conducting a current of electricity, the'several electromag-V nets 30 being separated from each other by rings 32 of insulating material. rThe electromagnets 3.0 may be solenoids or they may `have cores 3l ot magnetic material separated from each other by rings of non-magnetic material The windings of the magnets 30 are electrically connected together in series, connection being shown atv 33, in such a manner that a current of electricity flowing through the windings will create magnetic tields, one for each magnet 30, having The windings of the magnets 30 are so designed that eachone, starting with the one nearest the supportsf29, creates a stronger magnetic iield than the one next preceding it, whenV a current ot electricity is .flowingthrough all ot the magnets 30 in series. AAt the point where the winding ot each electromagnet 30 is connected to the winding of the next succeeding one, an electric connection 'is made to one of the binding posts 34 on the casing 35 ot the commutator connecting spirals 4() as hereinafter described. The open end ot the winding of the first magnet ,30 of the seriesis connected to one side ot an electricswitch 100, the other side of which is connected to a grounded source of E. MSF. 37, and the open 'end 38 of the winding of the last magnet30 is connected toV one ofthe above mentioned binding posts 34. Then the circuit is completed to any one of the binding posts 34, as hereinafter described, the magnet 30 connectedthereto The einbolus is-energized and also all the magnets 30 between it and the supports 29j creating there- Y ergized magnet 30, which is farthest fromV the rests 29, that is to say, tliehighest magnet 30 energized in the resonance chamber, the em'bolus 28 is moved up inthe resonance chamber 26 and takes up a position in line v with the highest magnet 30 energiaed. The

positions vwhich the enibolus28 is made to assume by this means are spaced so as to Y cause the whistle 15 to play the notes oit a musical scale, a sufcient number oi notes being provided to permit simple tunesto be played. v p

Tunes are played automatically on the whistle 15 by completing electric circuits through the various magnets 30V in succession, as required topioduce the notes ot the tune and for yvarying lengths of time, as

required by the rhythm ot` the tune, by

means' ot the cominutator 39, rotating com- Y The conimutator 39 is avdisc of a rigid cli-electric material through which is cut a spira-l path 4l. The outer part or" the path 4l is ot sutlicient width to accommodate and guide the brush 42, which is composed ot material capable of conducting a current of electricity, preferably cai-bon. The inner part of the path widens out as it approaches the inner surface ot the coiiin'iutator 49. lin the inner portion ot the path 4l are placed segments 43 of conductor material shaped to lit the lower portion ot the path, and ot varying lengt (see Figure 4). The segments 43V are separated trein each other by small segmentsY of' insulating material 44, which are the same shape as segments 43 in cross section, are adapted. to he placed in the lower portion of the path 4l. and are narrower than the brush so that the brush 42 will always make connection with at least one segment The commutator is mounted vertically upon the ltrout panel 45 ot the cominutator connector casing The panel 4,is made olli rigid dieelectrical material and has cut therein a spiralslot 46,'slightly narrower than the inner part ot Y VWith the Winding' ot one elcctromagnet Yv`Since there is one spiral at() tor each electro- -f-neeegaaa the-connector ycasing as hereinafter idescribed.l

The spiral connectors 40, hereinatter re ferred to as spirals lO, are made of resilient material which is a goed conductor of elec tricity. 'They 'are positioned parallel to each otherivith a air space between each turn, and parallel to the commutator so that the spaces betr-veen the turns ot the spirals lare'a'ligned vfith path 43 otI the commutator 39. They are affixed at the outer end by means ot screu's ell. to an arcuate projection l'l'avith the vpanel and at the center by Vthe screws toprojection L9 :trom the connection with a bindingY` post 3a which extends' through a suitable hole in the Wall otthefcasing 35. Ey this construction -each spiral i0 is eleltrically insulated from the other vspirals/.l0 but is electrically connected n ia'gnetPitt-each spiral 4.0 represents one note in the scale which the whistle l5 is capable oi playing.

ylaohsegment a3 in the immutato-1' 39 Vmay be connected to amr-spiral e()v required by the tune to be played by means ot the rods y50. The vrods 50 are made ot conductor material surrounded by a sheath or insulation. @ne end is threaded to screw into the screu7 hole 5l in the .segment rllo -the'otherend is secured a suitable contact spring, the onel illustrated being,` composed -ot l spring sections 52, see Figure 11) which are secured` at one end to the rod 50, and bend outward from the rod'G, then parallel to the rod '50 for a portion ot their length, then inward toward the rod, and are finals ly again bent parallel to the .rod 50V so that the ends lie adjacent to the sides oi the rod 50 but are not secured thereto. As will be readily perceived these springs are capable ot yielding' to lateral pressure'to decrease f the diameter at the end of the rod 50. In

40 which coincides with the end ot the rod,

because ot the pressure exerted by the springs 52.

- Suitable mechanical. means for moving` the brush 42 around the commutator path 41 are provided as follows:

- .Power from any available part oi the automobile is transmitted through the lieribledriving shaft 58, the universal joint system et gearsv', 56, 57, and 58 and the clutch 59, when closed, to thefehaltt 60. The -slia'ftlO vis composed otV conductor material.

It. is supported by the sleeve67 inA which it isitree to rotate and to move laterally, suliioiently to open and close the clutch It 70 is controlled by the bell crank l to one arm ot' Which it is fastened by means ot' the hook 62. To the other-end oty the shatt islived one element ot' the positive clutch 59. TheA shaft GO may belgrounded through the slide-"5 able brushl and binding post`65, if the engine of the automobile does not already ipply a grouiuil through the system ot 'driving gears.

The sleeve shaft 67 .isalso rotatable but is`30 not capable o1c lateral motion. It is'supportm edand held in place by the-bushini-and `lie-collars 70 and 71,'all fastenedto the sleeve 67, and turns inV roller bearing in the casing 35 and thepanel l5. Motion is'fi5 imparted to the sleeve shaft 67 by means ot the friction clutch G9, Normally the spr-ings 70 hold the triction'clut'ch out ofthe enfragement ot the gear 58, but/when the operation of the bell crank lever "6l closest0 the clutch 59, the gcarS moves laterally also, sufficiently to compress the springs V70', thereby closing the clutch 69 yand causing the sleeve 67 to rotate Wit-lathe shatt- 60.

Keyed to the sleeve 67 by means of thehey `95 7l is a collar 72 to which is fastened the brush arm 73. The motion ot the sleeve 07 is thereby imparted to the brush arm which rotates, carry/ring the brush l2 With it. Also,

keyed to'sleeve 67 b means olf-the ke 74100 is a suitable governor, provided to cause the brush arm 73 to rotate approximately at a constant speed. no matter what the Speed of the automobile engine. The governor here illustrated consists ot a collar and disc 7 5 which are tree to slide on sleeve 67; four AWeights 76 attached to bowed springs 77 are secured to the collar 75 at one end,Y and at the other end to the col- `lar 7S which is pinned to the sleeve G7: a 110 ring shaped brake 7 9 is mounted on the arm 80 secured to the inner Wall. o't` the casing 35, parallel with but a. small distance from disc 75. When the speed of the sleeve 67 exceeds torce developed thereby spreads the Weights 76 causing the disc and collar 75 to move along the sleeve 67 until the disc 75 comes in Contact with the brake 7 9. The trictiou developed thereby slovvs the speed of l'he`120 sleeve 67, the speed ot the shatt 60 not being; affected since the rotary motion is imparted to the sleeve 67 by means of the trictiou clutch 69. It is understood that other uiechanical means may be substituted tor those just described to cause brush flZ to travel over the commutator. Without departing from the spirit ot the invention.

The brush arm 73, yas Will best be seen by reference to Figure 7, is secured to the colpredetermined rate the centrifugal-115 to the outermost part, as the arm 73 rotates. Two retractile springs 82 are secured at onefend to the shorter arm of the brush arm 73, and at the other end to the brush '-42, adapted to draw the brush 42 `back to the center of 'the spiralpath 41 Vwhen it has reached the outer end thereof, as hereinafter described.

The brush 42, as kwill be seen by reference to Figure 6, consists of the carrier 96,'the Y .brush proper 86, and a pair or" lingers 90.

The carrier 96 is composed-or" conductor material, such as cast iron, and is approximately- Tshape in cross section. The narrower portion 83 1s adapted to move with reciprocating motion within the slot 81 in the brush arm 73; the wider portion 84 is adapted to ride upon the brush arm 73 and therebj,v

Support the brush 96, it being wider than the slot 81. To theportion 84 are attached two lugs 85, to which are secured the ends of the retractile springs 82 above mentioned.

In the narrower portion 83, of the carrier 96, a recess98 is formed, within which the brush 86 is movablv secured bv means of the screw 97. The brush 86 is composed of conductor material, preferablj.7 carbon, and is cylindrical in `shape,'the diameter of the outer part being'suitable to fit in the path 41 of the commutator 39 and make contact with the segments 43 and 44 therein.v At a sufficient distance from the outer end ot' the brushv 86 to be well above the edge of the nath 41, a ringV 88 is formed of vgreater diameter than the end of the brush 86. The upper part ot brushv86 is adapted -to Vfit movabl),v into the recess 98 but does not reach to the top of said recess, a space being allowed suflicient to raise theV brush186 out vof Vthe path 41. The brush 86 is supported by the head o'fthe screw 97 which bears against the outer surface of the-portion 84 of the carrier 82, being firmlv held in place by the spring 87 which is compressed between the Vinnersurface of the portion 84 of the carrier and the inner portion ot the brush 86. ln the sides of the carrier 82 adjacent to the sides of the carrier arm 73, are cut two slots 89 which accommodate a pair of fingers 90 pivoted on the screws 91, their lower ends bent inwardl7 and positioned la small distance from the ring 88 on a brush 86. To the ends of the fingers 90 are attached the lugs 92 which projecttoward the center of the commutator 39.l rEhe upper ends of the fingers 90 project above, the top of the car# rier A82 and have attached thereto pins 93 the casing 35 together.

commutator segments 43 and 44 the screws between which is secured the spring 94, serving to hold fingers 90 in their closed position. Y

Qn each side of the path 41 at'the outer end thereot is mounted an Vincline 95. Vhen the brush 86 has traveled the whole length of path 41 from the center vof the commutator 39 to the outermost turn, the ring 8.8 of the brush 86 encounters the incline 95 and is raised thereby against Vthe pressure of 'drawing the carrier 96 together with the brush 86 baci; tothe centerv of the commutator 41, where the projections 92 are en- 'Vgaged bv a pair of projections 131 attached to the collar .2, positioned below the slot 81 and projecting in the s ame direction as said slot( @rejections 131 spread the fingers 90, disengaging them from the ring 88, and the spring 87 Vreturns the brush 86 to the path 41 at its beginning. Since Vthe brush 86, carrier 82, brush arm 73 and all associated parts are made of conductor material, and since the shaft 60 is grounded, the brush 86 -is also grounded.

The commutator 39 may be removed from the panel 45 by removing the cotter pin 98' and the pins which hold the collar 72 to the sleeve 67, and then removing the clutch 57, gear 58, and collar 72 to which is attached the brush arm-7 3 with its associated parts.V The screws 99 are removed from the panel 45 and the commutator39, panel 45 and associated segments'43 and 44, rods 50 and connector'spirals 30 are removed from To re-arrange the 130 in the commutator are removed, allowing the commutator 39 to be separated from vthe panelV 45, after which the parts may b re-assembled.

Suitable means for starting the Whistle, and co-ordinating the operation of the whistle and the controlling commutator are provided, and the means here described are mechanical; in practice, however, electrical means could well be substituted therefore. Then the button 199 is'pressed down. an

electric switch 101 isfclosed to connect the' source of E. M. l?. 37. one electrode of which is grounded, to the'windings ot thc electromagnets 30. At the same time the moif'ement imparted to the rod102 operates the lever 103 and the bell crank 61, connected together b v the toggle joint 132, simultaneously, ap-v Awhistle 15. The system of gears y55, 56, 57

and oo are constantly in `motion when the auton'iobile engine is running. Hence, the closure of the clutches starts the brush arm rotating at a constant speed as controlled by the governor. The brush starts from the position in which it stopped after the last use-and follows thepath 411 in the commutator 39, making contact with eachsegment 42 and 13 forming the floor ot the path in turn, and connects the ground thereto, thereby completing an electric circuit from the ground through the shaft 60, brush arm 73, brush 42, commutator segment 13, associated rod and connector spiral 410, Winding of the associated magnet 30, windings of all magnets 30 below it in the resonance chamber 26sivitch 100 to the grounded source ot E. M. l?. 37. The magnets 3() energized in the sequence determined by the connections between the connector segments 13 and the spirals 10, cause the embolus 28 to change its position in the resonance chamber 26, in accordancetherewithas already described. The cmbolus 28 remains in each. position in the resonance chamber 26 for a length of time determined by the size of the successive segments 13 inthe commutator path-11. rlhe successive positions of the embolus 28 in the resonance chamber yproduce a consequent variation in the pitch of the Whistle 15. 1n this manner a tune is played upon the Whistle automatically, the rhythm of the tune being produced by the length of the commutator segments 113, and the melody, by the order in which segmentst are connected to the spirals 10. Since each of said spirals `corresponds to a note of the Whistle, as has been described, the notes may be played in any succession by select-ing a rod 50V Jfor each successive segment 13 of suitable length to connect such segment to the spiral 40 which controls the desired note. It will be noted thatl by means of the construction herein described the commutator may be arranged to play any tune which is Within the range of the notes provided for the whistle, by the selection and arrangement of segments 43 and rods 50. lVhen pressure is removed from the button all ot' the parts are restored to their normal positions.

Qnly so much of the tune is played at one time as can be played in the length of time the button is pressed. uWhen it is again operated the tune is resumed nhere it lett oil on the last operation. llrhen the riser becomes tired ot one tune'the ii'onnnutator may be removed as alread).rv described and the segments and connections thereto re-arranged to Yplay another tune.

Figures and- '13 show a modiiication of my invention, inrolring the addition ot a second Whistle de-figned to play a note in harmony with -tlie notes oi the tune. 1n Figure A12, is the coinmutator connector case constructed as lalready described, the conimutator and brush arm, etc., not being shown; 111 is the controlling mechanism, the same as already described; 1 is a grounded source otthe E. M. F.; 113 and 111 are two Whistles, similar to the Whistle 15 already described, the air valves ot which are cperated together by means ot' a single piston rod 115; 116 is a resonance chamber associ ated with the Whistle 113, equipped with an electromagnet as already described; 11T is the resonance chamber associated with the Whistle 11 and consists merely ot a hollow cylinder supported above the Whistle; 118 is an electrically controlled embolus similar to that already described, to Which is attached a rod 120 by means of the nuts 121 and 122; 119 is an embolus associated with the Whistle 114 and is adjustably attached to the rod 123 by means of the nuts 124 and 125, the rod 123 being threaded 'throughout its length. The rods 112, 120 and 123 are rigidly secured together at their upper ends by means of the cross arm. 125. rlfhe embolus 110 therefore, moves with the embolus 118, the cross arm 126 being guided and controlled by rods 127f'secured to the `bracket 123 between the supporting brackets of the resonance V'chambers 116 and 11T. The embolus 119 is adjusted onits associated rod 123 so that it causes the Whistle 1111 to play a note always in harmony with any note 1nlayed by thefwhistle113, By adjusting the position of 'the embolus 119 on the rod 123 it is evident that the Whistle 114C can be made always to playa note,`a musical third or sixth above or belowany note'played by the Whistle 113, or any other interval which may appeal to the fancy oi the user.

Having described my invention, what 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters AvPatent is:

1. 1n a device of ther class described, a sound producing member, a (zo-acting pitch varying member, means .tor automatically controlling said pitch varying member, means for co-ordinating 'the operation 'lor said sound producing member and said controlling means adapted to permit the device to be operated and stopped at will, substantially asdescribed.

2. 1n a Adevice ot' the class described, a soundproducing member, a co-acting pitch varying member, means for automatically' Elio CII

controlling said pitch arying member in a pre-determined manner, means Yior co-ordinating the operation oi' said sound producing member and the said controlling means adapted to permit the device to be operated and stopped at will, substantially as described.

3.,]n a device of the class described,va sound producing member, a co-operating resonance chamber, means 'for varying the volume of said resonance chamber to' vary the pitch of said sound producing member, means for automatically controlling said varying means, means for co-ordinating the operation ot said sound producing' member and the said controlling means adapted'to permit the device to be operated and stopped at will, substantially as described.

4E. ln a device of the class described, a sound producing member, a co-operating resonance chamber, means for varying the Vvolume Vof said resonance chamber to vary the pitch of the said sound producing member in a pre-determined manner, means for automatically controlling said varying means, means tor co-ordinating the operation ot said sound producing member and said control-ling means adapted to permit the device to be operated and stopped at will, substantially as described.

5. In a device of the class described, a sound producing member as a whistle; a cooperating resonance chamber; within the said resonance chamber a movable, embolus, adapted to close said resonance chamber at various heights whereby to be able to vary the pitch of said sound producing member; means for automatically. controlling the position of said embolusand said resonance chamber ina pre-determined manner; means :tor co-ordinating the voperation ot said sound Vproducing member and said embolus controlling means, adapted to permit the device to be operated and stopped at will,'substan tially as described. Y

6. ln a device of the class described, a sound producing member as a whistle; a coacting resonance chamber; a moveable embolus within said resonance chamber adapted to vary the volume of said resonance chamber, thereby varying the pitch of said whistle, andy adapted to be actuated by a magnetic held; means tor producing a magnetic field within said resonance chamber, variable in extent` throughout the length ot said resonance chamber and increasing in `intensity as it extends higher in said resonance chamber. means 'for varying the extent ot said magnetic field automatically in a )redetermined manner: means tor co-ordinating the operation of said sound producing member and said means for controlling the magnetic field, adapted to permit the device to be operated and stopped at will, substantially as described.

l. ln a device o the class described, a

sound producing member' as a whistle; a cospiral; a movable embolus within said resonance chamber adapted to vary the volume of said resonance chamber and adapted to be actuated by said electron'iagnets; means for completing electric circuits through the said connector spirals in a pre-determined order; means for co-ordinating the operation of said whistle and said means for completingV electric circuits whereby both may be simultaneously started and stopped at will, substantially as described.

S. ln a device ot the class described, a sound producing member as a whistle; a coacting resonance chamber having a plural'- ity ot electromagnets positioned one above the other therein, the windings orn sa'd electromagnets connected together in series adapted for producing'a magnetic held increasing in strength from one and to the other or" said resonance chamber, and one end of thewindings or each of said electro'- magnets connected to one oi a series of con nector spirals hereinafter mentioned; a movable embolus within said. resonance chamber adapted to vary the volume of said resonance chamber and adapted to be actuated by said electromagnets; a source of E. M. l?. removably connected to said electromagnetics; a series of connector spirals above mentioned arranged in parallel spaced relation with each other and with a dielectric commutator, and electrically insulated from each other; a'spiral path cut in said commuta- `toi-wish conductor and insulator segments of variousrsizes removably positioned in the lioor thereot; a pluralityof connectingrods, each ci' said rods being removably7 attached at one end to the conductor segment oi said commutator'and said rods being adapted to pass through the interstices olf the intermediate connector spirals and to make electrical contact through connector springs attached to said rrods with one spiral connector; a co-acting con'nnutator brush adapted to travel over the said connnutator path and to complete electrical circuits through the said conductor segments, and associated rods and spiralsin order` and the windings of said clectromagnets in succession whereby to cause said whistle to play a tune; means tor actuating said commutator brush and tor returning said commutator brush to the beginning of the path when it has reached the end thereof; means for co-orcinating the operation ot' the said whistle and said commufill tator brush so that the whistle will play and stop at the vvill ot the user, substantially as described. Y

9. ln combination with a sound producing member, the pitch ot which may be varied electrically, a plurality ol' connector spirals insulated `from each other and avanged in spaced parallel relation to each other, each of said spirals being electrically connected to the sound producing member so that the completion ot' an electrical -circuit through each spiral causes ne sound producing membeil to produce a different note in the musical scale; means for making electrical connections to said spirals in a manner to close electrical circuits through the said spirals ina pre-determined order, whereby to. cause said sound producing member toplay a tune, substantially described.

lO. in combinationW-ith a sound producing member, the pitch ot Which may be varied electrically, a plurality of connector spirals arranged parallel to each other7 insulated from each other and spaced at regular intervals, electrically connected to the sound producing member so that the completion of an electrical circuit through each spiral causes the sound producing member to produce a different note in the musical scale; a plurality oi:` connector rods ot various lengths, insulated throughout their length and having connector springs secured to the ends ot said rods adapted to pass through the intervening spirals and make electrical contact With the one which coincides With the end thereof, the other end of said rods being adapted to be detachably connected to the segments of the commutator, said rods and associated springs being adapted to make a connection between any spiral and any connnutator segment; a commutator composed ot di-electric material in which is cut a spiral path; removable connector and insulator segments of va ious sizes in said commutator path, said segments being connected to any required spiral by means ot said rods; a. co-acting commutator brush adapted to travel over said commutator path to complete electrical circuits through said commutator segments, rods and spirals, in succession thereby causing the sound producing member to play a tune; means for actuating said commutator brush and for returning said commutator brush to the beginning of said path when it has reached the end thereof so that when said brush passes over the said commutator segments said sound producing member Will play a tune, which tune can be changed by changing the sizes ot said segments and rearranging said rods and connections, substantially as described.

ll. ln a musical instrument, the pitch of which can be controlled electrically, means ior varying the pitch in a pre-determined manner, comprising a commutator having a spiral slot cut therein; insulator andfconductor segments in said slot; a series ot conductor spirals arranged in parallel spaced relation to and insulated from each other,

each ot said spirals being electrically connected .to said musical instrument in a inanner to cause said instrument to play a different note in .the musical scale, Whenevera circuit is coi ipleted therethrough; connector rods having` springs adapted 'tor connection with said spirals, attached to one end thereof, the other end of said rods adapted for detachable connection-With said commutator segments, said rods being of various lengths and insulated between the commutator segment and the connector spring, whereby, by means of a rod of suitable length, any commutator segment maybe connected tov any spiral; and aL cooperating commutatorbrush adapted to malte electric contact With each commutator segment in turn, substantially as described.

l2. In a musical instrument, the pitch of which can be varied electrically, means for playing a tune thereon comprising a commutator having removable segments alternately conducting and insulating; a co-acting commutator brush, and means for causing said brush to pass over said commutator segments; a plurality of connector elements, each electrically connected to said instrument in a manner to play a single note in the musical scale when a circuit is closed therethrough; and means for detachably connecting any of said commutator segments with any of said connector elements, substantially as described.

13. In a musical instrument, the pitch of which can be varied electrically, means for playing a tune thereon comprising a commutator having alternate conductor and insulator seoments; a co-acting-commutator brush and means for propelling said brush over said commutator segments; a plurality of conductor spirals arranged in parallel spaced relation to each other and said commutator, each of said spirals being electrically connected to said musical instrument in a manner to play a single note in the musical scale when an electric circuit is closed therethrough and means for connecting said spirals to said conductor segments of said commutator, substantially described.

14C. ln a musical instrument, the pitch oi' which can be varied electrically, a commutator formed of dielectric material; a spiral slot cut in said commutator; removable segments of dielectric and conductor material adapted to lit into said slot; detachable means for connecting the said conductor segments to said instrument; a co-acting conimutator brush adapted to fit into said slot; means for causing said brush to move in said slot making Contact With said commutator segments whereby to close electrical circuits controlling the pitch of said instrument; means for returning said brush from the end of said slot to the beginning thereof, substantially as described. c

15; ln a device of the class'described, a plurality ol sound producing members as Whistles, each associated With ay co-acting resonance chamber; a movable embolus Within each resonance chamber; electromagnetic means for controlling the position of one of said emboli Within its associated resonance chamber; means for causing said other emboli to change position in their associated resonance chambers in a fixed relation to the change of position of said electrically controlled embolus, substantially as 'described. 16. In a device of the class described a plurality of sound producing members as whistles, each associated with a co-acting resonance chamber; a movable embolus adaptedV to vary the pitch of said sound producing members within each resonance chamber; electromagnetic means for controlling the position of one ot said emboli Within its associated resonance'chainber; a

rod afiixedtoea'ch of said emboli at oneend,V

ln testimony whereof Vhave signed my Y name to this specication.

WILLrAM onozoo.

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