US1702080A - Modulating reflector adjustable as to normal position - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 12, 1929. v1,702,080

- J. H. HAMMOND, JR

MODULATING REFLECTOR ADJUSTABLE AS T0 NORMAL POSITION Filed DGO. 5, 1925 I5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Mmmm zy ff M@ Feb. 12, 1929; 1,702,080

J. H. HAMMOND, JR

MODULATING REFLECTOR ADJUSTABLE AS TO NORMAL POSITION Filed Dee- 8, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 harzw Feb' 12, rgza J. H. HAMMOND, JR

MODULATING REFLECTOR ADJUSTABLE As 'ro NORMAL POSITION Filed De 8' 1925 5 Sheets- Sheet 5 Patented Feb. 12, 1929.

PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN HAYs HAMMOND, JR., or GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

MODULATING REFLECTOR ADJUSTABLE AS T0 NORMAL POSITION.

Application filed December This invention relates to improvements in stringed musi al instruments, and more particularly to means for modifying and modulating the sound 'produced thereby.

The present invention features a sound modulator adapted particularly for a piano, incliuling mechanism adjustable in accordance with \f'ariations in the brilliancy of tuning olt the individual instrument to which the device may be applied.

This ai'iplication is :in iinl'novement over application Serial No. 753,558, liled by me December 23rd, 1924;.

I have Yround experimentally that when the modulating device shown and described in the said prior application is entirely closed, many ot the harmonics ot the music are suppressed. The quality oi? the sound emitted trom the instrun'ient is `.ifreatly changed, the sound sceming to be deadened or dull. lt appears from my e.;pe`-.1ents, that the production of harmonics i n important factor in the detern'iination ot the (piality et sound emitted from a particular iiis.iiiiiient and in the eil'cctiveness` or "lbrilliance7 of tone. It is desirable that such brilliance be enhanced, if agreeable musical el ,its are to be produced.

Accordingly. it is one object of the present invention to provide a modulating means which may be adjusted into predetermined position in accordance with the characteristics ot the instrument .fo as to enhance the brilliance.

Another feature or the invention relates to the provision oi" me ne; whereby abrupt dea-dening olf the sound eilfectiif'ely avoided, thus produc' e; more agreeable changes in expression in me music, and improving the control of expression.

nol Feature relates to the provision or' :in indil .ing device 'or indicating the extent oi1 ne nel movement ol the sound modulating me;

Other objects will appear from the following' des ion alien in connection with the accompa vingI drawings. in which Figi" l is a 'liront elevation., with parts broken. way. ofi an instrument embodying features ci the invention;

liigure 2 is a horizon al section taken on the line 2--2 or Figure l: u

F ignre is a section of an enlarged detail s, 1925. serial No. 74,054.

of the mechanism taken on the line 2-2 of llligure l; and

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail in elevation of part or' the mechanism shown in Figure l and is shown in operation in relation to Figure 3, both iigures showing the mechanism in the normal position. Y

Figures 5 and G are the saine as Figures 3 and l, but with the mechanism in a partly closed position.

liligures 7 und 8 are similar to Figures 3 and 4 except that the mechanism is in the fully closed position.

Figure 9 is an enlarged view partly in section or' the indicating device in a modified term oit the invention.

Figure l0 is a bottom plan view of the mechanism shown in Figure 9.

Lilie reference characters denote like parts in the several figures et the drawing.

In the following descriptions and claims, parts will be identified by Asgecilic names for convenience of expression, but they are intended. to be as generic in their application to similar parte or the equivalent construction as the art will permit.

Referring to the drawing there is shown in Figure l. so much of a stringed musical instrun'i'ent oi the type commonly designated p as a grand piano as is necessary to an understanding ot the invention. As shown, there is provided a casing l0, suitably supported on i'eet such as ll and having a lid part-ly shown at l), hinged as at i3, it being understood that when in closed position, the hinged cover 12 is coextensive with an' opening in the top of the casing 10.

For producing sound within the casing 10, there is provided a plurality of tuned strings, which are tuned to the notes ot the musical scale in a. conventional manner. For craniple in the lower or bass part ot the scale, such as representefjl by strings 15, a single .'tring is tuned to each note. In the intermediate portion ot the scale the strings 16, 17, are arranged in groups or' two strings each, a group being tuned to each note. In thel upper pol# tion of the scale the' strings 1S', 19', 20, are arranged in groups of three strings each. which ated through an action 22 by a key in a conventional manner. The key 23 is one oi a number of keys of a manual 24 representing the musical scale to be played by the piano. The strings are mounted in liXed position relative to the casing l() being stretched across a suitable metal framework shown diagrammatically as at 2l'. The hammers 2l, the actions 22 and the keys 23 of the manual 21k are mounted upon a movable frame 26 which is slidably mounted Within the casing;` 10, and which is normally held in predetermined position with respect to the casing. The construction is such that when the frame 26 is in the normal position as shown in Figure l, operation of a key 23 will cause the respective hammer 2l to strike the respect-ive string' or group of strings and thus produce sound ot' predetermined pitch.

For ii'iodulating the sound produced by the piano,n the casing lO is prorided with a partition 30, positioned in a plane substantially parallel to and spaced apart i'rom the general plane oi the strings and is also provided with an oppositely positioned partition 31. The partition 30 is provided with an opening 32 having a series oi inodulatinp` reflectors such as 33 i'or variably controlling the opening. Similarly the partition 3l has an opening; provided with a series oi modulatingr reflectors such as for vari ably closing the same. The reflect-ors are rotatably positioned in the opening' 3l ot' the partition 30. Each re- `llector is provided on its inner face With a sheet ol s und reliectinp; material such as sheet aluminum, and i s provided with an operatinarm 36 and the several opera-ting arms oi the group are pivotally connected to a movable connecting rod 37. Similarly, each reflector 35 of the lower group is provider with an inner face oi" sound reflecting material and With an operating arm 38 and the several opearting` arms of the lower group are pivotally connected to a movable connecting rod For operatively interconnecting the upper connecting;v rod Si' and the lower connecting rod there is provided a vertical shalt el() journalcd in suitable bearing;I plates 41,42 and extending' th rough a bore in the casing l0. The shatflO is connected to the connecting rod 37 at its upper end and to the connecting' f rod ut its lower and in likeI nnniner. and a description oi one et such connections will sufiice for both. Referring; to Figure the shaft 4l() has aiixed thereto au arni to which there is pivolally connected one end ot a link lo. The other end oi the link i6 is pivotally connected to the respective upper or lower connecting;` rod as shown in Figures l and 2. The shaft 40 is also provided with an operating arm 47 for a purpose vwhich Will be subsequently set forth. For variably operating the reflectors 35 there is provided a pedal oand an upward ly extending sliatt 5l. operated thereby. The upper end ot the shaft 5l engages one arm of a bell crank lever 52 which is pivotally mounted on a bracket or apron 153 secured to the casing;` l0. Secured to one arm ot this bell crank is spring 53 engaging a cam-shaped stop 54:. The stop 54 is secured to a shaft 55 mounted for rotation in bearings 56. The shaft 55 fits snugly in the bearings 5S so that it Will remain in any position in which it is lett. This shaft is provided with a pointer 57 which may be used for tuning the cani 54 and which indicates the position of this cam on a graduated dial 58. Connected to the other end of the bell crank 52 is a link 60, the otherrend of which is attached to the arin 47. Secured to the link ($0 is one end et a spring 6l the other end ol" which -fastened to a bracket 62 carried by the traine Work of the piano.

in the operation ot'the form of the invention shown in Figures l to S the pointer 57 manually set in any desiredposition dependinib` upon the amount it is desired to have the tone inooulating reflectors open when the pedal completely depressed. The initial position ot the mechanism .is shown in Figures 3 anda with the rod 5l in its lowest position and the reflectors 35 open.

llllien it is desired to close the tone modulating reiiectors the pedal 50 is depresse@ 'thereby elevating` the rod 5l which in turn rotates the bell crank in a counter clockwise direction. rlhis causes the link 6G to be moved to the right which rotates the arm 47 and the shait l0 in a counter clockwise direction as seen in Figure 2. This rotates the two arms and the two links i6 the right thus moving' the tivo rods 37 and 89 to the right which causes the reflectors to be closed. This action continues until the springr engages the stop 54 which stops the closing of the reiiectors thus leaving them slightly open, the amount of opening' depending' upon the position of the stop 54; and therefore upon the position of the pointer 57. The mechanism when in this position is shown in Fin"- urcs and 5. lf it is desired 'to completely closetlie reflectors, more pressure is applied to the pedal 50, thereby rotatingthe bell crank against the action et' the spring 5S until the mechanism is moved into the position shown in Figures 7 and 8. atl which time the reflectors will he completely.'v clr'fsed.

lt illus seen that in the normal operation ot this nuchanisin. the retlei'tors are never completely closed. but roniaii'i slightly open as shown in Figures and 6, It has been 'tound desirable completely, as when they a re entirely closed certain upper partials oi the notes are sup` pressed. thereby changing the quality of the music produced. The amount which the retlectors should be left open depends upon a number of facts such as the type of piece being played the individual piana the roem not to close 'the retiactors llO ice

in which it is loca-ted, etc., so that this residual opening, as it might be called, may be varied by changing the position 0f the stop 54 as has already been stated. This can he done by moving the pointer 57 to any desired position before starting to pla-y the piano. If the pianist desires to produce an extra soft eiteet, however7 the pedal may be completely depressed by applying an extra pressure of the foot, thereby entirely closing the reflectors as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

lu the modified form of the invent-ion shown in Figures 9 and l0, the spring 53 is eliminated and the shaft y rotatably mounted in tivo arms to and {it} which are rigidly secured 'to a shaft mounted for rotation in two bea ings (3S and (39. Rigidly secured to the sha t G7 is an arm 7l provided at its end with a ball T2 Which snugly tits in a rece, s T3 provided in the traine Je which carries the piano action and `which is normally held to the left by means ot the spring 2i' as previously described in connection with Figure l.

ln the operation of the modified Yforni of the invention shown in Figures 9 and l0, the pointer 5T .is set in any (ilesired position as already described in Figures l to S. Then the pedal is depressed. the rod 5l. will be elevated thus rotating the bell crank and closing the tone modulators as previously described` until the bell crank engages the stop 5ft. At this time the modulating retlectors will still be slightly open as in the position shown in Figure (5. As the pedal is still 'further depresseththe stop 54;, together with the shaft 55 and the two arms and 6G, will be rotated in a clockwise direction, there by rotating the arm 7l in a similar direction, thus moving the frame 26 to the right against the action of the spring 27. rthis will move hammers 2l to the right and bring them out ot' alignment with at least one of the strings in each group thereby lin-inging in the sott pedal action of the piano to be thrown on in a Well known manner.

ltis thus seen that the normal operation ot this mechanism is the saine as that described in connection with Figures l to 8. lt. however. the pedal is still further depressed, the tone modulators Will not only be completely closed` but the soft pedal action ot' the piano will .be thrown on as well. thus producing an additional softening;r of the tone produced by the piano.

The invention upon which this application is based broader than the specific embodiment shown and described for the purpose of illustrating at least one of the ways in *which it may be employed. The scope of the invention therefore to be Vunoerstood as not being limited by the present specific description. I intend no limitations other than those imposed by the claims.

that is claimed is:

l. ln a musical instrument., the combination Iwith a phuality of strings, means for supporting saidfstrings to permit free vibration thereof, means tor vibrating the strings, sing surroimding the strings, said casing g apertures, a plurality of modulating ors positioned in said apertures, each. having); a compressional wave reflecting surface on its inner face, an operatiny."` rod i'or rotating said reflectors to direct reflected wares in a desired direction with respect to the :asing, and an adjustable abut-ment positioned to Aengage said rod iter controlling the normal extent otmovenient of said reflectors.

2. An instrument for producing damped compressioi'ial waves comprising a vibratory clement, a casing therefor having apertures, a plurality of sound reflectors rotatably positioned in said apertures forming controllable closures therefor for directing iva-ves produced by said elementin a desired direction, and an adjustable stop device for cont-rolling the normal nun/'ement of said reflectors.

3. ln a. musical instrun'ient, the combination with a source of soundr` ot a casing surrounding said source and having an interior reflecting surface to reflect sound, means for varying the amount of sound reflected back to the source from said surface, and an adjustable stop device for effectively limiting the movement ot' said varying means.

Ll. ln ay musical instrument, the combination with a source of sound, of a casing surrounding said source, said casing having an aperture for emitting sound, an element positioned in said aperture having on its interior surface a. layer of sound reflecting n'iateriaL means for variably positioning' said element to reflect desired proportions of sound back into the. casing, and an abutment tor feite `ively limiting the normal niovement of rf. means.

5. ln a musical instrument, the combination with a plurality of strings, mea-ns tor supporti 4 said strings to permit free vibration thereof, means for vibrating the strings. a casing surrounding the strings, said casing having apertures, a plurality of nnnlulating reflectors rotatably positioned in said apertures to control the effective opening ot' said apertures cach having a connnessional wave reflecting surface on its inner face` means 'tor rotating said reflect-:irs to direct reflected traves in a desired direction with respect to the casiire.y and adjustable means for eliectively preventing the Yt'ull movement of said rotating means.

6. An instrlunent for producing damped compressional waves comprising a vibratory element, a support for said element a casing hai-'ing controllable apertures, a plurality of sound reflectors rotatably positioned in said apertures for controlling the effective openw ing of said apertures, and adjustable means for effectively limiting the n'iiniinuin opening of said apertures.

7. In amusical instrument,tlie combination with a source of sound, of a casing surrounding said source and liaving an interior reflecting surface to reflect sound, said casing having apertures, rotatable reflectors positioned in tlic apertures, means for-rotating said reflectors to control the effective opening` of said apertures, and an adjustable stop device for effectively limit-ing the niovenient said means in one direction.

in a musical instrument, the combination with a pliufalit)7 oi' strings, means for support-ing eacli of said strings for permitting free vibration thereof', and means for vibrating tlie strings, a casing surrounding the strings, said casing' having apertures, a plurality of modulating reflectors positioned in said apertures, eacli having' a ycompressional wave reflecting surface on its inner face,

means for rotating said reflectors to direct reflected Waves in a desired direction with respect to the casing, an adjustable lont yielding abutment for controlling' the normal extent of. movement of said means arranged to permit additional movement thereof.

9. In a musical instrument, the combination with a plurality of' strings, means for supporting said strings to permit free vibration thereof, means for vibrating tlie stri; es, a casing surrounding tlie .st-rines, said cas C; having apertures, a plurality of modulating reflectors rotatably positioned in said apertures to control tlie effective opening' of said apertures each having a compressional Wave reflecting surface on its inner face, means for rotating said reflectors to direct reflected Waves in a desired direction with respect to the casing, adjustable means cooperatin with sait rotating means for preventing the full closure of said apertures by said reflectors, and an indicating` device 'for indicating tlie extent of least opening' of tlie apertures.

l0. An instrument for producing damped compressional Waves comprising a vibratorj,Y element, a casing` therefor liaving controllable apertures, a plurality of sound reflectors rotatably positioned in said apertures for controlling tlie effective opening` of said apertures, adjustable means for limiting tlie ruininiuin opening of said apertures, and an inuicator 'for indicating, the extent of i'ninimuni opening.

1l. In a musical instrument, tlie combination with a source of sound, of a casing surrounding said source and liaif'ing an interior reflecting surface to reflect sound, said casing having apertures, rotatable reiiectorsr positioned in the apertures, 'leans for rota-ting said reflectors to control the elfective opening of said apertures, an ad'ustable stop device for limiting the movement of said rotating means to limit the rotation of said reflectors reflecting means controlled entirely at tlie Will in one direction,I and an. Vindicator for indicating the adjustment of said stop device.

l2. In a musical instrument, the combination Witli a plurality of strings, means for supporting said strings, means for Vibrating' the strings, a casing surrounding the strings, said casing having' apertures, a plurality of modulating reflectors rotatably positioned in said apertures to control the effective opening of said apertures each liaving a compressional wave reflecting surface on its inner face, means for rotating said re Vflectors 'to direct reflected Waves in a desired direction with respect to the casing', a spring having relatively strong tension for controlling' tlie extent of movement of tlie rotating means. and a cam 'for varying the effectiveness or said spring.

13. An instrument for ,n'oducing damped compressional Waves comprising a vibrator;7 element, a casing therefor having controllable apertures, a plurality of sound reflectors rotatably positioned in said apertures for controlling tlie effect-ive opening of said apertures, an operating element connected to said reflectors for rotating the same, and a yielding abutment in the path of movementof the operating element for effectively limiting tlie movement of the reflectors.

In a musical instrument, the combinasource of sound, of a casing sursaid source and having an interior surface to reflect sound, said casing' having' apertures, rotatable reflectors positioned in the apertures, an' operating memloer for rotating said reflectors to control the effective opening' of said apertures, a leaf spring positioned in the path of mov ment of said member, and a cam engaging said spring and arrane'ed to vary the position of the spring relative to said operating member.

l5. in a musical instrument, the combination with a piano, of a casing having sound openings, a plurality of normally open centrally pivoted closures for said openings, of an operator for variably positioning said closures to control the intensity of sustained notes, means interconnecting said controlled means and said closures, and adjustable means for limiting the minimum opening of said closures.

1G. in a musical stringi-d instrument, the combination u'ili a piane, for suppressing tlie sound produced thereby including' a. casing having a lajy'er of sound insula ting material, and having openings for the emission of sound, apliiirality of normally open centrally pivoted closures controlled entirelf,7 at the will of an operator, a pedal for varialely controlling' said closures to '-l. tion 'with ro ending modify tlie intensity of sustained notes, means operatively interconnecting said pedal and said closures, adjustable means for limiting the minimum opening of said closures,

and an indicator for indicating' the extent 0f mi nim um openn 0'.

l?. in u musical instrument of the pel*- eweve type, the Combination with tuned nge, und means for sl'lpelng said strings Q0 permit free \f*1`b1'f1,t0n thereof, of a Gaming having oppesiely disp0sed apertures,

eontrehdde closures for said apertures, und :uvljustable means for limiting the extent of mfwement 01? said Closures.

Signed at New York, n the county of New York :1nd State 0i New York this seventh dej; of December, A. D. 1925.

JOHN HAYS HAMMOND, JR.

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