US1874663A

US1874663A - Musical instrument control

Info

Publication number: US1874663A
Application number: US476070A
Authority: US
Inventors: Verlinden Edmond
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1930-08-18
Filing date: 1930-08-18
Publication date: 1932-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 1949-08-30

Description

Aug. 1932 E. VERLINDEN 3 MUS ICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL Filed Aug. 18, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 163 1% is? J61 LGG I 1 Jv\/\ ..I UM 143 154 I I L a: 1 152 107 11 %l kT l 103% ME #2511 PLAY OFF PEROLL SAFETY lNVEN O WITNESSES T Aug. 30, 1932. VERUNDEN MUSICALINSTRUMENT CONTROL Filed Aug. 18 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

WITNESSES 30., 1932. v E. VERLINDEN 1,874,663

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL Filed Aug. 18, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 fi ly/Ill 1/ 4a 7? INVENTOR WITNESSES @IfidMdcW 'Vu- Z:

Aug. 30, 1932 E. VERLINDEN 7 MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL Filed Aug. 18. 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. .9 15 gm FIG. 11;

Tr .v'

J50 EMa 146 FIG . D4 WITNESSES 'NVENTOQ W E I d/"W704 fiw I Patented Aug. 30, 1932 EDMOND VEBLINDEN, OF MILWAUKEE; WISQOKSIN.

MUSICAL IN STRUMEKT CONTROL Application filed August 18, 19.30. Serial No. 476,070.

The invention relates to controls for automatic musical instruments such as organs and pianos.

An object of the invention is to provide a simple but effective system of control for the music sheet operating means of an automatic musical instrument, whereby to expeditiously control the movement of the music sheet in playing, rerolling and replaying directions and also to control the stopping of the music sheet.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for controlling the tracker transmission to place it in playing or rerolling position or in a positive neutral position.

A further object of the invention is to provide a controlling device of simple and durable construction for effecting the placement of the tracker transmission in any one of a'plurality of selected positions.

A further object is to provide a controlling device with electromagnets which require only a momentary current flow for operating the device.

A further object is to provide releasing means for restoring the controlling device to off position in the event that the controlling members thereof are inadvertently actuated at the same time.

A further object is to provide a self-player controlling system including pneumatically operated devices which are delayed in operation in at least one direction of movement to. obtain proper sequence and duration of controlling functions.

A further object of the invention is to perfect details of construction generally.

The invention further consists in the several features hereinafter set forth and more particularly defined by the annexed claims.

This application constitutes a continuation inpart of my co-pending application for Letters Patent for organ self-players, Serial Number 154,202, filed December 11, 1926.

sion-controlling device used in the instrument;

Fig. 3 is atop plan view ofthetransmissioncontrolling device, parts being broken away and parts being shown in section;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional View of the transmission-controlling device, taken along the line 44 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a similar view showing a modified form of controlling device for another purpose;

Fig. 6 is a detail view of one of the slide members of the transmission-controllin-g device;

Fig. 7 is, a fragmentary detail view of one end of the transmission-controlling device;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of the bellows-controlling valve means of Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is a detail view of one of the pneumatically operated delayed action devices, parts being broken away and parts being shown in section;

Fig. 10 is a similar view of another form of pneumatic device;

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of a valve means used in the device of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view similar to F ig. 10 showing the valve means in its open position;

Fig. 13 is a detail view showing a control device associated with the take-up spool, parts being broken away and parts being shown in section;

Fig. 14 is an end view of the control device seen in Fig. 13, parts being broken away and parts being shown in section;

Fig. 15 is a top plan view of a stop-replay control valve, parts being broken away and parts being shown in section;

Fig. 16 is a detail view of a movable valve member used in the valve of Fig. 15, and

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic section showing a primary action used in the system.

In the accompanying drawings, the numeral 20 designates a tracker-box provided with a tracker-bar 21, over which a perforated music sheet 22 is drawn from a music spool 23 onto a take-up spool 24. The movement of the music sheet is accomplished in the usual manner by means of a suction-opertion. To effect playing the take-up spool 24 is rotated to draw the music sheet forward over the tracker-bar; and to efiect rerolling the music sheet is rotated in the opposite direction at a higher speed. The transmission also has a neutral positlon, so that when desired the music sheet and operating spools may be held stationary, and the "usual braking means are provided in order that no slack will develop in the music sheet under operating conditions. The transmission mechanism 26 includes a shifting lever 27, to the lower-pend of which is pivotally secured a shifting rod 28 actuated by pneumatic means, hereinafter,- described, for placing the transmission mechanism in a playing, rerolling or neutral position.

vThe transmission shifting means includes pneumatics 29, a'nd 31. The pneumatics 29 and 30 are mounted on opposite sides of a wedge-shaped supporting block 32,,while the pair of pneumatics 31 are mounted on opposite sides of a Wedge-shaped supporting block 33 and are simultaneously operable. The supporting blocks32 is provided with ducts 34 and 35 communicating with the pneumatics 29 and 30 respectively, and the supporting'block 33 is provided with a duct 36 communicating with both of the pneumatics 31, suction being applied to the pneumatics through these ducts, as hereinafter described. The

pneumatics

29, 30 and 31

carry fingers

37, 38 and 39 respectively, through the ends of which pass the shifting-rod 28, and each of these fingers carries an adjustable threaded stop 40 adapted tol engage the adjacent supporting block to limit the deflation of the associated pneumatic and correspondingly limit the travel of the shifting-rod. The shifting-rod has secured to it a pair of spaced collars 41 and 42adapted to beengaged by the

fingers

37 and 38 respectively,

and a pair of spaced collars 43 adapted: to be engaged by the fingers 39.; I

J The

ducts

34, 35 and 36 communicate with primary actions 44, 45 and 46, respectively, by which the application ofsuctio'n' to the pneumatios is controlled. These primary ac- "tions are of a well known type and a similar action or valve is hereinafter described in detail. i Y Y i An electro pneumatic: device 47 is provided for the selective control of the primary actions 44, 45 and 46 and includes a chest 48 receiv ng therein air under pressure. A valve board 49 is mounted above the chest in spaced relation thereto and is connected by

ducts

50, 51 and 52 with the respective primary actions 44, 45 and 46. The

ducts

50, 51 and 52 terminate in spaced ports opening along the upper surface of'the valve board and

closedbywalves

54 and 55, whichare pivotally mounted on vertically extending pins 56 secured in the valve board and passing loosely into openings 57 formed in the valves. Each valve is guided for movement in a vertical plane by a pin 58 secured in the valve boardand passing through a slot 59 formed in the valve. The valves are releasably held in closed position by coiled springs 60 housed in vertical bores 61 formed in a bracket 62, which extends above the valves and is secured to. the valve board 49, each spring being compressed by a screw 63. At

' its free end each of the valves 53 54 and 55 carries a depending vertically adjustable button 64, which is cam actuated tolift the valve and thus atmospheric pressure into the corresponding duct, whichis normally under suction. In the present instance the selective actuation of the valves is accomplished by means of parallel

reciprocatory slide members

65, 66 and 67, which, together with a parallel companion slide member 68 iereinafter described, are slidably mounted in

notched bars

69 and 70 secured to the upper face of the chest 48. Each of the

slide members

65, 66 and 67 is provided at its upper edge with a cam projection 71engageable with the depending button 64 of the corresponding valve, and each of these slides is also provided with anupstanding cam projection 72 having a sloping side and a shoulder. Each of the-four slide members is urged to its of position by a V-spring 73 disposed below the valve board 49, there being 7 a felt button 74 on the upper side of the slide 80 are secured to a side wall of the chest 48 and are respectively connected with the

slide members

65, 66, 67 and 68 for efiecting the. movement of these members to their on: position. The connection between each slide member and its corresponding pneumatic consists of a link 81 pivotally secured at one end in an end portion of the slide member and at the other end in a bar 82, which is secured by two screws 83 to the movable leaf of the pneumatic. The bar 82 is provided with a fulcrum intermediate the screws 83' goo so that, by adjusting the screws, the bar may be swung about its fulcrum for adjusting the inflated and deflated positions of the pneumatics. As seen in Fig. 3 the pneumatics are arranged in staggered relation to thereby permit close spacing of the pneumatics Without interfering with their inflating or deflating movements. Each pneumatic communicates alternatively with the interior of the chest 48 and with the atmosphere through a duct 84, which is controlled by a double valve of well known construction, and the valves 85 associated with the

pneumatics

77, 78, 79 and 80are respectively controlled by electromagnets 86, 87, 88 and 89 in a well known manner.

When the

slide members

65, 66 and 67 are selectively displaced by their pneumatics as hereinafter described, they selectively open the

valves

53, 54 and 55 as heretofore noted by their cam action on the buttons 64. The displaced slide member is held in its on position by a swinging latch bar 90, which transversely overlies the slide members and has a shaft portion journalled in bearings 91 carried on the chest. The outer swinging portion of the latch bar extends transversely above the slide members and is engageable with the shoulder of the projection 72 on the displaced slide member to hold the slide member in on position. The sloping surface of the projection 72 has a cam action on the latch bar for lifting the bar during the actuation of the slide member by its pneumatic. The downward movement of the latch bar is limited by a stop member 92 adjust-ably secured to the chest by screws 93, and the upward movement of the latch bar is limited by a stop 94 secured to the chest by a screw 95. The pneumatic actuation of any one of the

slide members

65, 66, 67 causes the latch bar to rise, thus releasing any previously held slide member and causing it to be spring urged to its off position. In this manner these three slide members are selectively actuated for controlling the selective opening of the

valves

53, 54 and 55.

The slide member 68 is provided with only a single cam 96, upon which the latch bar rides and is elevated without latching the slide member in advanced position. In this way all the slide members can be released to their off position if more than one of the three

slide members

65, 66 and 67 should become accidentally latched at the same time in their on position as hereinafter de scribed.

The electromagnets 86, 87, 88 and 89 are connected by a common conductor 97 with one terminal of a suitable source of current 98. The other terminals of the electromagnets 86, 87, 88 and 89 are connected by

respective conductors

99, 100, 101 and 102 leading to terminals of respective manually operated circuit closers 103, 104, 105 and 106, the other terminals of these circuit closers being connected to the other side of the source of current by a conductor 107. In Fig. 1 the circuit closers 103, 104, 105 and 106 are respectively labeled play, ofi', reroll and safety. These circuit closers are placed in any suitable location either on the instrument or remote therefrom, and the circuit closer 106 is preferably spaced from the others as it is only infrequently operated. In some instances duplicate sets of these circuit closers may be provided in different locations.

In addition to the manual control of the electromagnets of the transmission-controlling device 47, these electromagnets are also automatically controlled for effecting the stopping, rerolling and replaying of the music sheet. The tracker-bar 21 is connected by a duct 108, normally under suction and adapted to be uncovered by a reroll perforation 109 in the music sheet for admitting atmosphere to the duct. The duct 108 is con nected to a primary action 110 of well known construction and the latter is connected by a duct 111 to a pneumatic 112 for controlling the application of suction to this pneumatic to thereby deflate the pneumatic. The pneumatic forms part of a circuit closer and carries a contactor 113 adapted to engage a plurality of contacts 114, as seen in Figs. 1 and 9. The pneumatic 112 is mounted on a base 115 and is provided with a port 116 in its stationary leaf covered at its outer end by a flexible flap 117 of elongated oval shape secured at its ends to the pneumatic and disposed within a recess 118 formed in the base, this recess communicating with the duct 111. The flap 117 is capable of bowing outwardly by the air within the pneumatic when suction is applied to the recess 118 through the duct 111, so that a relatively large discharge opening is afforded around the edges of the bowed flap to permit prompt deflation of the pneumatic. A bleed opening 119 is provided in the flap in register with the port 116 so that as the pneumatic subsequently expands the flap will seat to cover the port 116 and permit air to be drawn in slowly through the bleed opening, thereby delaying the return of the pneumatic to its expanded position. The delayed operation of the pneumatic aifords a sufficiently long time interval in which controlling operations may occur as hereinafter described. One of the contacts 114 is connected by a conductor 120 leading to that terminal of the source of current to which the conductor 107 is connected and another of the contacts 114 is connected by a conductor 121 joining the conductor 101 leading to the replay electromagnet 88 of the controlling device 47. Other contacts 114 are connected by conductor 122 with electromagnets 123 of a pair of controlling devices 124 each somewhat similar to the controlling device 47, the circuit from the electromagnets being completed back to the source of current by a conductor 125. Each controlling device 124 is shown in partial section in Fig. 5, wherein the pressure chest 48, corresponding with the pressure chest 48', carries

slide members

65 and 68, which are displaced by

pneumatics

77 and 80 respectively. The slide member 65 carries a projection 7 2 which is engageable with a swinging latch member 90 for holding the slide members in on position. Each slide 'me'mber carries a contactor 71 which co-operate's with a plurality of spring contacts 64 connected in appropriate circuits, forming no part, of the presenhinvention, controlling the off and on positions ofthe' combination and expression devices. The

slide members 68 controlled by the electro magnets 123 are similar to the slide members 68 of the transmission-controlling device 47 so that when they are-momentarily displaced by the energization of the electromagnets the V slide mernloersiv (of which there areseveral in each device) are unlat-ched and returned to their oil positions.

As'seen' in Figs. 13 and 14, the take-up spool 24 is provided at one end with a radially extending slot 126 whichis uncovered by, the convergent end of the music sheet at the conclusion of the rerolling operation. A trigger plate 127 slidahly fits withinthe slot 126 and is pivotally mounted on a pin 128 to permit the end. of-the plate adjacent the side wall of the tracker-box to move radially outwardly into proximity with an arm of a rock-shaft 129 journalled in the side wall of the tracker-box. A valve seat 130. is fixedly secured to the outer face'oif the tracker-box and is connected by a duct 131 which terminates in a port in one face of the valve seat. A spring-urged valve 132 is pivotally mounted on the valve seat 130 and normally'closes the port of the duct 131 in which suction normally exists, The outer end of the rockshaft is provided with a crank-arm engageable' with the valve 132 to open the port and thus expose the port to atmosphere. This opening movement of the valve is efiected at the conclusion of the'rerolling operation by the ro ckshaft 129, which is engaged and swung by the then projectin trigger plate 127. When the take-up spool turns in playing direction the trigger plate slides by the rock-shaft and is held at its inner position as soon as it is covered by the music sheet.

' The duct 131 is connected to a stationary valve plate 133, to which

other ducts

134 and 135 are also connected. The duct 131 is placed in selective communication with the

ducts

134 and 135 by a rotary valve .136 having a channel 137 adapted to register with the ports for these ducts formed in the valve plate 133. The duct 134 leads to a primary action 138, which is connected by a duct 139 with a pair of-

pneumatics

140 and 141, which are deflated by suction applied through the duct. The pneumatic 140 has secured to it a contactor 142 engageable with contacts 143, and is arranged for quick deflation to efiect prompt engagement of the contactor 142 with the contacts143. Fhe pneumatic 141 carries a contactor 144 normally in engagement with contacts 145. As seen in Fig.10 the pneumatic 141 is mounted on a base; 146 in which is formed a recess 147 in communie cation'with. a port. 148 connected with the duct 139 and with a port 149 in the stationary is mounted withinthe recess 147 to cover theport 148 and is secured at its. ends to the base 146, the flap having a bleed opening 151 in register with the port 148. 'When suction is applied to the pneumatic 141. air must be drawn-out through thesmall bleed opening, 151 thus delayingthe deflationof the pneumatic, and when air is again ad mitted to the pneumatic through the .primary action 138 the flexible flap willibow upwardly off its seat, asindicated in Fig. 12, thus permitting a relatively free passage .of air around the edge of the flap and efiecting prompt expansion of the pneumatic, which is normally urged to its expanded position. One of the contacts 145 is connected by a conductor 152 to that terminal of the source of current to which the conductors 107'and 120 are connected, and anothercontact 145 is connected with one of the contacts 143 by a conductor 153, the other contact 143 being cates with the interior of the duct 134 which is normally under suction through a bleed opening 158 connecting the duct and the in-; terior of the chest. Theduct 139 leading to" the pneumatic 140 is controlled by the double valve 157, which serves to either admit air at atmospheric pressure into the duct 139 or to apply suction thereto from the'interior of the chest. W hen the duct 134 is in communication with atmosphere the bellows 156; is expanded, thus lifting the valve 157 tov close the duct 139 from atmosphere and to apply suction to this duct, thus deflating the pneumatics 140and 141. When the duct 134 is again closed this duct is placed under -suction through the bleedfopening 158, thus dropping the valve 157 and again placing the duct 139 in communication with atmosphere to permit the expansion of the

pneumatics

140 and 141.

shown in Fig. 17.

The duct 135 joins the duct 50 leading to the primary action 44, and the duct 34leading to the .play pneumatic 29 joins a duct 159 leading to a pair or" pneumatics 160 and 161. The pneumatic 160 is provided with av contactor 162 engageable with contacts 163, and the pneumatic 161 is provided with a contactor 164 normally engageable with con; tacts 165. The pneumatics 160 and 161 arerespectively identical with the

pneumatics

140 and 141. One of the contacts 165 is connected to one terminal of the source of current by a conductor166 andthe othercon- The primary actions 44, 45, 46 and 110 are all of the general type tact 165 is connected to one of the contacts 163 by a conductor 167, the other contact 163 being connected by a conductor 168 joining the conductor 99 leading to the play electromagnet 86 of the transmission-controlling device 47.

In operation, a music roll is placed in the tracker-box and is hooked to the take-up spool 24 in the usual manner, the tracker transmission at this time being in a neutral position. The operator then momentarily depresses the play circuit closer 103, which establishes a circuit from the source of current 98 through the conduct-or 107, the circuit closer 103, the conductor 99, the electromagnet 86 and the conductor 97 back to the source of current. The corresponding double valve 85 is thus operated to inflate the pneumatic 77 which longitudinally displaces the slide member 65. The latch bar 90 is then lifted and drops behind the projection 72 on theslide memberto retain the slide member in its advanced position, thus avoiding the necessity for keeping the electromagnet 86 energized and thereby avoiding heating of the electromagnet. The cam 71 on the slide member 65 lifts the valve 53, thus admitting atmosphere into the duct and operating the primary action 44 to apply suction to the play pneumatic '29 by way of the duct 34. The deflation of the play pneumatic 29 moves the shifting rod 28 to the right as viewed in Fig. 1 and swings the transmission lever 27 to playing position. The motor 25, which has previously been placed in operation, then drives the take-up spool to cause the motion of the music sheet in playing direction.

At the conclusion of playing the perforation 109 in the music sheet registers With the duct 108 leading to the tracker-bar, thus admitting atmospheric pressure to the primary action 110 and causing deflation of the pneumatic 112 to bridge the contacts 114 by the contactor 113. A circuit is then established from the source of current through the conductor 120, the bridged contacts 114, conductor 121, conductor 101,

. reroll electromagnet 88 and conductor 97 back to the source of current. This causes the inflation of the pneumatic 79, which dislaces the slide member 67 to momentarily ift the latch member 90 and to open the valve 55. Simultaneously, the slide member 65 is released to close the valve 53 and thereby relieve the suction from the play pneumatic 2'9. Atmosphere is thus admitted to the duct 51 to operate the primary action 44 and to thereby apply suction to the reotf perforation 109 in the music sheet moves out of register with the duct 108 the contactor 113 will remain in engagement with the contacts 114 a sufficient length of time to insure the proper operation of the several controliing instrumentalities. The circuit closer 113114 also establishes momentary circuits through the electromagnets 123 of the controlling devices 124 by way of the

conductors

122 and 125, thus reciprocating the slide members 68 and releasing the side members to the retracted position seen in Fig. 5, which breaks the circuits the circuit closer elements 6467. These circuits control expression and combination devices (not shown) which are thereby'rendered ineffective during the rerolling operation. The circuit through the reroll electromagnet 88 may also be momentarily established through the reroll circuit closer and this may be efi'ected at any point in the playing operation.

At the conclusion of rerolling the convergent end of the music sheet exposes the trigger plate 127 on the take-up spool and permits the plate to fall when in its lower position for swinging the rock-shaft 129, which lifts the valve 132 and opens the duct 131 to atmosphere. If the stop-replay valve 136 is placed in stop position the duct 131 communicates with the duct 134 to admit atmosphere to the latter duct for operating the primary action 138. By way of the duct 139 suction is then applied to the

pneumatics

140 and 141, causing a quick deflation of the former pneumatic and a slow deflation of the latter pneumatic. The contactor 142 bridges the contacts 143 to establish a circuit from the source of current through the conductor 152, the bridged contacts 145, conductor 153, the bridged contacts 143, the conductor 154, the conductor 100, the off electromagnet 87 of the transmission-controlling device 47, and the conductor 97 back to the source of current. This effects the opening of the valve 54 and simultaneously closes the reroll valve 55 and admits atmosphere through the duct 52 to the primary action 46, thus applying suction to the two off pneumatics 31 by way of the duct 36. The deflation of the pneumatics 31 moves the tracker transmission 26 to a positive neutral position in which the transmission remains until shifted to another position. By holding the transmission in the neutral position there is no danger of accidental movement of the music sheet by creeping of the transmission mechanism. The circuit through the off electromagnet 87 is broken by the contactor 144 on the slowly deflating pneumatic 141, thus interrupting the circuit even though suction is kept applied to the

pneumatics

140 and 141. The abutment of the trigger plate 127 on the take-up spool with the rock-shaft 129 9 member 68 is not latched and returns to its tor 97 back to the source of current.

stops the, rotation of the take-up spool so that the. music sheet 'vvillfnot. become unhooked from the spool. The circuit momentarily established through the OE electrom'agnet' 87 may also be established manually at any point in the movement of the music sheet by the off circuit closer104.

' If replaying of the music sheet is desired the stop-replay valve .136 ismoved to re- I play? position when the music sheet is installed or at any time prior to the conclusion of rerolling. The opening of the valve 132 by the trigger plate127 then admits atmosphereinto the duct 135 and communicating duct'50 to operate the primary ac'tion l i and ei'iect the deflation of the play. pneumatic 29to shift the transmission to play position. Suction is simultaneously applied to the pneumatics 160 and 161 by Way of the duct'159, causing a quick deflation of the.

former pneumatic and a slow deflation of the latter pneumatic. -The contactor'l62 on the pneumatic 160-bridg'es the contacts- 163 thus reroll pneumatic 30. The circuit to the play electromagnet 86 is soon broken at the contacts 165 so that the flow of current through this electromagnet is only momentary. The circuit through the play electromagnet 86 may also be established at any time through the manually operated play circuit closer 103.

In the event that all of the three adja centcircuit closers 103, 104 and are si-' multaneously depressed through carelessness or inadvertence, the three

slide members

65, 66 and 67 in the transmissfon-controlling device Would: all belatched' in the on position. However, the slide members can be readily released by depressing the safety circuit closer 106, Which establishes a circuit from the source of current through the conductor 107, circuit closer 106, conductor 102, safety electromagnet 89 and the conduc- The displacementof the slide member 68 then lifts the latch-bar 90 and releases the slide members65, 66 and 67. The safety slide original position as soon as the electromagnet 89 is de-energized.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a self-player, the combinationof a tracker-box transmission, pneumatically op erated devices for .shiftlng sald transm ssion to 'playlng'and rerolling positions, rmpulse actuated; valve means for'controlling the shifting action of said pneumatically-open ated devices, and releasable locking means for selectively retaining said valve meansin impulse-actuated position. j v

2. A transmission'for a tracker-box mechanism, comprising a shiftable member movable to playing and rerolling positionsand to an intermediate neutral position, selec: tively-operable means for moving said shiftable member in opposite directionsto play: ing and rerolling positions, and selectively: operable means for placing and retaining said shiftable member in an intermediate neutral position from either playing or rerolling position.

3. A transmission for a tracker-boxmech: anism comprising a shiftable member movable to playing and rerolling positions and to an intermediate neutral position, pneu-, matic means for moving said shlttable mem:

her in opposite directions to playing and re rolling .POSltlOBS, and pneumatic means for placing and retaining said shiftable member in anintermediate neutral position.

4. A transm ssion for a tracker-box mechanism, comprising a shiftable member mov-' to an intermediate neutral position, a pair of suction-operated pneumatics acting in the opposite directions forplacing said shifting member in playing or rerolling positions, and pneumatic means for placing said shiftable member in a neutral intermediate position.

5. A transmission for a tracker-box mech anism, comprising a shiftable .member movable to playing andrerolling positions, and to an intermediateneutralposition, a pair of suctio-n oper'ated pneumatics acting in op} p osite directions for placing said shifting member in playing or rerolling positions, and a pair of suction-operated pneumatics simultaneously movable-in opposite directionsfor placing said shiftable member in an intermediateneutral position from either playing or rerolling position.

6. A transmission for a tracker-box mechanism, comprising a shiftable member movable to playing and rerolling positions and to an intermediate neutral position, selectively operable means for moving said shiftable member in opposite directions to playingor rerolling position, and selectively operable means acting on said shiftable member in opposite directions for placing said shiftable member in an intermediate neutral position from either playing or rerolling position.

7. A transmission for a tracker-boxmechanism, comprising a shiftable rod movable to I playing andrerolling positions and to an intermediate neutral position, a plurality of stops carried by .said rod, a suction-operated pneumatic co-operating with one of said'stops to move said rod to playing position, asuction-operated pneumatic co-operating with another of said stops for moving said shiftable rod to rerolling position, and a pair of simultaneously movable suction operated pneumatics alternatively cooperating with others of said stops for moving said shiftable member from either playing or rerolling position to an intermediate neutral position.

8. The combination of a pneumatic, a support for said pneumatic, there being a duct communicating with said pneumatic including a recess, a flexible valve member mounted within said recess and having a bleed opening in register with said duct, said valve member being deflected by the flow of air through said duct in one direction to permitrelatively free passage of airaround its edges and being adapted to seat in said recess during the flow of air in the opposite direction to restrict the flow through the bleed opening whereby said pneumatic is delayed in one direction of movement.

9. The combination of a plurality'of reciprocatory members each movable to alternative positions, impulse-actuated means for selectively moving said reciprocatory members to advanced position, means for selectively retaining said members in advanced position, and means controlled by the selective actuation of any one of said members for releasing a previously advanced member to re- 3 tracted position.

10. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members each movable to alternative positions, impulse-actuated means for moving each reciprocatory member to an advanced position, and latch means common to said reciprocatory members for retaining said members in advanced position, said latch means having an operative connection with said reciprocatory members to be actuated upon the advance of any of said members for releasing a previously advanced reciprocatory member.

11. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members each movable to alternative positions, impulse-actuated means for moving ea h reciprocatory member to an advanced position, means for retaining some of said members in advanced position, and means operated by one of said reciprocatory members for actuating said. retaining means to a position releasing a previously advanced reciprocatory nember.

12-. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members each movable to alternative positions, ii'npulse-actuated means for selectively moving each reciprocatory member to an advanced position, means common to said members for selectively retaining said members in advanced position, means for re- .easing said members to retracted position,

and a plurality of valve means selectively controlled by said reciprocatory members.

13. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members each movable to alternative positions, electrically controlled impulseactuated means for selectively moving each reciprocatory member to an advanced position, means common to said members for selectively retaining said members in advanced position, means for releasing said members to retracted'position, and a plurality of circuit closers selectively controlled by said reciprocatory members.

14. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members arranged in parallel relation and each movable to alternative positions, means for moving each reciprocatory member to an advanced position, and a pivotally mounted latch member extending transversely-of said reciprocatory members for retaining said members in advanced position, said latch member having operative connections with said reciprocatory members and being momentarily released to unlatching position by the advancing movement of any one of said reciprocatory members to permit the release of any of said reciprocatory members previously advanced.

15. The combination of a plurality ofmembers movable to oil and on positions, controlling means operated by said members, means for individually moving said members to on position, means for retaining said members in 'on position, and means controlled by the actuation of any one of said members for moving a previously displaced member from on to off position.

16. The combination of a movable member, a pneumatic movable to expanded and contracted positions, an arm secured to the movable element of said pneumatioand bearing thereon at a fulcrum, a pair of fastening elements securing said arm to said pneumatic and disposed at opposite sides of said fulcrum for adjusting the angular position of said arm with respect to said pneumatic, and a link connecting said arm and said movable -mem ber.

17 The combination of a trackenbox including a take-up spool adapted. to receive a music sheet thereon, there being a recess formed in said spool opening at the end thereof, a trigger member disposed in said recess and pivotally mounted on said spool to project outwardly from said recess substantially axially with respect to said spool, said trigger member being held in inner position by the music sheet covering said recess and being permitted to swing outwardly of said recess upon the release of said music sheet from said trigger member at the conclusion of rerolling, and a controlling member adapted to be engaged by said trigger member when the latter is outwardly displaced.

18. The combination of a tracker-box hav- Mm. -v

" ling circuit.

'19. The combination or" a tracker-box having spools therein adapted to receive a music sheet, means for operating said spools, a controlling circuit for said spool-operating means, a'normally open pneumatically operated circuit closer disposed in said circuit, said circuit closer being quickly operated in one direction to close said circuit and having delayed operation in the other direction to open said circuit, and" means controlled by the music sheet for operating said circuit closer. r

' 20, The combination of a-tracker-box having spools therein adapted to receive a music sheet, means for operating said spools in 7 playing and rerolling directions, controlling circuits for said spool-operating means, a pair of circuit closers arranged in serles in one of saidcircuits for controlling the rotation of said spools in playing direction, one

of said circuit closers being normally open and the other normally closed, said firstnamed circuit closer being quickly operated to close said circuit and the other circuit closer being slowly operated to delay the opening of said circuit, and meanscontrolled by a music sheet for simultaneously operatactuation of any one of said members for re-j leasing a previously advanced member toretracted position, and a plurality of valve means selectively controlled by saidreciprocatory members and having operative connections with said cam surfaces.

23. In a musical instrument, the combination, with a control circuit for the instrument, of apair of circuit-closers connected in series in said circuit, one of which circuitclosers is normally open and the vother of which is normally closed, said normally open circuit-closer being quickly operable to close said circuit and said normally closed circult-closer being slowly operable to open said circuit after a time interval, and fluid pressure means for simultaneously operating said circuit-closers.

Intestimony whereof I afiix my signature.

EDMOND VERLINDEN.

ing said circuit closers at theconclusion of rerolling to momentarily establish said controlling circui V 21. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members each movable to alternative positions, means :tor moving each reciprocatorymember to an advanced position, means for retaining said reciprocatory members in advanced position, means controlled by the actuation of any one of said members for releasing a previously advanced member to retracted position, and auxiliary means acting on said retaining means for effecting the release of. any or all of said reciprocatory members from advanced position. a

22. The combination of a plurality of reciprocatory members each moving to alternativepositions and each having a cam surface, means for selectively moving said reciprocatory members to advanced position, means for selectively retaining said members in advanced position, means cont-rolled by the