US2163096A - Musical system - Google Patents

Description

June 20, 1939. v A A KUCHER 2,163,096

MUS ICAL SYSTEM Filed July 21, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR &1 Mia-'41.. ATTORNEY June 20, 1939. A. A. "KUCH'E'R 2,163,096

' MUSICAL SYSTEM Filed July 21, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 35l- 8 BY A W ATTORNEY June 20, v1939. KUCHER MUSICAL SYSTEM Filed July 21, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 -ILZ 2 a l I INVENTOR ;Lu Nd/ llL/LJ ATTORNEY June 20, 1939. A. A. KUCHER M SICAL SYSTEM Filed July 21, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 (if g 4 INVENTOR BY AW ATTORNEY named June 20, 1939 uhl'rsn s'rArss PATENT. .orrlcs mfl fiitfi 0.... ADM"! Jill! 2L 193, 8011.1 80. 91,72

My invention relates to the art of reproducing sound and particularly to the art of reproducing musical notes and tones.

Generally speaking, my invention contemplates the use of a plurality of wheels or bands, each carrying on its peripheral surface the wave form patterns of eight fundamental notes of the musical scale arranged in octave relation. These wheels; and consequently the wave form patterns, rotating at a speed calculated to produce perfect pitch of the notes patterned thereon, produce impulses or frequencies which may be transmitted to a sound reproducing device either by means of a light sensitive circuit or by a magnetic pick-up circuit.

The primary object of my invention is to provide an improved system such as just described. Incident to this primary object of my invention are numerous more specific objects, the attainment of which all-materially contribute to the achievement of the primaryobject. These more specific objects, all of which will be apparent from the following specification, claims and drawings, include the following:

(1) To provide improved wheels or hands wherein the wave form patterns are carried on the peripheral surfaces thereof, and to employ as many of said wheels as there are octave groups.

(2) To provide a*frictionless drive common to all of the wheels whereby they may be driven at speeds calculated to produce perfect pitch of the notes patterned thereon.

(3) To provide a magnetic'drive common to all of the wheels or hands. I

(4) To provide an improved source of light in the form of individual spark gaps for each wave form pattern.

(5) To provide improved circuits containing magnetic pick-ups or light sensitive cells for transmitting impulses from the wave form patterns to a reproducing device.

(6) Toprovide improved methods of impressing the wave term patterns on the periphery of the units.

(7) To provide a compact unit, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and capable .of producing notes and tones of theoretical perfect pitch.

, Further objects will appear from the following specification and claims, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a cross section of a portion of my improved system showing twelve units mounted on steps constituting shafts of varying diameters;

Fig. 2 is a; section taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. l with certain other elements of my improved system shown diagrammatically;

Fig. 3 is a cross section of a portion of another embodiment of my invention showing the units mounted on shaft of uniform diameter;

Fig. 4 is'a section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig.

3 with certain other elements shown diagrammatically;

5 is a plan view of another embodiment of a portion of my invention;

Fig. 6 is an end elevation of the an 5; a front elevation of the apparatus view in elevation of the apparatus in Fig. 1 with animprovement in the arrangement of magnetic pick-ups;

Fig. 9 is an end view of the apparatus shown in 8 10 is a diagrammatic view ofv twelve units in Fig. l, in combination with an improved source of light; v

i1 is an elevation of an improved arrangeof the system of arcs shown in Hg. 10;

Fig. 12 is an end elevation of the arrangement shown in Fig.1i; and

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the periphery of one of the wheels used in the embodiments of my invention;

' Fig. 14 is a top view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2 modified to include an improved light valving arrangement.

In the drawings I have illustrated various modiiiedforms of my improved system all employlng twelve similar wheels or hands, each wheel carrying the wave form patterns of eight fundamental notesof the scale in octave relation. The peripheral surface of one of such wheels is shownin Pig. l3, and carried thereon are eight wave form patterns arranged in the form of tracks extending circumferentially of the wheel. These tracks are designated by the reference characters a, b, c, d, e, I, a, and h and have frequencies in octave relation. All of the wheels are similarly-constructed and carry the same patterns.

The wave form patterns may be formed on the peripheral surface of the wheel in different ways. For example, they may be etched or embossed on the peripheral surface, and, if a magnetic pickup means is to be used, the peripheral surface may be made of magnetic material such as iron. 0r such wave forms, when etched or embossed, may be polished to reflect light upon a photo electric cell or cells. Or the wave form patterns may be formed in photographic film shaped into the form of a wheel or mounted on the peripheral surface of the wheel. Or, if desired, the wave form patterns may be formed in opaque material roll about the steps 11 without slippage.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, I have shown therein an embodiment of apparatus wherein wave form patterns similar to those of Fig. 13 may be used to produce all of the frequencies of the musical scale. Such apparatus is-shown as including a frame 10 carrying a motor ll provided with a shaft 13. The shaft 13 is mounted in the bearings 14 and I5 and, intermediate the enlargement 16 formed on its right hand end and the motor II, the shaft is provided with a plurality of steps I! forming in effect shafts of different diameters. In the particular embodiment shown, a means I2 is provided for magnetizing thesteps 11. This means is shown in the form of an electromagnet and the enlargement l6 constitutes the core thereof. However, it should be understood that the steps ll may be in the form of permanent magnets themselves and in such case, the electromagnet may be dispensed with.

On each'of the steps 11 is suspended a wheel or band 19 held in position by the magnetic pull exerted on the wheels by reason, of the magnetic field created in the shaft 13 by the electromagnet 12; To prevent displacement of the wheels while the shaft is rotating, the frame I 11 carries guides 20 in the form of a comb extending between the wheels l9.

In the particular embodiment now being considered, the wheels 19 are made of magnetic material such as iron and the wave form patterns may be formed therein in any of the ways described in connection with Fig. 13.

The apparatus'so far described operates as follows. The electromagnet l2 sets up a magnetic field in the shaft 13 thereby causing the wheels 19 to be held-securely against the steps ll of the shaft 13. The operation of the motor 12 will cause rotation of the shaft 13 and its steps I! and consequently the wheels 19 will Due to the fact that the steps are of different diameters, the wheels 18 will roll at different speeds. Since'all of the wave form patterns are in octave relation on any one wheel, the speed thereof can be calculated to produce perfect pitch of all of the notes patterned thereon.

With respect to the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, the proper speed of all of the wheels maybe attained by the use of wheels and steps of the following dimensions:

Diameter of Inner Wheel ggg mg diameter mounted wheel In the above specific example, the dimensions of the remaining parts may be as follows:'

Outside diameter of wheels 3.875 Diameter of armature shaft .5 Diameter of magnet core i 1.875 Width of each wheel .300 Distance between each wheel 025 Speed of motor shaft R.P.M. 18011 With the wheels carrying wave forms in the ratio of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256 respectively, the apparatus when constructed in accordance with the above dimensions, and operated at the specified speed, will produce frequencies corresponding to all of the notes of the musical scale, and these frequencies may be transmitted to a sound reproducing device in different ways as hereinafter more fully disclosed.

In Fig. 2, I have shown diagrammatically a system containing a light sensitive cell or cells as the means fortransmitting the impulses to the sound reproducing device. This circuit contains the loud speaker 21, the amplifier 22, light sensitive cell 23, a light slit 21, and a source of light 26 common to all of the wheels 19. An individual shutter 24, each with its individual key control 25, is provided for each wave form pattern so that by depressing one or more keys, light is admitted to and reflected ,by one or more wave form patterns as the case maybe. The reflected light passes through the slit 21 to the cell or cells 23.

. In place of the source of light 23 common to all of the patterns, I may use the arrangement shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12. In Fig. 10, the wheels are shown diagrammatically at l9 and opposite each wave form pattern is located a spark gap. Several such gaps have been shown, but

since each gap is similar to each other gap, all

of them have not been shown. cludes the points One such gap in- 50 and 51 and another the points 53 and 54. All of the gaps are connected in key shunt relation; that is to say, each gap is short circuited by its key except when the key is depressed. To use other words, depressing of a key causes the spark to jump the gap controlled by that key. r

When key 58 is depressed, current flows from 'thesource of high tension, high frequency alternating current 51 through the leads, 55,59. and 60 and back through the remaining keys and the lead. 56 to the source 51. Thus, a spark jumps the gap 50-5l and this spark serves as the source of light for the wave form site the gap 50--5l.

If both keys so and 62 are depressed at the same time, then current flows from the source 51 through leads 55, 59 and 60, thence through the keys tov the line 64. and back to the source 51 through the lines 65 and 56. In this case, sparks jump both the gaps 5ll-5l and 53,-54 and serve as the sources of light for the wave form patterns opposite the gaps 50-51 and 53-54.,

The circuit is so arranged that sparks may cell or cells. Such a circuit would include the light sensitive cell or cells, the loud speaker, the amplifier, etc. ..No shutters would be required, however, since the light is present only when desired.

Since high tension, high frequency alternating current is continuously produced by device 51, a-

bleeder spark gap 66 is provided to prevent short circuiting of the spark gap system when none of the keys are depressed. Y

To prevent jumping of the spark at places other .than'at the sans, the leads to the gaps may be pattern located oppoarranged as shownin Figs. 11 and 12. A frame arranged in the form of an are It extends the width of the wheels ll andthe leads it to the various gaps are supported therein in staggered relation so that theyare spaced apart a greater distance throughout their length than at their terminals. e

I have, likewise, shown an improved embodiment of an electrical magnetic pick-up circuit for transferring the impulses to the reproducing device, which pick-up device may be used in place of the light sensitive circuit described .in connection with Fig. 1. Such an apparatusis shown in Fi s. 8' and 9 wherein the frame-ll is mounted to oscillate about the shaft it. The 'frame il' carries a plurality of electromagnets I, one for each wave form pattern, and all of the magnets are connected in parallel with an emplifier- 22' and a reproducing device 2i and each of the parallel circuits are each controlled by its individual key II. The magnets are. arranged in groups and the groups II are spaced circumferentially of 'the frame I. as shown in Fig. 9. The frame it is mounted to oscillate with respect to the shaftil' in order to cause pitch modulation. Any conventional means for causing this oscillation may beused. In the presentembodiment, I have provided a spring ",pivotd at N and having its free end held between the pins I mounted on the frame it and'its right handendactuated by the key It. In the present embodiment, the key it is shown as a special key for causing thisoscillation. However, if it is desired to provide for the oscillation of the frame whenever any of the keys 2'', the free end of the spring may. be secured to a cross member adapted to be moved by depressing one or more of such keys.

With this arrangement, depressing the key I, or one or more of the keys 2! if such-keys are arranged to actuate the spring, will move the free end of the spring downwardly. This will cause the other end of the spring to vibrate or oscillate and consequently the frame will oscillate thereby producing a verbretto eflect.

In Figs. 1 and 2'the variation in the speed of the units is brought about by varying the diameter of the driving shaft. The same ultimate result may bb obtained by varying the inside diameter of the wheels while maintaining the diameter of the driving shaft uniform throughout its length. Such apparatus is shown in Figs. 3 and 4 wherein the driving shaft It" is uniform throughout its driving length and the inner diameters of the wheels I!" are varied. Such apparatus is otherwise similar to the apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2 and it may be used in combination with any of the circuits for transmitting the impulses to a reproducing device, as described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. By way of illustration, I have shown the use of a light sensitive circuit in Fig. 4, consisting of the source of light 28", the slit 21" and the cell or cells 28".

The combination of apparatus shown in Figs. 3 and 4, for example, the source of light illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14 or the magnetic pick-up circuit of Figs. 10, 11 and 12, has not been illustrated, but is obviously within the scope of my invention.

In Figs. 5, 6 and '1, I have shown an arrangement wherein the wheels are mechanically driven in place of the magnetic drive of the previous embodiments. In these figures, the wheels W are mounted on individual hearings on a stationary shaft. Each wheel has formed on its peripheral surface a sharp edge ll adapted to frictionally engage the rotating disc II. In thisembodiment, the disc constitutes the driving member directly connected to the armature shaft ll' of ferred to the useof individual keys for each frequency. I may arrange these keys so that actuation of one key will produce partial acttiationof theshutters,sparks,or pick-ups controlled by other keys so as to obtain harmonic combinations of varyingintensities. InFig. 14, I have shown such an arrangement wherein the reference character ll represents an element attached to the key N and adapted to partially engage adjacent shutters when the key I is depressed. In this manner, when the shutter or gap controlled by the key I. is actuated, several other adiacent shutters or gaps are thereby partially actuated. In this manner harmonic combinations are formed and since the actuation of the shutters or gapsis only partial, the intensity of the harmonicgconibinations thus formed varies. I

The forms of my improved musical instrument as herein described, are small compact units, economical to manufacture and result in the production of notes and tones of perfect pitch. ,The number of hearings or wearing parts is reduced to a minimum, assuring perfect pitch without ad- Justment of either driving or driven members.

It should be understood, however, that other forms of my invention are possible, all within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. The combination comprising a plurality of wave form patterns, a sound reproducing device, means for transmitting impulses from said wave form patterns to said sound reproducing device, and means for causing movement of the wave said last named means consisting of a shaft, means for driving the shaft, and a magnetic connection between the said shaft and the wave form patterns.

2. The combination comprising a plurality of wave form patterns, a sound reproducing device, magnetic pick-up means cooperating with said wave form patterns and forming a part of a cir cuit for transmitting impulses from said wave form patterns to said sound reproducing device, and means for causing said wave form patterns to move relative to said magnetic pick-up means, said last named means-consisting of a shaft, means for driving the shaft, and a magnetic connection between said shaft and the wave form patterns.

3. The combination comprising a plurality of wave form patterns, a sound reproducing device, a photo-electric circuit for transmitting impulses from said wave form patterns to said sound reproducing device, said circuit including a source of light, and means for causing relative movement of said wave form patterns with respect to said source of light, said means comprising a shaft, means for driving the shaft, and a magnetic connection between said shaft and the wave form patterns.

4. The combination comprising a plurality of form patterns relative to said transmitting means,

scale arranged in octave relation, a sound reproducing device, means for transmitting impulses from said wave form patterns to said'sound reproducing device and means for causing relative movement of said wheels with respect to each other and of all of said wheels with respect to said transmitting means, said last named means consisting of a shaft, means for driving the shaft, and a magnetic connection between said shaft and said wheels.

5. The combination comprising aplurality of wheels, each carrying on its peripheral surface the wave form patterns of notes of the musical scale arrangedin octave relation, means for-driving said wheels at difierent speeds including a single shait having' portions of difierent diam eter's, each of said wheels being supported on a different one of said portions, a magnetic connection between all of said wheels and said shaft, a sound reproducing device, and means for transmitting impulses from said wave form patterns to said sound reproducing device.

6. The combination comprising a plurality of wheels, each carrying on its peripheral surface the waveform patterns of notes of the musical scale, means for driving all ofsaid wheels so that each of said wheels rotates at adifierent speed than each other wheel, said last named means including shaft common to all of said wheels, a sound reproducing device, means for transmitting impulses from said wave form patterns to said sound reproducingdevice, and means for causing said wheels to rotate with said shaft, said last named means consisting of a magnetic connection between said shaft and all of said wheels.

7. The combination comprising a plurality'of wave form patterns, a sound reproducing device, means for transmitting impulses from saidwave form patterns to said sound reproducing device,

means for causing movement of the wave form patterns relative to said transmitting means, said last named means including a driving member and a magnetic connection between said driving member and said wave form patterns.

8. The combination comprising a plurality of wave form patterns, a sound reproducing device,

a magnetic pick-up means cooperating with said of light, and means for causing relative movement of said wave form patterns with respect to said source of light, said last named means including a driving member and a magnetic connection between the driving member and the wave form patterns.

10. The combination comprising a plurality of wheels each carrying on its peripheral surface the wave form patterns of notes of the musical scale arranged in octave relation, a sound reproducing device, means for transmitting impulses from said wave form patterns to said sound reproducing device and means for causing relative movement of said wheels with respect to each other andof all of said-wheels with respect to said transmitting means, said last named means consisting of a driving member and a magnetic connection between the driving member and the wave form patterns.

ANDREW A; KUCHER.

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