US335549A - teeat - Google Patents

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US335549A
US335549A US335549DA US335549A US 335549 A US335549 A US 335549A US 335549D A US335549D A US 335549DA US 335549 A US335549 A US 335549A
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shaft
lever
spring
roller
readers
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G10MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10FAUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
    • G10F1/00Automatic musical instruments
    • G10F1/02Pianofortes with keyboard

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  • Figure 1 is a sectional front view of an instrument embodying my improvement.
  • Fig. 2 is a sectional end view thereof.
  • Fig. 3 is a horizontal section illustrative of the construction of the case.
  • Fig. et is a back view of a portion of the front of the case of the instrument, including a removable panel.
  • Fig. 5 is a transverse section of the upper part of the instrument on a larger scale, and illustrating the manner in which the case and the key-board may be adnormally inelosed by the case.
  • Fig. 6 is a rear view of a portion of the upper part of the instrument on the same scale as Fig. 5.
  • Fig. 7 isaplan view showing a means of connecting certain circuit-wires.
  • Fig. 1 is a sectional front view of an instrument embodying my improvement.
  • Fig. 2 is a sectional end view thereof.
  • Fig. 3 is a horizontal section illustrative of the construction of the case.
  • Fig. 8 is an elevation illustrating the same parts.
  • Fig. 9 is a detail view illustrating parts whereby the electric circuits are operated when playing with the manual keys.
  • Fig. 10 is a sectional end view of a rocking beam and appurtenances forming part of the mechanism whereby the bellows are operated and a music sheet, card, or tablet is fed.
  • 11 is a front view of the same parts.
  • 12 is a plan of a portion of the case of thcinstrument,whichislocated just below the dotted lines 02, Fig. 5.
  • Fig. 13 is a of the frame.
  • Fig. 14 is aside view of the motor of the instrument.
  • 15 is a front view thereof, and
  • Fig. 16 is a detail view, on
  • the sound-producing devices of the instrument may be of any suitable kind. I have not attempted to show them in full, as my improvement is not confined either to any special construction or arrangement of them. I have shown but a few sound-producing devices, 0011- sisting of pipes A. They are severally oper- The pneuated by a pneumatic motor, A.
  • matic motor A when operated, opens the valve Aflcontrollin g communication between a pipe, A and the wind-chest XV, and thereby admits air to the pipes.
  • Some of the sound-produe ing devices will need to have their valves operated thus by a train of pneumatic motors, while others may have their valves operated by single motors.
  • the valve of each single motor whereby the operation of a note is effected, and the valve of the master-motor of each train of motors whereby the operation of a note is effected, is operated by an electro magnet, 13.
  • the armature B of each electro-magnet is mounted on a lever which is connected to the valve of the motor which the elcctro-mugnet controls.
  • the electro magnets B designates the battery or other source of electricity whereby the electro'magnets B are energized.
  • the electro magnets B are arranged in separate electric circuits or in separate branches of an electric circuit.
  • the separate electric circuits or circuitbranches are normally open, and may be completed either through manual keys or by an automatic action controlled through a traveling music sheet, card, or tablet. I will explain these means separately.
  • Each key is provided on the under side and near the forward end with a lift-er, if, which engages with the corresponding plate, b, and, when the forward end of the key moves upwardly, raises and holds its plate 6 in an elevated position, thereby breaking contact between the contact-piece of that plate b and the opposite contact-piece of the metal strip If.
  • the metal plate is elevated only at the final upward movement of the forward end of the. key; hence it is elevated very slightly. Owing to this the initial downward movement A of the forward end of the key allows the contact-piece of the metal plate to make contact with the opposite contact-piece of the metal strip, and this contact continues until just before the key reaches its highest position.
  • the shanks of the lifters are preferably screwthreaded, so that they may be inserted farther into the keys or moved farther out of the same, to vary the action of the lifters.
  • the key-board O is connected at the rear. end by hinges G to a stationary block, G hence it may be swung upward to facilitate access to the parts under it.
  • a wire, b extends to a pair of metal washers, c c, that are arranged upon what I term a "connection-bar, 0, because on it are made numerous connections of the electric circuits or circuit branches.
  • This wire b passes through a hole in the connection-bar to the top thereof, and is then passed up through one hole in the washer c, then over the top and down through another hole.
  • a wire has its end passed down through a hole in the upper washer, c, then along the under side to a second hole, then up through this second hole, and it is fastened to the main part of the wire.
  • This wire leads to one of a series of metallic spring-fingers or readers, D, in the automatic action before referred to.
  • a wire, b extends between the washers.
  • the portions of the wires 1) and b which extend between the holes in the washers through which they are passed,and the portions of the wire b that extends between the washers, are disposed like the three sides of atriangle.
  • the two washers are secured to the connection-bar by a screw, 0, passing through them into the connection-bar.
  • the washers have notches in their peripheries that engage with a pin, 0
  • Wire, 1) for each of the springfingers or readers.
  • the spring-fingers or readers are secured at one end to a rail, D, forminga common support, and at the other end are bent over and adapted to make-contact with a metal bar or roller, E.
  • a wire, I) extends from this roller E to the wire I) or to the battery or other source of electricity.
  • Atraveling music sheet, card, or tablet which preferably is made of flexible paper, is passed between the spring-fingers or readers D and the rollerE, and is provided with perforations,which allow the spring-fingers or readers to make contact with the roller E, one or more at a time, as may be necessary to cause the playing of a tune.
  • the spring fingers or readers are retracted so that none will make contact with the roller E. The manner of securing this action of the spring-fingers or readers will presently be explained in detail.
  • the electric circuits or circuit branches will be severally operative from the battery or other source of electricity through a wire, I), to a strip, b, thence to a plate, I), thence along a wire, I), to a washer, c, thence to a wire, I), thence to the coils of an electro-magnet, B, and thence by a wire,b,to the battery or other source of electricity.
  • the electric circuits or circuit branches will severally be operative from the battery or other source of 'electricityalong a wire, I), to the roller E, thence to one of the spring-fingers or readers, thence along a wire, 0, to a pair of washers, c c, thence along a wire, I), to an electro-magnet, B, and thence along a wire, b, to the battery or other source of electricity.
  • the electromagnets may be energized either by actuating the manual keys or by the action of the spring-fingers or readers under control of the traveling musicshcet.
  • the wires b may be bunched together in a cable.
  • a wire common to the bunches of wires 1) and the wire b may extend to an automatic circuitbreaker connected with one of the bellows of the instrument in a manner hereinafter to be described, so that when the instrument is not in use electricity will not be wasted.
  • the pairs of washers c 0 will be arranged on the connection-bar in two rows, with those of one row opposite the spaces between those of the other row, so that each pair shall be at a considerable distance from adjacent pairs.
  • the spring-fingers or readers are preferably 7 made of steel or other resilient wires, and so the roller E, their ends recede into the spaces between the teeth of the comb F, and hence are protected, so that the music-sheet may be adjusted without injury to them.
  • G designates a presser-bar extending across the middle portion of the spring-fingers or readers and attached to a standard, G, that is connected at the lower end by hinges (Z to a fixed rail, G.
  • G are arms, which atthe upper ends have connected to them a horizontallyextending rod, (1, that is connected to the rear side of the standard G.
  • springs G On the fronts of the arms G near the lower ends, are springs G, that bear against screws G extending from the standard G; 1
  • the arms G3 have journaled to their upper ends a roller, G between which and a roller, G, the traveling music-sheet is moved along. 3y thus drawing over the arms G forward the roller G is caused to press against the roller G or against the musicsheet. Owing, however, to the manner in which these arms are supported, their lower ends can more to relieve this pressure, the arms swinging on the rod (1 as fulcra.
  • the springs G acting on the screws G will, however, force the roller GS toward the roller G with a yielding pressure.
  • the roller G" has on one of its journals a worm wheel, G, that derives rotary motion from a worm, H, on a shaft, H, Fig. 2.
  • the shaft II at the lower end fits into a socket formed in a bevel-wheel, H", mounted on a shaft, H At the top this socket has a spiral slot, 6, extending a short distance upward, and the shaft H has a pin, 6, that will engage with the slot 0 when the shaft H is rotated in the direction in which the shaft H should be rotated to propel the music-sheet.
  • the shaft H is rotated by some means other than the shaft H in the proper direction to propel the music-sheet, it will not impart motion to the shaft H", because the upper end of the slot 6 will then move away from the pin 0. It is also true that if the shaft H" is rotated in the wrong direction it will fail to impart motion to the shaft H, for then the closed end of the slot 6 will be moved away from the pin 6, instead of toward it.
  • the shaft H has motion imparted to'it from a motor that is operated by the feet of the player.
  • the bevel-wheel H engages with a bevel-wheel, H", which is loosely mounted on a shaft, H".
  • This shaft H extends to the front of the keyboard section of the case of the instrument in which the key-board and keys are contained.
  • the bevel-wheel H has a collar that is provided with a spiral slot, 6, extending from the outer edge inward, and the shaft H" has a pin, 6, that will engage with the slot 6- when the shaft H is moved properly to impart motion to the shaft H in the right direction.
  • the shaft H is turned in the wrong direction, no motion will be transmitted by it to the bevel-wheel H, and when motion is transmitted to the shaft H by the shaft H no motion will be transmitted through the gear-wheel H to the shaft H
  • the shaft H has the outer end made polygonal or is otherwise adapted to have a hand-crank interlocked with it. Pro vision is therefore afforded for operating the shaft H by hand-power or by foot-power.
  • I will describe a motor by which the shaft H may be rotated.
  • I is a horizontally-an ranged shaft, provided with a bevel-wheel, 1, that engages with a bevel-wheel, H, on the shaft H.
  • a clutch-wheel, 1* On the shaft I is loosely mounted a clutch-wheel, 1*, having passed around and fastened to it a strap, 1, that is also passed around and fastened to the periphery of a springbarrel, 1.
  • the spring-barrel is a convolutc spring that is fastened at one end to the interior of the barrel and at the other end to a shaft, 1 on which the barrel is loosely mounted.
  • the clutch wheel 1* is moved inone direction, it rotates the springbarrel so as to unwind the spring, and when the spring is permitted to wind up the clutch wheel is moved in the other direction.
  • the spring and not the lever l, imparts motion to the shaft H and hence effects the feed of the music-sheet. Ow ing to this, the music-sheet will be moved with great uniformity.
  • the tension of the spring may be varied by winding it more or less. It may be wound by turning with a key a shaft, 1, that is provided with a worm, f, engaging with a worm-wheel mounted on the shaft I have combined with the spring-barrel i an indicator, whereby the amount of tension put upon the spring can be ascertained at any time.
  • This indicator consists of a tape-measure, 1. wound upon a springactuated roller in a case, I, in a well-known mani'ier, and having the outer end attached to a pulley, I, that is affixed to the shaft XVhen this shaft is turned around so as to wind up the Spring, more of the tape-measure will be drawn out, and when the shaft is turned in the reverse direction part of the tapemeasure will recede into the case I.
  • the clutch-wheel l? is provided internally with a number of faces, f,
  • the shaft I is provided with a fly wheel, I, which causes it to rotate not only while the clutch-wheel imparts motion to the shaft I, but also while the clutch-wheel rotates in the opposite direction.
  • the clutch-wheel has a strap, 1, passed around it in the reverse direction to the strap 1.
  • the strap 1 is fastened at one end to the clutch-wheel and at the other end'to a lever, I.
  • the lever 1 is fulcrumed at or near the front end to the case or frame of the instrument, and has the strap 1 fastened to it at the rear end.
  • This lever is arranged under apedal, I and is depressed whenever the pedal is depressed. If desirable, however, the lever I may be depressed and fastened down by a hinged button, I, engaging with the rear portion of the lever. This will generally be done when the instrument is being played manually or by means of the shaft 1
  • the button I constitutes a detent. It may be swung by the foot to one side or the other.
  • each lever or rocking beam consists of a rock shaft, an arm near the front end thereof, and an arm near the rear end thereof.
  • Each strap 1 connects with the arm of a lever, I, which is near the front end of the rock-shaft of the lever.
  • the arm at the rear of the shaft of each lever connects with a strap, 1, that is fastened to the movable board of one of the feeders or bellows J of the instrument.
  • the straps fit in the grooves of these blocks and hold the pins in position. By slackening the straps the pins may be withdrawn and the blocks slipped off the arms of the lever-beam.
  • the straps Preferably have upper loop-shaped sections that are made separately and pivotally connected by rivets h.
  • the brake I combine with the shaft H a brake, whereby its speed may be varied.
  • the brake I have shown consists of a block, L, having a hole flaring from the middle toward each end and fitting the shaft H".
  • this block has a removable face-plate, which may be detached to facilitate the removal from and application of the block to the shaft.
  • this block is provided with a leg, L, that rests on a fixed block, L".
  • the other end of the block passes through a slotted hanger, L in which it is guided, and receives just beyond this hanger a pin extending from a bell-crank lever, L, which is fulcrumed to a pin, Z.
  • the lower end of this lever L bears upon a spring, Z, extending from the block L.
  • the upper end of the lever is connected to the drawer-pull L
  • the lever acts'on the block with a yielding pressure and cants the latter more or less, thus causing it to grip and retard the motion of the shaft H
  • a spring, Z attached to the lever adjusts the latterinto its normal position, and the block then releases the shaft H.
  • the speed of the shaft H and consequently the speed at which the music-sheet travels, may be varied and the expression of the playing changed.
  • One of the main wires of the electric circuit is preferably interrupted or severed, and has its ends fastened to metallic contactplates 2' i.
  • contact-plates are secured near one end to a supporting-block, and are free at the other end.
  • a piece of paper or other suitable material, 2' is interposed be tween them at the end where they are secured to the supporting-block, but at the free ends they can and will make electrical contact, so as to complete the circuit when not separated by some ulterior force.
  • NVhen the bellows are in operation these contact-plates will touch each other; but when the bellows are exhausted or collapsed the rod J arranged on the movable frame of the reservoir, will force the lower contact-plate away from its fellow and break the electric circuit.
  • the electric circuit will be automatically broken when the instrument is not in use, and the battery which supplies electricity for the instrument will not be consumed, except when needed. Any projection on the frame of the reservoir could be used to operate the plate i. 7
  • the main section of the case has four corner-posts, K, which are L-shaped in the cross-section. They extend from the bottom to the top of this section of the case. Caster-blocks Kare fastened to their lower ends. They support the entire weight of the main section of the'instrument. Front panels, K, are rabbeted at the top, so that they hook over the rabbeted upper ends of these posts, and are provided 2 k in engagement with the pins is. At the lower ends the panels K K have dowel-pins k, that enter holes in a fixed portion, K, of the main section of the case and secure these ends of the said panels in place.
  • the side panels may be fastened down by bolts or otherwise, if desirable, to prevent them from being accidentally moved upward and detached.
  • the keyboard section K of the case is preferably made detachable from the main section of the case, so as to facilitate the transporta tion of the instrument audits passage through narrow doorways.
  • This key-board section is fastened to the main section by plates k, made preferably of iron, secured by screws or otherwise to the keyboard section, extending position by hooks arranged upon it and engag behind the fixed portion K of the main section, and secured to the latter by screws or other means.
  • the key-board section is also secured to the main section of the case by metal angle-pieces k", fastened to the two sec tions by screws or other suitable devices.
  • the key-board section is detached from the main section of the case, it will be necessary to unfasten the wires that lead to it, and also to detach the straps I from the levers I.
  • the front of the key-board section is provided with a removable panel, K. One end of this is rabbeted and enters a groove in one edge of the opening in which the panel fits. The other end is also rabbetcd and engages with a reversely rabbeted edge of the said opening. Near the latter edge the panel is provided on the rear side with a lever-button, 7.1 rigidly affixed to a pivot-pin that extends through the panel and at the front is provided with a handle, whereby the leverbutton may be rocked.
  • this button-lever acts in conjunction with a block, 7c, arranged inside the keyboard section.
  • a spring, L normally holds the button lever in contact with the block W'hile the button-lever is thus engaged with the block, the panel cannot be moved longitudinally; but when the button'lever is swung out of the way of the block the panel can be moved longitudinally for the purpose of either remov ing it or securing it in place.
  • the end near which the button-lever is pivoted is inserted so as to permit the engagement of the other end with its groove, and then the panel is pulled forward and the buttoirlever released.
  • the readcnbox K in which the readers or spring fingers D and the parts adjacent thereto are arranged, has a front or cover that is connect ed to a rail, ,011 the keyboard section of the case by hinges 7:3 hence it may be thrown forward when desirable-as, for instance, while the instrument is playing mechanically or automatically.
  • the music-sheet which I employ will preferably be made in sections capable of being folded, and when such a music-sheet is used I shall provide the inner side of the cover of the reader-box with rails It, between which the musicsheet in a folded. condition will be held.
  • the cover of the reader-box is closed,it maybe fastened by abolt, 7; Plates k are fastened to the bottom of the readerboX and extend over the rail k
  • the portions of these plates that extend over the rail 73 have holes in which fit pins kiaffixed to the lower edge of the cover when the coveris closed and the reader-box isinits normal uprightposition.
  • the readerbox may be additionally secured in an upright ing with the main section of the case, if desirable. It is desirable to provide for the detachmentof the reader-box in order that access to the connection-bar G and adjacent parts may be facilitated.
  • the shaft H is removed from the socket of the bevel-wheel II when the readerbOX is removed.
  • the combina-' tion of a shaft, H means for driving the same, a shaft, H, and a connection between these shafts, whereby the former will impart rotary motion to the latter when moved in one direction only, substantially as specified.
  • a pedal for imparting motion to bellows
  • a block fitted to said beam
  • a pin passing transversely through the beam and block
  • a strap having hinged to it a1oop,which surrounds the block and secures the pin in place, substantially as specified.
  • a musical instrument adapted to be played mechanically, the combination of a rotary shaft, a clutch upon said shaft adapted when rotating in one direction to impart motion to the shaft and to run free of the shaft when rotating in the other direction, a springmotor connected with said clutch and serving to rotate the clutch in such direction that the latter will impart motion to the shaft, and a lever for intermittently operating the springmotor tostore up power therein, substantially as specified.
  • a lever, I" a strap, 1*, connecting the lever I to the clutch-wheel P, a spring-barrel, I, and a strap, 1 connecting the spring-barrel with the clutch-wheel, substantially as specified.
  • the combination with the spring-barrel I and the shaft 1 whereby the shaft of the spring-barrel may be turned to vary the force, of the spring in thetspriugbarrel, of the tape-measure I and a case,l ,containing a spring-actuated roller, to which the tape-measure is attached, substantially as specified.
  • the combination of the shaft H whereby the propulsion of the. traveling music sheet, card, or tablet will be effected, the brake-block L, provided with thelcg L, the fixed block L", the slotted hanger L, receiving the brake-block, the lever L, provided with a pin extending into the brake-block, the spring Z',extending from the brake-block, and upon which one end of the lever L bears, andthe drawer-pull L substantially as specified.

Description

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 1.
J. E. TREAT. MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.
N0. 335,549. Patented Feb. 2, 1886.
hibae'ss s N PETERS, Phnla-Lilhcgnphcr. Wnshmglnn. D. C
(No Model.) 1 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 2.
J. E. TREAT.
MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT. No. 335,549. Patented Feb. 2, 1886.
N PETERS. Pholuixthogmnher. washm mn, Dec.
5 SheetsSheet 3.
(No Model.)
J. E. TREAT. MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.
Patented Feb. 2, 1886.
II. II) II Wibzesses N PETEns. PhulmLllhogmplmr. \Vnihlnglun. D. C.
5 T A E R T E MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.
No. 335,549. Patented Feb. 2, 1886.
w HN
Wibzesses N PETERS. Phnlo-Llihogmpher. Waslfinghm, D. C.
(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 5.
J. E. TREAT. MEGHANIGAL MUSIGAL INSTRUMENT. No. 335,549. Patented-Feb. 2, 1886. r a
Fig.1? I'M Mlr eflszfi @Wfl Lil
' perspective view illustrating certain positions justed to facilitate access to devices which are an enlarged scale, of the brake on shaft 11".
thvrrnn STATES PATENT @r JAMES E. TREAT, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.
MECHANlCAL MUSICAL lNSTRUMENT.
EJPECIFICATEON forming part of Letters Patent No. 335,54t9, dated February 2, 1888.
Serial No. 116.539, (No model.)
To (tZZ 107107711 it may concern:
Be it known that I, JAMES E. TREAT, of 3oston, in the county of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Husical Instruments, of which the following is a specification.
I will describe in detail a musical instru ment embodying my improvement, and then point out theimprovement in the claims.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a sectional front view of an instrument embodying my improvement. Fig. 2 is a sectional end view thereof. Fig. 3 is a horizontal section illustrative of the construction of the case. Fig. et is a back view of a portion of the front of the case of the instrument, including a removable panel. Fig. 5 is a transverse section of the upper part of the instrument on a larger scale, and illustrating the manner in which the case and the key-board may be adnormally inelosed by the case. Fig. 6 is a rear view of a portion of the upper part of the instrument on the same scale as Fig. 5. Fig. 7 isaplan view showing a means of connecting certain circuit-wires. Fig. 8 is an elevation illustrating the same parts. Fig. 9 is a detail view illustrating parts whereby the electric circuits are operated when playing with the manual keys. Fig. 10 is a sectional end view of a rocking beam and appurtenances forming part of the mechanism whereby the bellows are operated and a music sheet, card, or tablet is fed. 11 is a front view of the same parts. 12 is a plan of a portion of the case of thcinstrument,whichislocated just below the dotted lines 02, Fig. 5. Fig. 13 is a of the frame. Fig. 14 is aside view of the motor of the instrument. 15 is a front view thereof, and Fig. 16 is a detail view, on
Similar letters of reference designate corresponding parts in all the figures.
The sound-producing devices of the instrument may be of any suitable kind. I have not attempted to show them in full, as my improvement is not confined either to any special construction or arrangement of them. I have shown but a few sound-producing devices, 0011- sisting of pipes A. They are severally oper- The pneuated by a pneumatic motor, A.
matic motor A, when operated, opens the valve Aflcontrollin g communication between a pipe, A and the wind-chest XV, and thereby admits air to the pipes. Some of the sound-produe ing devices will need to have their valves operated thus by a train of pneumatic motors, while others may have their valves operated by single motors. The valve of each single motor whereby the operation of a note is effected, and the valve of the master-motor of each train of motors whereby the operation of a note is effected, is operated by an electro magnet, 13. To this end the armature B of each electro-magnet is mounted on a lever which is connected to the valve of the motor which the elcctro-mugnet controls.
B designates the battery or other source of electricity whereby the electro'magnets B are energized. The electro magnets B are arranged in separate electric circuits or in separate branches of an electric circuit. The separate electric circuits or circuitbranches are normally open, and may be completed either through manual keys or by an automatic action controlled through a traveling music sheet, card, or tablet. I will explain these means separately. One wire,
I), of an electric circuit or circuit banch is connected to one pole of the battery or other source of electricity, and the other wire, b, leads to a metal strip Zr, on a bar Z1, which is connected to the key-board O. Over this metal strip extend the keys C, which may be fulcrumed to the key-board and normally impelled upward at the forward ends in the usual manner. Under eac key is fastened to the bar I) a metal plate, Z), which is insulated from the metal strip Z) in any suitable man ner. Each of the said metal plates 11* is pro vided on the under side with a contact-piece of platina or other suitable metal, and immediately below the contact-piece of each of these plates the metal strip If is provided with a corresponding contact-piece. Each key is provided on the under side and near the forward end with a lift-er, if, which engages with the corresponding plate, b, and, when the forward end of the key moves upwardly, raises and holds its plate 6 in an elevated position, thereby breaking contact between the contact-piece of that plate b and the opposite contact-piece of the metal strip If. The metal plate is elevated only at the final upward movement of the forward end of the. key; hence it is elevated very slightly. Owing to this the initial downward movement A of the forward end of the key allows the contact-piece of the metal plate to make contact with the opposite contact-piece of the metal strip, and this contact continues until just before the key reaches its highest position. The shanks of the lifters are preferably screwthreaded, so that they may be inserted farther into the keys or moved farther out of the same, to vary the action of the lifters. The key-board O is connected at the rear. end by hinges G to a stationary block, G hence it may be swung upward to facilitate access to the parts under it. From each of the metal plates b a wire, b, extends to a pair of metal washers, c c, that are arranged upon what I term a "connection-bar, 0, because on it are made numerous connections of the electric circuits or circuit branches. This wire b passes through a hole in the connection-bar to the top thereof, and is then passed up through one hole in the washer c, then over the top and down through another hole. A wire, has its end passed down through a hole in the upper washer, c, then along the under side to a second hole, then up through this second hole, and it is fastened to the main part of the wire. This wire leads to one of a series of metallic spring-fingers or readers, D, in the automatic action before referred to. A wire, b extends between the washers. The portions of the wires 1) and b which extend between the holes in the washers through which they are passed,and the portions of the wire b that extends between the washers, are disposed like the three sides of atriangle. The two washers are secured to the connection-bar by a screw, 0, passing through them into the connection-bar. The washers have notches in their peripheries that engage with a pin, 0
' whereby they are prevented from shifting out of their proper relative positions. Electric connections are thus made between the wires in such manner that the wires may be easily separated or united. It will be understood that there is a Wire, 1), for each of the springfingers or readers. The spring-fingers or readers are secured at one end to a rail, D, forminga common support, and at the other end are bent over and adapted to make-contact with a metal bar or roller, E. A wire, I), extends from this roller E to the wire I) or to the battery or other source of electricity. Atraveling music sheet, card, or tablet, which preferably is made of flexible paper, is passed between the spring-fingers or readers D and the rollerE, and is provided with perforations,which allow the spring-fingers or readers to make contact with the roller E, one or more at a time, as may be necessary to cause the playing of a tune. When the automatic action is not to be used, the spring fingers or readers are retracted so that none will make contact with the roller E. The manner of securing this action of the spring-fingers or readers will presently be explained in detail. \Vhen the spring-fingers or readers are retractedso that they cannot make contact with the roller E, the electric circuits or circuit branches will be severally operative from the battery or other source of electricity through a wire, I), to a strip, b, thence to a plate, I), thence along a wire, I), to a washer, c, thence to a wire, I), thence to the coils of an electro-magnet, B, and thence by a wire,b,to the battery or other source of electricity. When the keys are not used and the spring-fingers or readers are rendered capable of making contact with the roller E, the electric circuits or circuit branches will severally be operative from the battery or other source of 'electricityalong a wire, I), to the roller E, thence to one of the spring-fingers or readers, thence along a wire, 0, to a pair of washers, c c, thence along a wire, I), to an electro-magnet, B, and thence along a wire, b, to the battery or other source of electricity. It will thus beseen that the electromagnets may be energized either by actuating the manual keys or by the action of the spring-fingers or readers under control of the traveling musicshcet. If covered with insulating material,the wires b may be bunched together in a cable. A wire common to the bunches of wires 1) and the wire b may extend to an automatic circuitbreaker connected with one of the bellows of the instrument in a manner hereinafter to be described, so that when the instrument is not in use electricity will not be wasted. Preferably, the pairs of washers c 0 will be arranged on the connection-bar in two rows, with those of one row opposite the spaces between those of the other row, so that each pair shall be at a considerable distance from adjacent pairs.
The spring-fingers or readers are preferably 7 made of steel or other resilient wires, and so the roller E, their ends recede into the spaces between the teeth of the comb F, and hence are protected, so that the music-sheet may be adjusted without injury to them.
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G designates a presser-bar extending across the middle portion of the spring-fingers or readers and attached to a standard, G, that is connected at the lower end by hinges (Z to a fixed rail, G.
G" are arms, which atthe upper ends have connected to them a horizontallyextending rod, (1, that is connected to the rear side of the standard G. On the fronts of the arms G near the lower ends, are springs G, that bear against screws G extending from the standard G; 1
G are rods, which, near one end, have slots fitting the pins d, and near the other end are pivotally connected to levers G. By moving drawn over toward the levers. The standard G is then also drawn in the same direction, so that the presser-bar G will press the free ends of the spring-fingers or readers toward the roller E. The arms G3 have journaled to their upper ends a roller, G between which and a roller, G, the traveling music-sheet is moved along. 3y thus drawing over the arms G forward the roller G is caused to press against the roller G or against the musicsheet. Owing, however, to the manner in which these arms are supported, their lower ends can more to relieve this pressure, the arms swinging on the rod (1 as fulcra. The springs G", acting on the screws G will, however, force the roller GS toward the roller G with a yielding pressure.
3y reversing the levers G the spring-fingers or readers will be relieved of pressure, so that their free ends can recede into the comb, and the roller G will be moved away from the roller G". It will be seen that the springfingers or readers will be forced out and the roller G forced toward the roller G" simultaneously, and that they will be retracted when the roller G' is moved away from the rollerG. The music-sheet is guided by rails G which are connected with the comb, whereby the spring-fingers or readers are guided so that the music'sheetand the spring-fingers or readers will maintain their proper relative positions. The roller G" has on one of its journals a worm wheel, G, that derives rotary motion from a worm, H, on a shaft, H, Fig. 2. The shaft II at the lower end fits into a socket formed in a bevel-wheel, H", mounted on a shaft, H At the top this socket has a spiral slot, 6, extending a short distance upward, and the shaft H has a pin, 6, that will engage with the slot 0 when the shaft H is rotated in the direction in which the shaft H should be rotated to propel the music-sheet. \Vhen, however, the shaft H is rotated by some means other than the shaft H in the proper direction to propel the music-sheet, it will not impart motion to the shaft H", because the upper end of the slot 6 will then move away from the pin 0. It is also true that if the shaft H" is rotated in the wrong direction it will fail to impart motion to the shaft H, for then the closed end of the slot 6 will be moved away from the pin 6, instead of toward it. The shaft H has motion imparted to'it from a motor that is operated by the feet of the player. The bevel-wheel H engages with a bevel-wheel, H", which is loosely mounted on a shaft, H". This shaft H extends to the front of the keyboard section of the case of the instrument in which the key-board and keys are contained. The bevel-wheel H has a collar that is provided with a spiral slot, 6, extending from the outer edge inward, and the shaft H" has a pin, 6, that will engage with the slot 6- when the shaft H is moved properly to impart motion to the shaft H in the right direction. When, however, the shaft H is turned in the wrong direction, no motion will be transmitted by it to the bevel-wheel H, and when motion is transmitted to the shaft H by the shaft H no motion will be transmitted through the gear-wheel H to the shaft H The shaft H has the outer end made polygonal or is otherwise adapted to have a hand-crank interlocked with it. Pro vision is therefore afforded for operating the shaft H by hand-power or by foot-power.
I will describe a motor by which the shaft H may be rotated. I is a horizontally-an ranged shaft, provided with a bevel-wheel, 1, that engages with a bevel-wheel, H, on the shaft H. On the shaft I is loosely mounted a clutch-wheel, 1*, having passed around and fastened to it a strap, 1, that is also passed around and fastened to the periphery of a springbarrel, 1. In the spring-barrel is a convolutc spring that is fastened at one end to the interior of the barrel and at the other end to a shaft, 1 on which the barrel is loosely mounted. hen the clutch wheel 1* is moved inone direction, it rotates the springbarrel so as to unwind the spring, and when the spring is permitted to wind up the clutch wheel is moved in the other direction. It will be understood that the spring, and not the lever l, imparts motion to the shaft H and hence effects the feed of the music-sheet. Ow ing to this, the music-sheet will be moved with great uniformity. The tension of the spring may be varied by winding it more or less. It may be wound by turning with a key a shaft, 1, that is provided with a worm, f, engaging with a worm-wheel mounted on the shaft I have combined with the spring-barrel i an indicator, whereby the amount of tension put upon the spring can be ascertained at any time. This indicator consists of a tape-measure, 1. wound upon a springactuated roller in a case, I, in a well-known mani'ier, and having the outer end attached to a pulley, I, that is affixed to the shaft XVhen this shaft is turned around so as to wind up the Spring, more of the tape-measure will be drawn out, and when the shaft is turned in the reverse direction part of the tapemeasure will recede into the case I. The clutch-wheel l? is provided internally with a number of faces, f,
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that are eccentric to the shaft I. Between the rollers against the shaft and cause the shaft to be turned with the clutch'wheel. The shaft I is provided with a fly wheel, I, which causes it to rotate not only while the clutch-wheel imparts motion to the shaft I, but also while the clutch-wheel rotates in the opposite direction.
The clutch-wheel has a strap, 1, passed around it in the reverse direction to the strap 1. The strap 1 is fastened at one end to the clutch-wheel and at the other end'to a lever, I. The lever 1 is fulcrumed at or near the front end to the case or frame of the instrument, and has the strap 1 fastened to it at the rear end. This lever is arranged under apedal, I and is depressed whenever the pedal is depressed. If desirable, however, the lever I may be depressed and fastened down by a hinged button, I, engaging with the rear portion of the lever. This will generally be done when the instrument is being played manually or by means of the shaft 1 The button I constitutes a detent. It may be swung by the foot to one side or the other. When moved in one direction, while the lever I is depressed, it will engage with an extension of the lever and lock it, and when moved in the reverse direction it will be disengaged from the lever. Two stops, 1", are arranged at opposite sides of the lever to prevent it from being moved too far. There is a second pedal, 1 similar to the one already described. Each of these pedals has connected to it a strap, 1, that transmits motion to a lever or rocking beam, 1". As shown, each lever or rocking beam consists of a rock shaft, an arm near the front end thereof, and an arm near the rear end thereof. Each strap 1 connects with the arm of a lever, I, which is near the front end of the rock-shaft of the lever. The arm at the rear of the shaft of each lever connects with a strap, 1, that is fastened to the movable board of one of the feeders or bellows J of the instrument.
I have shown a lever, J, fulcrumed to a frame forming part of a reservoir, J", and con nected at one end by a rod, J to the fixed board thereof, and at the other end by a rod, J, to the upper movable board thereof, so as to form an evener or equalizer. Where pipes are used in the instrument, force-bellows will be employed. The bellows will not only operate the sound-producing devices, but will also operate the pneumatic motors, before referred to.
I will now describe a peculiar means of conneeting the straps l and 1 to the lever or rocking beams I. On each arm of the beam is fitted a block, which has a groove around its circumference. Pins 9 pass through the blocks and the arms of the lever or beam. The
' straps fit in the grooves of these blocks and hold the pins in position. By slackening the straps the pins may be withdrawn and the blocks slipped off the arms of the lever-beam. Preferably the straps have upper loop-shaped sections that are made separately and pivotally connected by rivets h.
Preferably, I combine with the shaft H a brake, whereby its speed may be varied. The brake I have shown consists of a block, L, having a hole flaring from the middle toward each end and fitting the shaft H". As shown, this block has a removable face-plate, which may be detached to facilitate the removal from and application of the block to the shaft. At one end this block is provided with a leg, L, that rests on a fixed block, L". The other end of the block passes through a slotted hanger, L in which it is guided, and receives just beyond this hanger a pin extending from a bell-crank lever, L, which is fulcrumed to a pin, Z. The lower end of this lever L bears upon a spring, Z, extending from the block L. The upper end of the lever is connected to the drawer-pull L By pulling this drawer-pull the lever acts'on the block with a yielding pressure and cants the latter more or less, thus causing it to grip and retard the motion of the shaft H When the drawer-pull is released, a spring, Z attached to the lever, adjusts the latterinto its normal position, and the block then releases the shaft H. By manipulating this drawer-pull the speed of the shaft H", and consequently the speed at which the music-sheet travels, may be varied and the expression of the playing changed. One of the main wires of the electric circuit is preferably interrupted or severed, and has its ends fastened to metallic contactplates 2' i. These contact-plates are secured near one end to a supporting-block, and are free at the other end. A piece of paper or other suitable material, 2', is interposed be tween them at the end where they are secured to the supporting-block, but at the free ends they can and will make electrical contact, so as to complete the circuit when not separated by some ulterior force. NVhen the bellows are in operation, these contact-plates will touch each other; but when the bellows are exhausted or collapsed the rod J arranged on the movable frame of the reservoir, will force the lower contact-plate away from its fellow and break the electric circuit. Thus the electric circuit will be automatically broken when the instrument is not in use, and the battery which supplies electricity for the instrument will not be consumed, except when needed. Any projection on the frame of the reservoir could be used to operate the plate i. 7
Having now described the mechanism of this instrument, I will explain some features of its case. The main section of the case has four corner-posts, K, which are L-shaped in the cross-section. They extend from the bottom to the top of this section of the case. Caster-blocks Kare fastened to their lower ends. They support the entire weight of the main section of the'instrument. Front panels, K, are rabbeted at the top, so that they hook over the rabbeted upper ends of these posts, and are provided 2 k in engagement with the pins is. At the lower ends the panels K K have dowel-pins k, that enter holes in a fixed portion, K, of the main section of the case and secure these ends of the said panels in place. The side panels may be fastened down by bolts or otherwise, if desirable, to prevent them from being accidentally moved upward and detached. The keyboard section K of the case is preferably made detachable from the main section of the case, so as to facilitate the transporta tion of the instrument audits passage through narrow doorways. This key-board section is fastened to the main section by plates k, made preferably of iron, secured by screws or otherwise to the keyboard section, extending position by hooks arranged upon it and engag behind the fixed portion K of the main section, and secured to the latter by screws or other means. The key-board section is also secured to the main section of the case by metal angle-pieces k", fastened to the two sec tions by screws or other suitable devices. Vhcn the key-board section is detached from the main section of the case, it will be necessary to unfasten the wires that lead to it, and also to detach the straps I from the levers I. The front of the key-board section is provided with a removable panel, K. One end of this is rabbeted and enters a groove in one edge of the opening in which the panel fits. The other end is also rabbetcd and engages with a reversely rabbeted edge of the said opening. Near the latter edge the panel is provided on the rear side with a lever-button, 7.1 rigidly affixed to a pivot-pin that extends through the panel and at the front is provided with a handle, whereby the leverbutton may be rocked. The free end of this button-lever acts in conjunction with a block, 7c, arranged inside the keyboard section. A spring, L normally holds the button lever in contact with the block W'hile the button-lever is thus engaged with the block, the panel cannot be moved longitudinally; but when the button'lever is swung out of the way of the block the panel can be moved longitudinally for the purpose of either remov ing it or securing it in place. In securing it in place, the end near which the button-lever is pivoted is inserted so as to permit the engagement of the other end with its groove, and then the panel is pulled forward and the buttoirlever released. In removing the panel the buttoirlever is swung aside, the end of the panel near which it is pivoted is pushed back, and then moved toward the block it", then the other end of the panel is disengaged from its groove, and the panel is drawn out. The readcnbox K, in which the readers or spring fingers D and the parts adjacent thereto are arranged, has a front or cover that is connect ed to a rail, ,011 the keyboard section of the case by hinges 7:3 hence it may be thrown forward when desirable-as, for instance, while the instrument is playing mechanically or automatically.
The music-sheet which I employ will preferably be made in sections capable of being folded, and when such a music-sheet is used I shall provide the inner side of the cover of the reader-box with rails It, between which the musicsheet in a folded. condition will be held. \Vhen the cover of the reader-box is closed,it maybe fastened by abolt, 7; Plates k are fastened to the bottom of the readerboX and extend over the rail k The portions of these plates that extend over the rail 73 have holes in which fit pins kiaffixed to the lower edge of the cover when the coveris closed and the reader-box isinits normal uprightposition. When the parts are thus combined,the readerboX will be secured to the rail 7?. The readerbox may be additionally secured in an upright ing with the main section of the case, if desirable. It is desirable to provide for the detachmentof the reader-box in order that access to the connection-bar G and adjacent parts may be facilitated. The shaft H is removed from the socket of the bevel-wheel II when the readerbOX is removed.
I do not herein claim, broadly, the detachable keyboard section and the means for making electrical connection therewith herein shown and described; neither do I claim, broadly, the special electric circuit-closer in the manner which I have shown and described, as I intend to inakethese the subject of another application for Letters Patent.
\Vhat I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is
1. In a musical instrument adapted to be played mechanically, the combination of read ers or spring-fingers, a driving-roller whereby a traveling music-sheet will be moved past the ends of the readers or spring'fingers, a pressure-roller and levers whereby the readers or spring-fingers will be forced forward and the pressure-roller moved toward the driving-roller, substantially as specified.
2. In a musical instrument adapted to be played mechanically, the combination of a comb, readers or spring-fingers secured in place so that they will not normally protrude through the comb, and a presser-bar whereby they may be made to protrude through the comb, substantially as specified.
3. In a mechanical musical instrument adapted to be played mechanically, the combination of readers or fingers auton'latically movable in one direction, a presser-bar for moving them in the other direction, a traveling musicsheet controlling the movements of the said readers or fingers, and a driving-roller whereby a traveling music sheet will be moved past them, substantially as specified.
The combination of the readers or spring fingers I), the comb F, the bar G, and the adj ustable standard G,substantially as specified.
5. The combination of the readers or spring fingers D, the comb F, the bar G, the adjustable standard .G, the levers G, and the rods G, substantially as specified.
6. The combination ofthe arms G, the roller G the rods G, and the levers G substantially as specified.
7. The combination of the readers or springfingers D, the bar G, the adjustable standard IIO Gf, the arms G the roller G the rods G, and
the levers G substantially as specified.
8. The combination of a comb, F, whereby readers or spring-fingers D are maintained in their proper relative positions, and rails G connected to the same support asthe said comb, and serving to guide a traveling music sheet, card, or tablet, whereby the readers or springfingers are controlled, substantially as specified.
. 9. In a musical instrument, the combination of the roller G, provided with a worm-gear, G, of a removable shaft, H, provided with a worm, H, and the shaft H substantially as specified.
10. In a musical instrument, the combina-' tion of a shaft, H means for driving the same, a shaft, H, and a connection between these shafts, whereby the former will impart rotary motion to the latter when moved in one direction only, substantially as specified.
11. In amusical instrument, the combination of a shaft, H, a shaft, H bevel-wheels H and H, and a connection between the. shaft H and its bevel-wheel H, whereby this shaft will impart motionto itsbevel-wheel when moved in one direction only, and whereby its bevelwheel may be rotated without imparting motion to it, substantially asspecified.
12. The combination of a pedal, I, for operating bellows, a lever, 1 whereby a traveling music sheet, card, or tablet may be propelled, and a button, I, substantially as specified.
13. The combination of a pedal, I, for opcrating bellows, a lever, 1", whereby a traveling music sheet, card, or tablet may be propelled, a button, I, and stops I", substantially as specified.
14. In a musical instrument, the combination of a pedal, a lever or rocking beam for imparting motion to bellows, a block fitted to said beam, a pin passing transversely through the beam and block, and a strap havinga loop surrounding the block and securing the pin in place, substantially as specified.
15. In a musical instrument, the combination of a pedal, a lever or rocking beam for imparting motion to bellows, a block fitted to said beam, a pin passing transversely through the beam and block, and a strap having hinged to it a1oop,which surrounds the block and secures the pin in place, substantially as specified.
16. In a musical instrument adapted to be played mechanically, the combination of a rotary shaft, a clutch upon said shaft adapted when rotating in one direction to impart motion to the shaft and to run free of the shaft when rotating in the other direction, a springmotor connected with said clutch and serving to rotate the clutch in such direction that the latter will impart motion to the shaft, and a lever for intermittently operating the springmotor tostore up power therein, substantially as specified.
17. In a musical instrument, the combina:
impart motion to the driving-shaft and to move free of the shaft in the reverse direction, a lever, I", a strap, 1*, connecting the lever I to the clutch-wheel P, a spring-barrel, I, and a strap, 1 connecting the spring-barrel with the clutch-wheel, substantially as specified.
18. In a musical instrument, the combination, with the shaft I of the spring-barrel I, of the worm-wheel I on the shaft 1 and the shaft 1, provided with the worm f, substantially as specified.
19. In a musical instrument, the combination, with the spring-barrel I and the shaft 1 whereby the shaft of the spring-barrel may be turned to vary the force, of the spring in thetspriugbarrel, of the tape-measure I and a case,l ,containing a spring-actuated roller, to which the tape-measure is attached, substantially as specified.
20. In a musical instrument, the combination of a shaft whereby the propulsion of the traveling music sheet, card, or tablet will be effected, a brake-block provided with a hole flaring from thcmiddle toward each end and fitting said shaft, a lever for operating said brake-block in onevdirection to grip said shaft and retard its motion, and a drawer-pull for actuating the lever, substantially as specified. I
21. In a musical instrument, the combination of the shaft H whereby the propulsion of the. traveling music sheet, card, or tablet will be effected, the brake-block L, provided with thelcg L, the fixed block L", the slotted hanger L, receiving the brake-block, the lever L, provided with a pin extending into the brake-block, the spring Z',extending from the brake-block, and upon which one end of the lever L bears, andthe drawer-pull L substantially as specified.
22. In amechanical musicalinstrument, the combination, with electric circuit-wires, of contact plates or piecesz' i. an extensible and contractible reservoir, and a rodor projection.
for separatingthe said contact plates or pieces when the reservoir is collapsed, substantially as specified.
23. In the case of a musical instrument, thev combination of the corner posts, K, the front panels, K the pins and latches la la, and the side panels, K substantially as specified.
24. The combination, with the key-board section K, of a hinged cover, the rail it the plates k, and the pins 7c, substantially as specified.
25. The combination, with the key-board section of a musical instrument, of a readerbox secured thereto so that it can be moved forward and a detachable shaft extending into the reader-box, substantially as specified.
JAMES E. TREAT. Witnesses:
ALBAN ANDRE'N, HENRY CHADBOURN.
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