US655278A - Piano-action. - Google Patents

Description

No. 655,278. Patented Aug. 7, I900.

w. R. ST. CLAIR.

PIANO ACTION. (Application filed Oct. 16; 1899 XVILLIAM RICHARD ST. CLAIR, OF NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE.

PIANO=ACTION.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 655,278, dated August 7', 1900.

I Application filed October 16,1899. Serial No. 733,773. (No model.)

To all whom 231'; may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM RICHARD ST. CLAIR, a citizen of the United States, residing at Nashville, in the county of Davidson and State of Tennessee, have invented a new and useful Piano-Action, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in piano-actions whereby a new hammer-butt, lifter, and wippen are employed differing from those in common use, the objects of my invention being greater simplicity, stability, and effectiveness in their performance. I attain these objects by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure I is a vertical section of the action when at rest. Fig. II is a vertical section of the action after the lifter has completed its .stroke and the momentum of the hammer has carried it against the string, also showing the expansion of the coiled spring, which unites hammer-butt and lifter internally; and

Fig. III shows the serrated or roughened metal late to secure center-pins by preventing slipping.

Similar letters and figures refer to similar parts throughout the different Views.

To the center-rail A is screwed flange F, which holds the hammer-butt 2 by means of the rearward-extending arm 2*. This is held in place by the serrated metal plate 3, the teeth of which 3 bite into center-pin, (see Fig. 1H,) preventing its slipping sidewise. Theupper end of the hammer-butt 2 holds .the hammer-shank 2 and hammer H. The lower end 2 connects with the upper end of the lifter 1 the whole appearing but for this division as one continuous piece when at rest. (See Fig. 1.) Connection is made by an inward longitudinal recess or groove 6, one-half in each connecting end of lifter and hammer-butt. Within this groove is pinned the coiled spring 4. The groove is cloth-lined,

and a loose cushion 5 surrounds the spring 1, engaging lifter and hammer-butt. The object of the internal spring 4 is twofoldfirst, to bring the ends of lifter 1 and hammerbutt 2 close together, and, second, to allow sufficient expansion for the momentum .of'

the hammer H to reach the string. (See Fig. 11.) An equalizing-spring 9 is placed rearward and under the arm 2, extending down= ward to and engaging lifter, assisting materially in the return of the hammer. The wippen 7 has a forward-extending arm 7, curving downward and passing througlrthe slot 8 in the lifter 1. When the key K is struck or pressed down, the lifter 1, secured to a rocker R, makes an upward and forward motion. The curved arm 7 of the wippen 7 accommodates itself to the motion and slides up as the lifter rises, causing the spoon-lever E to actuate the damper-lever D, thereby releasing the damper D from the string. The upper end of the lifter 1 being intimately connected with the hammer-butt 2, the hammer H is carried firmly nearly to the string. The motion of the lifter being suddenly checked, having reached the limit, the momentum imparted to the hammer H brings it against the string, the coiled spring 4 expanding for that purpose. (See Fig. II.) The combined recoil from the string and the contraction of the spring at bring the hammer H instantly back, causing the hammer-butt to impinge upon the cushion 5 on top of the lifter and surrounding spring 4, the hammer resting a sufficient distance from the string not to interfere with its vibrations. When the key is released, the curved arm of the wippen '7 slides down and forward in the slot 8 of the lifter 1, the damper D resumes its pressure against the string, and the hammer drops back into its normal position upon the cushion-rail B, assisted by the equalizingspring 9. The action can be equally as well used in square and grand pianos.

Having thus described the mechanism of my action and its peculiar Working, I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. In a piano-action, the combination with the hammer, and the lifter, of a yielding connection extending across the joint formed be tween the opposing ends of the hammer and lifter and positively attached at its respective ends to the said parts, and adapted to lengthen when the hammer is actuated and to con tract to assist'the rebound in quickly throwing the hammer away from the string, substantially as described.

2. In a piano-action, the combination with the hammer and the lifter for actuating the hammer, of a yielding connection between the contiguous ends of the hammer-butt and lifter positively connected with each and housed thereby, substantially as specified.

3. In a piano-action, the combination with the hammer, and the lifter for actuating the hammer, each having a recess in the meeting end, the recesses being in alinement, of a yielding connection located in the recesses and attached, respectively, at its ends to the said parts, substantially as set forth.

4. In a piano-action, the combination with the hammer, and the lifter for actuating the hammer, each having a recess in the meet ing end, the recesses being in alinement, of a yielding connection located in the recesses and attached, respectively, at its ends to the said parts, and a cushion interposed between the abutting ends of the hammer and litter and mounted upon the said yielding connection, substantially as described.

5. In a piano-action, the combination with the hammer, and the actuating-litter therefor, of a retractile-spring connection joining the contiguous ends of the hammer and lifter, and an equalizing-spring exerting a lateral pressure against the hammer and lifter upon opposite sides of the joint formed between them, substantially as set forth.

(5. In a piano-action, the combination with the hammer and the lifter, a retractile-spring connection having its end portions housed by, attached to and extending across the joint formed between the hammer and litter, and an equalizing-spring attached at one end to one of the latter parts and exerting a pressure against both of said parts at right angles to the length of the retractile-spring connection, substantially as described.

WILLIAM RICHARD ST. CLAIR.

I'Vitnesses:

D. M. MOFALL, Geo. LINGNER.

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