US891938A - Automatic playing-piano. - Google Patents

Description

No. 891,938. l PATENTBD JUNEao, 1908.- A. P. LARsoN L K. o. OSTERGREN.

AUTOMATIC PLAYING PIANO.

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vnw if m YQJT. w 2@ l. L@ YR PATBNTED JUNE 30, 1908. A. F; LA'RSON L K. 0. OSTERGRBN.

'AUTOMATIC PLAYING PIANO.v

APPLICATION FILED TERZA, 1906.

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PA'BNTN-D JUNE 8o, 1888. A. P. LARs'oN 88 K. o. OSTBRGREN. AUTOMATIG PLAYING PIANO.A

APPLICATION FILED FEB. l24; 1906.

10 8HEETSSHEET 3.

WwW-f5? mm AXEL "EL LEA-'Smm Karl Il D No. 891,999. I PATENTBD JUNE '90, 1999.

A. F; LARsoN & K. o. OSTERGREN.

AUTOMATIC PLAYING PIANO.

APPLICATION FILED TBB. 24, 1906.

y 10 SHEETS'-SHEBT 4.

No. 891,938. PATENIED JUNE 3Q, 1908. A. F. LARSON 6L K. 0. OSTERGREN.

AUTOMATIC PLAYING PIANO.

T NFILED l' 4 APPLIOA I0 I EB 2 1906 lo SHBBTSSEEET El WI EEEEE: zfv DFE. j e y Axel F.. Lau-51:11

, A :E1 rari EL DfT-151.1..

No. 891,938. l PATENTED JUNE 30, 1908. A. F. LARSON & K. O. OSTERGREN.

AUTOMATIC PLAYING PIANO.

P A N rILBn r n.24 1a AP Lm TIO E 06 1o xmms-SHEET e.

No. 891,938. 'PATETED JUNE 30, 1908.

A. F. LARSON da K. 0. OSTBRGREN. Y

AUTOMATIC PLAYING PIANO.'

APPLIGATIQN FILED THB. 24, 190

, e l0 BHEBTESHEET 7.

Erve Axel. TF. Lavaur;

arl D DS E rgr'en- No. 891,938. v PATENTBD JUNE 30, 1908. A. P. LARSON & K. 0. OSTERGREN.

AUTOMATIC PLAYING PIANO.4

APPLICATION FILED FEB.. 24, 1906.

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wnasses: 2/4 @mW-M No. 891,938. 4 'PATENTED JUNE 30, .1908) A. P. LARSON & K. 0. OSTERGRBN.

AUTOMATIC PLAYING PINO. ,APPLIUATII FILED 11:12.24, 1906.

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- .110.891,938. PATENTED JUNE so, 1908.

' A. RIJ-Amon L K. o. OSTERGRBN.-

AUloMATm PLAYING-PIANO.

' APPLIOATION FILED rm. 24, 190s.

I SHEETS-SHEET 10,

AXEL F. Leraar;

-that itimay easily be mounted within a piano in .t is one of the important lfeatures ofA our vai;

.. drawings in which .die

invented a certain new and useful Improve- -ment`in Automatic PlaIyin perated in the usual manual'way, there 'UNITED 'STATES PATE-NT OFFICE.

AXEL F. LARSON AND K ARL O. OSTERGREN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS TO MARQUETTE PIANO COMPANY, OF CRYSTAL FALLS, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF MICHIGAN.

AUTOMATIC ITLAYING-PIABIO.

Patented June 30, 1908.

application inea Februuy 24, isos. semi No. 362,765.

y To all whom 'it may concern.' I

Be it known thatiwe, F. :LARsoN and KARL O'.V OsTERGREN-,citiZens of' the'v United States', 4residing at Chicago, in' the county of-,Cook and State'of.'1 llinois,`h ave -Pianos,- of which4 -the following is a ful, cear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the ac compaiyiiig drawings, forming a part of t is spec cation'.`

'. Our.invent ion relates to automatic playing pianos, and its object is to provide for association with a piano of'ordinary design plays ing mecli'anism so constructed and so arranged- -case of ordinary size and design and so dis- 'posed with reference to the strikingmechanism of the instrument 'thail itmay operate the different :hammers and their associated mechanism -according to the form of the note sheet which is employed to govern the playmechanism.

invention that the construction'ofithe iano itself need be in no `way altereiglin or er to associate therewith the playing' 1 'r'i'efchi'misi'nV herein described and shown. A

It is further animportant feature of our invention that the arts which are necessarily accessible to't 'e operator for mani uw' lating the playing mechanism ma be rea ily hidden from view-when the pialio -is to be being practically-no difference in the'outside. appearance of a playing piano such as' herein disclosed 'when t in use, and a. pianoof ordinary construction--- It is a primary object of this invention tot;

provide a construction which can be .easily repaired and adjusted, and which doesl not easily get out of order. g

The various improvements will hereinafter be more fully pointed out and will be made more clear by reference to the accompanying Fi re 1 is affront elevation of the piano the lint boardsof the case' bei remove so as to disclosethe construction o the parts within the same.- i i Fig. 2 is a' cross-sectional Fig. 3

anism takeno'n line 3; fof'y g. 1;v Fig.l 4.

will be hereinafter described.

e playing mechanism isfnot i.' n

'f'..an'end View of the playing iiioi-.hnnism i lien 3, parts being broken away so',as 4'to 'more clearly illustrate thedisposition of the various' parts. l action orY laying -meehanism- Fig.4 6, is a sectional view 'taken on the line', 6 of Fig. 1. Fi 7 isa sectional View taken on--the line 7, 7 4of 1. Fig. 8 is a rear View of the bellows boar and Vthe exhaust feeders employed. Fi 9 is a top View of the construction shown in. ig. `8, theeover being remo-ved so as .to disclose the-parts within. Fig. ,10 is a section on the line 10,10 of Fig. 9. Fig.'11 isa sectionpn the line 11,' 11 of Fig. -9. Fig.. 12 isa section on the line.12, -12 of Fig. 9. Fig. 13 .isa bottom View of the piano, parts being broken -away to more clearly illustrate the construction. Fig. 14 is a -sectional view on the` line 14,of Fig. 1. Figs. 15 andl are views of the treadle mechanism which will be parts being roken playing mec a'nisin is in use. Fig. 23 is a 'detail view showing the construction employed for regulating the position of the note sheet. Fig. 24 isla detail view which willbe Fig. 6 is -a rear view ofthe Fig. 20 is ii. par-V 1hereinafter described. Fig. 17 is a artial vhereinafter described. Fig. 25 shows a modification which may be 'employed and which Fig. 26 shows the' modification shown ii Fig@ 25 is inployed. Fig. 27 is a pcispeiti\'e view of n piano embodying our iiw'eiition when the 1 playing ineclianismis not in usc.

'Upon the suppoi'tiigu'iill. l, ol the piano l is firmly mounted the action', 2, by means of the screws, 2'., the passage ways. Il, 3, intho endblocks, 4, 4,'registei'ing with l lie openings or passa es, 5,' 5, in supporting mi l'l. A piece o felt or similar material may be "clamped between theblock 4 and supporting welll so as to insure air tight connection, and we employ this means' wherever it may be used throughout 4the entire construction. Upon the under side of the supporting wall 1 -is securely mounted theair chest, 6, which feeders are each provided witlithe exhaust' valve9, and the suction valve, 9". 'These valvesare formed by a leather strip placed over the ports, securely fastened at one end and held taut b means of a s ring, 10', bearing against a b ook 11','glue to the leather strip. "The function of these valves is, of course, evident Afrom the drawings. VEach Ifeeder isprovided with an extension, 11,

which 4is provided with a bifurcated end, 1'2 in which 1s Pivo-ted the lipk, 13, the other emi of which is pivoted to the arm, .14 of the bell crank lever 15. The other arm, 16, 'thereof may b e brou'ght into-and 'out of use4 and forms a part of bell crank lever, 15, only when it is engaged by the support, 17. When this arm', 16, 'is not in'use 1tma Vbe swung about the pivot V18and broug t intoenement with t e sp dg, 19,.where it may eld until itis 'desire .to be brought into use. The'power bellows 9 and 10.are held 'normall' collapsed by a spring,-20, fastened to the b ook, 21, inthe piano frame.

Treadles, 22,22, are pivoted at 23 to the frame, 24, which is loosely mounted in the slides, 25, fastened to the bott'om board ofY the piano. To the treadles are permanently pivoted the connecting rods, 26, 2 6, and the eonnectin rods 26 are provided with heads, 27,27, which areso constructed that la temorary connection ma be had between the ivot,`28, thereinan the notch, 29, in the ever arm, 16. -When this connection is made, that is, when the parts are so disposed as shown in Fig. 14, -the treadles are in osition to o crate the feeders 9 and 10. en the trea esare forced downwards the power bellows 'are distended against the tension of the spring, 20, which causes the collapse of the power bellows when the treadles are relievedof the downward force.

When the treadles are not in use the lever arm -16 ma be removed from engagement' with the pivot 28 and the connecting rods 26, 26 and the treadles 22, 22 may be lowered 24 and the entire device may be inserted in the slides under the iano. In order `that the frame 24-may set rm when the Vtreadles are in use, we provide lockin means which is plainly shown in Fig. 16. he rear end of the`frame24is provided with the strip,

. 30, which, when drawn forward, comes into the under side of theengagement with the bloclr, 31, fastened to piano.' frame is in the slides the lower side of the frame engages the wood strip, 31-, which is 'When the.A

fastened to the members, 32, 32, by means of the metal strip, 33, 33. This insures noiseless action. he. front end' of the metal strip 33 is beveled,1asri's clearl 1 shown in Fig. 16, and the parts of the treat le traine are so disposed that when th'e side piece, 34, of thc frame 24 drops out of engagement with the wood strip 31 the front piece, 35, thereof will .lgga e the floor 'and the strip 30 will engage "theg, lock' 31, as clearlv shown in Fig. 16.

This action brings the edge, 35', into close-,engagement with the bevel'ed edge, 36, of thc metal strip 33, and thus the frame isseeurely locked in position. When it is desired to return the treadles t0 their hidden position the .frame is raised out of engagement with strip 35 and it may once more slide upon the wood strip 31. It is thus seen that with this cnnstruction the edal mechanism may easily he placed out o, view when not in use, thc

treadles and connectinv rods and frame lieing placed, as just described, under the piano' while the lever arms 16 of the bell crank levers ma be swung back and held out of sight until it is' desired to bring them into use.'

In order that an instrument of good a pearance may be hadwhen the treadlie mechanism is not in use, we construct the front panel, 37, as shown in detail in Fig.l 2 4.

The panel isl composed of the stationary portions, 38, 38, 38, andthe sliding ortions, 39, 39, which, as is evident from t 1e 'lrawing, may be moved aside into the osition shown in dotted lines in Fig. 24. 'his leaves the openings, 40, 40, through which the lever arms 16 may be-drawn and brought into use. When the treadle mechanism is not in use. the passages may be closed and the panel. will appear as shown in Fig: 27.

The playing mechanism is operated cnt'irel by, suction, this suction being created. b .t e o eration of the feeders 9 and 10, as clearly siiown 4in Figs. 8 and 9, the fcc-.ders connecting with the chamber, 41, of the chest 6 by way of the passages 41 and 42. Upon the front side of the supporting board, In', is mounted the main l'mllows, 43, which connects with the chamber 41 by way of the pasA sage way,l 44; this passage being opened and closed by means of -thc valve, 45. The hclllows 43 is provided with the safety valve, '43. Thevalve is held normallyr open by means of the helical spring, 46. It is evident since the air revulating chamber 41 is air .n bellows are opfrated. This causes the colows alginst the tension of the lapse of the be springs, 44', 44. ese springs .create a steady distension of the bellows 43 which consequentl causes a steady exhaust of the air in the c amber 41; that is, the bellows 43 acts as areservoir. The chamber 41 is connected with the chamber 46 'by way of the much greater t '58 and in the c 'corpse passage way, 47, Whichis opened end closedv y means of the valve, 48, normally held open by means of the spring, 49. The chamber 46 communicates ,with the passageways 3, 3 in the end blocks of the action, by Way of the openin 7, 7 in the cover 7' and the' openings 5, 51u the 'foundation wall 1,/

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 3, it will be seen that the passa vwfays 3, 3 conneet directly to the Iaction e amber, 50.l It isfnow apparent that the operation of the feeders 9 and 1() create a partial vacuum in the air chambers-41 and 46' in the chan- .nels 3, 3 and in the action chamber 50.- Seci'irel mounted in the box, 51, is the trackerboar ,152, over which a note'L sheet, 53, provided with the" usual o s'may ass from its spool, 54 to thlderoller, 55. construction is well known to those skilledin the artl and needs no explanation here'. The 'trackereboard is provided with the usual openings, 53', .which connect way of the tubes 54', 54', with the channe, 5 5 55', in the channel strip, 56. Each'of these chanf nels 55' connect with a.primary`pneumatic, 57, which is com osed of the chamber, 58, and the flexible v eather diaphragm;l 59. A valve, 60, is mounted u onl the'valve stem, 61, secured by means o the nut, 62, to the pneumatic diaphragm, 59, the movement of said valve stem' being guided'by the crossstrip, 63. The valve 60 is so disposed that when the pneumatic diaphragm is in its-normal position; that is, its lowered position, it

closes the passage.wa between the action chamber 50 and the channehi. It is'understood, of course, thatthereis a plurality of these channels inthe channel'b'oard, 65, a

Y channel leadin from each valve to an action chambers a partial vacuum will also be formed in the rimary pneumatic chamber iiannels connected therewith the air being exhausted through the small passage way 67,. f

`When an opening inthe notesheet registers with an opening in the tracker-board the outside atmosphere is admitted through a. tube, 54', and through the channel, 55 -to the rima pneumatic chamber 58. This sud en'` rus of air into these channels increases the ressure on the .lower side of the pneumatic iaplhragm 59, causing itto be an that in the action ,chamber 50, the passage way 6.7 be' of so small a'size that practically no-air wil pass there- -through into the action chamber when the sage w'ayis effectedbetween the action4 chamber 50 and the actively associated, ac-l tion bellows 66. --The air, therefore, is 'exi' hausted from theaction bellows 66, which, of

course, causes the collapse thereof.

The movable element of the action bellows is provided -Withthe extension 70, .to which is which is mounted in the guide stri 72', and

' is provided at its'upper end with t e button,' ows being in'a series'- of horiaontal-,rows, may be staggered so as to -obtain the proper distribution of the buttons,

The actionbe 73., It is now evident that the collapse of an action bellows will raisethe associated button= 73 s predeterined distance.

Referring now more particularly tol Fig. '2, it willbe seenthat the button-73 isv associated with the adjustable head, 74, on the wi pen, 75, of' the-piano action; thewippen, 75, 'eing pivotedA at76. It will be seen that therais mgo'the' button 73 .will actuate the wippen 75- in reeisely the-same manner and-With precise y the same effect as would the action of the associated key. 'As is shown iniFig. 2, the key, 7 7 effects thisraising ofi the wip en 75 by means `offthe cazinnecting4 rod', ,7-8. his

,. '80 secured by means of the nut, 71, the rod', 72,

actuation of ,the wi peri 75 ofcourse actuates the hammer an dampingfmeehanism-as is common to 'al1-:piano constructions; and it is an important feature of my invention that -tliis wippen 76 needbe-in no way altered or reconstructed exceptto add the `ad"usta`t' le head-,74 inorder that the plurality of uttons 73,73 may be brought into-association therewith, theiroperation effecting the o eration of the piano action with precisely t e saine effect as4 it would were the keys-themselves actuated 'm'anuallyx In Fig. 22 .we have illustrated a means whereby the keys are held fast during the operation-of t-he piano action'by the automatic playing mechanism. We provide a rail, 77", for enga ement-with the underside of the keys 77 wich rides in the guides 78', 78'. A sto 78 limits itsA motion. -pon the -undr si e of'this rail we provide the triangular lugs, 79', 79', which are adapted to engage the adjustable blocks 80', 80,'. The rai 77- is-also provided with an extension or handle, 81', which extends los through the slot,j82, ir'iftlie key-*bed and; in

the'wall 1, so that it may be easily reached.

It is evident that the rail 77' can be moved 25 increasedsuctional force a lever mechanism' the 114%, 79', rest'upon the tos of the block, 80. e prefer ma ing this a justableblock may be strongerA lated'by the valve,

of such ya construction as that shown in which causes the block to rock on the fulcrum, 86', in either direction until the'desired position has been attained. 1

. InA order that the touch of the instrument in order to secure louder sound, we provide the auxiliary bellows, 79, mounted upon the foundation Vboard 8 and connecting withthe air chamber 41 by means of the opening 80. This openin is reguclose the o ening 80 "by means of the spring, 82. The ellows 79 creates a greater suc-` tional force than bellows 43 on account of its smaller area and when it isdesired to use this b described may be 'brought presently to- `the valve 45 is closed and uso whereb mmv@ s1 is opened. This'opemnon dis;

' ing wall,

A-ni

vide a construction which-"1s clearly vals connects the mam bellows and brings into use the auxiliary bellows; In order to secure this alternative openingand the valves 83, mounted in the blocks', 84, 84, and provided with the cranks, 85, 86 and 87. Mounted in the s' e wall 88, andthe divid- 89, -o'f t e air chest 'is the rod, 9o, provided at its end with the'crank, 91, co'rnposed in part of the wooden block, 92.

It isevident that when the rod, 90, is

turned in the properv direction the block, 92, will engage the crank V andl will thereb `force the same downward turning the sha t 83 so as to lower the crank 87 and raise the crank 8 6. The crank 87 engages, as is clearly shown in Fig. 10, the pin, 93, on the valve 45, and it is evident therefrom that the valve may be closed when.'the crank 87 is turned in the direction of the arrow, 94, against the tension of the sprin ,46, The crank 86 cnes, as is clearly s ,own in F' s. 11 and 12, the pin in the valve 81 an it is evident from the drawings that when the shaft 83 turned about in the direction of the arrow, 94, the valve 81 will be opened against the .tension ofthe spring 82. n orden to secure this proper rotation of the shaft 90, we roustrated in Figs. 13 and 17. .'flhis rod or shaft 90 extends to the front of the piano and is mounted in the blocks, 96, 96, and is provided at the front end with the crank, '97, extending in practically ,the same direction as the crank 91. lMounted in the wall 1 is the push button,

Fig. 22. It is evident that it may be adjusted by the manipulation of the screws,Y 85', 85' ,v

.81, normally he d so as to' closing of. 45 and 81, we provide the shaft,-

theshaft 90 against :the combined-tension of the springs 46 and 82.

In Figs. 13, 17 and 18 we have shown a construction for association lwith the usual pedal mechanism of pianos whereby the oper'- ation usually secured by the pedal mechanisms in ianos of Ordinar construction may be obtained by hand. n Fig. A17 we have shown the pedal levers, und 101, and the pedals, 102, 102, associated therewith at one end and thev connecting rods, 103 and 104, associated with the levers y10() and 101 respectively on their other ends. The rod 103 connects with the piaiio'haxnm-er rest rail, 195, the operation of the associated pedal bringing the hammers, 106, up close tothe piano strings, as is usual in pianos of ordinary construction, while the connecting rod, 104, connects with the forte damper rod, 107, in such a manner that the operationof the associated pedal mechanism will move the danipers from the strings. -as is usual in pianos of ordinary construction. The rod, 103, is provided with the pin, 108, the stem -of whic rides in the slot, 109 in the link, 110. .This link is pivotedat 111 to the crank arm, .112, of the shaft, 113, which is mounted in the bldck, 114. At the front end the shaft., 113,is providedthe lever arm, 114', which extends ,upwardly through a slot, 115, in the foundation wall 1. A connecting,y rod, 116, 4is pivoted at 117 to'ths lever arm, the connecting r'od 116 being mounted in bearings, 118, 118, and provided with the finger piece, 119, at its other end. This finger piece extends through the slot, 120, in the key strip, 121, where it may be manipulated by the operator of the instrument. The connectingr rod 104 is rovided with a link similar to thc link 110 which is pivoted to a crankn 'the shaft, 122, the same being modified -in the block 123, fastened tothc under side of the foundation wall "The shaft 122 is previded with the/lever arm, 124, which extends upwardly through slot, 115, and lo which is pivoted at 125 the connecting rod 126 which rides in the bearinvs, 118, 118, and which is provided at its. other end with the finger piece, 127, which extends through the slot. 128, in the key stri 121, where it may bc manipulated. We 1nd it convenient to have the cranks 1 12 extend from their respectivo shafts in opposite directions so that the finger ieces 119-and 127 lnayhoth he moved toward) the partition, 129, between the slots 120 and 128 when either the frame 105 or thc rod 107 are to be operated. It will be a parent from Fig. 17 and Fig. l that the nger pieces 119 and 127 and the button 98 are 98, which connects with theV so situated with reference to each other that is operation causes the desired rotation of A ation of the pedals 102, 102, .when the instru- 1-oi anism associated therewith.

' applied to automatic p which'is adapted to normally hol 141, of felt or similar material. A square that when the bellows collapse the block-141 -obtained by the employment of the edels, 102, .102.

Vair motor 130, is firmly mounted upon the .motor is clearly set lforth in the patent to second motor' bellows respectively.- The Y first motor bellows,.131, is connected with .the air regulating chamber 41 by way of pasfirst motor bellows 131 this spring is com- 142', in the block 140and is heldin place by evident that with this construction as just f 4described there w'ill be lno frictionV or undue the three parts may be operated simultaneouslyor one at a time with one hand, the effect ofthe operation of 'the finger pieces 1 19 and 1.27 being preciselythe same' as that It is'mamfest, 'of course, t at by reason ofv the pin and' slot connection. between thelink 110 and the rod 103 theoperment is used as an ordinary piano, inno way interferes with the manual operative mech- As is clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the

roller box 5 1.; The construction of this'air A. F. Larson', No. 768,053, August 23, 1904, and a detailed description is unnecessary here. We provide, however, fnovel means whereby this motor may beregulated when ayingpianos as de scribed herein, This air motr is operated entirely by suction, and we provide rneans whereby this suction is created at 131 and 132, where we haveillustrated the first and paratively stiff andstrong whlle inthe sec-n ond' motor bellows we rovidel a comparatively weak spring. T e purpose of this will be hereinafter made apparent. The spring137 is secured to the foundation board 8 by means of the' screw-138, and its tension may be adjusted by'means of the screw -139, in the manner ap arent from the drawing At its other end t e spring is provided 'with the block, 140, to which is glued thestrip,

link 142 formed of wire is pivoted ina slot,

the spring; The free side of the square link engages t `e cover, 143. It is' now apparent will bedisposed over the opening 13.4 and it weer and tear 'of the parts while the bellows are 4in motion. We prefer .to make the cover 143 removable so that access'may be gained to the interior so that the various parts ay be adjusted. It must be understoo of course, that in the rst motor bellows 1.31

the valve 140 re ates the opening 1,33,

while in'the secon moto'r bellows "the valve' 140 regulates the opening 134.

`When the exhaust feeders 'are in operation air is exhausted from the motive device through the first and second motor bellows.

The secondmotorbellows` 132 havin the weaker spring, as, beforestated, rea y respondsto thenormal pressure exerted by the l feeders: T his bellows, precisely as has been described -with reference to`tl1e main bellows, acts as a reservoir and maintainsa ,constant and steady exhaust through the air motor. The mode of this regulation will readily appear from an examination of Fig. 7- .where it.

1s evidentthe valveblock 140 will tend to close thepassageway 134'when the exhaust feeders are in operation, this tendency being directly pro ortionate to the strength of the exhaust. hus 'when the exhaust is increased the block 140 will tend to bear more strongly over the. assageway 134and because 'of the layer of) felt 14'1"the assageway '134 willbe.proportionatelyrestricted. The

amount of' a11,therefore, exhausted from the motive device. remains 4constant and steady and any tendencyfor jerky or sudden action,

' due to the alternate operation of the exhaust feeders, is entirely overcome. Should the feeders be forced; however, the first motor 4bellows 1,31 will operate, the tendency for thisstronger spring to distend its bellows being overcome by the increased exhaust ressura As before stated, the motor'belows 131 is constructed similar to the' bellows 132, 'and when the exhaustis increased the passageway 133 will be restricted by its valve precisely in the same manner a's has been describe'd with reference to the restriction `of the passageway 134 by thevalve 140. Ylhen the exhaust is thus increased the valve ofthe -first motor'bellows131 will tend to restrict4 the passagewa 133, thereby primarily di rninishing the ow of `air, and the valve of the motor bellows 132, being controlled by the weaker spring, 4will regulate the passageway --134 so as to 4maintain a constant -and steady exhaust through the motor: Thus the speed of the motor is always the same after it has been .adjusted to the desired degree, no matter what be the power applied to the power bellows.

Since it is desired to rewind the note sheet;

that is, return it to its spool very much more rapldl than-it is unwound we provide means whereby this .may be' accomplished. A tube,

144, leads from the motor to the air chamber 41', and when it is desiredl to rewind the note sheet the direction of the motor'is changedas will be hereinafter described andthe regulating mechanism is sodisposed that air is withdrawn from the motor through -the cnduc tor 144 in a comparatively large quantity by means of the direct connection between the motor and the chamber 41, the air in this case in the supporting board, 155..,

- slides in the valve box, 157.

,apparent that any rotation of the shaft 147 tor which is of such construction that its -`1 13, 19 and 20, we have shown a construc- 'provided 'with the crank arms `connecting rod, 151, which ,whereb the operator of the instrument is being exhaustedv direct] through the main l bellows and not throng the motor bellows as is the case when the conductor 136 is em-Y ployed. Since the main bellows is of so much; 'greater power than the motor bellows the speed of themotor is therefore .prcpor Itionatel increased. At the'same time that the con uctor 144 is substituted for the conductor 136 and the mainbellows for the motor bellows, and the directionf of thermotor changed, the assa e 47 is closed, as'will be hereinafterdiascried;4 this cperation of course, cutting off all communication between the action chamber and the bellows mechanism. This is desirable so that the playin mechanism will not o(perate while the note seet is being rewoun We rovide means whereby all these changes an substitutions are obtained by a single movenent.

' Referring now more particularly tTigs.

tion wherein these different operations are accomplished... Mounted in the blocks, 145 and 146, is the rotatable shaft', 147, which is 14s, 149 and To th'e'lever arm 146 )is pivoted the is fastened to the sliding rod, 152, by means o f the connecting ieee, 153' extending through lthe slot, 154 The rod, 152 156, which Of. course it is connects with the sliding valve,

facilitates. lateral-movement of the slidingvalve, 156, in the-valve box, 157. The tube 136 is connected with the valve box by way of they channel, 158. The o cning, 159, leadsto the operating parts of t e mospeed will be goverr'iedby the amount of air passing from theopening 159 to theopening 158. Theslot 158'is made long and narrow so that the flow of air may be easily regulated and it is a parent that any movement ojetlie sliding va vewill either increase ordecrease. the ow ot air through the valve box. Mechanism will hereinafter be described enable to control the movement of this sliding valve. In the valve box is also provided the o ening, 160, which is normally closed by t ie sliding valve 156. In the sliding valve is provided the opening, 161, Whichis so situ ated with regard to the opening 1 6() and thc position of the sliding valve in the valve box that when the valve is moved to theextrem'e left, thereby closing the opening` 158, the openin 160 will register with the opening 161. his opening 16() leads to the tube 144 which, as beforementioned, leads to the air chamber 41. Vhen the openings 160 and 161 register a comparatively large passage way is formed and a great nantity of airis thereby admitted to'flow t rough the'valve box. Since at this time,

.greatly increases the speed thereof.

Vand o ening the passage 158.

as has been before described, the Ymain bellows is substituted for: the motor bellows a very much stronger suction is created to opcrate the air niotor which, conse nent-ly,

(ln order that the direction of the motor may be changed at .this oint, we provide upon the sliding rod 152 t e extensions oiarins, 162 and 163, which may. be securely fastened thereto, but are adjustable. Riding in the blocks, 164, 164, is'the'bar, 165, which governs at 166 the clutch mechanism. U on the shaft, 167,'we provide a loose gear notl shown) which, when brought into action transmits motion to the rollerA 55, and we also provide upon this shaft a loose s rocket 168,' which by suitable chain mec ianisn'i is connected with the sprocket 169 on the spool shaft, 170. The clutch mechanism 166 serves to bring the loose sprocket and loos.l gear into rigid connection with the' shaft 167 4alternately according to the motion of thi` The'connection between 165 and the clutch mechanism 166 is such that when the rod is in its right-hand position the4 clutch will cause the governing rod 165. the governing rod motion of the shaft to be transmitted by way .of the loose gear to the roller 55, facilitating motion in the direction of the arrow, 172. -Whenl the rod 1'65 is in its left-hand position the clutch is thrown into engagement with the loose sprocket .and the' shaft 165 transmits motion to the spool shaft, 1.70, in the direction of the arrow, 173. 1n order that this shaft 165 maybe thrown from left to right, .or vice versa, inaprope'i' manner,

Vwe kprovide the adjustable extension', 174, 4secured to` said shaft.

This arm 174 extends between the downwardly extending1 arms, 162 and 163, s o that a redeterinincd `motion may be given thereto y the proper movement of th'evshaft 152 upon which the extensions 162 and 163 are mounted. As .before stated, it is essential that the motor clutches be reversed simultaneously with the sudden increase of air, flowing through the valve box, and in order to secure this result me mount the extension162 upon thel shaft 152 in such a manner that as the opening-160 registers with the opening 161' the extension 162 will engage the arm 174 and move it a predetermined distance to the left.' This movement, as hereinbefore state(l,'securcs the rotation of the s ool 54 in the dir ction of the arrow 173. t is now apparn that the note sheet may be rewound at the proper time very rapidly. l

.W-hen the note sheet is applied and it is desired to play the instrument the operator will, by meansof a 'mechanism'hereinafte Ito be described, revolve the shaft 14so tli'at the sliding valve 156 will be drawn liiiwar'd the right, thereby closing the assagl 16() he arm 163 is so isposed upon the shaft 152 that while 1E i I to the under side of the supporting Wall 1 is a end to thelink, 177, at l179, and at iwbther.

-secured to the shaft l147.

. senses this movement is taking place it will engage the arm 174 whereby the same be moved to the right a predetermined distance; this movement causing, as before stated, a resetting of the clutch, which throws'out of` .by A i o the rod 182 t ecra'nk -192on this valve shaft 191. 'Itis apparent/from F1 20 engagement with the shaft .167, the .s rocket 168 and'simultaneously connects wit spool 55 to cause rotation thereof in the-direction of the arrow 172. I

Referrin Anow-more particularly to Figs.

13, l19 an 20, we' have shown the means whereby the operator of the instrument is able to revolve theshaft l147 so asto secure the different effects and results, as hasbeen heretofore described. Pivoted-"at 175 lever, 176, to which is rigidly securedthe link, 1.177. The bar, 178, .1s pivot'ed atone end it is pivoted at180 to thelever arm 150,l Riding in the blocks, 181, 181,seeured to the under side sion, 183, which is provided with the'in el"- piece, 184, extendin 'throughthe Slot 185 j the wall 1, and the s ot, 186 r in theke strip of the wall 1 is thesliding bar, 182, to which ispivote'd at 181 the hnk, 182', which, in

turn,^is pivoted at 185 to the lever 176. To

the bar,- 182, is secured the adjustable exten- 121, where it mayA ,be'manipulated .the operator of th instrument. It willbe seen by a careful consideration of theleverinechf,

anism just described that a lateral movement of this finger piece'184 will facilitate any desired rrotation of the shafti 147, .and it is evi- ,dent that the different effects described as resulting from the rotation of 'thershaft 147 'may be-obtained by` the pro er manipula-- tion of the fnger piece 1,84. e lever 1 76 is 'also extende past the fulcrurn 175 so that it'may be pivoted at 187 to the rod, .188, which rides in the'blocks,189, 189,- secured to the under` side of the wall 1. The other end of therodl88 is bent upwards asshown at 190 in Fig. 20 and .serves to operatethe valve-mechanism in the air chamber, as will be presently described. In the walls 88 and I B9, of theair chest 6, is pivoted .the rod, 191, provided at its outer end with the crank,

"bleek 4s.

192. Within the chamber 46'Iis adjustably mounted upon the shaft, 191,. the arm or ex,-

tension, 193, which engages, V-as is clearly shown in Fi 12, the pin, 194, on the valve t" is now apparent that any rotation-of the shaft'19l 1n the direction of the arrow ...195,- wili'miise .the valve 48 to -be force downward =to 'close the 'passage 47, byv

reason of the engagement by the'extension 193 with the pin 194 against the tension .of the spring 49. It is, of course, clearthat all air exhausted from the action of the playing mechanism must pass through this opening 47. Since it isnecessary that the piano= mechanism remain inactive during the timel while -thegnote sheetis being rewound, we

Fi l A v l l provide .fmeanswher'eby this valve is close'd au'tomatically, att e .time that the motor clutches'are-reverse for the newinding of the notel sheet. 'This desirable result is secured reasonofthe e ement of the end 190 that `when the b'arf82- is moved towar the leftthe end-19.0;will engage crank 192,a'nd,

by reason of its *particular-1 formation, will force downwardly-the, crank' 192 ;jthat" is,

will rotate the 'shaft l191 in the direction of the arrow 195.'l '-has lheretofore '.been stated-'such a `rotation will cause lthe valve 48 to c losethe passage-47,' .therebygcuttmg 'off allcommunication between ,the playing mechanism and the suctionrapparatus,4

To the armor extension 149 which is secured to the shaft 147- is pivot-ed at 196 the rod, 197, ,which is provided'at its other end with the pointer, 198, extending' through the slot '199. in the front'board, 200, and being arranged-so that it may passover the scale,

-201, which isdn-.view of theoperator of the any movement of the finger piece'184 .willbe' communicated'to theointer 198'; by. reason of the "lever .action-with thefshaft .147, as

has been described. -The scale 201 .may be' of the motor 'and the mark, 203,'which indicates the position in which the pointer must be'to rewind the note sheet. .This speed scale is desirable. sothatsthe operator can follow with reference thereto any directions.

appear .u on the note sheet. From the eseription o the various parts as.

which 'ma sociated with the shaft 147,\it has been made clear thatiseveral regula ions Aand adjustmentsaremade by a single movement of thefinger piece .184. A movement of the finger ieee 184 to the. extreme leftl secures the fol owing effects: The air motor clutches are reversed; the motor valve is adjusted so that a comparatively large amount of air may'be' passed therethrough; the main bellows is substituted for thel motor bellows, thereby greatly increasing the suction from the air motor.; l thevalve 48 is closed, lcutting ofi communication Withthe action, and the pointer 198 registers with the indicating mark 203. From this description it may ioo readily be seen what effect any other movementl of theliinger piece 184 may have upon the various associated parts.)

. the sproekft 169. AThespool shaft, 170. is

Referring now,V tolFigs: 1 'andf23,f we have shown means whereby the note sheet may, bel

rotatably mounted vin the bearing, 204, in the roller-box, 51, the other bearing, 205, being also mounted in the roller-box. This is a spring bearing which adniitsof the insertion and which secures apro ei' connection with the spool. stud, 206. n order that t lii's s ool may be moved laterali we provide tlie means shown in Fig. 23. Kioun'ted upon the shaft 171 is the sleeve.207, provided with the rini, 208, and the groove, 209.' Pivoted at 210 in the brace, 211, is the ad'ustiiig lever, 212,"tlie upper end bf which is ,ifulriviated so as to properly enga e the groovj 209 in the sleeve. The top o this end ls-provided with the rounded head, 213, so as to reduce to a minimum the friction caused biythis engagement with the sides of the rOOwfirine the 4revolution of thc shaft,- The. lowerl ar'in,

214, of..tlie ad'iisting ,lever isal's'o prpvided,A with a rounde head which bears in thet'rlaveling block,.l 5, which has threadede'igagenient witligthe thumb screw, 216.- A'efilla'r; 217, prevents lateral movement of the thumb screw 216 iii the bearings, 218, whi;l iis mounted in the roller-boze51. The travel:

block 215. is irovidedwiirith the bifurcatl,`

eiid, 219,1vl'iie engages't 'e in, 220, mounted in the front plate of earing 218. It is now evii'lent that any'ir'ianual rotation of tlie thumb sere/ii7 by'ineansof the head, 2- 21 which is accessible by the operator, will cause theblock 2115 to travel'laterally', any

' rotation of the same beingiinpossibleon aecount of its engaeinent with the pin 220. An adjustable .col ar, 222, may be provided to prescribe' th(` limit of movement, f I'the traveling block. Itis vident now that any rotation of the head 221 Aof the thumb screw will cause a .lateral movement of the traveli ig block 215 which willhby virtue of the lever 212, move the spool'shaft 170 in the desired direction against or with the tension of the spring. 223, inthe bearing 205, so that `the note .sheet will always be maintained in iroper position while crossing the trackerboard. We provide the spring, 224, fastened by the screw, 224', 'and made adjustable b the screw, 225, bearing upon the rim 208 o the sleeve 207. .which forms` a drag lthereon, thcreliykecping the end sheet taut while it asses from the spool to the take-un roll. Vle have shown a forni of joint which we have found it convenient to ein loy in making pivotal connection between )ars or levers.l This improved construction is illustrated in Fig. 2l and at :n we have shown the end of one liar or rod, and at y the end of another. The bnr-y is provided with the taliercd pin 1n which en rages tli'e taperedl opening z in the rod rn. n the rod yis securely fusti-neil the spring-s provided with ai foinpai-iilivolj largo opening, o, and so disposed that it muy exert downward pressure upon the bar :r the pin w extending through the opening 0. It is a feature of this arrangement't-hat there is always asolid and positive connection between the `two bars. Any 'iiistabilityis taken up by the taper of the opening z and the pin w, on account of the downward iiessure of the spring s.- 1tje evident itlia't t is form of connection is noiseless und lefiidient and is of simple and economical constription. Althoughwe have not. shown all of these pivotal joints which occur in the various portionsof the construction iii detail as being of this arrangement, we wish it to be assumed that they are all of this construetion. l

It is a feature of our invention "that the parts may bef easily removed, repaired and adusted.

'construction which admits of this easy assemblanee and disasseniblance. The valve and primary pneumatic rack is separable lfrom the' bellows rack and channel port ,at 226` and 227, and is held in place by. a plulrality of screws which may easily be reioved so as to facilitate the reino'val of the alve and pneumatic rack so as to make adjustment and repairs. The top board, 22S, is also removable so that adjustment may be made of the'parts under it. The screws 68 are so situated that theyl may be easily reached andadjusted. l

Referring now to Fiu. 25, we-have shown a Ymodification Within the scope of our invention and which is a convenient forin of construction on account of its specific arrangement which admits of ready access to those arts upon which adjustment is required. he modification lies in the difierent disposition of the valve and primary pneumatic rack, the construction being such that the valve stein lies horizontal instead of verticnl as shown in Fig. 3.

outside atmosphere to the chamber 231. This board 229 is made easily removable so that access may be readily had to the adjusting screws 68 which are in full view and in such position that they may be readily reached. It must be remembers-.d in considering this modification that while the note sheet governs the openin f 53 in the trackerboardltlie air is constant y being exhausted .from the channels 54', 55', and the rimer pneumatic chamber 58, by way of tie smal passage way. 68, as has been described lieretofore with reference to Fig. 3, On account of the small capacity of the channels and passages just named, the pressure therein is very low, there being nearly a vacuum. The air., of course, is being exhausted from the action Achamber 50 but on account of its large eapaeity ,and the frequent admissions of air therein the pressure thosii is considerably higher than 'thiit in the primarir pneumatic chamber 58. With these conditions, it is,

of course, manifest that the leather washer Referring now to Fig. 3, we. have showiia c6 poyvenupon the 4treadles, andthe partsare sary for the proper opeiation of the playing mechanism. It 'is manifest that the valve and ,primary pneumaticrack separablel 'from the bellows rack and channel board-at 10 232, which is a desirable fdrm of construction,

so as to admit of convenient adjustment and l:

repair.A fv ,1 In Fig. 26 we have shown the.` application 'of the end block, 2,3 3,'.wh ich is-providedwith thechannel, 234, registering'when in lace; withth'e action chamber 50.' The blocli238 separable from th'esid'e piece?) 'at 235, and may be held in placebythe screws, 236,1in such a manner, ofcourse, tl'iatffthel channelv 234' will register .with thefcliannel 5 in the side piece 3 end block "offf practically' this constructionis, ofcourse; employed in thearrangementf'shownirij'F (3,', Refer'ringnow V t o" '1?ig'. "be seen that our invention is {off such; arrangement and construction that -when`- :the automatic, playing mechanism is' notfli'n use the: parte', maybe easily 4placed'gso astobe'jhidden from.- View, thus securing a'- viano of ordinary' ap?. pearance, We proyidle tl'1e pper'f1iont, panel, 3237;;` the --sliding deb1',' 238 -1 whic'hiis ldisposedidirscuy'in from' 0fth@ rolinbggsic 'It isevidert', of course, that this doorni-ay be emplo'y the automatic pla "-'mechan ism.' The treadlegfmeehfanism, oil coursejfrna "be drawn'foth'and hasbeen geref ilbfoldribd""QL" f :.1, Itis one'toff -f the 'important features-Pof' our invention thatthe-paxtsare'soarangedand` `disposed}.,that fthe piauojmaybe'of ordinary vsi"ze, ''changed neither 4in" dimeiisionor design lor outside appearance. -"Anothe'r 'feat ure of- 4 5 this inventionis the'coinfermierit` means for regulating VtheV soundof the instrument, and' alsoi the"'sp'eed, there4 being Aaininx'ity --of -finger (pieces-for manipulationb theoperaltor 'an' the entire regulation anV adjustment being secured b y. s impl'e and`l positive move` ments. The construction. of all the parts is such 4that all the movements will be positive andnoiseless', and itisevident from what has been described hereinbefore thatall parts which may require` adjustment or.repa1riar e easily accessible. and easily manipulated. Parts are so disposed andai'ranged that there will bea mnim'umfof wear and tear uponthe parts, and' no unnecessary friction. 'JT-he construction is such=thatthe entire' 'me'chane `ism is com act anduniforrgand 'offs'i'mple desigm; e constrctionl such that the' operator may'easilysm'anipulate the regulating ldevices-and need not 'exert' an excess of bellowsrlhis featurerg of coulse, -isfnecesbe lows annauidlary bellows disA-- posedat the 'front o f'thefboard and'con1rr 1u- `iieating 'with the `ai r chamber, *a valve, for' yfrom saidc est, a

4sir'nilarly mounted and connectedwith the into the main-and auxl such thatthey cannot easily -geitixut off'order, l

'provision "being made Ifor; 'ineiqicrienced y operators whogma'y misuse the arts. It is Aevi ent thatfchan es" aridmodifications,.witl1inlfthe spiritan' ,-s'ccpe ofour in. vention, could-lie ma'debyythoseskilledi-he art, and We, dojl'lbtwjsh tobe liinitedtlier-f l fore, tothepreciseconstructioniherat we lm-'ias new 'n'd force the' 'operation r 4 d fraaie with the,

'85 havlng va partitionfwall, "said airgchest being` divided into-two chambers, y o 11 e o f said chamtre adlejnec lsaid feeders" comn1 unicatinglwithffsaid fair re ating 4chainberfsffljyway..fef channels in salsup ortingb'oard,1anormally distended' each ofthe'channels Vleading from said 4cham- "ber tosaidjbellow' and'means whereby `the' "channel'leading'to said main bellows 4may be' 'closedfwhen'thefchannel leading vtoisaid aux- '2.V lnfan automatic playing. piano, the combinationwithai' iano frame, of striking mechanism'mountediup'on one of thev hori- `1`10 zontal4 walls thereof," f.a -pneumaticfaction for association thePiano" lstriki'n' 'mechan- "ism, anair chestjslecured to the unlder side' of "said" horizontalrwall, a partition wall in said chest dividing lthe'. same into two chambers, 115 one of said chambers cominnnicating with 'the' pneumatic-action .by way of channelsthrou 'h the horizontal wall, a port between said c vembers, a v Valve controlling said .port, a' supportin board extending downwardlyair of feeders mounted upon the rea'r side ci) said board and cpmmurucating directly with one 'of the chambers of theaichestga main exhaust bellows mounted'upon the'gfrnt side f thebo'ard and'cojnnected with" said chest, and auxiliary bellows chest, valvesfoontrollinthchannels leading a `ary"bellows, Iand lever mechanism whereby. the valve governing' l;

yio

' ported', upon. 'said the channel leading themain bellows upon said jw fand associatedwitlithe'striking mechanism' of the piano, a roller 'box suptracker-board norma y connected with the into Vthe auxiliary bellowsv p disposed 'upon the front o u connected directly with the valve chambey an air conductor connecting the motor with pneumaticactionjaumotor secured to the roller box, Va lspool and take-up roll in sad box adapted to vbe`o'peeted by said motor,

an lair chest secured tothe under sideol' said horizontal will, Said chestfheing divided into two lcom aitmen'ts, la conducting compartment an a valve compartment, a'supprting 'beard xtendin' downwardly fromaid air chest, a"pair1'o feeders disposedu'pon the 'rear `sideofasaid board an co rectly with's'aid valve compartment lby way' of a'channel in said supporti .board 'a' main 25 ngl dis and an'auxiliary exhaust'belowfs posed upon'the fr OIl? of said board andconnected with said valve chamber, a valve controlling the parts leading into'the'respective-bellows,

means' whereby the valvecoi'itrollng he channel leading into the main bellows' may be closed simultaneously with the ope of i e' g piano, an air chest connected with said pneuthe valve controlling the: motor bellows the and the motor bellows,'a port connectngsald Vand a valve controlling said'port. l

4. In an automatic playing piano, the combination' with a'piano frame, of a pneumatic action mounted upon one of the horizontal walls thereof, a roller box mounted upon said neuiiiatic action, a motor secured to said rol er box, a spool and ,take-up roll in said box adapted to be operated by said motor, an air chest secured to tlielower side of said horizontal wall, a' partition wall in said chest dividing the same into a'conducti compartme'nt and a valve compartment, sai con ucting compartment boing connected with the pneumatic action by way of chan- 'nels in said horizontal wall, eport connecting said conducting and valve chambers, a valve controlling said port. means for creating an exhaust pressure in said valve chamber, motor regulatin bellows for regulating the exha'ust throug said motor, means for connecting said motor directly with said valve compartment, and n'ieans whereby thel .valve governingx said path'froi'n the motor to the valve compartment be opened simultaneously.

5. DIn an automatic playing iano, the combination with a piano frame, of, striking automatic'- playing iano, the" combination of-a piano `frame, stri g mechanism mounted upon'oneofthe horizontal walls Vthereoxfllapneumaticl action mounted neumati'c action, aj

mand di.;

conducting Vand said valvecompartments port may. be closed .and the,

senese 'l mechanism mounted upon one of the horizontal 'walls thereof, a pneumatic action associated with the striking mechanism of the piano., air chest, a' dividing wall in said chest separating the same into a conducting chamber and a valve chamber, a supporting board'secured to and extending downwardly from ,said chest, a pair of feeder bellows mounted 'upon' the rear. side 'of said board and communicating with said valve chamber by way of a channel .in said board, treadle mechanism for operating said feeder bellows, suitable flap valves for said feeder bellows lwhereby an exhaust pressure may be created in said valve chamber, a main and an auxili'ary bellows mounted iipon the front` of said matic action, a' supportigboard secured to and downwar y from said chest, a dividing wa lwithm said chest separating the same into a conducting chamber and a valve chamber, feeder bellows mounted upon the rear sideof said Asu porting board and connected with said va vech'an'iber, operation of which creates an exhaust pressure in said valve chamber, a tracker-board conneeted with said neumatic action, an air motive device for rawing `a note sheet over said tracker-board,- a motor regulating bellows connected 4directly with said valve chamber, -a 'second vmotor regulating bellows connected with said first motor regulatiiw bellows, 'an air conductor connecting sai motive device and said second motor regulating bellows, a second air conductor connectin said motive device directly with said va vechamber, and valve means for substituting one of said air conductors for the other.l 'l y 7. In an automatic playing piano, the combination with a piano frame, of a pneumatic action mounted upon one of the horizontal walls thereof, a roller box mounted uponsaid neumatic action, etracker-board in said ro er box connected4 with said pneumatie action, an air chest secured to the under side of said horizontal wall, a partition wall in said'chest dividing the same into a conduct chamber-,and a valve chamber, said con ucting chamber connecting with

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