GB232067A - Improvements in or relating to punching music sheets for use in self-playing musical instruments - Google Patents

Abstract

232,067. Wade, H., (Mills Novelty Co.). May 30, 1924. Recording music; keyboard stringed instruments.-Electrical apparatus is described for producing in a tune-sheet perforations corresponding both to the keys and the expression pedals operated in playing a pianoforte, and also to the notes played and the bow-speed utilized in playing a keyboard violin. Perforation of the tunesheet to correspond with the operation of the pianoforte pedals takes place only on their actual depression and release. A special " staccato " perforation is produced at the commencement of any period in which no key of the violin keyboard is depressed, so that in reproduction in the automatic instrument, the bow will be lifted although a " finger " may lag on the string. Fig. 1 shows the recording of the actuation of the piano keys and pedals. Each piano key C closes a contact at 56 energizing by leads 26, 32, 31 a magnet 1 producing a note perforation by means of a selective rapidly reciprocating punching- means F. The " soft " pedal D, which raises the hammer rest-rail if desired, into four different positions, one only being shown, on depression lifts a piston 20 in a spring-supported dash-pot 21 which at first rises and carries a contact 28 onto a contact 35a, thus operating a perforating magnet 4. The dash-pot however then returns to its neutral position, de-energizing the magnet 4. On releasing the pedal D, the dash-pot first descends with the piston, making contact at 36a and energizing a perforating magnet 5. The dash-pot is soon however restored to its neutral position by its spring 23, putting the punch operated by the magnet 5 out of action. In a similar way a magnet 2 records the depression of the " loud " (damper) pedal E, and a magnet 3 its release. Fig 1a shows the action of the keys and the expression-devices of the keyboard violin, and the recording thereof. The keys G connected to leads 69 close contacts at 68a, energizing both the magnets J<1> applying the fingers J to the strings H, and also the magnets I<1> depressing the rotary bows I, the circuits being completed by single leads 26a, 27c through a magnet N. The bows are continuously rotated by a motor K supplied with current by leads 81 and 61, 27a. Each key G also closes a contact 67a which by leads 67, 27a energizes a magnet F, Fig. 1. The " loud " and " soft " pedals L, M, carrying contacts 70, 76 making positive connections to the bow-motor at 59, 60 for increasing, or decreasing its speed. The pedals L, M also carry contacts 71, 77 causing actuation of perforating-magnets 7, 8 whilst they are depressed. The armature N<1> of the magnet N is connected to the positive lead 26b and carries two contacts 82, 84 adapted to contact respectively with a contact 83 energizing the " staccato " magnet 9, and with contact 85 energizing a magnet O. The armature O<1> of the magnet O is connected to a dash-pot piston 90 having an upwardly opening valve, and also has an arm 86 overlapping the armature N'. With a key G depressed current passes, as above stated, through magnet N, and the armature N' is attracted breaking the circuit of magnet O. On release of all the keys, the armature N' in flying up makes contacts at 85 and 83, the latter actuating the " staccato " magnet 9. Contacts 85, however, energizing magnet O causes armature O<1> delayed by the dash-pot, soon to fall and break the contact 82, 83 thus putting the staccatopunch out of action. A switch Q may be closed to maintain magnet N energized to prevent the staccato-punch from being operated whilst the keys are not being played. Other timing devices, e.g. clockwork, may be utilized in place of the dashpots.