Improvements in Tubular Pneumatic Actions for Organs.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 29th July, 1890
Complete Specification Left, 18th Feb., 1891-Accepted, 4th Apr., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Tubular Pneumatic Actions for Organs.
I, JOSHUA WORDSWORTH, of the firm of Wordsworth & Co., of Hanover,
Organ Works, Leeds, in the County of York, Organ-builder, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to improvements in tubular pneumatic actions for organs and
has for its object, firstly, to increase the sensitiveness of the touch of the manual
keys by means of a "compound pneumatic actioned valve" which is operated by
the same wind pressure as that which is contained in the "sound board;" secondly,
to facilitate a more ready access and thereby easier adjustment of the working parts,
than heretofore has been the case.
As in the ordinary construction of an organ I employ a sound board for the
reception of any desired number of pipes and slides thereon, and in the body thereof
This air chamber,
I form an air chamber in the ordinary and well known manner.
which contains pallets and bellows actuating the same under the influence of suitable
springs, etc. etc., has a passage leading into a supplementary air chamber, which
passage
in its turn leads the air to and from the said bellows and air chamber until
it is finally exhausted to the atmosphere through another passage suitably arranged
at the opposite end to which compressed air is admitted. The said passages are
alternately opened and closed by means of a compound pneumatic valve"
employed in the said supplementary air chamber and actuated by the compressed
air from the first named air chamber, which also operates the said bellows and
pallets.
5:
This compound pneumatic actioned valve" which is constructed of two small
bellows, diaphragms or discs, may be made of any suitable material, having an inter-
mediate partition between them and being connected together by plates, ties or any
other like suitable means and moved simultaneously but opposite in action, i.e..when
one becomes inflated, the other collapses and exhausts to the atmosphere. The
intermediate partition referred to, has formed in it certain air passages leading to
and from the inside of the small bellows diaphragms or discs, which may constitute
part of the "compound pneumatic valve" and through a series of small disc valves
placed on seats suitably provided for them and passages into an air chamber or pipe
into the atmosphere. These small disc valves are supplied with air from two
chambers, formed in connection therewith and when operated upon by the player,
through the medium of a diaphragm or disc connected by an air tube with the
console wind chest, alternately open and shut, thus causing communication to be
made with the inside of the "compound pneumatic valve" so as to simultaneously
exhaust one to the atmosphere and feed the other with compressed air.
I may modify the construction of the "compound pneumatic valve" by dispensing
with the supplementary air chamber surrounding it, previously referred to and fix
it externally in relation to the main air chamber of the "sound board." In order to
effect this I find it necessary to reverse the order of action and remove the valve
which causes the final exhaust to a close proximity to the feed valve, which is
placed in the body of the main air chamber of the sound board. This feed valve
is secured to the exhaust valve by an adjustable screwed wire and small nuts, or any
other well known device, thereby operating the bellows and pallets in a similar
manner as hereinbefore described. In this case the intermediate partition with its
air passages and small disc valves are fed from a central air chamber connected by
a pipe or passage to the main air chamber of the "sound board" and exhausted to
the atinosphere at their extremities. The small disc valves are operated in a
similar manner by a diaphragm or disc the saine as hereinbefore described.
When employing the "compound pneumatic actioned valve" in a supplementary

page_text: air chamber, another modification of my invention consists, in employing the air
feed and exhaust disc valves separately, instead of in a line with each other. This
I effect by arranging the exhaust disc valves outside the said supplementary
chamber in the atmosphere and the feed disc valves in a separate chamber in con-
nection with the main air chamber of the sound board. The said disc valves are
made to communicate by means of suitable ports, with the bellows at each end of
the intermediate partition of the "compound pneumatic valve." The said feed
disc valve is as usually operated from the diaphragm, fed from the console wind
chest, while the exhaust disc valve is operated by means of a rocking or back fall
lever suitably connected thereto and to the feed valve.
The diaphragm or disc which operates the small dise valves is placed in a suitable
chamber, the underside of which is in direct communication with an air tube, fed
from the console wind chest. For the purpose of exhausting the diaphragm or disc
a small valve is provided and adjusted so as to relieve the internal pressure.
I do not confine myself to the use of small disc valves, as pendant or any other
kind of valves may be substituted if deemed necessary.
Dated this 28th day of July 1890.
F. BOSSHARDT & Co.,
Agents to Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Tubular Pneumatic Actions for Organs.
1, JOSHUA WORDSWORTH, of the firm of Wordsworth & Co., of Hanover Organ
Works, Leeds, in the County of York, Organ-builder, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to improvements in tubular pneumatic actions for organs,
and has for its objects, firstly, to improve the sensitiveness of the touch of the
manual keys, by means of a compound pneumatic actioned valve, and, secondly, as a
modification of the same to simplify its construction, and render it more ready for
access for the purpose of adjustment, examination and repairs.
And in order that my invention may be more clearly and better understood I have
appended hereunto two sheets of drawings with figures and letters of reference
denoting parts alike.
Figs. 1 & 2, Sheet 1, show a sectional elevation of a compound pneumatic valve a
applied to an ordinary wind chest b, or chamber, of an organ sound board c. Fig. 3,
Sheet II, is a sectional elevation of a modification thereof. Figs. 4 & 5, Sheet II,
shows a sectional elevation and a plan, respectively, of a pneumatic disc valve f for
the purpose of actuating the wire d of the small disc valves.
Referring to Fig. 1, Sheet I, which shows all the parts at rest, this compound
pneumatic actioned valve a is composed of a hollow flexible body, preferably made
of two small wooden discs a' set at a suitable distance apart, and surrounded with
properly prepared leather a², thus forming a flexible pocket or chamber a³. One of
the discs is secured to the intermediate partition d, the other one has a raised
surface, thus forming a seat a', which is set truly in an axial line with the port or
air passage e upon which it operates. During the period of its inflation the raised
portion or seat a', is pressed tightly against the port or ports or air passages e and
when it is in a state of contraction it is removed therefrom. The two valves a
forming a compound pneumatic valve, are connected by ties or wires a³ or other
like suitable means and move simultaneously but opposite in action; thus when one
becomes inflated, the other collapses and exhausts to the atmosphere when operated
upon, through the medium of compressed air from chamber 6. The intermediate
partition has formed in it certain air passages d' which permits the compressed
air from chamber to. pass into it when needed, and thus operate the pneumatic
valve a and from thence exhaust to the atmosphere, through one or more small

page_text: disc valves d. This intermediate partition d is placed in the body of a supple-
mentary air chamber which is shown attached to the wind chest b. These small
disc valves & are supplied from one or more chambers 61 with compressed air,
which are suitably connected by a pipe or air passage b³ with main air chambers b.
The diaphragm or disc formed above the air chamber f¹ is connected by an air
tube with the console wind chest, not shown. In connection with the said
diaphragm or disc, I may employ a relieve valve 3, as hereinafter more particularly
described, either in close proximity thereto over a port, as shown in Figs. 1 & 3,
or on the diaphragm or disc itself as shown in Fig. 2. The small disc
valves 2 & 3 are suitably connected by a wire d' and when operated upon by the
player through the medium of a diaphragm or disc f alternately open and shut,
thus causing simultaneously the one to become inflated with compressed air, and the
other to exhaust to the atmosphere. The projecting surface af of the lower portion
which corresponds with the raised portion a' on the upper part of the compound
pneumatic valve a is pressed tightly against the seat of the exhaust port e' this
being shut it sustains the pressure in supplementary air chamber by reason of its
being inflated with compressed air, supplied from chamber through the open disc
valve and air passages d' and into the body of the compound pneumatic valve a³.
It will be observed that the upper portion of the compound pneumatic valve a is in
a state of contraction, by reason of the disc valves d³ being closed to the pressure
side and open to the atmosphere, thus opening the interior of valve ³ to the
atmosphere and causing a uniformity of pressure between air chamber, throngh
open porte and into supplementary chamber and through another porte leading
into the inside of the bellows or pneumatic lever y which is shown inflated. This
bellows or pneumatic lever is attached in the ordinary way by a wire to the
pallet, which is shown closed to the sound board e by the action of an ordinary
spring i. When the diaphragm is operated upon by compressed air from the
console, the wire d'ascends and closes the lower disc valve d³ in lower air
chamber and opens the upper disc valve in the upper chamber and simulta-
neously opens the lowest exhaust disc valve d² anil closes the upper exhaust
valve, thus permitting compressed air from the upper chamber to enter
through disc valve along air passage and into the upper portion of the
compound pneumatic valve a which is thereby inflated. The lower portion of the
compound pneumatic valve a acting inversely collapses by reason of the lower
exhaust valve d being open to the atmosphere, which exhausts the contents of the
same to the atmosphere through passage d'. The position now of the compound
pneumatic valve a causes the port e to be cut off from air chamber band supple-
mentary chamber 62. Simultaneously with this, the contents of the bellows or
pneumatic lever y are allowed to pass through port e and along with the contents
of the supplementary air chamber through the final exhaust port e¹ to the
atmosphere. In consequence of this the internal pressure of the contents of the air
chamber forces down the bellows or pneumatic lever which by means of the
wire h, pulls down the pallet, thus allowing the wind to pass into the sound
board c and sound pipe c'. After this, when the pressure of air has been taken
from the diaphragm the wire d' with the disc valves & falls to its position
at rest, all other parts are then immediately restored to the condition as shown in
the drawings.
Fig. 2 shows the compound pneumatic valve a applied externally in relation to
the main air chamber of the sound board c. The raised portion at which forms
the exhaust valve in this case is placed in close proximity to the feed valve a
which is formed on the upperside of the compound pneumatic valve a.
A wire or
distance piece a is connected therewith passing through port which leads to
valve a' within the body of the air chamber the top of which is provided with
registers. The compound pneumatic valve in this case is open to the atmosphere
and only subject to the action of internal pressure. d is the intermediate partition
supporting the compound pneumatic valve a as shown and previously described. It
has within it air passages d' leading to an air chamber which is connected in a

page_text: similar manner as shown in Fig. 1. has within it two small disc valves d³
supported by a wire d' the upper and lower ends of which have attached respectively,
an exhaust disc valve d² the upper one being closed and the lower one open. The
compressed air from chamber passes through the upper disc valve d³, along air
passage into the body of the compound pneumatic valve a as previously
described. The upper portion of this compound pneumatic valve a is shown in
this case inflated when at rest and pressing against port e which cuts off all
communication between the same and the atmosphere. At this time the feed
valve a is raised off its seat and communication exists between air chamber >>
through the upper end of port e and through the passage and into the body of
the pneumatic lever g, which is placed in the air chamber as hereinbefore
described. The wire is connected at its lowest extremity to a diaphragm and
is operated upon by the same as herein before described and with reference to Fig. 1.
The resulting action causes the compound pneumatic valve a to collapse. Feed
valve a' is drawn to its seat and shuts off communication between the port e and
air chamber b. a is removed from its seat and permits the contents of passage e³
and bellows or pneumatic lever g to exhaust to the atmosphere. The internal pressure
acting upon the body of the bellows or pneumatic lever g causes it to draw down the
pallet and admit air to the pipe e as previously described and shown in Fig. 1.
When the diaphragm f' and wire fall to their normal condition, the small disc
valve falls to its seat and shuts off all communication outwards the pressure then
is immediately restored between chamber through open valve along passage
and into the body of the compound pneumatic valve a which suddenly becomes
inflated, which brings the compound pneumatic valve a at point e¹ into close
contact with the atmospheric side of port e, thus shutting off all communication
between port e and the atmosphere. Simultaneously with this, the valve a' is lifted
and establishes communication between the compressed air in chamber band port e
and the body of the pneumatic levery thus restoring an equilibrium of pressure
between the chamber band the inside of the pneumatic lever and through the
medium of the spring i, the pallet is lifted up and closed thus restoring all the
parts to a condition of rest as shown and described.
Fig. 3 is a modification of the compound pneumatic valve a described. In this
case it is placed in an air chamber which is connected by a pipe 63 in any well
known manner to air chamber b. The intermediate partition d has certain ports
and passages, as previously described and shown, in Figs. 1 & 2. The pneumatic
valve a is in a true axial line with the feed port or passage e and has in it a
passage which leads from to the atmosphere, precisely as shown in Figs. 1 & 2.
a is a raised surface, which forms a seat for the pneumatic valve and is connected
by means of a wire distance piece a³ to another valve a which forms the exhaust
valve in this case for the purpose of exhausting the contents of the bellows or
pneumatic lever in chamber b. & are two small disc valves attached to
wire, the lower end of which is connected to a diaphragm f precisely as shown
in Fig. 1. The function of these disc valves & d³ are for the purpose of
admitting the air from chamber along the air passage d¹ and inflating the
pneumatic valve a which air is afterwards allowed to escape to the atmosphere
through the disc valve . The action is as follows:-
When the diaphragm f is operated upon and cansed to ascend the wire dª closes
the small disc exhaust valve d, at the same time the compressed air from chamber b²
is permitted to pass through valve into the air passage and thence into the
chamber a³ which is formed in the body of the pneumatic valve a as described and
shown in Fig. 1. In consequence of this the pneumatic valve a is suddenly inflated
and cuts off all communication between port e and chamber by reason of the raised
surface a pressing against the passage e, which is forced in a true axial line to the
port e. Simultaneously with this action the exhaust valve a' is raised off its seat
sufficiently, to exhaust the contents of passage ³ and bellows or pneumatic lever
to the atmosphere. The internal pressure of the air chamber acting upon the
pneumatic lever compels it to contract and in its descent pulls down the pallet h¹,

page_text: and thus permits air to pass up and sound pipe c'. When the pressure is removed
from the diaphragm the wire d' descends and then the communication between
chamber and the body of the pneumatic valve a³ is cut off. At this point the
small disc valve d is opened and exhausts the contents of the pneumatic valve a to
the atmosphere, thus causing it to collapse and close the exhaust valve a' and open
communication between 62, port e, and passage and into bellows or pneumatic
lever
which consequently becomes inflated and closes the pallet by the help of
the spring, thus restoring it to the condition as shown.
Referring to Figs. 4 & 5, Sheet II, the pneumatic disc valve is constructed
preferably of a metal disc moving in a metallic chamber which is bored and
truly fits to the periphery of the disc. This metallic chamber is placed imme-
diately above the air chamber which receives the tube from the console. This
disc moving freely yet very accurately within the metallic chamber has an
opening through it, which is closed by a sensitive valve 3 balanced and adjusted
so as to offer sufficient resistance to receive the impact of the ingoing current of
air from the console wind chest previously referred to and pipe during its ascent,
but immediately on its descent, the momentum already received causes it to lift off
its seat and exhaust a volume of air sufficient to restore itself to its normal
condition, thus rendering itself most exceedingly sensitive to the varying pressure
in chamber. The exhaust valves 3, shown in Fig. 1, constitute a modification
of the relieve valve f, just described. In Fig. I the relieve valve 3 is shown
employed in close proximity of pipe f, and in Figs. 2 & 3, in connection with the
diaphragm f
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
In tubular pneumatic actions for organs."
1st. The general construction and arrangement of parts constituting my improve-
ments, with reference to the figures generally and operating substantially as herein-
before set forth and adapted, to increase the sensitiveness of the touch of the
manual keys.
2nd. A compound pneumatic valve a employed in external relation with the
port e of air chamber and composed of a hollow flexible body a¹ the interior of
which forms a pocket or chamber a secured to an intermediate partition formed
with air ports or passages in relation with disc valves d² & d³ and adapted to cut
off and establish communication between the air chamber and the atmosphere,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth and with reference to Figs. 1 & 2 of
annexed drawings.
3rd. The arrangement and combination of a pneumatic valve a as specified in the
preceding claim in relation with the diaphragm in such a manner that when
operated upon by the player through the diaphragm f, the pallet in chamber bis
pulled down and thereby the pipe c¹ on the sound board c sounded, substantially as
and for the purpose specified.
4th. The modification shown in Fig. 3, Sheet II, constituting a single pneumatic
valve a, employed in external relation with the air port e of chamber in communi-
cation with chamber b, and having a port d', disc valves d & d³ and diaphragm f
operating substantially as and for the purpose specified.
5th. The small pneumatic disc secured on the end of a wire d employed to
move in the metal chamber in combination small air relieve valve f², substantially
as and for the purpose specified and with reference to Figs. 4 & 5.
Dated this 18th day of February 1891.
F. BOSSHARDT & Co.,
4, Corporation Street, Manchester, Agents to Applicant.