Improvements in Mechanism for Feeding Perforated Music Sheets in Mechanical Musical Instruments
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd June, 1897-Accepted, 31st July, 1897
Improvements in Mechanism for Feeding Perforated Music Sheets
in Mechanical Musical Instruments,
I, ROBERT WILLIARD PAIN, of 462 West Forty-third Street, New York, United
States of America, Organ Builder, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the saine is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement:—
This invention relates to mechanical musical instruments in which the sounding
devices are controlled by a perforated music sheet, and the object of this invention
is to provide such means in a mechanical musical instrument that music rolls of
different and various lengths, respectively supporting and carrying corresponding
widths of perforated music sheets, can be applied to, and operated in the same
instrument, so that different widths of perforated music sheets having corresponding
different compasses of notes, or scales represented thereon, by the perforations, can be
used in the same instrument as desired; and also to so construct and arrange the take up
roll of such instrument that it can be, adapted longitudinally to properly receive the
various widths of perforated music, sheets that are or may be applied to the instrument
as stated, so that with such construction and arrangement of parts for supporting and
attaching the music roll to the instrument and the corresponding construction and
arrangement of the take up roll, various widths of perforated innsic sheets can be applied
to and operated in the same instrument, conveniently, and in such manner that the play-
ing of the tune represented thereon can be satisfactorily accomplished. The invention
consists in a mechanical musical instrument of certain construction and arrangement
of parts for supporting music rolls of different lengths for perforated music sheets, all
substantially as hereinafter fully described. The invention also consists in a
mechanical musical instrument of such construction and arrangement of the take up
roll that it can be adjusted as to its length to properly and practically receive the
different widths of perforated music sheets that are or may be applied to the
instrument on the different lengths of music rolls all substantially as hereinafter fully
described.
In the accompanying drawing
Figure 1 is a plan of a perforated music sheet of a mechanical musical instrument
with its music roll, and connected by its end to the take up roll, in position to be run
through the instrument in playing the tune, the music sheet being represented as
narrow and the music roll of a length, and the take up roll, adapted for such narrow
sheet;
Figure 2, shows in side view the take up roll adapted to receive a wider perforated
music sheet;
Figure 3, is a side view of a longer music roll than the one in Figure 1, suitable
for a wider perforated music sheet, such as can be properly received by the take up
roll as shown in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a detail longitudinal section of part of Figure 3, showing the manner
of supporting one end of the long music roll;
Figure 5, is a detail longitudinal section of part of Figure 3 showing the manner
of supporting the other end of the music roll in said figure;

page_text: Figure 6, is a detail longitudinal section of part of the music roll in Figure 1,
showing one end of the short music roll and its manner of support.
Figure 7, is a detail longitudinal section of part of the music roll in Figure 1
showing the manner of supporting the other end of the short roll, in said figure;
Figure 8, is a detail view and part sectional view of one end of the take up roll in
the position shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 9, is a cross section on line 9-9 Figure 1..
In the drawings are shown two music rolls A, and B, of different lengths, the short
one A, Figure 1, being for a narrow width of music sheet, representing, say fifty-eight
notes, and the other, or long one B, Figure 3 for a wider music sheet, representing
sixty five notes, the instrument being adapted in accordance with this invention,
to receive either one of the two rolls.
In Figure 1 the music roll A, has wound thereon, a perforated music sheet 1), its
free end being attached by an eye to a pin b of the take up roll C, the music
sheet being in position to be run through the instrument for the playing of the
tune thereon.
The roll B, in Figure 3 has, in one end a central socket E see Figure 4,
adapted to fit freely over a journal pin d, arranged by an enlarged portion F to
move back and forth in two bearings in plates G, H, secured on the sides of a
block at e, which block is supported in any..suitable manner on the frame K,
of the instrument, a spiral spring L encircling the larger portion in the enlarged
space f, in the block and bearing against the plate G, and a shoulder g, on the
enlarged portion F of the pin d, to force by its tension the pin outward, the shoulder
also serving to limit such movement by its abutment against the plate H.
The other end of the roll B, Figure 3, has a journal pin M, see Figure 5, which is
preferably of larger diameter and it tapers toward its outer end, and is adapted to fit
in a tapering socket N, in a head P' secured to a shaft Q, which shaft is arranged to
turn in bearings in arms g, of a bracket h, secured to a support R, of the frame, and
prevented from longitudinal movement by the head P, and a collar m, secured by a
set screw n, to the shaft.
In placing the music roll B, in position its end p, is placed on the journal pin d,
and the pin pressed back by it sufficiently for the tapering pin M at the other end to
be inserted in the socket N, in the shaft head P, then the spring L on the pin d
presses the pin against the end of the roll and holds the roll firmly in position between
its two supports.
The tapering pin M, fits closely in the head socket N, creating by its taper sufficient
friction between the two for the shaft Q, when turned to also cause the roll to turn.
In the instrument the shaft N, is free to turn independently of the motive power
when the music roll is turned, as the music sheet is unwound therefromn in playing
the instrument, but when the music is to be rewound upon the music roll for the
purpose of playing the tune over again, or removing the roll and substituting another,
then the driving power is connected to the shaft for such purpose, all as usual in such
instruments, which turns the roll connected thereto by the friction of the tapering
pin, rewinding the music sheet thereon, and when the tune is to be again played, or a
tune from another music roll, the motive power is cut off from this shaft leaving the
music roll free to turn in the operation of the instrument.
In Figures 1, 3, 6 and 7, is shown means for placing a short music roll and
connecting it with the same supports at each end, and operating shaft shown, int
Figure 3.
In this figure S, and T, are respectively, two cylindrical blocks, the block S, see
Figure 6, having a central open socket t, to place it over the journal pin U, of the
music roll A, and in its other end a central open socket u for it to freely fit over
the spring pin d, in the block support J,these blocks extending the bearings for the
music roll journal pins, in a longitudinal central line nearer together, or farther from
their supports, as shown in Figure 1, for the purpose of placing a shorter roll in the
instrument.
The journal piu V, on the other end of the music roll A, see Figure 7, freely fits

page_text: in a central open socket W, in the other block T, the end of the block having two
radial grooves v, opposite to each other, in which is arranged to freely fit respectively
two short ribs w, of the roll pin V making a clutch by which the music roll is turned
when the block T, is turned.
The block T has a central open socket a¹, in its other end by which it is adapted to
fit over the shaft head P as shown more particularly in Figure 7.
These blocks S, T, make the bearings for the music toll journals centrally
longitudinally nearer together, so that the short roll A, can be inserted in the
instrument and operated as well as the long roll B..
When desirous of replacing the long roll, the blocks 5, T, are removed, and the
long roll inserted as before; each block is connected by a short chain 6', respectively
secured to the support at y, so they will always be in convenient positions ready for
attachment as described, as shown in Figure 3 more particularly.
By having socket blocks of varying lengths, various shorter music rolls of different
lengths can be placed in the machine for use as conveniently as the long one.
The take up roll C shown in Figures 1, and 2, more particularly on which, in
running the instrument is wound, the perforated music sheet, isformed of a spindle A¹,
having journal pins B¹, adapted to turn in bearings c', in the frame C, flanged
permanent heads D³, and a central pin 6', for securing the perforated music sheet D,
by its end to the roll spindle, all as usual in take up music rolls for such
instruments.
E, F, are two other heads or flanges between the permanent heads and adapted to
be moved within certain limits along the spindle A', of the roll, by means of each
being secured to a separate sleeve H¹, which really fits over a portion J', of the
spindle, at each end of a little less diameter than the body of the spindle, on which
the sleeve slides, and each sleeve is provided at its end with an angular groove e¹
adapted to fit over, when in position therefor, a pin f¹ secured to the side of the spindle
and to be locked thereto, by turning the sleeve in proper direction as shown more
particularly in Figures 1 and 9.
Each movable head on its outer side has a recess or depression K', of a diameter
large enough to fit over the permanent head nearest thereto, to partially extend over
the same when in position therefor as shown in Figure 8 more particularly.
In the position of the two movable heads E, F, as shown in Figure 1, the take up
roll is adapted for a narrow width of music sheet to fit in between the two movable
heads and properly wind upon the roll, but when desirous of making the roll suitable
to receive the wider music sheet, the two movable heads E, F, are turned so as to
unlock their sleeves with their respective pins f¹, and moved from each other to the
outer ends of the roll, which makes the roll of proper length to receive the wide music
sheet as shown in Figure 2, the perinanent heads preventing farther movement
outward of the movable heads by their abutment against them.
Thus by this arrangement the take up roll is adapted to be practically changed
from a long one to a short one, and vice versa, and thus adapted to receive and have
wound thereon corresponding wide or narrow music sheets.
The tapering journal and tapering socket connection by its friction as described
makes a very simple and effective way of securing the music roll to its operating
shaft, for operation thereof in rewinding the perforated music sheet upon the roll, and
the extension blocks make an exceedingly simple arrangement for adapting various
lengths of music rolls to the same musical instrument, for different widths of
perforated music sheets.
If desired one socket block can be longer than the other in case it is desired to have
the music sheet at one side or the other.
This invention enables, where tunes are arranged in the perforated music which are
of a small compass, a narrower music sheet to be used consequently a shorter music
roll, which can be easily attached to the instrument by the use of the present
invention, whereby quite a saving is made in the expense of preparing the music.
sheets and rolls. If desired also only one block need be used at one end. Both music
rolls can have tapering journal pins, and the sockets in the blocks can be made

page_text: tapering correspondingly for the reception of the tapering journals, and the journals
and sockets therefor arranged in any suitable manner.
The chain 6', connected to the block T, is connected directly to a ring h¹, freely
surrounding the block, the block having a circumferential groove m¹, into which a
pin h', of the ring projects, and along which it can freely move, so that the chain will
not prevent the turning of the block by the shaft to turn the music roll when desired,
as shown in section in Figure 7.
In the other block S the journal pin of the roll turns freely in its bearings in its
blocks, independent of the block. The block T fits over the shaft P sufficiently tight
for the block to be turned by the shaft in its operation.
Although the invention is described and shown for only two different widths of
perforated music sheets obviously by having a longer sinaller portion J', of the take
up roll, and two or more angular slots e¹, of different lengths the roll can be adapted
to receive other widths of music sheets, and different lengths of extension socket
blocks can be used for a variety of lengths of music rolls.
The permanent heads can be dispensed with, using the movable heads alone, which
can be adapted to move over the spindle portion and secured at any desired position
thereon in any suitable manner for the different widths of music sheets; it is
preferable however to have a permanent head on each end and the movable heads
between them operated substantially as described.
The movable heads can be arranged in any suitable manner to be moved along the
spindle and to be secured thereto when in position, although it is well to have some
means by which it can be done quickly, conveniently and without much trouble.
Heads are necessary for these music rolls in order that the music sheet will be
properly wound thereon. There need be only one movable head which might answer
in some cases although it is preferable to have two, in order to keep the various
widths of perforated music sheets that may be used, in the same central longitudinal
line in the instrument.
In the use of these music rolls with the mechanical musical instrument, the take
up roll is connected in any of the usual ways with the motive power for its operation
to cause the perforated music sheet to travel from the music roll to the take up roll
for the operation of the sounding devices.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
1. In combination, a music roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical
musical instrument, a block having an open socket for the reception of the journal
pin of the music roll, and arranged to be detachably secured to a shaft or bearing
support of the musical instrument.
2. In combination, a music roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical
musical instrument, a block having an open socket in one end for the reception of
a journal pin of the music roll and an open socket in its other end for support on a
pin or other projection.
3. In combination, a music roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical
musical instrument, socket blocks, one at each end of the roll, each having an open
socket for the reception of a journal pin of the music roll and adapted to be
detachably secured to a shaft or bearing support of the musical instrument.
4. In combination, a music roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical
musical instrument, a tapering journal pin on one end, and a shaft or journal for
operating the music roll having a tapering socket for the reception of the tapering
journal of the music roll.
5. In combination, a music roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical
musical instrument, a block at each end having an open socket in one end for the
reception of the journal pin of its respective end of the music roll, and an open
socket in its other end for a support on a pin or other projection.
6. In combination, a music roll a perforated music sheet of a mechanical

page_text: musical instrument, a block having a socket for the reception of the journal pin of
the music roll detachably secured and adapted to revolve with it, a ring freely
surrounding said block to allow the block to turn with the roll and secured thereto
and a chain or cord attached to said block and a suitable support.
7. In combination, a music roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical
musical instrument, a block having a socket for the reception of the journal pin of
the roll, detachably secured and adapted to revolve with it, a ring freely surrounding
said block, a pin projecting from the inner side of the ring disposed in a circum-
ferential groove in said block preventing the escape from the block of the ring, and
a chain or cord attached to said ring and a support.
8. A take up roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical musical instrument.
constructed and arranged longitudinally to receive different widths of perforated
music sheets.
9: A take up roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical musical instrument
having a permanent head on each end and a head between the two permanent heads
adapted to be moved along the roll and to be secured in position thereon.
10. A take up roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical musical instrument
having a permanent head on each end, and heads between the two permanent heads
adapted to be moved back and forth along the roll and to be secured in position
thereon.
11. A take up roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical musical instrument
having a head secured to a loose sleeve, adapted to be moved back and forth along
the roll and to be secured in position thereon.
12. A take up roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical musical instrument,
heads at each end, the spindle of, the roll reduced in diameter part way from each
head, a head secured to a loose sleeve adapted to be moved back and forth along
the reduced portion of the spindle and to be locked in position thereon.
13. A take up roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical musical instrument,
heads on said roll adapted to be moved back and forth longitudinally to adjust their
position thereon relative to the width of the perforated music sheet to be wound
on the roll.
14. A take up roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical musical instrument,
a head secured to a loose sleeve adapted to be moved back and forth along the
spindle of the roll and to be locked in position thereon, a depression or recess in
the outer side of each movable head adapted to fit over the permanent head of the
roll nearest thereto.
15. A take up roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical musical instrument,
a head at each end, the spindle of the roll reduced in diameter, part way from each
head, a head secured to loose sleeve adapted to be moved back and forth along on
the reduced portion of the spindle and to be locked in position thereon, and
a depression or recess on the outer side of each movable head for the purpose
specified.
16. In combination, a take up roll for a perforated music sheet of a mechanical
musical instrument, heads on said roll adapted to be moved back and forth longi-
tudinally to adjust their position thereon relative to the width of the perforated
music and a music roll on which said perforated music sheet is wound.
Dated this 2nd day of June 1897.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.