An Improved Instrument for use in Transposing Music.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Sept., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 11th June, 1892-Accepted, 13th Aug., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Instrument for use in Transposing Music.
1, HARLINGTON JONES of Mendelssohn House Swansea, Glamorganshire.
Accountant Auditor and Stockbroker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows :-
This invention consists of a circular dial divided into two parts, namely a circular
disk in the centre, which revolves inside the other part, namely, an outer annular
rim, both parts having their surfaces in one plane, and being divided into segments
of a circle by diagonal lines, or radii drawn from a common centre.
The inner disk is thus divided into twelve parts, and the outer ring is similarly
divided, but the latter has each of its twelve spaces subdivided into two, making
twenty-four spaces.
The whole dial is also marked with a number of concentric rings; on which are
denoted notes and other musical terms and signs. On the inner disk these signs
denote the pitch of the instrument, and on the outer ring they shew the various keys
in which music can be performed.
In order to find in what key each instrument in a band has to play, it is only
necessary to find the pitch of one instrument on the disk, and turn the disk until the
space in which that pitch is written cones opposite the space on the ring, in which
the key of the music is inscribed. The other spaces on the disk and ring will then
indicate the respective keys of every performer's music, no matter what instrument
is employed, or what pitch is desired, as by means of my invention the adjustment
of one instrument secures the harmonious adjustment of all the others, in all pitches
and in all keys.
My transposer may be made in metal or any other suitable material.
It can
be constructed in a portable form for the pocket, as it need not be larger than an
ordinary watch dial.
Dated this 11th day of Sontember 1891
S. S. BROMHEAD,
97, Newgate Street, E.C., Agent for Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Instrument for use in Transposing Music.
I, HARLINGTON JONES of 42 Castle Street Swansea in the County of Glamorgan,
Accountant Auditor and Stockbroker, 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:-
This invention is designed to provide a tabular chart or dial by reference to
which it is possible to find out in what musical key each instrument in a band has
to play, so as to ensure the harmonious correspondence of the whole, in the
performance of a concerted piece of music.
I will now describe my invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which
Fig. 1 shows a plan view of my tabular chart.
a is the centre disk which rotates in the centre of the annular rim b, the two
forming the circular dial a, b.
It will be seen that the instrument consists of these two separate but conjoined
parts, both of which have their surfaces in the same plane.
This circular plane or dial is divided into segments of a circle, by radii dravn
LD 017

page_text: from a common centre. Reference to the drawing will show that the inner disk a
is divided into twelve segmental spaces c, and the outer rim is similarly divided,
but the latter has each of its twelve spaces subdivided into two, making twenty-
four spaces d. The whole face of the dial is also marked with about ten concentric
rings, on which are denoted notes and other musical terms and signs. In the
spaces c on the centre disk these signs denote the pitch of the musical instrument
to be played on, and in the spaces d on the outer rim they shew the various keys
in which music can be performed. The spaces marked opposite the two C's,
which indicate concert pitch are for the purpose of catching the eye and act as a
guide when searching for other pitches.
The letter denotes the outer edge of the disk, or the place where the disk and
annular rim meet. The rotation is effected by means of a tongue or projecting
.rim on the periphery of the disk, which fits loosely into a corresponding groove
on the inner edge of the annular rim, so that the disk can be rotated with the finger
and thumb.
In order to find in what key each instrument in a band has to play, it is only
necessary to find the pitch of one instrument on the disk, and turn the disk until
the space in which that pitch is written comes opposite the space on the rim, in
which the key of the music is inscribed. The other spaces on the disk and rim
will then indicate the respective keys of every performer's music, no matter what
instrument is employed, or what pitch is desired, as by means of my invention the
adjustment of one instrument secures the harmonious adjustment of all the others,
in all pitches and in all keys.
My transposer may be made in metal or any other suitable material. It can be
constructed in a portable form for the pocket, as it need not be larger than an
ordinary watch dial.
My instrument also gives the number of flats and sharps which the performer
has to use in major and minor keys.
The invention also gives other important and valuable information for composing
scoring arranging, copying, instructing, and performing.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what 1
claim is :-
1. An instrument consisting of a dial with rotating centre-part divided by circles
and diagonal lines or radii into spaces, whereon are marked musical notes and signs,
for indicating automatically the correct key for each instrument in a band, of
whatever pitch, as herein described and set forth.
Dated this 11th day of June 1892.
S. S. BROMHEAD,
97, Newgate Street, London, E.C., Patent Agent.