IMPROVEMENTS IN ORGANS AND SIMILAR MUSICAL INSTRUMENT&
Year: 1857

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Henry Hine Akerman, of Bridgewater, in
the County of Somerset, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ORGANS
AND SIMILAR MUSICAL INSTRUMENT&,"
Sealed' the 20th April 1858, and dated the 23rd October 1857.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Henry Hine
Akerman, at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 23rd October 1857.
I, WILLIAM HENRY HINE AKERMAN, of Bridgewater, in the County of
Somerset, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN ORGANS AND SIMILAR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS," to be as follows:-
These improvements relate, first, to organ and harmonium stops, con-
certinas, flutinas, and such like instruments, and consist in adapting to the
pipes (of suitable stops of the organ) a rack tube or hollow cornice, to' contain
and support their top. To this tube certain trumpet-shaped or bell-mouthed
tubes are fixed upright thereon. The said tubes may vary in size and lengthi,
and are designed to increase the power of the' tone, either to make it equal or
to change the quality thereof by means of a slide or palates, using either wood
or metal tubes for these purposes, or a combination of both; their position,
form, dimensions, and number depending on the compass and sort of pipes,
vibrators, &c., introduced or connected therewith. A portion of the cornice
tube can be partly lifted or removed, to contrast the tone, by means of stops or
pedals when the tubes are thus applied to the harmonium, the channels

page_text: and palates should be attached instead of organ pipes. For other musical
instruments such as concertiuas, flutinas, organ, accordions, and such like
instruments, the before-mentioned trumpet-shaped or bell-mouthed tubes only
are necessary.
These improvements consist, secondly, in the application of the above prin-
ciple to pedals as "solo stops," with wood or metal tube or tubes intended
particularly for producing sounds from reeds, tongues, or vibrators.
Thirdly, the adaptation of an oblong helical or spiral spring to "wind
palates" to prevent "cyphering" heavy touch or friction; also, to supersede
the pneumatic and other levers and contrivances hitherto employed to make
the touch light and simple. By this improvement, the action being on one
side, the spring does not stiffen in opening the palate, or press unequally so as
to cause leakage.
Fourthly, constructing organ wind chests with a conical channel, for the
purpose of maintaining the power of each stop in proportion to the number of
stops employed. It is well known that the ordinary chanuels of organs are
formed parallel and "rob" (notwithstanding excessively large channels and
large palates are used to prevent it), which causes all delicately voiced pipes
to be uncertain in note, tone, and tune, and the touch heavy, also increasing
the liability of leakage and loss of power when several or many stops are
required to combine in sound. The use of the above-mentioned conical channel
is also intended to rectify the irregularity of pressure, from compressed air not
displacing its equivalent any distance from the "palate" as many apertures
intervening and lightening its weight onward in a parallel channel.
Fifthly, these improvements consist of a string vibrator. I am aware that
a string vibrator has already been in use and patented by one Wheatstone,
but such said vibrator has been placed in an aperture and working clear
thereof to prevent singling, whereas by these improvements the vibrator or
string is placed on an aperture formed narrower than the string, the sound
being produced by said string touching the aforesaid aperture at every vibra-
tion. These improvements are capable of being applied in a variety of ways,
yet in every form the producing of several different notes or musical sounds
with one tuba, capable of being used either separately or connectedly con-
stitutes the main feature of these improvements, and for the above reasons I
propose to designate my Invention the "tubaphone."

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Henry Hine Akerman in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 23rd April 1858.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
HENRY HINE AKERMAN, of Bridgewater, in the County of Somerset, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-third day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, in the twenty-first year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said William Henry Hine Akerman, Her special licence that I, the
said William Henry Hine Akerman, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said William Henry Hine Akerman, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein ex-
pressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle
of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ORGANS AND SIMILAR MUSICAL IN-
STRUMENTS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Henry
Hine Akerman, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing,
under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the
date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Henry Hine Akerman, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, that is to say:-
'
In order more clearly to understand the following description the accom-
panying Drawings are appended, but it is not intended that they shall exhibit
the exact figure, form, or size of any of the subjoined improvements, all of
which will vary according to the peculiar kind, or size, or figure, or shape of
the instrument to which they are applied, the object being only more clearly to
illustrate the principles of construction made use of in the various parts of the
Invention and the general mode. of applying the said improvements, so as to
produce the effects intended.

page_text: The first part of my Invention relates to the construction of the air chambers
in organs, that is, the chamber which in organs or instruments similarly con-
structed is situated between the palates or palate bed and the vibrators or
mouths of the pipes or stops. Instead of constructing this chamber or channel
of the usual form, that is, having all its side parallel, forming a rectangular box,
I propose to make it in the form of a rectangular wedge, having its base
sloping or inclined from the back of the chamber to the front, where the palate
is fixed in such a manner that the sectional area of the chamber at any dis-
tance from the front shall diminish in proportion to that distance from the free
end of the palate, so that by diminishing the capacity of the chamber an
increase may be given to the elastic force of the air to compensate for the dimi-
nished impellent force acting upon it as it receeds from the palate, and by this
means maintain a more equable pressure on the rear stops than by the present
construction of air chambers is effected, and in delicate voiced tubes produce a
greater certainty both in tone and tune.
Furthermore, I propose to fix or hang the palate itself in a different manner
than heretofore, and make use of a helix formed spring instead of the old
forked spring, which arrangement will not only allow of more easy access for
adjusting the touch, but will also enable a greater nicity of lightness to be
attained, and also obviate the probability of "cypher."
The nature and form of the improvements are shewn in Figures 1 and
1, 1b, of the Drawings, Figure 1 representing a section of the organ. chamber
on the principle of an inclined plane, as before described, having the palate a
hung in its place, after my manner; the upper sectional plane 6 representing
the bed or plate where the nozzles of the stops are inserted; the lower plane c
being the inclined bed; the dotted line d shews the form and position of the
old method of the parallel bed. Figure 1ª shews the form of the spring of the
palate; when the latter is acted upon by pressure from the manual the spring
takes a curved form, becoming weaker and more delicate, but on removal of the
pressure instantly becomes erect and firm, as in 1b.
The next part of my Invention relates to the construction of vibrators to be
applied to organ stops or tubes, and to the embouchere of tube instruments of
any kind operated upon by wind, either artificially or from the human mouth;
and is as follows:-Instead of the present form of vibrators I
propose to con-
struct my vibrators more nearly resembling in form and action that of the
human lips. To effect this, I take a strip of india-rubber or any other,
material equally flexible and elastic; if the orifice of the tube to which the

page_text: vibrator is to be applied be small, I take the strip of the elastic material to
form the vibrator, and cut a slight opening or slit in it a little longer in
diameter than that of the tube orifice, this elastic material being then put over.
the end of the tube, its extremities are grasped by the end of the collar, hold-
ing it in its place; one end of it, however, should be left sufficiently free to
enable it to be elongated by means of a hook or any other suitably arranged
tuning apparatus, which, by distending more or less the elastic material, will
cause the edges of the slit to become wider or narrower, at the will of the
operator. It is not, however, necessary to form the elastic material with a slit
in it, as the same effects may be obtained by arranging the width of the slip to
be equal or slightly greater than the width of the orifice of the pipe where it is
applied to act as a vibrator;. and in this case the outer edges act in the same
way as the inner edges of the slit part. As before. mentioned, I prefer the
vibrator to have the slit in. it when it is to be applied to tubes having small
orifices, but to tubes where the orifice or opening is large then the vibrator
may have the slit omitted, as last described.
I propose to apply this "lip vibrator" or " tubaphone" to all kinds of tubes
or pipes, whether they be arranged to have the vibrators over their mouths at
right angles to the plane of their axis, or parallel to that plane, or oblique to it,
or in any other way whatever.
From the arrangement of vibrator just described I am enabled, by regulating
the opening of the slit or lips, to produce tones of similar quality to that of the
trumpet, cornet, or any of the tuba class of instruments. The details of the
vibrator and the various modes of applying it are shewn in Figures 2, 2ª,.2",
and 2; Figure 2 being the vibrator itself; Figures 2ª, 2b, and 2°, the appli-
cations to tubes having different forms of apertures at their extremities.
The next part of my Invention is an arrangement by means of which I can
produce from one tube in combination with others an octave of semitones
equal to those produced in general from a series of tubes much longer than
those I make use of; from this arrangement I am enabled to produce in
organs, harmoniums, and similar wind instruments, a larger compass of notes
than can be produced in the same instruments as at present constructed, unless
they be of much larger dimensions than mine.
I have two modes of arranging this part of my Invention, the one being on
what is called and known as the organ principle, that is, where the palates
admit the wind to the vibrators; the other on the harmonium principle, that is,
where the palates set free the wind after acting upon the vibrators. The
arrangement of the former is shewn at Figure 3 in the Drawings, and consists

page_text: of an octave of tubes of the proper length of organ pipe bodies, and I propose
to obtain the requisite volume or power of tone for each from one bell or horn,
instead of as many seperate ones as their are tubes. a, b, c, d, &c. are the
tubes, which communicating all with the common bent tube e, terminate in the
horn f; the palates are attached on the top or sides of small boxes g; one to
each vibrator, placed in the front of the ends of the said tubes or parallel to
the vibrators f. f, f, so that the whole may be enclosed in one chamber which
will form the air chamber; the palates are placed at the ordinary distance of
a German pedal, and can be easily attached to both the manuals and pedals, so
as to be worked by both or either without additional cranks or levers, to
produce the like effect from distinct or seperate pipes; the cranked or bent
horizontal pipe e, as well as the horn f, may be arranged in any position with
regard to direction.
In Figure 3 is seen the arrangement of the harmonium principle as before
described; this, like the former, consists of an octave of tubes, constructed with
vibrators, either of the old form or of my new form; each of these tubes can
communicate with a tube or air chamber a (which is placed horizontally) by
means of palates or valves y; the tube x is in connexion with or rather is a
prolongation of a long tube z, (its length being proportioned to the note
required,) which is inserted in one of its extremities; the note, or octave of
notes produced, will be that which would result from a series of tubes of a
length equal to the tube plus the length of the tube in the octave series
operated upon.
It will be seen that I can by the application of this principle construct
organs of small dimensions, which will possess a compass of notes equal to that
only produced by much larger ones as at present built; furthermore, that I
can apply this same principle to organs or similar tube instruments of the
present construction so as to increase their power; and also that I can apply
the same principle, from the small space occupied by it, to act in combination
with harmoniums or other similar wind instruments where tubes are not made
use of. It will be observed also that the arrangement may be varied to suit
the form, size, or kind of instrument it is to be applied to; thus, the single
tube may be turned downwards, the others remaining as they are, or the
whole may be inverted.
In Figure 4 of the Drawings is shewn a general arrangement of certain
principles and combinations which, forming part of my Invention, are more
particularly related to the construction of harmoniums, and applicable to such.
1.do not wish, however, to claim this or any other arrangement of the various

page_text: parts, but simply the mode of constructing those parts, and the application of
them to produce an entirely new effect.
In Figure 4, the first part to which I would draw attention, is the cone
shaped air chambers or channels, a, b, c, each having a row of free reed
vibrators d, e, f, attached; these cone-shaped channels are constructed to
contain a sufficient quantity of atmospheric air, corresponding in weight or
pressure on the vibrator to that contained by any tuning length of the organ
pipe, so as to make them (the vibrators) subject to every change of tempe-
rature which alters the pitch of notes in organs, and consequently suitable, if
attached to the ordinary swell movement, to form part of or an entire swell for
organs. It will be seen that in certain cases where the vibrator is more than
usually rigid, in addition to the cone chamber, I form or fix within it a
projection g, (see Figure 4, which is an enlarged section and view of the lower
part of the cone chamber, with the free reed vibrator attached,) immediately
opposite the orifice where the vibrator is fixed, and near to the vibrating or
loose end; the object obtained by the cone-shapped channel with the projection
g and the vibrator arranged with its free end furthest removed from the acute
angular corner, is the quickest possible articulation, for referring to Figure 4º,
it will be seen that the air passing under or upon the vibrator near the point
a has little effect in producing motion upon it, but having passed by it
immediately impinges upon the opposite side of the angular corner, and is
reflected by it and the projection 9 (when used) back against the free end of
the vibrator, hence producing a second action and increased amount of motion
upon it, giving extra tone with repetition touch without the complication of
double palates or percussion movement.
It will be particularly observed that I do not profess to claim as my
Invention the formation of cone chambers or channels of themselves simply,
for I believe that such have been used before, but that which I do claim is the
arrangement of them as shewn in Figure 4, having the vibrator attached near
the acute corner of the chamber, with its vibrating or free end s turned from
the said corner; the peculiarity and object of the arrangement being to re-use
the under current of air which passes or strikes the vibrator about the point a;
and those parts which being near to the fixed end are scarcely moved by it;
by reflecting it again upon the inner side of the free point s. In all other
existing arrangements that I am aware of, no means are adopted for retarding
and reusing this air, but it is allowed to pass off directly through the channel.
In the arrangement shewn, the reservoir d' forms the cover, and can be
easily unfastned, and each note visited at pleasure without, disturbing the key

page_text: board; if the reservoir be dispensed with or placed in a different position, then
the back of the instrument may form the cover.
Furthermore, in order to avoid constructing air-tight chambers for each row
of vibrators, or seperate palates for each vibrator, I effect the sanie results by
the following simple method:-To a roller or lath placed immediately behind
the vibrators I attach a piece of chamois leather, allowing a portion or flap h
sufficiently wide to cover a row or any number of the vibrators; this roller is
connected by means of a series of levers or squares or cranks, with a register
or ordinary composition pedal p. Should it be required to shut off a row or
any number of vibrators from the action of the wind, it will only be necessary
to act upon the register by pulling it out or pushing it inwards by means of
which, through the crank or levers, the roller will rotate, and the leather will
be placed close against the backs of the vibrators, and held-to it by compressed
air in the chamber k; it will be obvious that the opposite action on the
drawstop or pedal will throw them open again. The palates of the ordinary
form are shewn at and are acted upon by means of the keys t in the usual
The wind generators or bellows d³ are worked in the usual manner
by the pedal p'.
manner.
Moreover, in order to give increased tone to the harmonium I construct the
palate chamber or the chamber which covers the palates, wherever they may
be placed, so as to form a resonant tube of itself; it is simply a box or tube
closely fitting over the row of palates, and having an aperture at the right
or treble end of the instrument, which is opened or closed according as it is
wished to use it for a resonant tube or not.
It will be evident when it is wished to economise space, by turning the instru-
ment on its back, the key-board may be arranged to be on the last-named palate
chamber, and hence a most commodious and portable instrument be produced.
In order to obtain a distinct class of sounds in an instrument similar to
those last mentioned, I propose to insert one or more large metal resonant
tubes m within the palate chamber; the figure, size, form, and direction in
which they may be placed may all vary according to the quality, the kind of
note, and the form of instrument to which they are applied; they may either
have the ordinary tube vibrators, or my elastic vibrators; within the palate
chamber in which they are inserted are affixed slides, one for each one or more
tubes, so that the whole of the tubes or any one or more of them can be used
by opening or closing the slide or slides appertaining to it or them; when the
tubes are used the palate chamber need not necessarily be closed.
It will be seen that, not only can the last-described apparatus be applied to

page_text: harmoniums, flutinas, concertinas, and all this class of instruments, but the
principles and combination described in Figures 3 and 3ª can also be applied
when so desired.
Having now described my Invention and the manner in which it is to be
carried into effect, I now wish it understood that what I desire to be secured
by the before in part recited. Letters Patent, and claim as new and my
Invention are,-
"
First, the construction of the air chamber in organs and similarly acting
instruments upon the inclined or wedge principle, distinctly as set forth in the
Specification, and generally illustrated by the Drawings in Figure 1.
Second, the mode of hanging the palate and the application of the helix
formed spring, as set forth in the Specification, and illustrated in the Drawings
in Figures 1, 1, and 1.
Third, the construction of the "lip vibrator," made from india-rubber
preferably, or any other suitable elastic and flexible material and the
application of it to organ pipes, and to the emboucheres of tube instruments of
any kind operated upon by wind, produced either artificially or from the human
mouth, substantially as set forth in the Specification, and illustrated in the
Figures of the Drawing referring thereto.
Fourth, the arrangement and construction for producing an octave of
semitones, by means of an octave or series of tubes put in communication with
one long tube as described on the Specification, and illustrated generally in the
Drawings 3 and 3ª, by means of which a compass of notes can be obtained
(either for producing "chords" as in the organ, or for producing "solo stops'
as on the harmonium principle) of a much deeper quality than can be
obtained from the present arrangement, and the application of these said
principles to organs or harmoniums or any other similar instruments.
"
Fifth, the construction of angular or truncated cone-shaped channels or
chambers, with or without the projections in the interior of the same, having
the vibrator placed in such a way that its free or vibrating end shall always be
furthest removed and turned from the acute-angled corner of the said
chamber, and the application of them to harmoniums and wind instruments
generally.
Sixth, the use of leather flaps mounted upon a roller to shut off or open
one or more or a whole row of vibrators in the manner and by the means
before described.
Seventh, the formation, use, and application of the palate chamber in
harinoniunis and similar instruments as a resonant tube.

page_text: Eighth, the use and application of one or more resonant tubes, of any form,
figure, and size, and in any way arranged, to be inserted in the palate chamber
of harmoniums or similar classes of instruments, and the mode of operating
upon the same, substantially as set forth and described in the Specification and
Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Henry Hine Akerman, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of April, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight.
Witness,
JAMES WRIGHT,
WILLIAM HENRY HINE AKERMAN (L.S.)
10, Alfred Place,
Newington Causeway.