Improvements in Pneumatic Apparatus for Organs.
Year: 1899

page_text: Improvements in Pneumatic Apparatus for Organs.
I, VINCENT WILLIS, of 9, Rochester Terrace, Camden Road, London, N.W., in
the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The object of this invention is to effect an improvement in the response and
reiteration of pneumatic levers combined with great simplicity of construction.
By the addition of my invention I am enabled to place pneumatic levers of
ordinary or primitive construction on an equality with pneumatic levers con-
structed on the more costly methods described in Specifications No.. 15,114
A.D. 1884, and No. 15,182 A.D. 1889.
The arrangement of valves etc. which I will presently describe, separated from
the motor apparatus, is peculiarly adapted to effect the coupling or combining
of organs, or sections of organs, and a very efficient pneumatic action adapted
to simple cases is provided by combining an automatic escape valve, preferably
of the kind to be described, with a direct supply through a non-return. valve
to the motor bellows.
In the effort to obtain sufficient rapidity of action in pneumatic levers with.
imperfect valvular means, the area of the motor bellows is often restricted to the
utmost and cannot afterwards he enlarged. A method of obtaining an increased
efficiency for a given area would be valuable in such cases and will be described.
This part of the invention is also applicable to bellows and reservoirs of large
dimensions and is especially valuable in increasing the efficiency of feeder area.
The construction of pneumatic levers to which this invention relates is well
known. It consists essentially of a wind-chest to which the motor. bellows are
attached. A channel leads from the wind-chest to the motor bellows. A supply
valve, usually of disc form, covers the opening of this channel into the wind-
chest and is connected by a stem to an external escape valve which also com-
municates with the channel referred to and which valve forms part of, or is
attached to, a small diaphragm pneumatic lever. The distance between these
valves is slightly greater than the thickness of the bottom of the wind-chest in
which the channel is usually constructed, and therefore the diaphragm pneumatic
lever when energised forces the supply valve from its seat closes the escape
valve and allows compressed air from the wind-chest to inflate the motor bellows.
Upon the diaphragm pneumatic lever ceasing to be energised the position of the
supply and escape valves changes, i.e. the supply valve closes and the escape
valve opens thus deflating the motor. bellows. It will be seen that the normal
position of the apparatus is that the supply. valve is shut and the escape valve
open this condition of things being reversed when the apparatus is put into action
The supply and escape valves being on one stem are not independent and loss
both of time and of compressed air results from the escape. valve remaining
partially open while the supply valve is opening. Loss is also occasioned by the
supply valve remaining partially open while the escape valve is opening.
Modifications of the construction described are common and the system is some-

page_text: times inverted, the energy of compressed air being applied to the motor bellows
externally instead of internally, and attenuated air is sometimes employed.
To secure repetition the apparatus is usually compounded a minute system
direct or inverted actuating the larger.
"1
With all such arrangements "lag is very perceptible and is due to the
normally open escape valves.
In the Specification of Patent No. 15,114 A.D. 1884, Fig. 9 shews a very
perfect method of alternately operating independent normally closed supply and
escape valves by a combination consisting of a floating lever, a diaphragm
pneumatic lever and a spring.
In the Specification of Patent No. 15,182 A.D). 1889, an equally perfect result
with greater simplicity of construction is secured by a combination of two inde-
pendent diaphragm pneumatic levers.
In the Specification of Patent No. 13874 A.D. 1891, the same result is secured
by the automatic action of two auxiliary partially balanced valves. In that
patent the apparatus is described as applicable to the initial impulse but it is
obviously capable also of directly supplying the motor bellows.
In the Specification of Patent No. 5665 A.D. 1895, Fig. 3 shews a method of
obtaining an instantaneous and variable response by means of a combination
consisting of a partially balanced supply valve, a compression chamber and an
automatic escape valve.
But all the arrangements described in the above specifications necessitate a
departure from that simplicity of construction which it is desirable to retain.
To effect improvement in the response of pneumatic levers of the ordinary con-
struction described, I fit what I may describe as the wind-chest end of the com-
munication between the wind-chest and the motor bellows with seatings of the
usual form for supply and escape valves, the effective area of the supply valve
being however considerably reduced because it is no longer required to pass the
compressed air wasted by a normally open escape valve. I proportion the escape
valve seating as if it had to receive a diaphragm pneumatic lever just capable
of operating the supply valve of reduced area. The supply valve seating is fitted
with a light disc valve in the usual manner which valve is connected by a stem
to a diaphragm pneumatic lever arranged under the escape seating in such a
manner that the flexible part of the diaphragm pneumatic lever forms the escape
valve.
The action of the arrangement discribed is as follows -
On the diaphragm pneumatic lever being energised or inflated by the performer
the annular flexible part is instantaneously forced against the escape valve seating
thereby closing that vent. The central portion of the diaphragm pneumatic lever
being coupled to the supply valve opens the supply valve. The motor bellows is
now inflated and the central portion of the diaphragm pneumatic lever having
air pressure on either side of it is unable to support the supply valve which falls
on to its seat and automatically limits the supply of compressed air to the
quantity lost by leakage of the motor bellows.
The flexible portion of the diaphragm pneumatic lever retains its position and
closes the escape vent until (in the case of the apparatus being used to operate a
pipe or set of pipes) the key is released by the performer.
Upon the key being released by the performer the diaphragm pneumatic lever
is thereby deflated and the air pressure caused by the load on the motor bellows
acting upon the portion of the diaphragm pneumatic lever which is enclosed by
the escape valve seating forces the annular flexible part away from the seating and
escapes simultaneously completing the closing of the supply valve and deflating
the motor bellows.
It will now be evident that the inherent imperfection of the diaphragm pneu-
*matic lever as ordinarily constructed, riz. the detrimental travel of the flexible
part is by my invention employed to effect a useful function and that when the
flexible portion is so utilised one diaphragm pneumatic lever does the work of two,

page_text: It will be evident to the expert that the area of the escape valve seating
required to enable the diaphragm pneumatic lever to fulfil its functions as above
described is larger than is absolutely necessary to discharge the motor bellows,
and therefore that a combination of the apparatus above described with the
pneumatic spring K, and suction tube K¹ of Specification No. 5,665 A.D). 1895 will
by permitting a reduction in the area of the diaphragm pneumatic lever secure
an instantaneity of response inferior only to that obtained by the means described
in the above specification, and also by the consequent reduction in the travel of
the portion of the diaphragm pneumatic lever forming the escape valve will
secure a repetition superior to any arrangement yet known.
The arrangement described may be adapted to the inverted systems before
referred to and it may be compounded and operated electrically in the usual
manner.
.
"
In cases where the area of the motor bellows has been unduly restricted an
increased travel and therefore an increase of efficiency for a given area can be
obtained by interposing a third "rib". between the two ribs forming the
usual simple "fold in the same manner as the back of a book is interposed
between the boards forming the cover of a book. The external hinges of the pair
of ribs between which ribs the third "rib" is interposed should be suitably
packed" or raised in order that they may meet as heretofore when closed.
It will now be seen that the travel of the bellows may be increased by an
amount equal to the width of the third rib."
23
**
The interposed "rib," suitably guided, may be applied to large bellows.
This method of construction may be advantageously employed in reservoirs in
place of the usual inverted "fold "with its attendant "stretching" frame because
the variation of air pressure due to the angular thrust of the ordinary "fold" is
practically eliminated if the working travel, which is but small, is adjusted so
that the ribs attached to the third or central "rib" above mentioned arc
parallel at mid travel.
Dated this 21st day of June 1899.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Pneumatic Apparatus for Organs.
I, VINCENT WILLIS, Organ Builder, 9, Rochester Terrace, Camden Road,
London, N.W., Middlesex, 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:-
.
The object of this invention is to effect an improvement in the response and
reiteration of pneumatic levers.combined with great simplicity of construction.
By the addition of my invention I am enabled to place pneumatic levers of
ordinary or primitive construction on an equality with pneumatic levers con
structed on the more costly methods described in Specifications No. 15,114
A.D. 1884 and No. 15,182 A.D. 1889.
The arrangement of valves etc., which I will presently describe, separated from
the motor apparatus, is peculiarly adapted to effect the coupling or combining
of organs, or sections of organs, and a very efficient pneumatic action adapted
to simple cases is provided by combining an automatic escape valve, preferably
of the kind to be described, with a direct supply through a non-return valve
to the motor bellows.
In the effort to obtain sufficient rapidity of action in pneumatic levers with
imperfect valvular means, the area of the motor bellows is often restricted to the

page_text: utmost and cannot afterwards be enlarged. A method of obtaining an increased
efficiency for a given area would be valuable in such cases and will be described.
This part of the invention is also applicable to bellows and reservoirs of large
dimensions and is especially valuable in increasing the efficiency of feeder area.
The construction of pneumatic levers to which this invention relates is well
known. It consists essentially of a wind-chest to which the motor bellows are
attached. A channel leads from the wind-chest to the motor bellows. A supply
valve, usually of disc form, covers the opening of this channel into the wind-
chest and is connected by a stem to an external escape valve which also communi-
cates with the channel referred to and which valve forms part of, or is attached
to, a small diaphragm pneumatic lever. The distance between these valves is
slightly greater than the thickness of the bottom of the wind-chest in which the
channel is usually constructed and therefore the diaphragm pneumatic lever
when energised forces the supply valve from its seat closes the escape valve and
allows compressed air from the wind-chest to inflate the motor bellows. Upon
the diaphragm pneumatic lever ceasing to be energised the position of the supply
and escape valves changes, i.e. the supply valve closes and the escape valve opens,
thus deflating the motor bellows. It will be seen that the normal position of
the apparatus is that the supply valve is shut and the escape valve open, this
condition of things being reversed when the apparatus is put into action. The
supply and escape valves being on one stem are not independent and loss both
of time and of compressed air results from the escape valve remaining partially
open while the supply valve is opening. Loss is also occasioned by the supply
valve remaining partially open while the escape valve is opening.
Modifications of the construction described are common and the system is
sometimes inverted, the energy of compressed air being applied to the motor
bellows externally instead of internally and attenuated air is sometimes employed.
To secure repetition the apparatus is usually compounded, a minute system,
direct or inverted, actuating the larger.
With all such arrangements "lag" is very perceptible and is due to the
normally open escape valves.
In the Specification of Patent No. 15,114 A.D. 1884, Fig. 9, shews a very
perfect method of alternately operating independent normally closed supply and
escape valves by a combination consisting of a floating lever, a diaphragm
pneumatic lever, and a spring.
In the Specification of Patent No. 15, 182 A.D. 1889, an equally perfect result
with greater simplicity of construction is secured by a combination of two
independent diaphragm pneumatic levers.
In the Specification of Patent No. 13,874 A.D. 1891 the same result is secured
by the automatic action of two auxiliary partially balanced valves. In that
patent the apparatus is described as applicable to the initial impulse but it is
obviously capable also of directly supplying the motor bellows.
In the Specification of Patent No. 5,665 A.D. 1895 Fig. 3 shews a method of
obtaining an instantaneous and variable response by means of a combination
consisting of a partially balanced supply valve a compression chamber, and an
automatic escape valve.
But all the arrangements described in the above specifications necessitate a
departure from that simplicity of construction which it is desirable to retain.
To effect improvement in the response of pneumatic levers of the ordinary con-
struction described I fit what I may describe as the wind-chest end of the com-
munications between the wind-chest and the motor bellows with seatings of the
usual form for supply and escape valves, the effective area of the supply valve
being however considerably reduced because it is no longer required to pass
the compressed air wasted by a normally open escape valve.
I pro-
portion the escape valve seating as if it had to receive a diaphragm
pneumatic lever just capable of operating the supply valve of reduced
area. The supply valve seating is fitted with a light disc valve

page_text: in the usual manner, which valve is connected by a stem to a diaphragm pneu-
matic lever arranged under the escape seating in such a manner that the flexible
part of the diaphragm pneumatic lever forms the escape valve.
Fig. 1, Sheet 1, is a section shewing the arrangement above described.
A is the wind-chest, B the motor bellows, C the channel as commonly arranged.
The reduced supply seating a is fitted with a valve a' which is connected by the
usual stem to the diaphragm pneumatic lever D), arranged as above described.
Eis the escape seating and d is the tube which conveys compressed air to the
diaphragm pneumatic lever D.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:--
On the diaphragm pneumatic lever D being energised or inflated through the
tube by the performer the annular flexible part is instantaneously forced
against the escape valve seating E as indicated by the dotted lines, thereby closing
that vent. The central portion of the diaphragm pneumatic lever D being coupled
to the supply valve by the stem opens the supply valve . The motor
bellows B is now inflated and the central portion of the diaphragm pneumatic
lever 1, having air pressure on either side of it is unable to support the supply
valve which falls on to its seat and automatically limits the supply of com-
pressed air to the quantity lost by leakage of the motor bellows B.
The flexible portion of the diaphragm pneumatic lever 1 retains its position
and closes the escape vent E until (in the case of the apparatus being used to
operate a pipe or set of pipes) the key is released by the performer.
-
Upon the key being released by the performer. the diaphragm pneumatic lever ])
is thereby deflated and the air pressure caused by the load on the motor bellows B
acting upon the portion of the diaphragm pneumatic lever D which is inclosed
by the escape valve seating E forces the annular flexible part away from the
seating E and escapes, simultaneously completing the closing of the supply
valve and deflating the motor bellows B.
It will now be evident that the inherent imperfection of the diaphragm
pneumatic lever as ordinarily constructed riz. the detrimental travel of the
flexible part is, by my invention, employed to effect a useful function and that
when the flexible portion is so utilized one diaphragm pneumatic lever does the
work of two.
.
It will also be evident that the central part of the combined diaphragm pneu-
matic lever and escape valve is held by the supply valve at such times as the
escape valve is required to operate and that the necessary alternate action of the
valves is thereby secured."
The construction of pneumatic lever described may be compounded, inverted,
and operated electrically as before explained in reference to the original con-
struction.
The construction of valve described is equally useful in the larger sizes some-
times employed in the organ. The shape of the valve may, of course, be varied,
but the circular form is to be preferred. Where very perfect soundness is required
the flexible diaphragm may be stiffened by a suitable backing and greater pressure
on the seating obtained.
The arrangement of parts shewn in Fig. 1 permits the easy boxing in of the
escape valves, the noise of which is sometimes objectionable.
An idea of the greatly increased efficiency resulting from the fixing of the
central area of the valve may be obtained by comparing the shaded areas of
Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 2 shews my improved valve and Fig. 3 shews a valve of equal
capacity constructed in the ordinary manner.
It will be evident that the improved valve Fig. 2 is fully opened by the release
of a small part of the compressed air that must be entirely discharged to com-
pletely open a valve as shewn in Fig. 3.
I may point out that the number of moving parts employed to effect the required
alternate action of the supply and escape valves in Patent No. 15,114 A.D. 1884 is

page_text: three, and in Patent No. 15,182 A.D. 1889 is reduced to two, while in the con-
struction above described one only is required.
It will be evident to the expert that the area of the escape valve seating
required to enable the diaphragm pneumatic lever to fulfil its functions as above
described is larger than is absolutely necessary to discharge the motor bellows,
and therefore that a combination of the apparatus above described with the
pneumatic spring K and the suction tube K of Specification No. 5,665 A.D).
1895, will, y permitting a reduction in the area of the diaphragm pneumatic
lever, secure an instantaneity of response inferior only to that obtained by the
means described in the above specification, and also by the consequent reduction
in the travel of the portion of the diaphragm pneumatic lever forming the escape
valve will secure a repetition superior to any arrangement yet known.
As before stated a very efficient simple pneumatic action is provided by com-
bining an escape valve constructed as described with a direct supply through a
non-return valve to the motor bellows.
Fig. 4 is a section shewing an arrangement of this kind. B is the motor bellows,
is the diaphragm escape valve which may advantageously be provided with an
annular backing as described in reference to Fig. 1.
The central area of the escape valve D is held and may be adjusted as required
by the tapped wire to which it is attached in the ordinary manner. The tube <
conveys compressed air to the channel e¹ which is fitted with a non-return valve c
of any simple form, the channel C completing the connection with the motor
bellows B. The passage enables compressed air from the channel c¹ to actuate
the escape valve ]).
:
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-
On the tube being charged with compressed air, compression takes place in
the passage and the channel c¹ simultaneously closing the escape valve 1)
lifting the non-return valve c and inflating the motor bellows B. On the release
of the compressed air in the tube & the escape valve is opened by the air pressure
caused by the load on the motor bellows as in Fig. 1 and the compressed air
from the motor bellows finds instant egress at the vent E, the non-return valve c
preventing any air passing into the tube except from the escape valve D.
It will now be seen that the discharge from the tube d is limited to the minute
quantity of air required to operate the escape valve D instead of the whole
contents of the motor bellows B as heretofore in like arrangements.
Obviously, the simple diaphragm form of escape valve may be employed in
place of the improved valve, but at a loss of efficiency.
When the improved escape valve is arranged above the seat as shewn in
Fig. 4 the suitable backing before mentioned may be made heavy enough to
automatically close the valve with advantage to the response.
The simple form of pneumatic action is often inverted and the improved form
may be similarly arranged if preferred.
The arrangement of valves shewn in Fig. 1 separated from the motor apparatus
may be employed to imitate an impulse at some intermediate point in a tube as
shewn in section in Fig. 5.
The valves are arranged and operate as in Fig. 1 and need not therefore be
described again, but air discharged from the vent E is conveyed to the tube
instead of to free air. An impulse entering at can pass through the vent E
to the tube C and vice versa. An alternative impulse from some other source can
be transmitted through the tube which closes the vent E and charges the tubes C
as explained in reference to Fig. 1.
The improved valve D closes the vent E before the supply valve a¹ is opened
thereby preventing any back current in the tube which has hitherto been a
cause of trouble.
In cases where the area of the motor bellows has been unduly restricted an
increasell travel and therefore an increase of efficiency. for a given area can be
obtained by interposing a third "rib" between the two “ribs forming the
22

page_text: usual simple "fold" in the same manner as the back of a book is interposed
between the boards forming the cover of a book. The external hinges of the pair
of ribs between which ribs the third rib is interposed should be suitably
packed or raised in order that they may meet as heretofore when closed. This
method of construction will be easily understood by considering large work.
Fig. 6 is a section shewing an inflated reservoir of my improved construction.
The ordinary ribs F, Fare hinged to the well and packing piece G in the usual
manner and the rib f is interposed as shewn. The arm fand link f guide the
additional rib and maintain it in a vertical position.
Fig. 7 is a section of a feeder of my improved construction. The ribs F, F' are
hinged to packing pieces G, G¹ and the rib f is interposed as before. To guide
the ribs f, f arms f¹, f¹ are fixed to the ribs in any convenient manner and the
rollers and are fitted to the upper and lower arms respectively interlacing as
shewn thereby providing for the necessary parallel travel.
It will now be seen that the travel of the bellows may be increased by an
amount equal to the width of the third "rib."
This method of construction may be advantageously employed in reservoirs if
the working travel which is but small is adjusted so that the ribs attached to the
third or central rib above described are parallel at mid-travel.
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. Proportioning supply and escape valve seatings as described in reference
to Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings.
2. Utilizing one diaphragm to perform alternately and independently the func-
tions of a valve and of a pneumatic lever, as and for the purposes hereinbefore
described.
3. The improved arrangement of valves for controlling the supply of com-
pressed air to the motor bellows and the discharge therefrom, as shewn in Fig. 1
of the drawings, in which a supply valve such as a¹ is operated by a combined
diaphragm pneumatic lever and escape valve such as D, proportioned and adjusted
as above described.
4. The combination of a diaphragm operating as described in Claim 2 and a
suitably proportioned supply valve with the pneumatic spring K and the suction
tube K of the Specification 5,665 A.1). 1895, hereinbefore referred to, as and for
the purposes described.
5. Increasing the efficiency of the diaphragm type of valve by limiting or
preventing useless travel at and near the centre of the diaphragm.
6. The improved construction of diaphragm valves as described in reference
to Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.
7. The arrangement shewn in Fig. 4 for accelerating the deflation of motor
bellows, actuated from a remote wind-chest. by the application of an escape
valve, preferably of the improved form as shewn at 1), combined with a non-
return valve such as operating as hereinbefore described.
8. The improved arrangement for effecting the coupling of organs, or sections
of organs, as described in reference to Fig. 5 of the drawings.
9. Increasing the efficiency of bellows by interposing a suitably guided middle
rib between the pair of ribs forming the ordinary fold, as described in reference to
Figs. 6, and 7 of the drawings.
Dated this Nineteenth day of March 1900.