An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Writing Music Prepara- tory to Printing same by Lithographic or similar Means.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Dec., 1887
Complete Specification Left, 21st July, 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 24th Aug., 188
An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Writing Music Prepara-
tory to Printing same by Lithographic or similar Means.
I, GEORGE GATTON MELHUISH HARDINGHAM, of 191, Fleet Street, in the City of
London, Civil Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention (as communicated to me from abroad by Angelo Tessaro, of Padua, in the
Kingdom of Italy, Engineer,) to be as follows:-
This invention relates to an improved method of and apparatus for writing music
upon, or for transfer to, stone or zinc for lithographic purposes, whereby the cost of
the process and therefore of the printed music is materially lessened and comparatively
unskilled labour rendered available.
Instead of each note, character, mark or line, being separately impressed, written or
drawn by hand in the usual manner, such method requiring considerable practice
to ensure a regular and satisfactory result, I employ apparatus of the following
description for facilitating such drafting-The prepared surface upon which the
musical composition is to be written prior to being transferred to the stone or zinc
is mounted upon a turntable, arranged in the centre of a metallic frame grooved on
two opposite sides and graduated on two adjacent sides. A rectangular bar or
carrier is arranged to slide to and fro between the grooved sides of the frame. One
of these sides is movable and is provided with two set-screws in order that the said
bar (hereinafter called the main carrier) may be locked in any desired position. The
main carrier is preferably grooved at its edge or edges and is fitted with two sliding
blocks; each of which may be clamped to the former by means of a set-screw. Upon
one of these blocks is mounted another bar or carrier, (hereinafter termed the
secondary_carrier), the normal position of which is at right angles to the main
carrier. Upon the other block is mounted a printing device by means of which the
different notes and characters are produced. A pointer extending over the index on
the side of the frame is attached to each of the sliding blocks. The secondary
carrier is attached to its sliding block by means of three set-screws placed within
three open slots cut at right angles to the axis of the main carrier, the two outside
slots being short and the central one comparatively long. When all three screws are
in action, the secondary carrier is only capable of assuming one angular position. When,

page_text: on the other hand, the central screw is alone in use, the said carrier may be turned
to any desired angle with respect to the main carrier. The opposite extremity of the
carrier is provided with a longitudinal slot through which passes a set-screw capable
of sliding along a groove in the side of the frame and whereby this extremity of the
carrier may, when desired, be clamped.
Upon the secondary carrier is mounted a third sliding block which carries the ruling
device; the latter being secured to the said block by means of two set-screws
engaging in open slots of equal length cut transversely to the axis of the last named
carrier. Thus the ruling device may be arranged to project from either side of the
block on the secondary carrier; or it may be attached to one of the blocks on the
main carrier. The ruling device consists principally of a pivotted frame containing
an inking roller which is caused to revolve automatically by contact with the ruling
dise; the pressure upon the latter being adjustable, and its position being capable of
variation according to the spaces between the lines constituting each staff. The
frame is pressed down by means of a suitable spring, and yields whilst passing over
any inequalities which the prepared surface may present.
The printing device is secured to the main carrier by means of three set-screws,
similarly to the manner in which the secondary carrier is attached to the main carrier.
The device consists principally of an inking roller mounted in a rectangular frame,
in front of which is pivotted a stem containing a slide for holding the die or type
representing the particular note, character or mark to be produced. The stem is
tilted over until the note, character or mark, arrives in contact with the inking
roller, which is slightly rotated during the operation, in order that a freshly inked
surface may he presented each successive time it is required for use. The stem is
then caused to resume its upright or normal position, and the slide is depressed
until the note, character or mark, arrives in contact with the prepared surface. The
stem is provided with a spring and other accessory parts in order that the different
operations may be carried out with facility and perfection.
Instead of a slide containing only one note, character or mark, I sometimes employ
a slide provided at its lower extremity with a roller containing a series of such
characters, the said roller being held in position by means of a suitable catch.
For ruling lines, I also use a slide to which a ruling pen is attached, preferably
by means of a spring-device in order that a yielding movement may be ensured.
I draw any curved lines that may be required, by means of a separate appliance
secured to one of the sliding blocks, and consisting of a ruling pen mounted tele-
scopically and provided with an universal joint; detachable curved guide-plates of
the requisite shape being employed in conjunction therewith.
For making any necessary corrections, either on the stone or zinc, the incorrect
portions are obliterated by means of a composition of 2 parts of guttapercha to 1 part
of silex and 2 parts of litharge, the whole being warmed together to a temperature of
about 360 C. For effecting the alterations, a machine substantially as described, but
fitted with rollers to facilitate locomotion may be employed. For this duty the
notes, characters or marks are prepared from a composition having a semi-elastic
nature.

page_text: An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Writing Music Prepara-
tory to Printing same by Lithographic or similar Means.
1. GEORGE GATTON MELHUISH HARDINGHAM, of 191, Fleet Street, in the City of
London, Civil Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention (a communication to me from abroad by Angelo Tessaro, of Padua,
in the Kingdom of Italy, Engineer,) and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to an improved method of and apparatus for writing music
upon or for transfer to stone or zinc for lithographic purposes, whereby the cost of
the process and therefore of the printed music is materially lessened and comparatively
unskilled labour rendered available.
Instead of each note, character, mark or line being separately impressed, written,
engraved or drawn by hand in the usual manner, such method requiring considerable
practice to ensure a regular and satisfactory result, I employ, for facilitating such
drafting, apparatus of the kind illustrated in the accompanying drawings, whereof
Fig. 1 represents in plan the body of the device with the carriers for the ruling
and printing devices mounted thereon; the latter appliances being, however,
omitted. In Figs. 2 and 3, the framework is shewn in plan and sectional end
elevation respectively. In Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the main sliding carrier and the carrier-
block are shewn in plan, side elevation and cross section. Figs. and S represent.
in plan and side elevation the secondary carrier with its sliding block. In
Figs. 9, 10 and 11, the ruling device is shewn in end and side elevation and plan
respectively; these Figures, together with those hereinafter described, being drawn
to an enlarged scale. Figs. 12 and 13 are a side and an end elevation of the
printing device Figs. 14 and 15 being a sectional end elevation and a plan of a
portion of the framework appertaining to the latter. Figs. 16 and 17 represent in
side and end elevation the indicator or pointer employed with and pivotted to the
printing device. Figs. 18 and 19 are an end and a side elevation of the bar carrying
the dies or types representing the particular notes, characters or marks to be pro-
duced. Fig. 20 shews a modified form of bar containing only one particular die or
type. Figs. 21 and 22 shew in side elevation and in plan the ruling pen which,
when in use, is attached to the slide of the printing device. Figs. 23 and 24 are an
end and a side elevation and Figure 25 a plan of an independent support sometimes
employed for holding the ruling pen before referred to. Figs. 26, 27 and 28 are an
end and a side elevation and a plan of the holder for the detachable guide-plates
employed for ruling curved lines. And, lastly, Figs. 29 and 30 shew the inking
roller in side and end elevation respectively.
1

page_text: The prepared surface (preferably of transfer paper), upon which the musical
composition is to be written prior to being transferred to the stone or zinc, is mounted
upon a turntable a, arranged in the centre of a metallic frame A B C D. A rectan-
gular bar or carrier E is arranged to slide to and fro between the opposite sides A and C.
The angle-piece c is movable and is provided with a set-screw a¹ or set-screws in
order that the bar E (hereinafter called the main carrier) may be locked in any
desired position. The main carrier is preferably grooved or inclined at its edge
or edges and is fitted with a sliding block F, capable of being clamped in the desired
position by means of a set-scrow f: a second sliding block being sometimes added.
Upon the block F is mounted another bar or carrier G (hereinafter termed the
secondary carrier), the normal position of which is at right angles to the main
carrier. The same block, or a second block when used, serves to carry a printing
device (hereinafter described) by means of which the different notes and characters
are produced. A pointer f (Figs. 4, 5 and 6) extending over the index on the side
of the frame is attached to the sliding block or blocks. The secondary carrier is
attached to the sliding block F by means of a set-screw f¹, although more than one
set-screw may be employed if preferred. The opposite extremity of the carrier G
may be provided with a longitudinal slot for the reception of a set-screw adapted
to slite along a groove in the side D of the frame, and whereby this extremity of the
carrier may, when desired, be clamped. In the present illustration, however, the free
end of the carrier is merely provided with a pointer g.
Upon the secondary carrier is mounted another sliding block Harranged to carry
the ruling device (hereinafter described); the latter being secured to the said block
by means of the set-screw h, although more than one set-screw may be employed, if
preferred. Thus the ruling device may be arranged to project from either side of the
block on the secondary carrier; or it may be attached to the block, or either of the
blocks, on the main carrier.
The turntable a is mounted on the plate a². Two opposite sides of the latter are
flat to permit of the former being slipped or placed in position; the remaining two
sides being circular and bevelled at the edges for the reception of guides fixed beneath
the turntable a. The studs a at are intended to fit in corresponding holes formed in
the zine plates for their reception. The plate a² may be locked and rendered
immovable by means of the screw a. The graduated plates A', B₁ and D¹ are
preferably made of brass and are separately fixed to the framework of the apparatus.
The main carrier E is provided with a pointer e extending over the scale A¹.
The ruling device (Figs. 9, 10 and 11) consists principally of a pivotted frame k,
containing an inking roller, the position of which is dotted in Fig. 10. The inking
roller is caused to revolve automatically by contact with the ruling disc k¹. The
latter is preferably formed of ivory. The inking roller is mounted in sliding
bearings, and is maintained in contact with the disc by means of the pressure
exerted by the pivotted lever-shaped springs. The latter are adjusted or regulated
by the thumb-screws acting on their shorter arms. The ruling disc rotates
between the pivots ; the pivot being screwed into, and unscrewed out of, place
by hand in order to facilitate the withdrawal of the disc or the insertion of another
disc when required. The pivotted frame k is attached to the carrier-block by means
of the thumb-screw appertaining to the latter engaging with the slot in the plate
The disc is withdrawn from contact with the prepared surface upon which the lines
are to be ruled by partially rotating the thumb-piece. The pressure of the disc k¹
upon the prepared surface is regulated by means of the curved spring adjusted by
the thumb-screw kº. The pivotted frame k, being pressed down by means of a spring,
yields in order to permit the disc ¹ to pass over any inequalities that may be
encountered whilst the lines are being ruled.
.
The printing device (Figs. 12 to 17) is secured to the carrier-block For H (as the
case may be in a similar way to that hereinbefore described with reference to
the ruling device. It consists principally of an inking roller m, mounted in a
rectangular frame m¹, in front of which is pivotted a stem m², containing a slide_m³
for holding the bar (hereinafter described) carrying the dies or types representing

page_text: the particular notes, characters or marks to be produced. The stem m³ is provided
with a roller m³ for running along the guide m; the surface of the latter being first
inclined and then vertical. The stem m² is tilted over until the die or type in the
bar attached to the slide m³ arrives in contact with the inking roller m; the latter
being slightly rotated during the operation, in order that a freshly inked surface may
be presented each successive time it is required for use. The stem is then further
tilted over and caused to assume a position in which the slide may be depressed until
the die or type arrives in contact with the prepared surface. The return movement
of the stem is effected by the spring m. The slide m³ is maintained in its highest
position by means of two spiral springs, one of which, m³, is shewn in Fig. 13. The
thumb-piece m, which is acted on by the spring m', on being partially rotated
operates, through the instrumentality of the slide m³, the indicator m³. The spring m10
acts upon and causes the indicator m³ to always remain in contact with the
slide m. The indicator m' serves to determine the extent to which the stem m² must
be rotated prior to the depression of the slide m³ for printing any particular note,
character or mark. The widths of the musical staff are engraved on the plate m¹¹,
which slides in the supports m12 on the framework m¹; the plate m being changeable
for different widths of staff. The height of the latter is adjusted vertically by means
of the thumb-screw m¹. The bar m18, Figs. 18 and 19, which when in use is attached
to the slide m³, carries at its lower extremity a roller m containing a series of dies
or types corresponding with the different notes, characters or marks to be written.
The dies or types are inserted in the radial compartments cut for their reception
in the roller, and are retained in place by means of the cover m¹8. The latter is
provided with a series of notches one of the notches being opposite the centre of
each of the compartments. A catch-piece m¹ is caused to engage with these notches
by means of the spring 20; the roller m being, by these means, retained in any
desired position. Any particular die or type contained in the roller m" is brought
into the printing position by means of the finger-piece m². The latter is provided
with a spur-wheel m2, and the roller m with a crown-wheel m23: the two toothed
wheels being in communication with each other through the rod m² and the pinions
mounted thereon. The bar m¹ is fitted with an index or pointer extending over the
upper surface of the finger-piece m2; the latter being marked with characters
corresponding with the dies or types contained in the roller m. By these means, the
particular position of the dies or types may be determined at a glance. The curved
plates m act as covers to protect the roller m and its contents. The bar m
is attached to the slide m³ by means of the screw m². Fig. 20 represents a bar
adapted for carrying only one die or type. This modified form of bar is attached to
the slide ma by the screw m20 in a similar way to that described with reference to
Figs. 18 and 19.
25
28
16
For ruling lines, I also use a bar m², Figs. 21 and 22, fixed to the slide m³ and
to which a ruling pen m² is movably attached. In order that a yielding motion may
be ensured, the drawing pen is pivotted, by means of the screw m², to the vertical
sliding rod m30; its movement being limited in one direction by a suitable stop, such
as the head of the screw m³, and controlled in the opposite direction by the spring m³².
The latter, however, permits the pen m² to yield sufficiently to enable it to pass over
any inequalities that may be encountered on the prepared surface upon which the lines
are being ruled. The head of the screw m33, by means of which the pen m28 is
adjusted, is suitably graduated in order that uniformity of adjustment may be ensured;
m being a pivotted index or pointer extending over such graduations. The height
of the drawing pen is adjusted vertically by slipping the sliding rod m³ more or less
through the elastic jaws of the clip m³. Its position is adjusted transversely by means
of the finger-piece m³ secured to a spindle m³7 mounted rotatively within the
support min which the clip m³ is fastened. The support m38 slides along grooves
formed on the lower portion of the bar m27. The spindle m³ is provided with a
pinion gearing with a rack situated on the bar m² between the grooves previously
referred to. By turning the finger-piece m³, and consequently the pinion-spindle m³,
the support m and therefore the drawing pen m28 is caused to advance towards or

page_text: recede from the bar m², as will be readily understood. The inner flange of the finger-
piece m³ is graduated by means of notches cut in its periphery. A catch-piece or
spring m³ engages with these notches, and holds the finger-piece m³ in any desired
position. The bar m27 is secured to the slide 37 by means of the thumb-screw 10
in a way similar to that already described with reference to the bars carrying the
dies or types. Instead of attaching the ruling pen to the printing device, I some-
times employ the independent support represented in Figs. 23, 24 and 25.
I draw any curved lines that may be required with the aid of detachable curved
guide-plates of the requisite shape. In Figs. 26, 27 and 28, the guide-plate o is
secured by means of a pivotted eccentric o to a support or holder of adapted for
attachment to the carrier-block; the eccentric o² being provided, for the purpose
of facilitating manipulation, with the handle 3. The drawing pen employed may be
of the ordinary construction, or it may be mounted telesopically on the support o
and provided with an universal joint.
The inking roller r, Figs. 29 and 30, consists of a cylinder formed of a gelatinous
substance and mounted on a suitable axle.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-Over a plate of zine of suitable size
is stretched a sheet of transfer paper. The paper-covered zime is then placed on the
turntable in the centre of the framework, and the secondary carrier fixed to the
carrier-block on the main carrier. The ruling device is then attached to the carrier-
block on the secondary carrier, and the latter fixed in the proper place. This is
indicated by the position of the pointer, with which the extremity of the said carrier is
provided, in relation to the scale on the side of the framework. The finger-piece on
the ruling device having been partially rotated, and the ruling disc consequently
permitted to arrive in contact with the prepared surface, the lines which form the
staff may be ruled by causing the carrier-block to which the ruling device is attached
to slide along the secondary carrier. After the horizontal lines have been ruled, the
secondary carrier with the ruling device are removed and the printing device is
secured in their place to the carrier-block on the main carrier. Then by means of the
indicator and the pointer attached respectively to the printing device and the main
carrier, the different notes, marks or characters it is desired to produce may be
written in their proper relative positions in the manner previously pointed out in the
description of the printing device. The latter appliance may be operated either from
the left to the right or from the right to the left, according to the wish of the user.
The writing of the different notes, marks or characters having been accomplished, the
bar carrying the dies or types is removed from the printing device, and the ruling
pen substituted in its place unless it be preferred to employ the independent support
which is sometimes used with the ruling pen, in which case the printing device
would be bodily detached from the carrier-block on the main carrier, in order to
make way for the independent support above referred to. The ruling of all the
vertical lines required may then be easily accomplished. The corresponding
horizontal lines may be ruled with the aid of the secondary carrier by removing
the ruling pen to the sliding block on the latter and connecting the secondary
carrier with the main carrier in a position at right angles thereto. By causing the
secondary carrier to assume a different angular position with respect to the main
carrier, all the sloping lines may be obtained. The curved lines may then be ruled
by means of the curved guide-plates provided for the purpose. The writing of the
musical composition having now been accomplished, the paper is cut and the written
music transferred to the stone or zinc from which the printed copies are to be
produced.
For making any necessary corrections, either on the stone or zine, the incorrect
portions are obliterated by means of a composition of 2 parts of gutta-percha to 1
part of silex and 2 parts of litharge, the whole being warmed together to a tempe-
rature of about 360 C. For effecting the alterations, a machine substantially
as described may
be employed. For this duty, the notes, characters or marks
are suitably modified and prepared from a composition having a semi-elastic
nature....

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
1. The improved method of writing or forming musical notes or pages of music
preparatory to printing same by lithographic or similar means, substantially as
described.
2. The improved apparatus for enabling music to be written, musical notes or pages
of music to be formed preparatory to printing same by lithographic or similar means,
substantially as set forth and illustrated in the annexed drawings.
3. For writing and preparing musical compositions, apparatus comprising one or
more carriers upon which suitable appliances for producing the different lines, notes,
characters or marks required are mounted; the said apparatus being arranged and
operating substantially as described and illustrated in the annexed drawings.
4. For writing and preparing musical compositions, apparatus comprising a
graduated framework containing a sliding carrier upon which a secondary sliding
carrier may be mounted one or both of the sliding carriers having a sliding block or
blocks for the reception of printing or ruling devices, substantially as set forth and
shewn in the annexed drawings.
5. The ruling device arranged and operating substantially as herein described and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and comprising a pivotted frame containing
an inking roller caused to revolve automatically by contact with the ruling disc, the
required pressure of the inking roller on the ruling disc and of the latter on the
prepared surface being obtained by means of independent adjustable springs.
6. The printing device arranged and operating substantially as set forth and
illustrated in the drawings annexed and comprising an inking roller mounted in a
suitable frame, in which frame is pivotted a stem containing a slide for directly or
indirectly holding the dies or types representing the particular notes, characters or
marks to be produced; the said stem, after the contact of the die or type with the
inking roller, partaking of a radial movement about its pivot to enable the slide to be
employed for writing on the prepared surface, the stem and slide being preferably
held in their respective normal positions by means of independent springs.
પ
7. The use in writing and preparing musical compositions, of a slide or bar carrying
at its lower extremity a roller divided into a number of radial compartments for the
reception of the dies or types employed, substantially as herein described and
illustrated in the drawings annexed.
S. The use in writing and preparing musical compositions of a ruling pen attached
to its support by means of a spring-device arranged and operating substantially as set
forth.
9. For ruling curved lines in musical compositions, detachable curved guide-plates
employed substantially as herein described.