Improved Front Escapement in the Check Action of Flames.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Mar.; 1889
Specification Acceoted, 11th May, 1889
Improved Front Escapement in the Check Action of Flames.
I, JAMES HATTON LAMB of 9 Hartland Grove Kentish Town London do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to bo
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement and illustrated by the accompanying drawings
This invention consists of a front escapement or set off in connection with the
sticker of a check action. The set off to the sticker is for preference made at right
angles to the sticker and as soon as the wire rod carrying check head is fitted into this
set off it is cut sharply in a downward direction and then again in an upward
direction the latter slope making an angle with the length of the set off of about
30 degrees, a slight slope outwardly to its finish then terminates the top outline of
this set off which at this point actuates the damper. The underneath side of the end
of this set off is cut away for lightness. Above the sloping plane before referred to
and fixed in its required position is a small leather button, formed with a slightly
convex surface, and this button is backed up with wood and permanently fixed to the
framework of the Piano, this button or perinanent projecting piece is so fixed in its
exact position in relationship to the moveable sloping plane below, that when this
inclined plane is raised against this button by means of the action of the sticker, then
the said sticker is forced forwards thus allowing the hammer to fall back slightly
from its contact with the wires of the instrument, also when this front set off is raised
by the action of the sticker the damper is withdrawn from the wire through the
agency of the rod worked from the end of such front set off, and when the set off falls
then the damper again falls against the wire.
By means of my invention I obtain increased lightness of touch on the keys of the
instrument and also a much more perfect repeat action.
In order that the nature of my said improvements may be the more fully under-
stood I will proceed to describe the various Figures on the sheet of drawings hereunto
annexed, all of which figures are marked with the like letters of reference throughout.
Figure 1. is a side elevation of a check action in a Pianoforte shewing my improve-
ments.

page_text: A is the front set off having the sloping plane marked, A', cut in same which when
thrown against the fixed button or projecting piece, A", causes this front set off to
move forwards.
B is the sticker which is moved upwards by the action of the end of the Key.
C is the Hammer rail, D is the rod actuating the damper, E is the check head,
F the butt of Hammer, and G is the balance haminer.
Figure 2 is a perspective sketch shewing the principle Points of my Improvements.
As my Improvements are capable of various modifications, without departing from
the principle thereof, I do not restrict myself to materials, dimensions or the precise
form or placement of the several parts thereof.
Having now fully described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is.
A front escapement in the check action of a Pianoforte substantially as hereinbefore
described in this specification and illustrated by the accompanying drawings and for
the purposes set forth. .
Dated this 28th day of March 1889.
RAYNER & CASSELL,
37, Chancery Lane, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant."
RAYNER & CASSELL,
37, Chancery Lane, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.