Improvements in Automatic Coin Controlled Devices for Musical Instruments.
Year: 1892

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Automatic Coin Controlled Devices for Musical
Instruments.
I, DOMINICK GENOVESE, of 1037 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, in the County
of Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, United States of America, Inventor,
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 relates to certain improvements in coin-controlled apparatus for
musical instruments.
The object of the invention is to provide an improved coin-controlled apparatus
for musical instruments exceedingly simple, cheap, and durable in construction and
composed of a minimum number of parts, whereby the devices which release or
start the motor in operation cannot be operated until a coin of suitable size and
weight has been dropped into the machine.
The invention consists in certain novel features of construction and in com-
binations of parts more fully described hereinafter, and particularly pointed out in
the claims.
Referring to the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a vertical section of the automatic self-acting piano, a portion of the
operating parts thereof being shown in dotted lines, my invention being shown
applied thereto in full lines.
Fig. 2 is an exterior perspective view of part of the case of the instrument.
Figs. 3 and 4 are detail sectional views.
Figs. 5 and 6 are detail views of various forms of stops or locks to hold the
motor.
1
In the drawings, a indicates the case of an automatic self-acting piano or other
motor-driven instrument.
b indicates the driving-gear, (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1,) driven by a suitable
motor (not here shown) preferably located in the case. This operating-gear b
meshes with and drives the gear c. (Shown in dotted lines on one side of the
cylinder d, which is also shown in dotted lines.) This cylinder is rotated by the
motor and has its periphery provided with series of radial projecting teeth or pins
arranged suitably, as in an ordinary music-box, to cause the hammers e (also shown
in dotted lines) to strike the chords f (shown in dotted lines) to produce the musical
tones in proper sequence, as desired.
indicates the regulator-fan of the motor.
In carrying out my invention suitable stop mechanism. is provided, which controls
the movements of the motor and cylinder, so that when the stop is released the
cylinder will rotate a certain distance to produce one or more' tunes, and will then
be automatically stopped and held, suitable mechanism being provided, so that the
stop mechanism cannot be operated until released by suitable means controlled by
coins of a certain size and weight. The preferred mechanisms for these purposes
are constructed substantially as here set forth. The cylinder is provided with one

page_text: or more radial projections or lugs h, according as to whether it is desired that the
cylinder shall rotate entire revolutions or only partial revolutions each time it is
released.
l
The
indicates a stop-wheel mounted in suitable bearings, such as j, rigidly secured to
hold the stop-wheel parallel and adjacent to a portion of the cylinder provided with
the stop projection or lug h. This stop-wheel is provided with the peripheral radial
lugs or projections k, arranged to project successively into the path of the
projection, carried by the cylinder. It will thus be seen that the stop-wheel will
be rotated one tooth or projection every time the cylinder revolves unless the stop-
wheel is held rigidly, in which case it will rigidly hold the cylinder through the
medium of projection and a tooth or projection k. The stop-wheel is held by
means of lateral lugs or projections on its face, these lugs being suitably arranged
in relation to the teeth or projections k, so that the cylinder can revolve twice, and
thus move the stop-wheel the distance between two teeth before the stop-wheel will
be rigidly held by the pivoted lever m engaging one of the stops l. This lever is
pivoted to a suitable support at one end to permit vertical swing, so that its opposite
end can swing above or in front of one of the lugs 1, so that the lug will strike the
end of the lever and press the same in the line of its length. This locking-lever m
is controlled by a horizontally-arranged swinging lever n, fulcrumed at o between
its ends and at one end pivotally secured to the free end of locking-lever m.
opposite end of lever n is located beneath the lateral projection p of the vertically-
movable slide 9, provided with suitable means for holding it in position, so that it
can be vertically reciprocated, and having a spring for yieldingly holding it at its
limit of upward movement and so that the lateral lug p will be a distance above the
free end of lever n. A springs is provided to yieldingly hold the locking-lever n
in its normal position, which is the locking position, as shown in Fig. 1
.spring preferably bears on the end of lever n, as shown. The push-rod or slide
is provided with a pin extending through the slot u in the side of the case, which is
provided with the exterior knob or handle t, so that the push-rod can be forced
down. This push-rod has a lateral projection 1 at its upper end of such length that
when the projection 2 of the swinging coinway 3 is in its normal position resting
on stop 4 the push-rod y cannot be forced down a sufficient distance to swing lever n,
as the end or projection 2 rests in the path of projection 1. The coin of the proper
size is received in the opening of the guideway 5 at the exterior, preferably the top
of the case, which drops the coin into the upper end of the swinging coinway 3. This
coinway is mounted on the pivot 6 to swing vertically between the stops 4 and 7
and is so weighted or balanced that when the coin of a proper weight is dropped in
its upper end it will roll to the lower end, where the coin is stopped and the weighted
closed end of the guideway carrying projection 2 is swung up to stop 7, so that the
projection 2 is moved up out of the path of projection 1 of the push-rod, thereby
allowing the push-rod to move its full stroke and force down the free end of lever n
and release the locking-lever m from the stop-wheel, thereby allowing the stop-
wheel to revolve and release the cylinder. As soon as the push-rod is forced down
its full distance it should be released, and the parts will be returned to their normal
positions by springs and s, so that the locking-lever n will be in position to again.
lock the stop-wheel and cylinder when they have moved a certain predetermined
distance.
This
Suitable means can be provided at the end of the swinging way to hold the coin
therein and the projection 2 raised until the push-rod can be forced down. This
stop device shown consists of the swinging lever 8, mounted above the open top of the
lower end of the way. One end of this lever is provided with the projecting arm 9,
by which the lever is raised to lift the projection 10 at the other end of the lever a
suitable distance above the top of the way out of the path in which the coin moves,
a spring, such as 11, being provided to hold the lever 8 in its normal position with
said projection extending into the way to engage the edge of the coin. By this
arrangement if a coin of smaller size than required is dropped into the device it will
roll under the projection 10 and will not be stopped thereby, but will drop imme-

page_text: diately from the swinging way and not hold the same down long enough to allow.
the full stroke of the push-rod. A light coin of the proper size will not swing the
pivoted way, and the sides of the opening of the guide 5 will not permit the entrance
of a coin of right weight and large size. The stop or gate at the end of the
swinging way is automatically opened where the push-rod is depressed by means of
the rod 12, rigid with the push-rod and extending laterally therefrom and provided
with a bent end adapted to engage projection 9 and depress the same when the
push-rod is forced down its full length, thereby opening the end of the swinging
way when swung down its full distance. The coin from way 3 drops into the rigid
inclined way 13, from which it rolls into the open funnel 14, rigid with the money-
box 15. This money-box is rigidly secured in the case, and it has a swinging cover
provided with a funnel-shaped opening 14 and a padlock or other suitable lock 16,
provided to lock the cover. This money-box is preferably removably secured to
the case, so that the box containing the money can be removed and an empty one
substituted whenever desired, so that although a person may have access to the
case he has not access to the box unless provided with a key.
With the apparatus thus far described it might be possible to drop in a sixpence,
if that be the coin required, and force down the push-rod to release the stop
mechanism and then hold down said rod and allow the machine to play as long as
desired. To prevent this being done, a brake or stop device is provided, which
holds and prevents operation of the mechanism when the push-rod is depressed.
Various specific constructions can be used for this purpose, the device in Fig. 1
consisting of the lever 17, pivoted at one end so as to extend beneath the lateral
projection p of the push-rod, having its free end upheld by spring 18 and connected.
by means of a rigid rod 19 with the free end of swinging arm 20, located in
proximity to the regulator g. Thus when the push-rod 7 is forced down the lever 17
is depressed and the arm 20 is thrown into the path of the regulator 9, thereby
preventing operation of the machine. When the push-rod is released and returns
to its normal position, this brake or stop mechanism 17, 19, and 20 is returned to
its normal position by the spring 18 and the regulator is allowed its free movement.
If desired, the arm 20 might carry a brake-shoe to engage the regulator-shaft when
depressed. Of course it is evident that various means of stopping and braking
mechanisms can be provided.
Figs. 5 and 6 show a different construction. In these figures 28 indicates a
longitudinally-movable locking-lever having the hooked end 22 to engage the
lateral lugs of the stop-wheel, mounted on pivot 29, extending through longitudinal
slot 40 of the lever 28 to permit the longitudinal movement hereinafter referred to.
Said lever is provided with the spring 30 to draw the lever back away from the
stop-wheel and to draw the hooked end of the same down on the lateral lugs thereof.
31 indicates the shaft of the regulator, and 32 indicates the swinging lever, at one
end provided with a brake-shoe to bear down on the regulator-shaft and stop the
motor and at its opposite end, on the other side of its fulcrum, connected by cord 33
to the end of the locking-lever 28. The direction of the cord can be changed by
pulley, as shown. Fig. 5 shows the parts in locked position. When lever 28 is
swung by the push-rod g to release the stop-wheel, it raises the brake-shoe from-
the regulator-shaft by the cord 33, the spring 30 drawing the hook of the lever 28
down and throwing the lever back, so that the cord 33 is loosed and the hooked
end of the lever 28 drops down on the next pin . As the stop-wheel revolves
it lifts the hooked end of lever 28 and draws the lever forward, and as the lever 28
is drawn forward it tightens the brake shoe on the regulator-shaft and protects the
motor before the lever 28 brings the stop-wheel to a sudden stop. The shape of
the guide 5 is such that a wire or other implement cannot be inserted to depress the
end of the swinging coinway.
It is obvious that various changes and modifications might be made in the form,
constructions, and arrangements of the parts described without departing from the
spirit and scope of my invention. Hence I do not wish to limit myself to the exact
construction herein shown and set forth; but,

page_text: 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 I
claim is :-
1: In a musical instrument, the operating mechanism comprising the cylinder
driven by the motor; in combination with an automatic stop mechanism arranged
so that when released it will permit the cylinder to rotate a certain distance and
will then automatically stop it, releasing mechanism arranged when operated by
hand to operate said stop mechanism to release said cylinder, and a movable coin-
controlled apparatus normally extending into the path of and locking said
releasing mechanism against operative movement and arranged to move out of
said path and release the same when the proper coin is received, substantially as
described.
2. In combination, a stop mechanism for the operative parts of the motor-driven
instrument, a hand releasing mechanism normally locking said stop mechanism and
arranged to operate the same to release said operative parts of the instrument
when moved to its limit in one direction, and a freely-movable counter-weighted
coin-controlled mechanism normally extending into the path of said releasing
mechanism, so as to prevent the operation thereof, and arranged to swing out of.
the path thereof by the weight of a proper coin, substantially as set forth.
3. In combination, a stop mechanism for the operative parts of the motor-
driven instrument, a swinging lever controlling the stop mechanism, a push-rod
arranged to swing said lever to release said stop mechanism, a handle at the
exterior of the instrument to reciprocate the push-rod, and a coin-controlled
apparatus controlling the movements of the push-rod, comprising a swinging coin-
way normally projecting into the path of said rod to prevent operative movement
thereof and arranged to swing out of said path when it receives the proper coin,
substantially as set forth.
4. In combination, the operating mechanism of a motor-driven musical instru-
ment, the stop mechanism therefor, a brake operating on the motor, a releasing-
slide arranged and constructed to release said stop-mechanism when forced in one
direction, and connections connected with said brake and arranged and constructed
to apply said brake when said slide is forced in the direction to release said stop
mechanism, substantially as described.
5. In combination, the cylinder, the stop-wheel therefor, having the teeth to
engage a lug on the cylinder, and having lateral projections, a locking-lever to
engage said lateral projections, a releasing push-rod to operate said lever to release
the wheel, said push-rod having an operating handle or knob at the exterior of
the instrument and having a lug or projection, and a swinging coinway having an
eud normally resting in the path of said push-rod projection to prevent the push-
rod releasing the stop and arranged so that when a coin is received into the way
it will swing from the path of the push-rod, all arranged substantially as set.
forth.
6. The combination of a motor-driven cylinder of a musical instrument,
provided with a lateral lug, a stop-wheel provided with projections extending into
the path of said lug, a swinging locking-lever provided with a spring to automatically
force it into engagement with lugs of said wheel to lock the same and the cylinder,
a push-rod constructed and arranged when forced in one direction to release said
locking-lever from said wheel, and a coin-controlled apparatus comprising a swinging
coinway normally projecting into the path of one of said movable parts to prevent
release of the locking lever and arranged to swing out of said path when a proper
coin is received, substantially as described.
7. The combination of the operating mechanism of a motor-driven musical
instrument, a stop-wheel provided with radial lugs to engage a stop projection on a
rotary part of said mechanism, a locking-lever for said wheel provided with a
spring constantly tending to force it into locking engagement with lugs of said wheel,
whereby when the locking-lever is released said wheel can rotate until another lug is

page_text: caught by the wheel, a releasing mechanism for said lever, and a swinging balanced
coinway normally projecting into the path of the releasing mechanism to prevent
releasing movement of said mechanism and to swing out of said path when a proper
coin is received thereinto, substantially as described.
8. The combination of a rotary cylinder of a power-driven musical instrument,
an automatic stop mechanism therefor, a releasing mechanism for said stop
mechanism, comprising a push-rod having an exterior handle, a swinging balanced
coinway normally projecting into the path of said push-rod to prevent operative
movement thereof and arranged to move out of said path when the proper coin is
received, the coin-detaining device at the discharge end of said way, comprising a
movable stop, and means carried by said push-rod, constructed and arranged to
operate said stop to open the way when the push-rod is moved a distance, to operate
substantially as described.
9. The combination of the rotary cylinder having a stop projection, the stop-
wheel having the radial lugs extending into the path of said projection and having
side lugs, a locking-lever yieldingly held in the path of said side lugs to lock the
stop-wheel, releasing mechanism to release said locking-lever, comprising a push-
rod having lateral projections and a spring to return it to its normal position, and
an exterior handle, a swinging coinway having a projection normally resting in the
path of a projection of said rod and arranged to swing from the same when it
receives the coin and provided with a coin-detaining device, and an arm carried by
said rod to operate said coin-detainer, substantially as described.
D
1 .
1000
F. W. BARKER,
Applicant's Agent.