IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO REED-ORGANS AND SIMILAR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PROVIDED WITH MEANS FOR THE MECHANICAL AND MANUAL OPERATION OF THE SAME
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
"
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
'IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO REED-ORGANS AND SIMILAR MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS PROVIDED WITH MEANS FOR THE MECHANICAL AND MANUAL
OPERATION OF THE SAME." A communication from abroad by James Morgan,
of Brooklyn. New York. United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th March 1881.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO REED-
ORGANS AND SIMILAR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PROVIDED WITH MEANS FOR THE
MECHANICAL AND MANUAL OPERATION OF THE SAME." [A communication from
abroad by James Morgan, of Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to improvements in musical instruments adapted to be
operated mechanically or manually, or both manually and mechanically, including
devices for rendering the mechanical part of the instrument inoperative; also
mechanism for imparting motion to a music card or tablet which controls the
mechanical part of the instrument, and novel means for operating wind sound-
producing devices.
One part of this Invention relates to musical instruments in which are comprised
two sets or series of sound-producing devices, each set having a continuous range
or scale of sounds, and being adapted for playing tunes, a manual key-board for
operating or controlling the operation of one set or series, and mechanical means
for operating or controlling the other set or series.
Another part of the said Invention relates to a novel arrangement of mechanism
whereby the operator can, without moving from his seat, disconnect the mechanical
portion of the instrument from the means which actuate it whenever he desires to
operate the instrument manually alone, and may with equal facility connect said
mechanism with the means actuating the same when he desires to operate the
instrument mechanically alone, or manually and mechanically.

page_text: Another part of this Invention relates to mechanical musical instruments in
which the operation of sound producing devices is controlled by a music card,
tablet, or sheet which is perforated or otherwise prepared to correspond with the
notes of the sound-producing devices, and is fed through the instrument by
mechanical means actuated by a treadle or other device. Where a perforated music
sheet is employed it is commonly wound upon what may be termed a "music
roller" which is placed in the instrument, and in the act of playing the music sheet
is unwound therefrom and wound upon what may be termed a take-up roller,"
after which the music sheet is rewound upon the "music roller;" and in such an
instrument I employ, according to this part of my Invention, a driving shaft, which
is so arranged that motion may be transmitted from it to either the "music roller"
or the "take-up roller," as the operator may desire.
Another part of the said Invention relates to novel means of connecting two
treadles so that motion may be transmitted from both to the driving shaft by a
single connecting red.
This Invention comprises the following features, viz. :-A musical instrument;
a set of sound-producing devices and means for operating them; a music
card or tablet for controlling their operation, and means to be operated by
the player for producing the feed of said music card or tablet; another set of
sound-producing devices, means for actuating them, and a manual key-board for
controlling their operation, all so combined and organized that the sets of sound-
producing devices may be operated separately or together.
Also a musical instrument comprising a set of sound-producing devices, with
means for operating them, and a music card or tablet for controlling their opera-
tion; a set of wind sound-producing devices, means for inducing air to them, a
manual key-board for controlling their operation, and means to be operated by the
player for producing the feed of the music card or tablet, and for inducing wind
for the operation of the set of wind sound-producing devices, all so combined and
organized that the sets of sound-producing devices can be played separately or
together.
Also a musical instrument having a set of sound-producing devices and a
manual key-board for controlling their operation, a second set of sound-producing
devices, and a music card or tablet for controlling their operation, and a common
wind-chest communicating with both sets of sound-producing devices, all the parts
being so combined and organized that the sets of sound producing devices may be
operated separately or together.
Also the combination in a musical instrument with a set of sound-producing
devices and a manual key-board for controlling their operation, of a second set of
sound-producing devices and a music-card or tablet for controlling their operation,
a common wind-chest communicating directly with the sound-producing devices
controlled by the key-board, and a valve for controlling the communication between
said wind-chest and the sound-producing devices controlled by the music card or
tablet.
Also the combination in a mechanical musical instrument adapted to be played
by a travelling music sheet, of a “music_roller,” “a take-up roller," a driving
shaft and bearings for said shaft, which permit a transverse movement of one end
thereof, arranged to operate in such a manner that motion may be imparted
from said shaft to one of said rollers, and the other simultaneously freed from said
shaft.
Also the combination in a mechanical musical instrument, of a driving shaft, a
crank mounted upon one end thereof, two treadles, a working beam or lever con-
necting said treadles, and a connecting rod connected to one of said treadles and to
said crank.
Also the combination in a mechanical musical instrument, of a driving shaft, a
crank mounted on one end thereof, two treadles, a working beam connected to said
treadles, two bellows, links connecting said bellows to said working beam, and a
rod connecting one of said treadles with said crank, and the combination in a

page_text: mechanical musical instrument, of a driving shaft, a crank mounted on one end
thereof, two treadles, two bellows, links connecting said bellows to said working
beam, and a rod connecting one of said treadles with said crank.
Also the combination in a musical instrument of a wind sound-producing device,
a pressure wind-chest ducts leading from said sound-producing device and said
wind chest, a flexible valve arranged within an air-chamber and adapted for
communicating with the atmosphere, and a travelling music card or tablet
controlling the last said duct.
Also a musical instrument adapted to be operated either manually or mechanically,
in which are combined a connecting rod or link, means for actuating said rod for
operating the instrument mechanically, and a draw rod or other device contiguous
to the manual key-board for disconnecting said rod or link from and connecting it
with the means which actuate it. .
Also the combination in. a combined manual and mechanical musical instrument
of a connecting rod or link provided with a groove or guide, and a hole in said groove
or guide, of means for actuating said rod or link by a pin engaging with said hole,
and a draw rod or other device contiguous to the manual key-board of the instru-
ment for moving said rod or said means to effect the disengagement of said pin
from said hole or its engagement therewith.
Also the combination in a combined manual and mechanical musical instru-
ment, of a connecting rod or link provided with an arc-shaped groove or guide and
a hole in said groove or guide, a treadle provided with a pin which engages with
said hole, and a draw rod or other device contiguous to the manual key-board of
the instrument for moving said rod or link or said treadle to effect the disengage-
ment of said pin from said hole and its engagement therewith.
A musical instrument or apparatus embodying my improvements has a case
which may be of any suitable design and construction, and which is provided with
two hinged covers, the first of which may be opened to afford access to the manual
key-board, and the second of which may be opened to afford access to the parts
whereby the instrument is played mechanically.
There are two sets or series of sound-producing devices, preferably consisting of
reeds operated by air pressure, but they might be arranged to operate by exhaustion
of air and pipes, or other sound-producing devices might be substituted for the
reeds. Each of the sets or series of sound producing devices in this instrument.
forms a continuous range or scale, and is adapted to play a tune without aid from
the other.
The reeds which are operated or controlled manually are arranged in pairs in
reed cells, and controlled by means of spring pallet valves in the usual way. I
provide suitable valves by which, all the aforesaid reed-cells may be closed, and
these valves may be raised to open the reed cells by means of a draw rod or stop
vibrating a pivotted lever with which said valves are connected by cords or other
connections. A wind chest is in constant communication with the aforesaid reeds,
and is supplied with air by two bellows operated by two treadles. These treadles
are connected by links with the opposite ends of a working beam or lever which is
pivotted or fulcrummed to a standard, and said beam or lever is connected upon
opposite sides of its fulcrum with the two. bellows by means of other links or
connections. This manner of connecting the bellows and treadles provides for-the
uniform and simultaneous working of the bellows, and insures a steady and
uninterrupted supply of air to the wind chest.
Manual keys of the usual form act upon push or tracker pins, and through them
open the pallet valves and cause the reeds to speak.
In the upper part of the instrument and above the level of the manual keys are
arranged a second set or series of reeds and mechanism for controlling their
operation through the movement of a travelling and preferably perforated music-
card or tablet.
Each reed of the second set communicates by a duct with a separate air chamber,
and from each chamber extends a duct; all the ducts communicating with a

page_text: common wind trunk. This wind trunk extends downwards and communicates
with a wind chest under control of a valve. When it is desired to operate the first
set of reeds alone, manually, this valve may be closed, cutting off the communication
between said wind chest and wind trunk, but when it is desired to operate the
second set of reeds alone, or to operate both sets of reeds, the said valve is opened
by a draw rod or stop connected therewith by a cord or other connection.
Both ducts of the second set of reeds terminate side by side or one above the
other in the above mentioned air chamber, and are controlled by a flexible valve
which may consist of a thin strip or piece of india rubber, leather, or other flexible
material, secured at one end to the side of the duct. The cover of the air chambers
communicating with the second set of reeds is constructed to form a rest for the
travelling music sheet, and in said rest are other ducts which lead from the
several air chambers to the outer atmosphere, and are controlled by the music sheet
which acts as a valve to open and close them. The air entering through one duct
from the wind chest would naturally have a tendency to raise the valve closing the
ducts from its seat, but this is prevented by the air in the air chamber, which, so
long as the duct communicating with the outer atmosphere is covered by an
imperforate part of the music sheet, forms an air cushion; as soon, however, as the
duct last mentioned is opened by a perforation in the music sheet, the valve which
covers the ducts communicating with the second set of reeds is no longer held to
its seat, but opens and the air passes through the ducts and causes one of the said
reeds to speak, the valve meanwhile being caused by the pressure of air upon it to
close the duct communicating with the outer atmosphere, and thus prevent the
escape and waste of air through said duct. As soon as the duct communicating
with the outer atmosphere is again closed by an imperforate part of the music
sheet the air chamber is filled with air under pressure, thus balancing the valve on
the reed ducts and permitting it to return to its seat, thus terminating the speaking
of the reed by closing its ducts. Although air for the operation of both sets of
reeds may be, as above described, supplied by a common wind chest, it might be
supplied by two separate wind chests.
I will now describe the mechanism whereby the music sheet is fed or moved
forward to play a tune, the music sheet which has one end permanently attached
to a roller, which I term the "music roller," and which has been previously rolled
upon said roller, is placed in the instrument, the bearings for the said roller being so
constructed as to permit of its being readily removed or placed in position. The
said bearings are formed by inclined slots, and the roller is held in place therein by
sliding latches. The free end of the music sheet is passed over the rest above
described and is connected with a second roller which I term the “take-up roller,"
and which is permanently fixed in the instrument. When the instrument is in
operation, the music sheet is drawn off the music roller and rolled upon the take-
up roller by a positive rotary motion imparted to the latter roller, and after the
operation the sheet is drawn from the take-up roller and re-rolled upon the music
roller by a positive rotary motion imparted to the latter, and while being rolled
upon one roller the other roller must be released from its driving mechanism. To
effect this I employ a driving shaft arranged parallel with both rollers and provided
at one end with a crank, through which motion is imparted to it by a connecting
rod or link connected to said crank and to one of the treadles.
Upon the end of the driving shaft opposite the crank is a large wheel (which
may serve as a fly wheel) and a smaller wheel, and upon the adjacent ends of the
rollers are other wheels, the large wheel on the shaft ranging with the wheel on
the music roller, and the small wheel on the shaft with the wheel on the take-up
roller. Any or all of these wheels may be covered with rubber for increasing their
friction when in contact if desired, or their surfaces might have V-shaped annular
grooves and corresponding V-shaped projections. The end of the driving shaft at
which are the wheels is arranged in a horizontally slotted or elongated bearing,
which provides for a slight transverse movement of that end of the shaft, and in
line with the shaft is arranged a draw rod or stop, at the end of which is a piece

page_text: through which the shaft passes. When the draw rod is thrust in the shaft is
moved backward, thus forcing the small wheel on the shaft against the wheel on
the take-up roller, and rotating the latter at a slow speed. When the draw rod ar
stop aforesaid is drawn outward the shaft is moved forward, carrying the small
wheel on the latter out of contact with the wheel on the take-up roller, and
bringing the large wheel on the shaft in contact with the wheel on the music
roller, thus rotating the latter for rewinding; thus it will be seen that when the
driving shaft is moved into gear with either roller, the other roller is simultaneously
released therefrom. The closing of the valve between the wind chest and the wind
trunk, and the shutting off of air from the wind trunk, prevents the playing of the
reeds, but it is also advantageous to disconnect the driving shaft, so that during
rewinding the treadles will be relieved of the labor of working all the mechanism
for playing, and it is also very desirable that the operator be enabled to do this
and again connect said shaft without moving from his seat at the instrument. This
I effect by moving the lower end of a connecting rod sidewise away from the
treadle to which it is connected, although it might be effected by moving the
treadle away from the rod. The lower end of the connecting rod is made quite
wide, and in it is a hole which receives a pin projecting from one of the treadles,
and also an arc-shaped guide consisting of a groove which conforms to the arc-
shaped path described by said pin, and in which is said hole. If the said rod is
moved slightly away from the treadle the pin will be disengaged from the hole,
and will work in the groove or guide without imparting any reciprocating motion
to the rod, but if said rod be again moved towards the treadle the pin will engage
with the hole as soon as the movement of the treadle brings it opposite the hole.
Upon the side of the last described rod opposite the treadle is a channel or guide
way formed by two angle pieces or plates attached to said rod, and rollers are
fitted upon a pin carried by the end of a bent lever. The said rollers fit loosely in
the channel or guide way so as not to interfere with the reciprocating movement of
the rod connecting the treadle with the driving shaft, and by vibrating the bent lever
the said rod may be drawn away from the treadle sufficiently to disconnect it
therefrom, and then returned to its original position, as shewn, to connect it there-
with. Contiguous to the manual keys and in position to be readily reached by an
operator sitting at the instrument is arranged a draw rod or stop, which is
connected to one arm of a bell crank or elbow lever connected by another rod with
the bent lever above described. By pushing in or drawing out the draw rod, or
by any other suitable device properly arranged, the rod connecting the treadle
with the driving shaft may be connected with or disconnected from the treadle,
and the instrument played mechanically or not as ay be desired.
Although I have described the rod operating the driving shaft as connected with
a treadle, it might be connected in a similar manner with a crank pin or other
device for actuating it, the groove or guide in the rod being made to conform to
the path travelled over by the crank pin or other device.
If desirable I may substitute for the treadles and the driving shaft the following
arrangement, viz., a shaft may be mounted in suitable bearings in the lower part
of the case of the instrument, and provided with a fly wheel for giving it a steady.
motion. Upon the shaft are formed cranks which constitute rotary treadles, they
being set opposite each other, and the bellows might be operated by rods connected
to other cranks also set opposite each other. The last named shaft also carries
pulleys, from which pass belts or bands, one to the music roller, and the other to
the take-up roller of the instrument. These belts or bands are loose, and may be
tightened alternately to impart to the take-up roller and music roller the requisite
motion for playing and rewinding by means of another shaft arranged parallel with
the said crank shaft, and having arms projecting in opposite directions and carrying
tightening pulleys. The last named secondary shaft is provided with an arm,
through which it may be oscillated by a draw rod or other device to cause one or
the other of said tightening pulleys to tighten one or the other of the bands or
belts which drive the rollers.

page_text: If desirable another device may be employed for transmitting motion to the
driving shaft. This device I construct as follows, viz.:-A drum or pulley is
mounted loosely on the driving shaft, and has at its centre opening three segmental
recesses tapering gradually from one end to the other. Within the said recesses
are arranged rollers, and there are springs whereby said rollers are pressed towards
the narrow end of the recesses. When the drum or pulley is turned in one direction
the rollers are gripped between the backs of the recesses and the shaft, and the shaft
is thereby turned. When the drum or pulley is turned in the opposite direction
the rollers are not gripped between the drum and the shaft, and the drum may be
turned back without imparting any motion to the shaft. The drum may be turned
in the direction to operate the shaft by a strap or other connection which may be
attached directly to the treadle, and it may be turned in the opposite direction by
means of a spring attached at one end to a suitable resistance and at the other end
to the end of the strap or connection aforesaid; by this mechanism the driving
shaft may be readily started from any position at which it may stop, thus avoiding
any dead centre. This arrangement would act intermittently upon the shaft to
turn it.
By my Invention I produce an instrument which can be conveniently played by
a skilled musician or by a person who is ignorant of the science of music, and
which enables a skilled musician to play alone many pieces of music which would
.otherwise require two musicians and instruments.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
3rd September 1881.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO REED
ORGANS AND SIMILAR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PROVIDED WITH MEANS FOR THE
MECHANICAL AND MANUAL OPERATION OF THE SAME." A communication from
abroad by James Morgan, of Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.
This Invention relates to improvements in musical instruments adapted to be
operated mechanically or manually, or both. mechanically and manually, including
mechanism for rendering the mechanical part of the instrument inoperative; also
mechanism for imparting motion to a music card or tablet which controls the
mechanical part of the instrument and novel means for operating wind sound
producing devices, as more fully hereinafter described.
>
One part of the said Invention relates to musical instruments, in which are
comprised two sets or series of sound producing devices, each set having a
.continuous range or scale and being adapted to play tunes; a manual key-board
for operating or controlling the operation of one set or series, and mechanical
means for operating or controlling the operation of the other set or series.
'
Another part of the said Invention relates to a novel arrangement of mechanism
whereby the operator may without moving from his seat disconnect the mechanical
portion of the instrument from the means which actuate it whenever he desires to
operate the instrument manually alone, and may with equal facility connect the said
mechanism with its actuating devices when he desires to operate the instrument
mechanically alone or both manually and mechanically.
Another part of the said Invention relates to mechanical musical instruments in
which the operation of sound producing devices is controlled by a music card,
tablet, or sheet, which is perforated or otherwise prepared to correspond with the
notes of the sound producing devices, and is fed through the instrument by
mechanical means actuated by a treadle or other device.
Where a perforated music-sheet is employed it is commonly wound upon what
may be termed a "music-roller," which is placed in the instrument, and in the act
of playing the music-sheet is unwound therefrom and wound upon what may be
termed a "take-up roller," after which the music-sheet is rewound upon the music-
roller; and in such an instrument I employ, according to this part of my Invention,
a driving shaft which is so arranged that motion may be transmitted from it to
either the music-roller or to the take-up roller, as the operator may desire..
Another part of the said Invention relates to novel means of connecting two
treadles so that motion may be transmitted from both to the driving shaft by a
single connecting rod.
This Invention consists in a musical instrument comprising a set of sound-
producing devices, means for operating the same, a music card or tablet for con-
trolling their operation, and means to be operated by the player for producing the
feed of the said music card or tablet; another set of sound producing devices, means
for actuating them, and a manual key-board for controlling their operation, all so
combined and organized that the sets of sound producing devices may be operated
separately or together.
Also in a musical instrument comprising a set of sound producing devices, means
for operating the same, and a music card or tablet for controlling their operation,
a set of wind sound-producing devices, means for introducing air to them, a manual
key-board for controlling their operation, and means to be operated by the player
for producing the feed of the music card or tablet, and for inducing wind for the

page_text: .
operation of the set of wind sound-producing devices, all so combined and organized
that the sets of sound-producing devices can be played separately or together.
Also in a musical instrument a set of sound-producing devices and a manual
key-board for controlling their operation, a second set of sound-producing devices,
and a music card or tablet for controlling their operation, and a common wind-
chest communicating with both sets of sound-producing devices, all so combined
and organized that the sets of sound-producing devices may be operated separately
or together.
Also in the combination in a musical instrument provided with a set of sound-
producing devices, and a manual key-board for controlling their operation, of a
second set of sound-producing devices, and a music card or tablet for controlling
their operation, a common wind-chest communicating directly with the sound-
producing devices controlled by the key-board, and a valve for controlling the
communication between the said wind-chest and the sound-producing devices
controlled by the music card or tablet.
Also in the combination in a mechanical musical instrument adapted to be
played by a travelling music-sheet, of a music-roller, a take-up roller, a driving
shaft and bearings for the said shaft which permit a transverse movement of one
end thereof, and arranged to operate in such a manner that motion may be
imparted from the said shaft to one of the said rollers, the other roller being
simultaneously freed from the said shaft.
Also in the combination in a mechanical musical instrument of a driving shaft,
a crank mounted upon one end thereof, two treadles, a working beam or lever
connecting the said treadles, and a connecting rod connected to one of the said
treadles and to the said crank.
Also in the combination in a mechanical musical instrument of a driving shaft,
a crank mounted on one end thereof, two treadles, a working beam connected to
the said treadles, two bellows, links connecting the said bellows to the said working
beam, and a rod connecting one of the said treadles with the said crank.
Also in the combination in a musical instrument of a wind sound-producing
device, a pressure wind-chest, ducts leading from the said sound-producing device,
and the said wind-chest, a flexible valve arranged within an air-chamber, and adapted
to close the said ducts, a duct in the said air chamber communicating with the
atmosphere, and a travelling music card or tablet controlling the last named duct.
Also in a musical instrument adapted to be operated either manually or
mechanically, the combination of a connecting rod or link, means for actuating
the said rod for operating the instrument mechanically, and a draw-rod or other
device contiguous to the manual key-board for disconnecting the said rod or link
from and connecting it with the means which actuate it.
Also in the combination in a combined manual and mechanical musical
instrument of a connecting rod or link provided with a groove or guide, and
a hole in the said groove or guide, means for actuating the said rod or link by a pin
engaging with the said hole, and a draw-rod or other device contiguous to the manual
key-board of the instrument for moving the said rod or the said means to effect the
disengagement of the said pin from the said hole or its engagement therewith.
In the accompanying Drawing,
Figure 1 represents a vertical transverse section of a musical instrument
embodying my improvements, and
Figure 2 represents a front view partly in section thereof.
Figure 3 represents a sectional view drawn to an enlarged scale of a portion of
the instrument pertaining to the sound producing devices which are controlled
mechanically.
Figure 4 represents a detail view drawn to an enlarged scale of a portion of a
connecting rod whereby the driving shaft is operated, and of other parts.
Figure 5 represents a section upon the dotted line x, x, Figure 4.
Figure 6 represents a section of a portion of the connecting rod and a treadle for
operating the same upon the dotted line y, y, Figure 1.

page_text: ་
Figure 7 represents a diagram illustrating a modification of a part of the said
Invention, and
Figure 8 represents a diagram of a modified form of mechanism for transmitting
motion to the driving shaft.
. Similar letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawing.
A designates the case of the instrument, which may be of any suitable design and
construction, and which is provided with hinged covers A', A², the first of which
may be opened to afford access to the manual key-board, and the second of which
may be opened to afford access to the parts whereby the instrument is played
mechanically. Both sets or series of sound producing devices shown consist of
reeds operated by air pressure, but they may be arranged to operate by exhaustion
of air and pipes, or other sound producing devices may be substituted for the reeds.
Each of the sets or series of sound producing devices in this instrument forms a
continuous range or scale, and is itself adapted to play a tune without aid from the
other.
The reeds a, which are operated or controlled manually, are arranged in pairs in
reed-cells a and controlled by means of spring actuated pallet-valves b in the
usual way. B designates valves by which all the reed-cells a¹ may be closed, and
these valves may be raised to open the reed-cells by means of a draw-rod b¹
vibrating a pivoted lever 6², to which the said valves are connected by cords or other
connections c. C designates a wind-chest which is in constant communication with
the reeds a, and is supplied with air by two bellows C' operated by two treadles D.
These treadles are connected by links d with the opposite ends of a working beam
'or lever D¹, which is pivoted or fulcrummed to.a standard D³, and the said beam or
lever is connected upon opposite sides of its fulcrum with the two bellows C¹¹ by
means of links or connections d', as clearly shown in Figure 2. This manner of con-
necting the bellows and treadles provides for the uniform and simultaneous working
of the bellows, and insures a steady and uninterrupted supply of air to the wind-
chest C. E designates manual keys of the usual form, which act upon push-pins e,
and through them open the pallet-valves b and cause the reeds to sound.
In the upper part of the instrument and above the level of the manual keys E
are arranged a second set or series of reeds f and mechanism for controlling their
operation through the movement of a travelling music card or tablet, here shown
as consisting of a perforated music-sheet F. The arrangement of the reeds fis
shown in the sectional view, Figure 3. Each reed f communicates by a duct g
with a separate air-chamber G, and from each chamber extends a duct g¹, all the
ducts g¹ communicating with a common wind-trunk H. This wind-trunk extends
downwards and communicates with the wind-chest C, the communication being
controlled by a valve h. When it is desired to operate one set of reeds alone
manually this valve may be closed, cutting off the communication.between the said
wind-chest and wind-trunk; but when it is desired to operate the reeds f alone or
to operate both the reeds a and the reeds of the said valve h is to be opened by a
draw-rod h¹ connected therewith by a cord or other connection h³.
Both of the ducts g, g¹, terminate side by side or one above the other in the air-
chamber G', and are controlled by a flexible valve i, which may consist of a thin
strip or piece of india-rubber, leather, or other flexible material secured at one end.
The cover G of the air-chambers G is constructed to form a rest for the travelling
music-sheet F, and in the said rest are ducts i¹, which lead from the several air-
chambers G to the atmosphere, and are controlled by the music-sheet F which acts
as a valve to open and close them. The air entering through the duct g' from the
wind-chest C would naturally have a tendency to raise the valve i from its seat,
but this is prevented by the air in the air-chamber G, which so long as the duct ¹
is covered by an unperforated part of the music-sheet forms an air-cushion. As
soon however as the duct i is opened by a perforation in the said music-sheet the
valve is no longer held to its seat but opens, and the air passes from the duct g¹
through the duct g and causes one of the reeds f to sound, the valve i meanwhile
being caused by the pressure of air upon it to close the duct i', as shown in dotted

page_text: lines, and thus prevent the escape and waste of air through the said duct. As soon
as the duct i¹ is again closed by an unperforated part of the music-sheet, the air-
chamber G is filled with air under pressure, thus balancing the valve i and per-
mitting it to return to its seat, thus terminating the sounding of the reed by closing
the ducts g, g'. Although air for the operation of both sets of reeds a and f is here
shown as supplied by a common wind-chest it may be supplied by two separate wind.
chests.
I will now describe the mechanism whereby the music-sheet F is fed or moved
forward to play a tune. The music-sheet, which has one end permanently attached
to a roller I (termed the music-roller) upon which it has been previously rolled,
is placed in the instrument, the bearings for the said roller being so constructed as to
permit of its being readily removed or placed in position. The said bearings are
formed by inclined slots v, and after the roller has been inserted in the said slots
it is held in place by sliding latches v¹. The free end of the music-sheet is passed.
over the rest G¹ and connected to a second roller I¹ (termed the "take-up roller")
which is permanently fixed in the instrument. In playing the instrument the music-
sheet is drawn off the music-roller I and rolled upon the take-up roller I by a
positive rotary motion imparted to the latter roller, and after playing the sheet is
drawn from the take-up roller I¹ and re-rolled upon the music-roller I by a positive
rotary motion imparted to the said roller I, and while being rolled upon one
roller the other roller must be released from its driving mechanism. To effect
this I employ a common driving shaft J arranged parallel with the rollers I, I¹,
and provided at one end with a crank J' through which motion is imparted
by a connecting rod or link K connected to the said crank and to one of the
treadles D.
Upon the end of the shaft J opposite the crank J¹ is a large wheel L, which may
serve as a fly-wheel,, and a smaller wheel j; and upon the adjacent ends of the
rollers I, I, are wheels L' and j', the wheel L¹ being in a plane with the wheel L,
and the wheel j¹ with the wheel j. Any or all of these wheels may be covered with
india-rubber for increasing their friction when in contact if desired, or their surfaces
may have V-shaped annular grooves and corresponding V-shaped projections. The
end of the driving shaft J upon which the wheels L, j, are placed is arranged in a
horizontally slotted or elongated bearing at J2, which provides for a slight transverse
movement of that end of the shaft, and in line with the shaft is arranged a draw-
rod M, at the end of which is a piece k through which the shaft passes. When the
draw-rod is thrust in the shaft J is moved backward, thus forcing the wheel jagainst
the wheel and rotating the take-up roller l' at a slow speed by reason of the
smaller wheel j driving the larger wheel ¹. When the draw-rod M is drawn
outward the shaft J is moved forward, carrying the wheel j out of contact with the
wheel and bringing the wheel L into contact with the wheel L', thus rotating
the music-roller I for rewinding, and at a rapid speed owing to the large wheel L
driving the small wheel L'. Thus it will be seen that when the driving shaft is
moved into gear with either roller I or I¹ the other roller is simultaneously
released therefrom.
The closing of the valve h and the shutting off of air from the trunk H prevents
the playing of the reeds f, but it is also advantageous to disconnect the driving
shaft J from the treadle D which imparts motion to it, so that the treadle will be
relieved of the labour of working all the mechanism for playing mechanically, and
it is also very desirable that the operator be enabled to do this and again connect
the said shaft without moving from his seat at the instrument. This result I effect
by moving the lower end of the connecting rod K sidewise away from the treadle
to which it is connected, although it might be effected by moving the treadle away
from the rod. The lower end of the connecting rod is made wide, and in it is a bole ?
which receives a pin m projecting from one of the treadles D and also an arc-shaped
guide consisting of a groove n which conforms to the arc-shaped path described by
the said pin, and in which is the said hole. These features are shown in Figures 1,
2, and 6. If the rod K be moved slightly away from the treadle the pin m will be

page_text: disengaged from the hole and will work in the groove or guide n without
imparting any reciprocating motion to the rod, but if the said rod be again moved
towards the treadle the pin m will engage with the hole as soon as the movement.
of the treadle brings it opposite the hole.
The
Upon the side of the rod K opposite the treadle is a channel or guide-way N,
represented as formed by two angle pieces or plates o attached to the said rod, and
p, p, designate rollers which are fitted upon a pin p¹ carried by the end of a bent
lever O fulcrummed at o', and the form of which is shown in Figure 4.
rollers p fit loosely in the channel or guide-way N so as not to interfere with the
reciprocating movement of the rod K, and by vibrating the lever O the said rod
may be drawn away from the treadle sufficient to disconnect it therefrom and then
returned to its original position, as shewn in Figure 2, to connect it therewith.
Contiguous to the manual-keys E, and in position to be readily reached by an
operator sitting at the instrument, is arranged a draw-rod P which is connected to
one arm of a bell-crank or elbow lever P', as seen in Figure 1, and the said bell-
crank-lever is connected by a rod P2 with the bent lever O, as seen in Figure 2.
By pushing in or drawing out the draw-rod P, or by any other suitable device
properly arranged, the rod K may be connected with or disconnected from the
treadle, and the instrument played mechanically or not as may be desired.
Although the rod K is only shewn in connection with a treadle, it may be
connected in a similar manner with a crank-pin or other device for actuating it,
the groove or guide n in the rod being made to conform to the path travelled over
by the crank-pin or other device.
If desirable I may substitute for the treadles D and the driving shaft J the
arrangement shewn in Figure 7, which I will now describe. S designates a shaft
which may be mounted in suitable bearings in the lower part of the case of the
instrument, and provided with a fly wheel S' for giving it a steady motion. Upon
the shaft are formed cranks s which constitute rotary treadles, they being set
opposite each other, and the bellows may be operated by rods s¹ connected to other
cranks 82 also set opposite each other. The shaft S also carries pulleys 88, from
which pass belts or bands 84, one to the music-roller, and the other to the take-up
roller of the instrument. These belts or bands are loose, and may be tightened
alternately to impart to the take-up roller and music-roller the requisite motion for
playing and rewinding by means of a shaft s5 arranged parallel with the shaft S,
and having arms 8 projecting in opposite directions, and carrying tightening
pulleys s. The shaft 85 is provided with an arm 88 through which it may be
oscillated by a draw-rod or other device, to cause one or the other of the said
pulleys 87 to tighten one or the other of the bands or belts st.
If desirable the device shewn in Figure 8 may be employed for transmitting
motion to the shaft J. In this Figure Q designates a drum or pulley mounted
loosely on the shaft J, and having at its centre opening three segmental recesses t
tapering gradually from one end to the other. Within the said recesses t are
arranged rollers t¹ and springs t², whereby the said rollers are pressed towards the
'narrow end of the recesses. When the drum or pulley Q is turned in the direction
of the arrow, the rollers t¹ are gripped between the backs of the recesses and the
shaft, and the latter is thereby turned. When the drum or pulley is turned in the
opposite direction, the rollers are not gripped between the drum and the shaft, and
the drum may be turned back without imparting any motion to the shaft.
drum may be turned in the direction to operate the shaft by a strap or other
connection u, which may be attached directly to the treadle D, and it may be
turned in the opposite direction by means of a spring u', which may be attached
at one end to a suitable support, and at the other end to the end of the strap or
connection u. By this mechanism the shaft J may be readily started from any
position at which it may stop, thus avoiding any dead centre. This arrangement
would act intermittently upon the shaft to turn it.
The
By my Invention I produce an instrument which can be conveniently played by
a skilled musician, or by a person who is ignorant of music, and which enables a'

page_text: skilled musician to play alone many pieces of music, which would otherwise require
two musicians and instruments.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,
·
First. A musical instrument comprising a set of sound-producing devices, means
for operating them, a music card or tablet for controlling their operation, and means
to be operated by the player for producing the feed of the said music card or tablet,
another set of sound producing devices, means for operating them, and a manual
key-board for controlling their operation, all so combined and organized that the
sets of sound-producing devices may be operated separately or together, substan-
tially as above set forth.
Second. A musical instrument comprising a set of sound-producing devices,
means for operating them, and a music card or tablet for controlling their operation,
a set of wind sound-producing devices, means for inducing air to them, a manual
key-board for controlling their operation, and means to be operated by the player
for producing the feed of the music card or tablet, and for inducing wind for the
operation of the set of wind sound-producing devices, all so combined and organized
that the sets of sound-producing devices can be played separately or together,
substantially as above set forth.
Third. In a musical instrument, a set of sound-producing devices, and a manual
key-board for controlling their operation, a second set of sound-producing
devices, and a music card or tablet for controlling their operation, and a common
wind-chest communicating with both sets of sound-producing devices, all so com-
bined and organized that the sets of sound-producing devices may be operated
separately or together, substantially as above set forth.
Fourth. The combination in a musical instrument provided with a set of sound-
producing devices, and a manual key-board for controlling their operation, of a
second set of sound-producing devices, and a music card or tablet for controlling
their operation, a common wind-chest communicating directly with the sound-
producing devices controlled by the key-board, and a valve for controlling the
communication between the said wind-chest and the sound-producing devices
controlled by the music card or tablet, substantially as above set forth.
Fifth. The combination in a mechanical musical instrument adapted to be played
by a travelling music-sheet, of a music-roller, a take-up roller, a driving shaft and
bearings for the said shaft, which permit a transverse movement of one end
thereof, arranged to operate as described, whereby motion may be imparted from
the said shaft to one of the said rollers, and the other simultaneously freed from
the said shaft, substantially as above set forth.
Sixth. The combination in a mechanical musical instrument, of a driving shaft,
a crank mounted upon one end thereof, two treadles, a working beam or lever
connecting the said treadles, and a connecting rod connected to one of the said
treadles and to the said crank, substantially as above set forth and for the purpose
specified.
Seventh. The combination in a mechanical musical instrument of a driving
shaft, a crank mounted on one end thereof, two treadles, a working beam con-
nected to the said treadles, two bellows, links connecting the said bellows to the
said working beam, and a rod connecting one of the said treadles with the said
crank, substantially as above set forth.
Eighth. The combination in a musical instrument, of a wind sound-producing
device, a pressure wind-chest, ducts leading from the said sound-producing device
and the said wind-chest, a flexible valve arranged within an air-chamber and
adapted to close the said ducts, a duct in the said air-chamber communicating with
the atmosphere, and a travelling music card or tablet controlling the last named
duct, substantially as above set forth.
Ninth. In a musical instrument adapted to be operated either manually or
mechanically, the combination of a connecting rod or link, means for actuating the

page_text: said rod for operating the instrument mechanically, and a draw-rod or other device
contiguous to the manual key-board for disconnecting the said rod or link from and
connecting it with the means which actuate it, substantially as above set forth.
Tenth. The combination in a combined manual and mechanical musical instru-
ment, of a connecting rod or link provided with a groove or guide, and a hole in
the said groove or guide, means for actuating the said rod or link by a pin
engaging with the said hole, and a draw-rod or other device contiguous to the manual
key-board of the instrument, for moving the said rod, or the said means to effect
the disengagement of the said pin from the said hole, or its engagement therewith,
substantially as above set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Third day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty one.