INSTRUMENTS." IMPROVEMENTS IN MUSICAL
Year: 1879

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Merritt Gally at the Office of
1
the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th January 1879.
MERRITT GALLY, of Golden Square, London.
INSTRUMENTS."
IMPROVEMENTS IN MUSICAL
In the accompanying Drawings, Fig. 1 is a sectional elovation showing the
principal features of the Invention; Fig. 1a is a sectional view of the device for
operating the ports of the ducts of the pneumatic key; Fig. 2, the same as Figure 1*,
showing the position of the ports when an unperforated portion of the music sheets
covers the duct B; Fig. 3, the same as Fig. 1a, showing the position of the ports
when a perforation in the sheet opens duct B; Fig. 4 represents a piece of the
music sheet; Fig. 5 represents a modified arrangement of ducts B and D of Fig. 1ª
in respect to the pneumatic; Fig. 6 represents the position of the compartments
of the receiving chamber with spring and valves; Fig. 7 is a diagram repre-
senting the arrangement of a number of sets of reeds in groups in such a manner as
not only to be used for the ordinary "stops" of the instrument but in combination
with a suitable arrangement of the perforations in the music sheet to produce music
written in a wider range than represented by the number of octaves of lines of
perforations in the sheet corresponding with the principal set of reeds; also a
sectional view of the reeds and shutters of a single group having four sets of reeds
in the group; Fig. 8 is an elevation, partly sectional, of a modification of the
expression bellows in which the two parts of the receiving chamber act separately,
each having a spring, the two springs differing in tension, thus producing different
air tensions; Fig. 9 is a sectional modification of the expression bellows, differing
from that of Fig. 8 in the method of alternating the action of the springs; Fig. 10
is a sectional elevation showing the mechanism for giving motion to the music
sheet enlarged from that of Fig. 1, and the "swell" adopted to a modified reed-
action; Fig. 11 represents the device for rendering the rewinding mechanism
operative and inoperative at will.
In my Patent for improvements in musical instruments dated October 2, 1878,
No. 3876, is described the combination with the primary keys of a pneumatic key-
action of sub pneumatic keys for the purpose of increasing the power of the stroke

page_text: of the primary keys, and also the operation of the valve of the air duct of the sub-
pneumatic by means of the initial movement of the primary pneumatic.
The first part of my Invention consists in so constructing and combining
the primary and secondary pneumatics as to use the movement of the primary for
operating the ports of entry and exit of the air-duct of the secondary without
necessarily connecting the primary pneumatic with the striking device, and by
using the primary only for such purpose to be able to operate it by means of much
sinaller perforations in the music-sheet, and also to be able to use the perforated
sheet in connection with the vent of the primary pneumatic instead of the exhaust
or supply duct which leads to the air chamber of the bellows. In Fig. 1ª the pneu-
matic striking key is represented by A; the remainder of the Figure represents the
primary pneumatic very much enlarged in order to distinctly show its construction.
The air chamber a¹ and follower a might be constructed in the ordinary bellows
shape like the primary pneumatic of my Patent of October 2nd, 1878, and does not
materially differ from it in its action; it however differs in the construction of its
air-ducts and the connection of the perforated sheet with the vent-duct instead of
the duct of the air-chamber of the bellows. The perforated sheet N, air-duct B,
and air-duct D might be made to directly operate the pneumatic key A if arranged
as shown in the modification, Fig. 5, by the use of an additional duct m³, the ducts
B, D, being represented B', D', but this although operative would require perfora-
tions in the music-sheet much larger than the duct m³, and equal to B', in order
to prevent the exhaust of the chamber of the key, Fig. 5, while a perforation of the
sheet opened the duct B'. It is very desirable to have the perforations in the
music-sheet as small as possible in order to have the sheet narrow, I therefore use
the ducts B, D, in connection with a very small chamber a¹, Fig. 1a, which may be
much smaller than that shown in the Figure, while the duct C for exhausting the
pneumatic may be made as large as desired to operate the key A through m and fill
it again very quickly by using the primary pneumatic a, a, B, D, in connection
with the music-sheet N, simply for operating the valves of the air-ducts to and
from key A. The perforation in the music-sheet may now be made as much
smaller than an opening large enough to exhaust properly the chamber of key A as
chamber a' is smaller than A. In the device actual working size for a key much
larger than A the duct B, and therefore the perforations in the sheet, do not require
to be more than one twentieth of inch in diameter or width, as shown in Fig. 4,
and the duct D requires to be not more than one thirty second of an inch in
diameter, while the duct c, m, can be the size shown. When an unperforated part of
the music sheet closes duct B follower a takes the position shown in Fig. 2, and
valve h is open to fill key A with air. When a perforation opens duct B the
follower a drops, and with it the rod of the valves which closes valve h and opens
valve g, as shown in Fig. 3. When the valves are closed they are held to their seats
by a stop on the valve-rod for the purpose. The valves slide on the rod, and a light
spring with slight tension is placed between them in order that one may open no
sooner than the other is closed. No further mechanism is necessary to make the
device operative, but if the valve-rod is not sufficiently heavy to hold the valve h
firmly to its seat it is well to either add the spring T or what is much better the
follower c.
When the follower e is used the rod and valves may be very light and the device
be exceedingly sensative and quick in its action, which is desirable. The follower e
is smaller than follower a, and has a flexible connection with the sides of the
chamber in like manner to a; this forms the chamber c¹ under the chamber b. The
chamber b in both modes of construction is constantly filled with air from the
external atmosphere through the opening V. When tho small follower is not used
the partition H is made to extend across the chamber from side to side, as shown
by the dotted lines, an opening being left only sufficiently large for the rod to slide
in, thus separating the chamber b from the chamber below the partition H. When
the device is constructed with the small follower & the follower a representing a
greater surface for air pressure than follower a the smaller one is carried upward
8

page_text: with the larger and held in such position until a perforation in the music-sheet
renders the large one inoperate when the exhaust from below draws down the
small follower with a quick movement closing and holding firmly valve h to its
scat until chamber a' is again exhausted. The device thus constructed is exceed-
ingly sensative and quick in its action. A single set of these primary pneumatics
may be made to operate a number of sets of pneumatic keys, as the chamber in
which the valves are placed may lead to any desired number of pneumatic keys,
which may be arranged to act separately or in groups as required.
By changing the valves g, h, to the opposite side of their ports the device may be
operated by a pressure-current of air instead of exhaust if desirable; or the parts
may be arranged to operate with a pressure current for the pneumatic key A and
exhaust for the chamber a¹, or currents of different tensions may be used for the
two chambers, thus necessitating the use of only the follower a with chamber a
on one side of it and chamber e' on the other side.
The second part of my Invention consists in an improved valve for the openings
of the air chamber to or from the reeds or pipes of the instrument.
In Fig. 1 the partition between the air chest K and reed chamber K has two
openings closed by the two valves and e. These valves are both connected with
the push-pin a and operate in unison. The valve opens into reed chamber K*,
and valve e opens into air chest K. The exhaust of the bellows tends to open
valve e', but to close valve the air-pressure of valve e³ is made to slightly exceed
that of taking into account their difference of leverage, so that the valves are held
closed by air pressure but are very easily opened. A slight spring may be added to
secure their prompt closing if desired. The push-pin is provided with a screw and
adjusting nut, as shown, to adjust the valves so that they will strike their seats in
unison.
These valves thus constructed and arranged will operate with uniform touch
whatever the tension of the exhaust may be, or during the change from one tension
to another. They are therefore especially useful for instruments provided with
expression bellows.
The third part of my Invention consists in an improved expression-bellows.
This I construct either with two or more receiving-chambers, having springs of
different tension, the chambers to be used interchangably in connection with the
air-chest; or I construct the receiving-chamber with two or more compartments, the
spring being necessarily connected with only one compartment. Either method
may be used with the pumps, arranged either for pressure or exhaust. In Fig. 1
the receiving chamber has a part cut away to show two internal compartments G
and G, their positions are also shown in Fig. 6. The compartment G is repre-
sented as not having any spring. When both compartments are operating in
connection with the air current they communicate with each other, securing a
constant equilibrium in the air of the air-chest K with an easy transition from one
air-tension to another however sudden it may be. The pumps E operate only in
connection with compartment G³, this compartment taking the air from com-
partment G through an intervening passage, into which open the ports Z, Z³;
compartment G opens through passage I marked by dotted lines into air chest K.
In the passage leading from compartment G to G are two valves, one to open and
close the passage between the compartiments, and the other connecting the passage
with the external atmosphere. The spring of the chamber is represented by St.
When valve i is open and valve t closed the entire receiving chamber is operative,
and the tension of the air is that of the spring taking into account the area of the
entire movable surface of the chamber. When valve t is open and valve i closed
compartment G is rendered inoperative, and the air-tension is that of the spring,
taking into account only the movable surface of the remainder of the chamber.
Thus, if the compartments were of equal size and the entire movable surface of the
chamber be three square feet and the spring pressure thirty pounds the air tension
would be ten pounds to the foot when both compartments are operative, but twenty
pounds to the foot when only one compartment is operative; any number of com-

page_text: partments may be used so that a variety of air-tensions may be secured. The
chamber thus constructed may be adapted to pressure or exhaust as the case may
require. The valves may be operated by an attachment for knee or hand in con-
nection with rod h³ at h³, or by means of the music sheet through the pneumatic f;
the air duct to this pneumatic is represented by dotted lines Y. The valves may
be otherwise mechanically operated in connection with the music-sheet, for example,
by means of a lever connecting with depressions, elevations, or perforations in the
sheet. The modification of the expression chamber, with springs of different
tensions, is shown in Fig. 8. The two compartiments act independently of each
other as two distinct chambers. These chambers have springs of different tension,
and the valves i and t open one chamber or the other into the duct to chest K, as a
greater or less air tension is required; the pumps in this case open into the passage in
which the valves are located. In Fig. 9 the two chambers are arranged on opposite
sides of the centre-board and open constantly into each other. The chamber Gs
has the weaker spring S, and is the only one which is operative so long as this
chamber is allowed to act. During its action the rod h³ slides freely back and
forth between the resisting piece 6º and the cam-faced clamp a³. When the clamp
is operated and the rod h³ is held firmly between it and the piece be the chamber G³
is rendered inoperative and the stronger spring of the chamber G yields, and
chamber Gis operative with a stronger air-tension than that of chamber G³. To
prevent the clamp a³ from holding chamber G in position for blowing off when
valve y' is in contact with its operating pin the clamp a³ is furnished with a lever
arm a', which strikes a pin or other stop bin rod and drives the chamber back
from its position of blowing off before the rod is tightly clamped. The lever arm a*
is furnished with a spring 6 which strikes stop b* sooner than the lever arm, and
if the clamp is operated slowly the air-tension of chamber G³ is gradually increased
before chamber G+ begins to act, producing a pleasing awell effect. I use the
expression bellows for either of two distinct purposes.
First. To operate the pneumatic key-action with different degrees of tension for
different powers of stroke when required, the action being adapted to sounding
devices other than reeds or pipes, such as strings, bells, and the like. It is also
desirable to be able to vary the stroke of the keys when used with reeds or pipes.
(Secondly.) I use the expression bellows for different degrees of air tension on the
reeds or pipes. In Figure 1 the air-chest K in which the air tension is changed by
the expression bellows is shown connecting directly both with the pneumatic-keys
and the reed chamber.
"
The object of the fourth part of my Invention is to be able to use the additional
sets of reeds, which are required for the "stops of a reed-instrument, to perform
music by means of the pneumatic-keys beyond the range of octaves given to the
width of the music-sheet. For example, a sheet with three octaves of perforations
and the "stops" to perform music written on five or more octaves of notes. The
levers L, L², may be operated by means of the pneumatic key action as rapidly as
the reed valves.
"
"
The levers L, L2, operate the shutters P, P', which are the ordinary "stops" of
the organ.
All the stops of a reed organ, except what are called the " fancy
stops, simply open to sets of reeds in octaves ranging above or below the principal
set. The violina being the principal set, the " picolo" would be the same an
octave above, and the "trumpet" the same an octave below. If then a manuel
performer were able to manipulate his stops as rapidly as his keys, and manipulate
both in unison, he would be able to perform music beyond the range of his key
board. This is what I accomplish mechanically with the pneumatic keys and the
groups of sets of reeds of Fig. 7. The music sheet is only wide enough to operate
three octaves of pneumatic keys and seven "stops." By arranging the sets of reeds
for the principal set and those for the stops in groups, as shewn, to be operated
upon by the three octaves of keys for the notes, and having seven shutters, one for
each stop-pneumatic, such combinations may be made by means of the perforations
in the sheet as not only to provide the ordinary effect of "stops" but to perform

page_text: music written on five, six, or even seven octaves. Each note-key opens all the
valves of its letter in all the sets of reeds of its group, but only the letter of such
set is sounded in the group as may be opened by a corresponding action of its
shutter-key. If a letter-key be operated in the third group, for example, and the
stop-keys be operated for six and seven the letter would be in the sixth octave
with violina and picolo stops. Many pieces on even seven octaves can be rendered
properly with the effect of the stops, perforated in sheets for three octaves in width;
all solo passages can thus be rendered in seven octaves, A greater or less number
of sets of reeds may make up each group according to the desired limit of the range
of the instrument.
It is necessary to enter into a long explanation as to the method of combining
the different sets for different results, as it is a fact well known that a great many
combinations are possible from a very few numbers.
A sectional view of the central group of reeds, showing the arrangement of the
four sets, is shewn in Fig. 7.
In Fig. 1 the ordinary shutter for the "swell" is shown at Us. This is represented
as being operated by lever L³, connecting with the pneumatic key-action in a similar
manner as represented in my Patent of October 2nd, 1878, No. 3876. This in Figs.
1 is modified by a secondary shutter U, which is operated by means of connection
28. The primary shutter U³ when closed forms a chamber between the reed shutters
and the external air. When the shutter U is open this chamber acts as a sounding
box and modified the quality of the tone of the reeds with a pleasing effect when
the shutter U is used for the "swell." The secondary shutter Û³ may be operated
either pneumatically or manually as desired. In Fig. 10 this construction is shewn
somewhat modified in connection with the reeds of the instrument when the music-
sheet is drawn immediately over the recd-openings instead of an intervening
pneumatic action. The sounding-box Us is used instead of the ordinary flat resonant.
Instead of making the box removeable to allow for placing the music-sheet it is
hinged at one end to be raised in direction of the dotted line, and when in place is
clamped by a button as shewn.
•
In my Patent previously referred to the motor for the music-sheet is described
as having slipping gear in connection therewith for securing the proper winding
of the sheet corresponding with the "time" of the music being performed. In Figs.
1 and 10 I show a different method and construction of devices for this purpose.
In Fig. 10 the music-sheet to be used is placed at P, to be wound on the roller
at Ps. The roller at P³ turns in slotted journal bearings, so that the roller can
preserve constant contact of the music-sheet with the motor roller R³. I cover tho
surface of roller R³ with fine emery or other suitable substance to increase the fric-
tion of surfaces and secure a certain constant movement of the music sheet. Motion
corresponding with the "time" of the tune is given to roller R³, and although
the roll of music P³ is constantly increasing in size the time of the tune is not
increased, for only so much of the inusic-sheet is wound on roller P³ as is measured
by the moving surface of roller Rs. The constant surface-contact of the roll of
music P³ and inotor roller R³ secures the desired result. The rewinding rollers may
operate in a similar manner, but the plan of my former Patent of October 2nd, 1878,
is preferable. The slipping-gear of the rewinding roller is represented by R³. It is
desirable when this roller is not in use not only to render it inoperative by means
of the yielding of spring tension but also to prevent its resistance to the power
applied for operating the instrument. For this purpose I use the binder 2 in con-
nection with the spring of the gear for giving or relieving the spring of its tension
at the will of the performer. This binder is shewn in Fig. 11. It is made in form
of a divided wedge, which strides the shaft of the gear and presses on the face of
the spring. To the wedge is attached a handle, as shown. When the wedge is
thrust forward the pressure gives tension to the spring and the gear turns the shaft,
but as the wedge is withdrawn the tension is taken off and the shaft remains still,
with no friction of the spring to be overcome by the motor. The spring is service-
able during the movement of the shaft to prevent accident to the music sheet and

page_text: consequent injury in case the wedge is not promptly drawn at the moment the
rewinding is complete.
To prevent rattling of the gears, I attach to one side of each wheel a plain disc
of greater diameter than the wheel. This overlaps the side of the adjoining wheel
The wheels are run so that the flanges formed by these discs produce a side bearing
which is constant and prevents back-lash of the teeth, and therefore secures a quiet
movement of the gears.
In Fig. 1a graduated stop U is represented for limiting the movement of the
pneumatic key A. This stop is constructed and arranged to slide back and forth
under the projecting arm of the key and is operated by the connection J'. The
steps of the stop 1, 2, 3, 4 determine the distance of the throw of the key.
The connection J' may be worked mechanically or manually as desired.
This stop
is not only useful to limit the movement of the key for the push-pin of the reed-
valve but is especially useful when the pneumatic keys are used to produce the
stroke for piano action, as a variety of strokes can thus be produced.
Many of the devices of the foregoing Specification are not only adaptable to
instruments of different kinds of sounding devices, but also to attachments for
playing upon different kinds of instruments. They are also adaptable to instru-
ments constructed to be played upon either manually or mechanically, also to those
adapted to be played mechanically or manually at will.
The expression-bellows is of great advantago in instruments for manual per-
formance, but of still greater advantage to mechanical instruments. It is very
difficult to secure expression in mechanical musical instruments having the ordinary
bellows, but with my Invention the matter is easily secured to great perfection.
Firstly. The combination with the vent-duct of a pneumatic action of the per-
forated music-sheet, the air for the vent passing through the perforations of the
sheet, substantially as specified.
Secondly. The combination with the pneumatic key A of a primary pneumatic,
which is connected to and operates both the valve of entry and the valve for exit
of air to and from the chamber of the key.
Thirdly. The combination with the valves g, h, of follower a, air chamber a³,
follower c, and air chamber e', substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Fourthly. The combination with follower a and its air-chamber, follower e and
its air-chamber, of valves g, h, the followers differing in area, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
Fifthly. A pneumatic key-action operated by air of different degrees of tension
as to preserve or exhaust, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Sixthly. The expression bellows constructed with two or more communicating
compartments, and having a valve for establishing and cutting off such com-
munication at will.
Seventhly. The combination with compartments G² of the expression bellows
having the ordinary spring for the bellows of the compartment G, not necessarily
possessing any spring in connection therewith to secure its proper action, sub-
stantially as specified.
Eighthly. An expression-bellows composed of a combination of receiving cham-
bers, or a receiving chamber having two or more compartments, the several chambers
or compartments having springs of different tensions, to produce different degrees
of air tension, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Ninthly. The combination with the chamber G³ of the rod h³, or equivalent, and
a clamping device for clamping or holding the rod, substantially as and for the
purposes specified.
Tenthly. The combination with the chamber G³ of the supplimental spring 68,
manually or mechanically operated, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Eleventhly. The combination with the expression-bellows of a musical instrument

page_text: of the pneumatic key action, for giving different degrees of power to the stroke of
the keys, substantially as specified.
Twelfthly. The expression bellows controlled as to its different degrees of air
tension by means of a perforated music sheet.
Thirteenthly. The expression-bellows and its controlling connection h³, adapted
to be mechanically operated.
Fourteenthly. The expression bellows and its valves in combination with the
pneumatic f, substantially as specified.
Fifteenthly. The expression-bellows and its controlling connection h³, adapted to
be operated by the performer or mechanically at will. The combination with a
mechanical musical instrument of an expression-bellows.
Sixteenthly. The combination with the pneumatic key action of a mechanical
musical instrument of groups of sets of reeds or pipes arranged to produce by
different combinations music made up of a greater number or range of notes than
represented by the number of keys, substantially as specified.
*Seventeenthly. The combination with the pneumatic key action of the mechanical
stop for limiting the movement of the keys, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
Eighteenthly. The combination with the push-pin a² of the valves e³, e, for the
reed or pipe of a musical instrument, constructed and arranged to operate sub-
stantially as specified.
Nineteenthly. In a pneumatic key-action for musical instruments, the air duets B,
D, and C, differing in size, when arranged to operate substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
Twentiethly. The combination with the sounding box Us of the shutter U³, and
musical sheet N, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Twentyfirstly. The method of producing a regular movement of the music-
sheet by surface contact of the motor roller and the roll of sheet music, substantially
as specified.
Twentysecondly. The music roll having a self adjusting bearing to secure its con-
stant contact with the motor roller,
Twentythirdly. The combination with the roll of sheet-music of the motor roller
having a roughened surface for insuring the constant and regular movement of the
sheet, substantially as specified.
Twentyfourthly. The sounding box U³, hinged at one end and clamped at the
other, substantially as specified.
Twentyfifthly. The combination with the slipping-gear R8 and its spring of the
tension device p, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Merritt Gally, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Twentieth day of January, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy nine.
MERRITT GALLY. (L.S.