AN ELECTRIC ORGAN
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Ford Schmoele and Alexis Mols, of Antwerp,
in the Kingdom of Belgium, Engineers, for an Invention of " AN ELECTRIC
ORGAN"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Ford Schmoele
and Alexis Mols at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
4th August 1881.
WILLIAM FORD SCHMOELE and ALEXIS MOLS, of Antwerp, in the Kingdom of
Belgium, Engineers. "AN ELECTRIC ORGAN."
This Invention relates to improvements in the application of electricity to
organs, whereby they may be played by hand or. automatically by specially
designed sheets of music. The wind-pressure supplies the working power, and the
electricity times and regulates its application.
The construction of the apparatus and its mode of operation resemble in some
respects the Invention for which we applied for Letters Patent on the 27th July
1881, No. 3294. The Invention also relates to the means used for playing certain
instruments with which the organ is provided, such as drums, cymbals, triangles,
small bells, and the like, whereby the effect of an orchestra is obtained.
The music for automatically playing the organ consists of a thin sheet of metal
or of paper covered on one or both sides with a metallic coating. The metallic
surfaces are covered with a non conducting varnish, except at certain spots which
represent notes. The position of these spots, where the metal is exposed, determines
the sound of the note or the mechanical movement it is intended to effect, and the
length of the spots determines the duration. Each note and each mechanical
movement have their particular zones upon the sheet. There may be as many as
100 zones on a metallic sheet or web, 50 on each side. The web is rolled upon a
reel, off which it is drawn by rollers and passed between two sets of metallic
fingers, of which there is one for every zone.
The fingers are of steel wire or phosphor-bronze, and have their free ends bent
so as to present rounded surface to the travelling web. A metal cylinder
underlies each row of finger points and conveys the current from the battery. A
comb of rubber or other insulating material serves to keep their free ends in

page_text: position over their corresponding zones. The rear ends of the fingers are passed
through a cross frame in which they are securely fixed, and to each of them is
attached a wire leading to the electro-magnet which actuates the pneumatic lever
of the note or mechanical movement corresponding to the finger in question.
This cross frame is hinged so as to rock back and allow of the insertion of the
metallic sheet of music.
The rollers which draw the music between the bent finger ends are actuated
by a pneumatic pump connected with the bellows, which furnish the main supply
of wind to the instrument. This pneumatic pump causes a spindle to rotate at a
regular speed by the alternate inflation and collapse of two pairs of bellows. The
arrangement of this part of the machinery is similar in a great measure to that
described in the application for a Patent above referred to. The valves for
directing the wind pressure into each one of the two pairs of bellows alternately
differ however in construction and action.
A tappet on the spindle forces down a lever which depresses a screw rod, on
which are two valves backed by spiral springs. In its descent the upper valve
first shuts off the free air, and continuing to descend holds this valve to its seat
with increasing pressure. It next, by means of a cross pin, engages with the lower
valve and forces it off its seat, compressing its spiral spring, and opening the wind
pressure channel to the bellows. On the ascent of the screw rod a reverse action
takes place.
The keyboard of the instrument consists of one or more rows of keys according
to the size of the organ.
The electric contacts are effected on depressing the keys by means of a conical
spiral spring on the underside of each key, which spring is caused to touch
gradually a metal plate connected to one pole of the battery.
The sliders of the organ are worked each by two buttons placed below the keys
and in front of the keyboard, so as to be conveniently placed for the thumb of the
organist. These buttons replace the usual stop handles for actuating the sliders
or registers. On thrusting in one button electric contact is established by means
of a lever and spring of metal, and the slider is, say, opened by a pneumatic train.
On thrusting in the other button the lever is reversed in position, another spring
of metal is pressed in, and a current of opposite tendency is established, thus closing
the slider by a second pneumatic train.
In addition to the usual rows of keys, each of which has its own stops, the
sliders of which are operated by the above arrangement, we provide a special
keyboard of accentuation.
In arranging the pipes of an organ, each row of keys is fitted with stops repre-
senting the several classes of stops arranged according to their timbre, care being
taken to associate in one row those of approximately equal power. The stops may
be composed of large open metallic pipes, small open metallic pipes, open or closed
wooden pipes, large or small reed pipes, besides octave stops, inixture stops, and
others.
We arrange the stops so that in each row there may be one corresponding to
each of these several classes. These stops are to be arranged in rows according
to their power, the softest in the uppermost row and the loudest in the lowest row.
Each row of stops has its own keyboard by which it may be played, but all the
rows of stops are united to the keyboard of accentuation, each key of which has
as many conical spiral contact springs as there are rows of stops. These conical
contact springs are of unequal length, and are arranged to touch the contact plates
in succession. As the keys are depressed, so will the spiral springs make contact
in succession with the metallic plates.
The volume of sound may thus be varied by pressing lightly or heavily upon the
keys, and prominence may be given to individual notes.
Starting from the metallic fingers and the keys, the line wires conduct the
electric current to the electro-magnets and pneumatic trains, which are situate
beneath the several rows of keys, or in other parts of the instrument where there

page_text: are valves to be worked. For the ordinary keys two pneumatic levers suffice, but
for the sliders and for the instruments of percussion three levers are preferably
employed.
The pneumatic levers described in our Provisional Specification filed on the
27th July 1881, No. 3294, are operated by suction. The pneumatic levers which
we employ for an organ act, on the contrary, by pressure of wind, and this has
necessitated certain alterations in construction the better to adapt these levers to
their new function. To economize space the several trains of pneumatic levers are
arranged alternately above and below the lower board of each row of keys. The
interior train of mechanism consists of a tubular electro-magnet combined with
pneumatic levers, and situate within the air trunk. The electro magnet is formed
by deeply notching an iron tube in two places, so as to allow of its being bent into
a U shape, which is done after it has been softened and wound with insulated
wire.
•
The ends of the magnet are fixed in holes bored in the top of the air passage in
which the pallet of the magnet is placed. One end of the pallet is pivotted upon
one pole of the magnet or an adjacent support, and this hollow pole is stopped by
a plug of metal. The other end of the pallet is free to oscillate between a centrally
drilled plug communicating with the free air (which plug forms its seat) and the
other pole of the magnet, which is open to admit the wind pressure to the passage
in which the said pallet is placed. The weight of the pallet is nearly counter-
balanced by a non-magnetic metallic tail-piece. The magnet has therefore only to
overcome the slight difference in weight between the pallet and the tail-piece and
the wind pressure on the small passage in the seat of the pallet, which seat is made
adjustable. The wind pressure in the hollow arm of the magnet is not strong
enough to force off the pallet when the current is passing, but is strong enough to
overcome the residual magnetism when the current has ceased.
The first air chamber or bellows of the train is fitted with a pneumatic
diaphragm, to which is attached a double-seated valve by means of a screw wire;
this valve in its normal position is seated by its own weight and by reason of the
wind pressure being equal on both sides of the pneumatic diaphragm. When
seated the opening into the free air is closed, and that into the second air chamber
or lever is opened. The lever is therefore kept inflated.
So soon as the current passes, the pallet is lifted off its seat, opening the upper
side of the diaphragm to the outer air, while the wind pressure is cut off and
allowed to act only on the under side of the diaphragm, which rises and lifts the
double faced valve off its seat, thus opening the second passage to the free air and
closing the smaller opening to the wind pressure, which acting now on the outer
surface of the second lever will force it to collapse and actuate the pull down,
passing through the wind chest to the valve of the pipe which is to speak. The
case enclosing the complete train is made to fit by bevilling its rear frame, and
causing it to bear tightly against a corresponding groove in the wall behind it.
The front part of the train is then secured by means of a brass bolt, which serves
also to conduct the electricity to the electro-magnet.
The exterior train is analogous in construction, but with the conditions of
pressure reversed. The electro magnet has both its ends plugged to prevent the
passage of the wind. One end of the pallet is balanced on one pole in a similar
manner to that already described.
It is provided also with a tail piece, to which is suspended a valve consisting of
two discs of different size carried by a screw wire. In its normal position this
valve is lowered, and the smaller disc closes the passage from the wind trunk. On
the pallet being drawn down by the magnet the tail piece lifts the first valve off
its seat, and closes the opening to the free air. The wind rushes into a side
passage, forces up a flexible diaphragm, by which a second valve is thrust off its
seat and a larger ingress opened to the wind pressure, which rushes into and
inflates the second air chamber or lever, and causes it to draw the pull down as
before. When the current ceases the wind pressure on the larger surface of the

page_text: first valve will overcome the residual magnetism, and restore the pallet to its
normal position.
The final valves, which admit wind to the pipes when they are required to speak,
may be of the usual corstruction, but we prefer to make them of two particular
forms, of closed balance form for the high notes, where the openings are small; and
of open balance form for the large pipes, which require much wind.
The closed balance valve is like an ordinary valve, opening against the wind and
the pressure of a spring, but it is provided towards its rear end with a tail piece or
lever, which is connected with a pneumatic diaphragm or balanced valve chamber,
the interior of which opens into the channel leading to the pipes; this diaphragm
should be about three-fourths (3/tha) the area of the valve proper. By this arrange-
ment the wind pressure has only to overcome one quarter of the resistance it would
otherwise have encountered. Directly the main valve is unseated the counter-
acting pressure is destroyed, and the valve opens wide with ease. The end of the
tail piece or lever of the main valve should be so arranged as to allow of its
approaching the flexible diaphragm after the latter has ceased to rise, and the
screw wire connecting the said lever with the diaphragm must have free play in
the end of the said lever to avoid interference by rubbing.
The open balance valves are closed by the difference in pressure on their surfaces
assisted by a light spring. These valves, while offering little resistance to the
pneumatic train, allow a double quantity of wind to pass when opened.
In order however to ensure these valves acting efficiently, care must be taken to
prevent leakage at the line of contact of the counterbalancing valve.
We effect this by means of a pneumatic cushion consisting of an edging of soft
leather around the aperture and capable of rising with the wind pressure, which
will press it closely against the soft leather covering the valve itself, and
hermetically seal the aperture. To ensure the edging of leather returning to its
proper position, we find it advisable to connect it by a perforated centre-piece
which virtually forms a complete disc of leather covering the aperture, the said disc
being riddled with holes except for a small space round the edge, or the edging of
leather may be connected by threads of silk or cotton, which will prevent its rising
beyond a certain distance.
The trains which actuate the sliders consist of an electro-magnet. and three
pneumatic levers. In this case the counter-balancing force is obtained by a light
coiled spring which puts no pull on the pallet when in repose, but which puts
sufficient pull thereon when the second lever of the series is in its lowermost
working position to overcome the residual magnetism when the current ceases.
The trains which actuate the sliders are provided with a "prolong-note "
apparatus, similar to that referred to in the Provisional Specification of our
Invention above named, and having the same end in view.
The drum is played by. the vibration imparted to a hammer or drumstick by the
electric current setting in action a series of pneumatic levers, preferably three in
number.
The system of levers is similar to those already described, but the electro magnet
has two connections, the one for giving abrupt blows to the drum (coups secs), the
other for giving a rapid succession of blows.
When the train is at rest the close-circuit allows of the electricity passing from
the finger for rolling to the electro-magnet, but directly the second lever operates
the closed circuit is broken; the train returns to its normal position and the
circuit is again established. This action being repeated produces a rolling sound
upon the drum. The simplest form of close-circuit consists of a flat metal spring
mounted on the second pneumatic lever, its end resting on the platinum point of a
screw in connection with the magnet. The rapidity of the rolling may be adjusted
by means of this screw. Levers of resistance are also connected with the drum
hammers in such a way that the drums may be struck with four degrees of
force.
For striking loud blows upon the drum, a supplementary mechanism is provided

page_text: which regulates the exact period during which the train of levers is to operate
independently of the length of the notes on the music. If the note were the least
bit too short the blow would be weak; if too long, the drumstick is apt to rest on
the vellum and muffle the sound. The separate mechanism absorbs the superfluous
electricity directly the full blow has been given.
A
Upon the pneumatic lever which carries the drum hammer is a metal spring
which makes contact with a screw directly this lever has opened a litte way.
supplementary magnet has a pallet which is pivotted on one pole thereof (after the
manner above explained). This pallet oscillates and is drawn to the other polė
when the current passes. This pallet has also a metal tail-piece in connection with
a screw when at rest, but breaking contact therewith when the magnet acts.
The line wire is divided into three branches. When the current passes, it first
causes the hammer on the lever to impart a blow to the drum. When the blow is
nearly finished, the metal spring makes contact with the screw first described, the
current passes by a branch wire to the supplementary magnet and through it to
the battery. This magnet however attracts its pallet, breaks contact with the
second screw, and breaks the circuit through the first electro magnet. The pallet
of the second magnet on touching the magnet transmits the current by a branch
wire to the battery.
At this moment the current is only acting by one of the three branches. The
first magnet is thrown out of action and its pneumatic train is at rest; but the
second magnet, by one of the three wires, is kept fully charged, and does not let go
of the pallet until the note has completely passed the metallic finger. When the
pallet is released, its spring tail-piece makes contact with the second screw and
establishes once more the current which will operate once more at the required
moment.
The cymbals and small bells are operated in an analogous manner, and the
drums may be made to produce a muffled sound by the drawing back of the cords
on one face thereof.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Ford Schmoele and Alexis Mols in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 4th February 1882.
WILLIAM FORD SCHMOELE and ALEXIS MOLS, of Antwerp, in the Kingdom of
Belgium. "AN ELECTRIC ORGAN."
This Invention relates to improvements in the application of electricity to organs,
whereby they may be played by band or automatically by specially designed sheets
of music. The wind pressure supplies the working power, and the electricity times
and regulates its application.
The construction of the apparatus and its mode of operation resemble in some
respects that described in the Specification of the Invention for which we have
obtained Letters Patent, dated the 27th July, 1881, No. 3294. The Invention also
relates to the means used for playing certain instruments with which the organ may
be provided, such as drums, cymbals, triangles, small bells, and the like, whereby
the effect of an orchestra is obtained, the instrument being then designated an
"orchestrion."
The music for automatically playing the organ is represented in Fig. 1, Sheet I.,
of the accompanying Drawings, and consists of a thin sheet of metal or of paper
covered on one or both sides with a metallic coating. The metallic surfaces are
covered with a nonconducting varnish, except at certain spots (as indicated in
Fig. 1) which represent notes. The position of these spots where the metal is
exposed determines the sound of the note or the mechanical movement it is
intended to effect, and the length of the spots determines the duration. Each note
and each mechanical movement have their particular zones or columns upon one
side of the sheet. There may be as many as one hundred zones or columns on a
metallic sheet or web of ten centimetres in breadth, fifty on each side.
The web A is rolled upon a reel A2 off which it is drawn by rollers A* and
caused to pass between two sets or rows of metallic fingers a¹, a², of which there is
one for every column of notes on each side of the music, as shewn in Fig. 2,
Sheet I.
These fingers a', a², are of steel wire or phosphor-bronze, and have their free
ends bent, as shewn in the Drawing, so as to present a rounded surface to the
travelling web. A metal cylinder A³ underlies each row of finger points, and
conveys the current from the battery. A comb of rubber a³, a', or other insulating
material serves to keep their free ends in position over their corresponding
columns.
The ends of one set of fingers a' are arranged along a line some two centimetres
behind the ends of the other set of fingers a², and the notes on the sheet ought to
correspond to this arrangement, that is to say, the notes on one side of the sheet
should be about two centimetres behind those on the other side, which play simul-
taneously.
The rear ends of each set of fingers are passed through a cross frame a³ and a in
which they are securely fixed, and to each finger of the set is attached a wire
leading to the electro-magnet which actuates the pneumatic lever of the note or
mechanical movement corresponding to the finger in question. The rear ends are
further securely held in position by glue or cement applied in the manner described
in the Specification of our Patent above referred to. This cross-frame is hinged so
as to rock back, as shewn by dotted lines in Fig. 2, and allow of the ready insertion
of the metallic sheet of music.
The rollers A which draw the music between the bent finger ends are actuated

page_text: by a pneumatic motor (see Fig. 3; Sheet I.) connected with the bellows which
furnish the main supply of wind to the instrument, the rollers A3 turning by the
friction of the passing sheet thus aiding its progress. This pneumatic motor, Fig. 3,
causes a spindle B₁ to rotate at a regular speed by the alternate inflation and
collapse of two pairs of bellows B10, the sheet A¹ being guided in its passage to the
fingers by the bobbin A from which it is unwound. The arrangement of this part
of the machinery is similar in a great measure to that described in the Specification
of the Patent above referred to. The valve for directing the wind pressure into
each one of the two pairs of bellows B10 alternately differs however in construction
and action.
A tappet B3 on the spindle B forces down a lever B¹ which depresses a rod on
which are two valves B, B', backed by spiral springs B. In its descent the upper
valve B first shuts off the free air, and the rod continuing to descend this valve is
held by its spring to its seat with increasing pressure. It next by means of a cross
pin Bs engages with the lower valve B and forces it off its seat, compressing its
spiral spring and opening the wind pressure channel to the bellows B10, which
become inflated and give half a rotation to the spindle B². This rotary motion is
continued by another pair of bellows of similar construction in the manner
described in the Specification above referred to. On the ascent of the screw rod a
reverse action takes place. The position of this motor with reference to the other
parts of the organ will be seen from the elevation, Fig. 14, Sheet II., of the
Drawings.
The keyboard of the instrument consists of one or more rows of keys according
to the size of the organ.
The electric contacts are effected on depressing the keys by means of a conical
spiral spring on the underside of each key, which spring is caused to touch
gradually a inetal plate connected to one pole of the battery. This contact maker
acts as silently as a mercury trough and possesses the advantage of having nothing
to spill.
The sliders of the organ are worked each by two stops EX and IN placed below
the keys and in front of the keyboard c³, as shewn in Fig. 4, Sheet I., so as to be
conveniently placed for the thumb of the organist, who can thus operate them
without removing his hand from the keys or interrupting his playing. These
buttons replace the usual stop handles for actuating the ordinary sliders or registers,
which handles are situate above or alongside the keys.
Each double stop consists of two short rods or pushers EX and IN which
impart movement to a lever Cs situate behind them (Fig. 4bis), which is pivotted
centrally and serve to complete the circuits at C4, C5, or at C, C, as the case may
be. These circuits set in action the electro-pneumatic trains by which the sliders
of the wind chests are drawn out or pushed in.
Each circuit closer consists of a small spring C5 or C which touches a plate
of metal C when the rod or pusher is pressed in, thus allowing the current to
pass and which springs away and breaks the circuit as soon as the pressure is
released.
By removing the screws which secure the front board c³, this part of the
apparatus may be entirely removed, as it is constructed within the board C'
(Figures 4 and 4 bin.)
In addition to the usual rows of keys, each of which has its own stops, the sliders
of which are operated by the above arrangement, we provide a special keyboard of
accentuation by which an increased or diminished sound may be produced on
varying the pressure given to the keys. This variable system of accentuation may
be applied to organs which have more than one row of keys.
In arranging the pipes of an organ having several wind chests the stops are
divided into several classes and arranged according to their timbre, care being
taken to associate with the same wind chest slops of approximately equal power.
The stops may be composed of large open metallic pipes, small open metallic pipes,

page_text: stops, and others.
We may divide these stops into six classes as follows:-
1st class. The open metal pipes of large diameter and powerful sound and of a
timbre more or less nearly resembling that of a horn according to the diameter of
the pipes and their speaking power.
2nd class. The open metallic pipes of small diameter of softened sound and
resembling stringed instruments.
3rd class. The open wooden pipes of flute like timbre and the stopped pipes of
round and flute like-sound.
4th class. The powerful reed pipes producing a penetrating sound.
5th class. The soft reed pipes, such as the hautboy, the clarionet.
6th class. The octave stops, double octave stops, and "mixture" stops.
The stops are distributed in such a manner that there shall be over the wind
chests at least one stop for each of the above classes, care being taken to associate
with one wind chest D¹, Fig. 5, Sheet I. all those which are of the softest quality
with another wind chest D2, Fig. 5, those of medium power, and with a third wind
chest D³, Fig. 5, those of powerful intonation.
Each wind chest has its corresponding key-board (not shewn in the Drawing) on
which the musician can play separately, but all these wind chests are connected
with the key-board of accentuation D', Fig. 5, each key of which is fitted with as
many separate contact makers as there are wind-chests, one contact maker for
each wind chest. The contact makers are composed of springs of different
lengths d, d, d³, arranged to touch successively the metal plate d common to all
three as the key is depressed.
The longest spring d' communicates with the wind chest D¹ of the soft stops, the
spring of medium length d² with the wind chest D2 of the stops of medium
power, and the shortest spring d³ with the wind chest D³ of the powerful stops.
It will thus be seen that on slightly pressing upon any one of the keys of this
key-board of accentuation, the first sound obtained is that of the corresponding pipe
of the wind chest D¹. But if more pressure be applied, the second spring d² is
caused to touch and sets in action the corresponding pipe of the wind chest D² of
medium sound, and this pipe re-inforces the sound of that of the first wind chest,
and again on further depressing the key the pipe of the third wind chest D³ is
brought into action and its powerful sound re-inforces that of the two pipes already
in action.
Thus the volume and power of sound increases in proportion to the pressure
applied to the keys. The sounds may therefore be modulated at will, or a single
note only may be emphasized.
By these means the organ becomes an instrument allowing of the accentuation of
individual notes.
Starting from the metallic fingers and the keys the line wires lead the electric
current to the electric-pueumatic trains which are situate within or below the
several wind chests or in other parts of the instrument where there are valves to
be worked. For operating the ordinary keys two electro pneumatic levers suffice,
but for the sliders and for the instruments of percussion three electro-pneumatic
levers are preferably employed.
The pneumatic levers described in the Specification of our Patent, dated the
27th July 1881, No. 3294, are operated by suction. The pneumatic levers
which we prefer to employ for an organ act on the contrary by pressure of
wind, and this has necessitated certain alterations in construction the better to
adapt these levers to their new function. To economise space the several trains of
pneumatic levers are arranged alternately above and below the bottom board of
each wind chest. The interior electro-pneumatic strain of mechanism (Fig. 6,
Sheet I.) consists of a tubular electro magnet combined with pneumatic levers
situate in the part marked Y on the Drawing. The levers have valves in their

page_text: air channels. The electro-magnet is formed by deeply notching an iron tube
(E, Fig. 7, Sheet I.) in two places, so as to allow of its being bent into a U shape,
which is done after it has been softened in a slow fire and wound with bobbins of
insulated wire e².
The ends of the magnet are fixed in holes bored in the board ƒ (Fig. 6), which
forms a part of the air passage in which the pallet of the magnet is placed.
The upper part of each hole is chambered to a diameter sufficient to admit the
bobbins. When the magnet is fixed in position the holes are filled with glue or
cement which in hardening fixes the magnet securely.
The pallet e, Fig. 6, is covered with thin leather only slightly roughened
(velouté).. It is supported by one pole of the magnet or from an adjacent part of
the wood, and this pole is altogether sealed by a plug of metal e. The pallet is
free to vibrate at its other end between its seat e8 and the other pole e of the magnet,
which end is not plugged but remains open in order to admit the wind pressure to
the channel e in which the pallet is situate. The weight of this pallet is nearly
counterbalanced by a tail 18 of non-magnetic metal which extends on the other side
of the point of support.
The electro magnet in attracting its pallet from its seat es has only to overcome
the difference in weight between the pallet and its tail piece plus the wind pressure
on the small vent hole in the seating e, which seating may be adjusted to suit the
range of the electro-magnet.
When the pallet is attracted and in contact with the magnet, the hollow hole e
thereof is closed, and the wind pressure from Y is prevented from entering the
channel es while the opening in the seating e empties that channel and gives a back
pressure on the pallet in contact with the hollow end at e7 of the magnet.
The wind pressure on the hollow arm of the magnet is not strong enough to
force off the pallet when the current is passing, but is strong enough to over-
come the residual magnetism and forcibly reseat the pallet when the current has
ceased.
The first air chamber or bellows of the train is fitted with a flexible pneumatic
diaphragm composed of a disc g¹ covered with a fine envelope of sheepskin which
is held securely in place by a ring of card or metal nailed to the framework.
To this diaphragm is attached a double seated valve by means of a screw wire.
G is the first pneumatic lever; g³ is the secondary valve consisting of a bobbin
or disc of wood presenting two surfaces covered with soft leather, one of which
closes the entrance g', and the other the exit g³.
The space is in permanent connection with the wind pressure from Y in
the interior of the wind chest, allowing it to enter freely the second pneumatic
lever gs when the secondary valve g³ is lowered; but when this valve rises it closes
the opening g', and the air in the lever g³ rushes out by the exit 9³, the wind
pressure on its outside causing the lever to collapse, and actuating the final valve
which leads to the pipes. Each train is constructed separately and on its own
boards. The openings e and g³ in the lower board coincide with holes admitting
free air X from outside the wind chest through the board F, the upper surface of
which, in contact with the electro pneumatic train, is covered with soft leather
to make an impermeable joint against the wind pressure.
Each train is held in a fixed position by pushing the sloping end fi firmly
against a correspondingly formed abutment in the back wall of the wind chest,
and the front of the train is secured by a copper bolt f* passing through the
plank f, and serving also to conduct the electricity to the electro-magnet.
The exterior train is analogous in construction but with the conditions of pressure
reversed. The electro magret E, Fig. 8, has both its ends plugged to prevent the
passage of the wind, and is fitted in holes in the plank f, as already described.
One end of the pallet is balanced on one pole in a similar manner to that already
described. It is provided also with a tail piece e from which is suspended a valve
consisting of two discs e7, es, of different size carried by a screw wire. In its

page_text: normal position this valve is lowered, and the smaller disc e' closes the passage to
the wind pressure coming from Y.
On the pallet being drawn down by the magnet the tail piece e lifts the first
disc c off its seat, and closes the opening to the free air by the disc es.
The wind pressure on this disc es constitutes the reversing or counterbalancing
force of the pallet c. This pressure is too feeble to overcome the magnetic force
when the current is passing, but is sufficient to detach the pallet as soon as the
current ceases.
The passage e³ leads to the interior of the first pneumatic lever G, which is fitted
with a flexible diaphragm constructed and arranged as described in the former
case, Fig. 6, and supporting the disc g³, the upper face of which stops the exit g³
of the second air chainber or pneumatic lever gs when the first pneumatic lever G
rises by the pressure of wind beneath it.
The upper valve g* is thrust off its seat and allows the wind pressure from Y
to rush into the lever g8, which inflates and pulls down the final valve by the
rod g³.
The final valve, whether of an interior or exterior train, opens the air passages to
the pipes. This valve may be an ordinary organ valve, but to lessen the resistance
we prefer to construct them in one of two special ways, either on the closed balance
or pneumatic diaphragm principle for the high notes where the openings are small,
or on the open balance principle for the large pipes of the bass which require much
wind.
The closed balance or pneumatic diaphragm valve is shewn at Fig. 9, and consists
of an ordinary valve opening against the wind Y and the pressure of a spring h²,
but it is fitted with a tail-piece h³ on which a small valve h' can exert a pull. This
valve may be a pneumatic lever of ordinary construction, or preferably a closed
valve or flexible diaphragm similar to those already described with reference to g¹
(Figures 6 and 8). The interior side of this valve covers an opening in communication
with the channel which leads to the pipes.
We usually make this closed valve 3/4 of the area of the valve h¹. Thus,
when the valve is shut and there is no air pressure in 5 this closed valve
or diaphragm, by the wind pressure from Ỷ on its area, neutralises 3 of
the pressure on the valve by reason of its pulling on the tail piece 3. This
arrangement materially assists the electro magnet in overcoming the resistance of
the valve '. The flexible diaphragm need only have slight play, as so soon as the
valve starts from its seat in the least degree the wind enters and the action of
the diaphragm ceases.
If the valve and flexible diaphragm + balance each other too nearly the valve
will tremble and adinit the wind by gusts.
The end of the lever should project such a distance below the diaphragm h
as not to interfere with it when the valve h¹ is fully open. The hole in the tail-
piece for the wire to pass must be made large enough to allow of the lever
moving freely.
In small saloon organs a single pneumatic lever will suffice to operate the closed
balance valves above described with reference to Fig. 9.
For the bass notes we use the open valve, shown at Fig. 10, and operated by a
rod from an electro pneumatic train.
This valve is composed of two valves 1, 2, opening in different directions. The
valve is rather larger in area than the valve i².
A light spring 3 serves to aid the closing of the valve i¹ and keep it in place
when there is no wind pressure in the organ. The electro-pneumatic lever has
therefore only to overcome the difference in the wind pressures on the two valves
and the resistance of the spring 2³.
To prevent leakage of air in this open balance valve we employ a pneumatic
cushion or edging J of soft leather around the aperture and capable of rising with
the wind pressure, which will press it closely against the soft leather covering the
valve itself and hermetically seal the aperture. To ensure the edging of leather

page_text: returning to its proper position we find it advisable to connect it by a perforated
centre-piece, which virtually forms a complete disc of leather covering the aperture,
the said disc being riddled with holes j³, except for a small space around the edge,
or the edging of leather may be connected by threads of silk or cotton, which will
prevent its rising beyond a certain distance, but the perforated leather disc is what
we prefer to use.
The trains which actuate the sliders each consist of an electro-magnet and three
pneumatic levers, see Fig. 11, Sheet II. In this case the counterbalancing force is
obtained by a light coiled spring placed on the second pneumatic lever, and so
arranged as to act only when the pneumatic lever is nearly emptied and the valve /
is well opened; the spring puts no pull on the long arm of the pallet when in repose,
but in action it exerts sufficient pull thereon to overcome the residual magnetism
when the current ceases.
In this Figure the magnet E is reversed in position, the poles being upwards, and
consists of two bars of soft iron wound with wire and firmly fixed in position by
a bolt passing through a transverse connecting bar to the plank f³. The magnet
is thus pivotted on the bolt and can be adjusted so as to set the pallet e¹ and arm e
in line with the first valve. The seat es of this valve is prolonged into a tube
leading to the outer air and the other seat e7 of this valve is pierced to allow the
wind pressure to enter the channel e³.
The action of this electro-pneumatic train will be readily understood from the
description already given.
-
The pneumatic lever g is set in action by the lifting of the valve g³, which
allows the air to escape from its interior.
The lever g collapsing opens the valve and admits air pressure to the large
lever Go, at the same time forcibly closing the counterbalanced valve shown at the
top of the Figure.
However slight may be the pressure imparted to the stops EX or IN (Fig. 4) of
the registers the magnet E will attract its pallet, so slight is the resistance to be
overcome, and the residual magnetism in this case holds down the pallet after the
current ceases until the spring e comes into operation by the nearly complete
closing of the lever gs.
This arrangement of pneumatic train could be used for the notes, but we
prefer to use the trains described with reference to Figures 6 and 8, and we
prefer the pneumatic reversers or counterbalance arrangement to the mechanical
one of Fig. 11.
The trains which actuate the sliders are provided with a prolong-note apparatus
similar to that referred to in the Specification of our Patent above named, and
having the same end in view, and it will therefore need no further description.
Fig. 12 illustrates the pneumatic train for playing on the drum when the organ is
fitted with this addition. The drum is played by the vibration imparted to a
hammer or drumstick by the electric current setting in action a series of
pneumatic levers, preferably three in number, the last lever G₁ carrying the
hammer K.
The system of levers is similar to those already described, but the electro
magnet has two connections, the one M for giving short abrupt blows to the
drum (coups secs), the other m, m2, m³, for giving a rapid succession of blows.
When the train is at rest the close circuit m³, m², allows of the electricity
passing from the metallic finger, which gives the rolling sound to the electro-
inagnet, but directly the second lever operates the closed circuit m³, m³, is broken,
the train then returns to its normal position and the circuit is again established.
This action being repeated produces a rolling sound upon the drum. The simplest
form of close-circuit consists of a flat metal spring m² mounted on the second
pneumatic lever g³, its end resting on the platinum point of a screw. m³ in
connection with the magnet. The rapidity of the rolling may be adjusted by
means of this screw.

page_text: Levers of resistance are also connected with the drum hammers in such a way
that the drums may be struck with four or more degrees of force. One of these
levers is shewn at g20, Fig. 12.
For striking loud blows upon the drum a supplementary mechanism is provided,
which regulates the exact period during which the train of levers is to operate
independently of the length of the notes on the music. If the note were the least
bit too short the blow would be weak, if too long the drum stick is apt to rest on
the vellum and muffle the sound. The separate mechanism by which the super-
fluous electricity is absorbed directly the full blow has been given is shewn at
Fig. 13, Sheet II. Upon the pneumatic levers G10 which carries the drum
hammer is a metal spring v³, which makes contact with a screw v² directly the
lever Go has opened a little way. A supplementary magnet P has a pallet S2,
which is pivotted on one pole thereof (after the manner above explained). This
pallet oscillates and is drawn to the other pole when the current passes.
pallet has also a metal-tail piece q* in connection with a screw q³ when at rest, but
breaking contact therewith when the magnet P acts.
This
The line wire a comes from the metallic finger, and is divided into three
branches; one of these branches q' leads to the magnet E, and having traversed its
coils the current passes by the wire q², screw q³, tail-piece q, and wire q³ to the
main return wire Z. The second branch leads the electricity to the screw v²,
but the circuit is broken between v² and . The third branch leads the current
by the wire S¹ and the pallet S2 of the magnet P, and there the circuit is also
broken between the pallet S2 and the iron of the magnet S3, and also by a non-
conducting substance between the pallet and the pole on which it oscillates. The
current therefore can only go at first by this wire q', and it animates the magnet E
by which the pneumatic train actuating Go is set in motion, and a blow on the
drum is struck. When however the blow is all but completed, the spring v³ makeş
contact with the adjustable screw v³. The current immediately passes by v³ and vi
to the coils of the magnet P, and thence by the wires v, S5, and Z it returns to the
battery. The magnet P at once attracts its pallet S³, the effect of which is to
break contact at q3 and q', thus making E inoperative.
At the same time the pallet S touches the iron S³ of the magnet P, and this
iron which is coupled by the wire S to the wire transmits the current thus to
the coils of P, whence it passes by v, S, to Z, and back to the battery. At this
moment the current is no longer passing by q¹, but is entering the coils P by the
two paths and S'.
The magnet E being thrown out of action, its pneumatic train returns to a
position of rest, which breaks contact at v², v, but the magnet P is still charged
with electricity by the path S1, S2, S3, S4, and does not let go until the note has
completely ceased to coincide with its metallic finger of a, when it lets go and
breaks contact at S2, S3, and restores contact at q³, q, and the apparatus thus finds
itself ready for another blow.
The cymbals are played by a precisely analogous arrangement to that shown in
Fig. 12, Sheet II., one cymbal being fastened to the end of the arm on the
lever G¹º
Besides these movements there are four others, namely, one to operate a small
drumstick, which strikes or rolls on a cymbal fixed in position like the big drum,
another movement plays a triangle in an analogous manner, a third plays on a row
or circle of small bells, and a fourth draws back the cords on one face of the drum,
which produces a muffled effect. None of these trains have trains of resistance,
and except in the first instance none of them have break circuits for rolling.
Having now set forth the nature of our Invention of "An Electric Organ,"
and described in what manner the same may be carried into practical effect, we
wish it to be understood that we claim,-
1. The combination in an organ or "orchestrion " of an electric keyboard and
an automatic music reading apparatus, substantially in the manner above described,

page_text: whereby the said organ may be played by hand or automatically by a sheet of
prepared music, as may be desired.
2. The sheet of music formed of metal or having metallic surfaces covered except
at certain spots representing notes on both sides with a nonconducting varnish or
equivalent substance for automatically assisting to actuate an electric organ, as
above described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, Sheet I., of the Drawings.
3. The music reading apparatus for an electric organ composed of two rows of
metallic fingers, arranged inversely for reading notes on both sides of the metallic
sheet of music, substantially as described with reference to Fig. 2, Sheet I., of the
Drawings.
4. The rotary motor for an electric organ constructed to act by wind pressure,
as described in principle in the Specification of our Patent above referred to, the
said rotary motor having a valve, constructed and operating in the manner above
described with reference to Fig. 3, Sheet I., of the Drawings for regulating the
admission of the wind.
5. The double handle stops arranged in front of and below the keyboard of an
electrical organ, the said stops being constructed and operated in the manner and
for the purpose above described with reference to Figures 4 and 4bis, Sheet I., of the
Drawings.
6. The keyboard of accentuation described with reference to Fig. 5, Sheet I.,
of the Drawings, constructed and arranged with respect to the several wind chests
and sets of stops in an electrical organ in the manner and for the purpose above
set forth.
7. The combination of an electro-magnet with a series of pneumatic levers
operated by wind pressure and situated within the wind chest of an electric organ,
as above described with reference to Fig. 6, Sheet I., of the Drawings.
8. The pneumatic reversal of this train of levers obtained by the pressure of the
wind on the pallet or armature of the magnet, as described with reference to Fig. 6,
Sheet I., of the Drawings.
9. The arrangement of electro-pneumatic levers situate on the outside of the
wind chest of an electric organ, as described with reference to Fig. 8 of the
Drawings.
10. Causing the pneumatic reversal of a train of levers for an electric organ, such
as that described with reference to Fig. 8 of the Drawings, by making the area of
the channel of exit greater than the channel of entrance, the admission of wind to
the said channels being controlled by the primary valve of the train.
11. Constructing an electro-magnet from a single piece of iron, preferably iron
tubing, by bending it while cold and after it has been coiled with wire, substantially
as described with reference to Fig. 7, Sheet I., of the Drawings.
12. The balance valve fitted with a pneumatic diaphragm, constructed and
operating substantially as described with reference to Fig. 9, Sheet I., of tho
Drawings.
13. The double open valve described with reference to Fig. 10, Sheet I., of the
Drawings, such valve being fitted with a perforated or porous pneumatic cushion, as
and for the purpose set forth.
14. The electro-pneumatic apparatus fitted with a mechanical counterbalancing
or reversing coiled spring or its equivalent, constructed and operating in the
manner and for the purpose above described with reference to Fig. 11, Sheet II., of
the Drawings.
15. The electro-pneumatic arrangement described with reference to Fig. 12,
Sheet II., of the Drawings for imparting motion to a drumstick or its equivalent,
which may thus be caused to give a rapid succession of blows to a drum or cymbal.
16. In an electrical organ, an electro-pneumatic train for playing on a drum,
cymbal, or triangle in combination with one or more pneumatic levers for varying
the force of the blows, as above described.

page_text: 17. A non-intermittent electrical contact-breaker, substantially as and for the
purpose described with reference to Fig. 13, Sheet II., of the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexis Mols, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Twenty eighth day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty-two.
---ITA
ALEXIS MOLS. (L.S.)