Improvements in or appertaining to Apparatus for Actuating or Controlling Organs or similar Musical Instruments.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Sept., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 30th July, 1891--Accepted, 26th Sept., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or appertaining to Apparatus for Actuating or
Controlling Organs or similar Musical Instruments.
I, ROBERT HOPE-JONES of 11 Huskisson Street, Birkenhead, in the County of
Chester, Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
This invention relates to certain improvements and apparatus for combining and
controlling the speech of the various pipes, reeds, bells, etcetera, in organs or
similar instruments, in a more rapid and convenient manner than has hitherto been
accomplished.
Electricity and air pressure or vacuum are so employed as to enable a performer
to admit or shut off the supply of wind to each pipe with unusual rapidity
irrespective of his distance from the instrument; and to couple the various depart-
ments, manuals, pedals or pipes in a manner and with a readiness not before
deemed possible; and to accomplish these ends without having to pull out or push
in the more or less clumsy rods of wood furnished with knobs which have hitherto
been employed, or to depress keys which offer unpleasant resistance to the touch of
the finger.
For the purpose of description, my invention may be roughly divided under two
heads; the transmitting arrangement which is operated by the performer, and the
receiving apparatus which is connected with the pipes, though, of course, it will be
obvious that these parts are mutually dependent upon each other and that neither
of them is of the slightest use if taken separately.
Upon the key desk or console, which is, by preference, portable, I fit a switch
for cutting off the electric current when the organ is not in use; which switch, if
desirable, may be furnished with a lock and key. Similar switches, placed where
they may be readily actuated in either direction by a touch from the performer's
finger, are provided for instantaneously cutting off or joining up each department of
the organ.
The keys, which are usually short and may be centred at the end furthest from
the performer, are kept in their normal position by springs, which may be made of flat
elastic material, or of round wire of brass, steel, German silver, platenoid, or other
alloy.
A number of metallic pins may be driven through a board or other insulating
support and so arranged that the free end of the spring shall, upon the depression
of its key, pass between and rub against these metallic pins.
A small screw and wedge, or other device, may be fixed between each key and
its respective spring for the purpose of regulation. It will be well if these screws
are so placed as to be adjustable without moving the keys.
Wires from a stnall cable are soldered on to the free ends of the pins, and are
led on to the coupling board, a number of them also being attached to a terminal
board within the console.
rows, in
The coupling board has a number of metallic pins passed through it, in
such a manner that a wire from one of the key contacts aforesaid is brought and
soldered on to a coupling-board pin which stands close to a pin belonging to the
note to which it may be desired to couple. Long roller switches are then provided,

page_text: one for each coupler, in such a manner that a slight movement of each of these
rollers will bring its set of adjacent pairs of pins into contact with each other.
Or, the
The movement of these roller coupling switches is effected by the organist, by
mechanical, electric, electro-pneumatic, or electro mechanical means.
coupling board may be dispensed with, and several sets of contacts may be made
by the keys, each one of the sets being rendered inoperative at will by the move-
ment of a small switch or key. In this case, the wires from the key contacts will
be taken direct to their various positions on the terminal board.
The great simplicity of these electrical coupling arrangements enables me to
make use of couplers which, though very advantageous, have not hitherto been
used in organs.
In a large organ, every manual may couple on its own keys, or
may couple every other manual on to its own keys in sub octave, quint, unison,
super octave, etcetera, and every manual may be coupled on to the pedals in unison,
quint, and super octave either independently or simultaneously.
For controlling the speech of the various stops or ranks of pipes, I employ,
instead of the usual more or less clumsy stop handles, a simple and convenient
stop governing arrangement, by means of which the ranks of pipes, individually or
collectively, may be brought into, or put out of, action by the slightest touch of the
player's finger, and even it may be without his having to lift his hand from the
keys.
In carrying this into effect, I provide, in place of the above knobs or handles
(or in addition to them) a series of small cams, buttons, levers, tablets or plates,
called "stop keys," which are so mounted that they can be moved with a slight
touch or push of the finger, instead of having to be grasped by the hand or pulled
like the old stop handles. These stop keys may be placed on, above, or otherwise
near to, one or more of the manuals, or between any or each two of them, and
preferably so that they may be accessible from one or more of the manuals without
lifting the hands from the keys thereof.
The stop keys may, by means of a stop switch, be connected to a battery or
other source of electricity, and each key be furnished with 1, 2 or 3 contacts, and
these contacts be connected by a small cable of wires to the terminal board. The
stop keys and their connections may be arranged and constructed in a great variety
of ways, two of which shall be described by way of illustration only:-
In a convenient position, say on the lower edge of the music desk and over-
hanging the upper manual, I arrange a series of short vertical levers. These form
the stop keys and they may be arranged in one or more rows, being pivoted at or
about their centres upon a horizontal axis or axes. Each stop key is provided
with a light spring device so arranged that, while it offers only a very slight
resistance to the movement of the stop key, it yet holds the said key securely
in either of its positions, and, at the same time, serves as an electric safety
contact.
Behind each stop key, both at its upper and lower end, there is arranged a
rubbing electric contact, in such a manner that, when one end of the key is
depressed on to its contact, the other end is withdrawn from its contact.
One series of contacts, say the upper ones, is connected through the console
terminal board with their respective electro-magnets or electro-pneumatic levers, in
such a manner that, on the depression of the upper end of any given key, the
corresponding electro-magnet, or electro-pneumatic lever, is energised, or operated,
and, in turn, operates the required stop slide or vent, so as to open the stop.
It is preferable to so arrange a switch device in connection with the stop slide,
or some part moving therewith, that, when the slide or vent is fully operated, the
circuit is broken, and thus a waste of electrical energy during the time the stop
key is depressed is prevented.
Each of the lower row or rows of contacts aforesaid is similarly connected with
an electro-magnet or electro-pneumatic lever in such a manner that, when the said
magnet is polarised by the depression of the lower end of the stop-key, its action is
such as to cause the slide or vent to be operated or released in such manner as to

page_text: close the corresponding stop. The closing of the slide also operates to break the
circuit of the magnet by means of which it was operated or released, and to restore
the stop slide contact on the former circuit.
:-
Another style of stop key may be thus described:-
Each " stop" in the organ is represented at the "console" or key desk by a
small pair of horizontal keys. These keys will, probably, be placed just under-
neath one of the "manuals," the keys of which may be made to overhang. Each
pair of stop-keys in this case will be made small, so as not to interfere with the
ordinary use of the manual keys. The stop keys may be made somewhat similar in
appearance to the ordinary pattern of manual keys, the white key being used for
bringing a stop into action, and the black key, for silencing the same. The black
key may be somewhat smaller than the white, and may rise through the centre of
the same at the end furthest from the performer. The stop keys are centred in
such a manner that, by the placing of an adjustable screw in the lever of the upper
key, when the white key is depressed, the black key will be raised and vice versa.
The pair of keys may be arranged in such a manner that, for the position of
silence, the white key shall be raised, and the black key depressed, so that the upper
surfaces of the two come almost flush.
In this position, a rubbing electrical contact is made which ensures the silence of
the "stop."
For the position of speech, the white key will be depressed and the black key
consequently raised, and an electrical contact made, which causes the "stop" to
open. Each pair of these keys is fitted with a spring arrangement to ensure its
resting either open or shut.
This latter form of stop key may be, with ease, incorporated in the pin rail and
frame which holds the manual keys.
All patterns of the stop keys may be provided in duplicate or triplicate, if desired,
(either connected together or independent of each other) so as to be more accessible
from each of the manuals.
Composition and combination pedals, pistons, keys or contacts may be arranged
to actuate any desired number or combination of the stop keys, or the combination
pedals or contacts may be arranged simply to move the slides or stop-valves without
affecting the stop keys.
A stop switch is also provided and placed in some convenient position, which, by
the lightest touch, cuts off or joins up the electric power from the stop keys, and
so enables the performer to prepare beforehand combinations of stops that he will
require.
An electrical switch, push or contact may be conveniently placed on or be w
each one of the manuals, and so arranged that by its means a current may be sent
through any of the stop keys or couplers which may be open on its respective
manual to a suitable stop or combination of stops and couplers in the pedal organ,
so as to cause these stops to speak and the remaining pedal stops to become silent.
In organs with a movable console, it is well that the pedal board should be
separately mounted upon casters, and, instead of being encumbered by wires or
contacts, should be so arranged that, when rolled into its position with respect to
the key boards, the ends of the pedal keys should come over or against a set of
contacts in such a manner as to actuate them when used.
It is well that the different parts of the console should be hinged together; a
more solid construction being unnecessary when electricity is made use of in the
manner herein described. The key frames may be fixed to the building frame of
the console by slides and thumb screws, which will allow of adjustment so as to
suit different organists.
It is to be understood that the console or key desk is fitted with a test or terminal
board, which receives all the wires from the organ, dynamo, battery, etcetera, which
are brought on to the console.
One or more similar terminal boards may be furnished in the organ itself, or in
the various departments thereof, and the terminals of this latter may be connected

page_text: with their respective terminals on
cable of insulated metallic wires.
the console test board by means of a flexible
These terminal or test boards will be found of
great use in the event of any note or stop refusing to act, or in case the cable or
wire be damaged but they may be dispensed with, if desired.
Wires from the organ terminal board or boards are carried to the various electro-
pneumatic levers and from thence, either direct back to the battery or dynamo, or
collected into departments and through the two terminal boards and cable looped
on to the console, where they may pass through some form of key or switch under
the control of the organist.
I will now proceed to describe the electro-pneumatic levers, or rather the leading
features of the same.
In all my arrangements, I employ very small electro-magnets preferably of a
horse-shoe form, wound with a quantity of fine insulated wire, so as to ensure a high
resistance.
And I place a very light piece or disc of soft iron (which may, if desired, be
coated with a thin soft material) in such a position that it shall lic very close
indeed to the poles of the said magnet, and this armature or disc itself forms the
primary valve of the pneumatic lever.
I also construct the seat of the valve, which is furthest away from the poles of
the magnet, in such a manner that the pressure of air shall not greatly oppose the
movement of the valve towards the poles, and yet that a very small motion of the
said valve shall open a large area for the passage of air.
One form of this electro-pneumatic action shall be described in detail by way of
illustration only, this particular form being designed to actuate the pallets of a
sound board constructed for ordinary mechanical action :-
One, two or more long wooden boxes, which may be placed facing each other, are
provided to contain the electro-pneumatic pallets and these boxes are supplied with
wind from the organ bellows. Each box is furnished on the outside with a set of
pneumatic bellows, which are so placed as to come immediately below the pull downs
of the sound board it is desired to play upon. The entrance to each of these
pneumatic bellows is guarded by the electro-pneumatic pallet within the box.
The lower covers of the boxes are hinged and packed in such a manner that,
though perfectly air-tight when closed, they may be unhooked and opened so as to
give free access to the electro-pneumatic pallets with ease.
The electro-pneumatic pallet may be thus described :-
It is made of wood, covered on its upper face with leather and hinged on to
the upper board of the box by the end of the leather secured by a screw and
little strip of wood. This pallet may be broader and not nearly so long as those
usually employed in ordinary mechanical action sound boards. This pallet closes
three openings in the upper part of the box, two of which communicate with the
atmosphere, and the third with the pneumatic bellows. It is itself pierced by two
openings, which, if unchecked by valve, would allow the air from the box to escape
into the atmosphere. Upon the underside of the pallet and near to its centre, is
mounted a little bellows, which, by means of a tail-piece, governs the position of
the secondary pneumatic valve. The top of the box is, on its under side, grooved
out so as to make room for the primary and secondary valves which come between
the holes in the pallet and the aforesaid openings to the atmosphere.
A small horse-shoc electro-magnet, made of soft iron wire about of an inch
diameter, has its poles passing through and fixed into a small piece of zinc or brass
plate, and securely soldered to the plate (the surface of the plate together with
the poles may have one or two coats of lacquer), the plate is pierced with a hole
to allow a passage for air between the poles. This magnet is fixed in the pallet
with its poles uppermost, and in such a position that they come opposite to one of
the atmospheric holes in the box, this last mentioned hole which opens to the
atmosphere is fitted with a piece of metal tube bearing a thread on its outside.
At its upper end this metal tube is prepared for the reception of a screw driver for
the purpose of adjustment, and the lower end of the tube is closed by a metal

page_text: plate, which is pierced by a number of fine holes and may be embossed if desired.
The primary valve, which in this case consists of a small disc of thin tinned iron
plate covered on each side with soft material, is placed upon the poles of the magnet
and the tube is screwed down so as to bring its brass plate within a very minute
distance from the valve. Three or four guide pins may with advantage be fixed
in the underside of the top of the box to prevent the disc valve moving from its
proper position.
The inside of the small bellows on the pallet is made to communicate by means
of a hole with the chamber in which the primary valve is situated. Two metallic
studs or washers are placed on the underside of the pallet, and a couple of spring
hooks which pass through the top of the box press upon the studs and keep the
pallet in its position.
The ends of the wire which surround the magnet are soldered, one on to each of
the studs.
If now a current of electricity be made to pass from one hook to the other
through the coils of the magnet, the light iron disc or primary valve will come
into such a position as to close the opening between the poles of the magnet and to
open the little holes in the plate which closes the tube, thus allowing the compressed
air which was inside the little bellows on the pallet to escape into the atmosphere.
This little bellows will now collapse in spite of a spring which tends to keep it
open, and through its tail piece will move the secondary valve in such a manner as
to close the other aforesaid opening to the atmosphere and to allow a considerable
flush of wind to pass into the pneumatic bellows, and so open the pallet in the
sound board.
Upon the cessation of the electric current the primary valve will be blown against
the brass plate on the end of the tube; the little bellows will again be filled with
wind passing through the plate which holds the magnet, and the spring will cause
the secondary valve to return to its former position and so shut off the supply of
wind and open the pneumatic bellows to the atmosphere.
When the electro-pneumatic lever just described is applied to actuate or move a
stop slider, a larger pneumatic bellows is fitted and so arranged as to push or pull
the said slider. If one of these electro-pneumatic levers be placed at each end of
the slide, as is sometimes desirable, it will be wise to arrange a switch (preferably
with rubbing contacts) so as to break the electric circuit so soon as the pneumatic
lever shall have fully acted, and at the same time to reunite the wire with the other
electro-pneumatic lever, so as to enable it in its turn to act when called upon, and
The fore-
in this way to prevent any useless consumption of the electric current.
going refer to the application of my electrical action to an organ sound-board built
upon the old plan, that is to say, having pallets and sliders. But my arrangements
are more easily suited to such organs as are furnished with a small pallet for each
pipe and a system of vents for controlling the "stops." The same principles of
action as those above described are always adhered to, that is to say, the use of
small high resistance magnets, and of the light armature valves. A few words may
be said as to the source of supply of electricity for the electro-pneumatic action.
By increasing the resistance of the electro-magnets, it is rendered unnecessary to
secure such very low internal resistance in the battery or dynamo, as would other-
wise be needful. If primary or secondary batteries be used in parallel, it will be
found advisable to arrange an automatic switch, which shall divide each set of cells
when the wind is out of the organ and shall re-establish the connection when
blowing recommences.
It is sometimes wise, in the event of the cable between the console and the organ
being a long one, to provide stout insulated leads to convey the current direct to the
console and from the organ, or vice versa.
It is generally wise to provide some form of switch say a "plug-switch," on to
which all the main wires from say the console, the primary battery, the secondary
battery and the dynamo, or any of these, may be brought.
To obtain the trembling effect usually secured by a vibrating pneumatic valve,

page_text: I employ an electro magnetic arrangement for moving a weight or spring in such
a manner as to keep a concussion bellows, upon which it is fixed and which is in
communication with the wind which enters the pipes, in vibratory motion. Or I
arrange an electro motor to turn or operate a fan near the pipes or set in a screw or
the side of a swell box so as to act directly upon the sound waves. Where it is
desirable that an organ should be played, sometimes from one and sometimes from
another position, such as from the choir or from the nave of a large cathedral,
I mount the console upon casters and connect it with the organ, batteries,
etcetera, by means of extra length of electric cable. Should the movement of the
console prove irksome owing to the interposition of structural hindrances, I provide
a duplicate console in the second position, each of the two consoles being in this
case furnished with a switch to render it inoperative as occasion may demand. It
is obvious from the foregoing that, in an organ arranged on this principle, the
instrument may with facility be divided into any number of portions and the pipes
of even a single stop may be made to stand in any position that is desirable for
ornamental purposes, without depriving the pipes of the advantage of standing
exactly over their own wind.
Where a swell-box and Venetian shutters are employed, I ensure their moving in
accord with the transmitting pedal at the console in a variety of ways, two of which
shall be named by way of illustration only: :-
One is, by employing a considerable number of wires and arranging a step
by step movement; balancing the shutters and providing pneumatic power bellows,
governed by some form of the electric pallet aforesaid, to actuate them. The
circuits are so arranged that the shutters cannot escape from the action of
the bellows, till the switch which is connected with them is exactly opposite
the section which is at the moment furnished with current from the transmitting
pedal.
Another way, which employs two wires only, is to provide an electrical circuit
which flows through an adjustable resistance on the swell pedal, and a similar one
on, or connected with, the shutters; and is balanced only when these two resistances
occupy proportionate positions. The disturbance of the balance (by the movement
of the pedal) will result in the closing of the relay and the consequent action of
power bellows to close or open the shutters till the balance is restored. An electro-
pneumatic brake is sometimes employed to regulate the movement of these swell
shutters. The swell pedal may, by the simple addition or removal of a spring by
the performer, be made "balanced
or self closing at pleasure. Under certain cir-
cumstances, it is well to add a stop key for the better control of the swell
shutters.
"
When organs, arranged in the manner herein described, are blown by gas,
water or other motive power, contacts will be made and broken by the rise and
fall of the wind reservoirs, which will actuate electro-pneumatic levers and so
regulate the speed and working of the engine or of the bellows or the air
compressors.
Dated this 29th day of September 1890.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, Patent Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or appertaining to Apparatus for Actuating or
Controlling Organs or similar Musical Instruments.
I, ROBERT HOPE-JONES of 11, Huskisson Street, Birkenhead, in the County
of Chester Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to certain improvements in and appertaining to apparatus

page_text: for combining, varying and controшing the speech or the various pipes, reeds,
bells, etcetera, in organs or similar instruments, in a more effective, rapid and
convenient manner than has hitherto been accomplished.
Electricity and air pressure, or vacuum, are so employed as to enable a performer
to admit or shut off the supply of wind to each pipe with unusual rapidity
irrespective of his distance from the instrument; to couple the various departments,
manuals, pedals or pipes and to operate and control the swell-shutters in a manner
and with a readiness not before deemed possible; and to accomplish these ends
without having to pull out or push in the more or less clumsy rods of wood
furnished with knobs which have hitherto been employed, or to depress keys which
offer unpleasant resistance to the touch of the finger. Novel arrangements of
tremulants are also provided and are adapted to be operated by electricity or
otherwise.
The invention may be understood from the following description, reference being
had to the accompanying drawings, in which :-
Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating in a general manner one method of arranging
the electric connections between the console, organ and battery.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the console with pedal board detached.
Figure 3 is a plan of same, the upper part of the console being cut away and
pedal board detached.
Figure 4 is a detail view of an adjusting device for the key frames.
Figure is a front view (on a larger scale) of the upper part of the console.
Figure 6 is a transverse section (on a still larger scale) through the upper manual
and stop key frame.
Figure 7 is a sectional plan of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a full size view of a stop key and its connections.
Figure 9 is a detail view of one of the stop key supports, same scale as Figures 6
and 7.
Figure 10 is a section on line z z, Figure 6.
Figure 11 is a section (on a larger scale) on line y y, Figure 3.
Figure 12 is a section on line ca, Figure 11.
Figure 13 is a transverse section showing a modified arrangement of the key
contacts.
Figure 14 is a section on the line w w, Figure 13.
Figure 15 is a similar view to Figure 13, showing another modified arrangement
of contacts and also a portion of a coupler device.
Figure 16 is a section on line vv, Figure 15.
Figure 17 is a section taken transversely to the manuals showing another
arrangement of stop keys and also a composition apparatus.
Figure 18 is a section on the line u u, Figure 17.
Figure 19 is a plan of the pair of stop keys shown in Figure 17.
Figure 20 illustrates another arrangement of stop key.
Figure 21 shows the preceding stop key in its speaking position.
Figure 22 is a side elevation of a portion of the composition roller shown in
Figure 17 and the adjustable pins carried by said roller, the adjacent stop keys
being shown in section.
Figures 23 and 24 show the aforesaid pins on an enlarged scale.
Figure 25 is a modified arrangement of the aforesaid adjustable composition pin.
Figures 25 and 25 are respectively front and side elevation (with parts in
section) of modified arrangement for adjusting the said pins.
Figure 26 is a side view of the composition roller shown in Figure 20, the
adjacent stop keys being shown in section.
Figure 27 is a front view of a portion of the coupler board.
Figure 28 is a transverse section on line t t of Figure 27.
Figure 29 is a diagram showing the electrical connectious between the keys,
coupler board and organ.
Figures 30 to 34 illustrate the construction of one form of electro-pneumatic

page_text: lever Figure 30 being a central section; Figure 31 a section on line s s of Figure 30;
Figures 32 and 33 details of the electric connections, and Figure 34 a plan of the
primary valve and its guiding pins.
Figures 35 to 38 illustrate a modified form of the electro-pneumatic lever:
Figure 35 being a central section; Figure 36 a section on liner, Figure 35;
Figure 37 plan of the primary valve chamber of the electro-pneumatic lever; Figure 38
an enlarged view of the upper portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 35.
Figures 39 and 40 are respectively side elevation and plan of a modified arrange-
ment of the electro-magnet shown in the preceding figures.
Figures 41 and 42 are longitudinal section and plan of an improved form of valve
seat employed in the electro-pneumatic levers.
Figure 42 is a slightly modified arrangement of the parts shown in Figure 41.
Figure 43 is a sectional elevation showing the arrangement for cutting off the
electric current at each operation of the stop sliders.
Figure 44 is a plan of the contact device shown at the left hand side of
Figure 43.
Figure 45 is a front elevation of an electrically operated tremulant.
Figure 46 is a modified form of electrically operated tremulant.
Figures 47 and 48 illustrate two different forms of mechanical tremulants.
Figure 49 illustrates, in a more or less diagrammatic manner, an electro-
pneumatic arrangement for operating the swell shutters.
Figure 50 is a section on an enlarged scale through one end of the switch levers
shown in Figure 49.
Figure 50 is a modified form of switch lever for the apparatus shown in
Figure 49.
Figure 51 shows, partly diagrammatically, another electro-pneumatic arrangement
for operating the swell shutters.
Figure 52 shows a modified form of the variable resistance device employed in
the arrangement illustrated in Figure 51.
Figure 53 is a sectional elevation of an electro-pneumatic brake apparatus for
the swell shutters.
Figure 54 shows, on an enlarged scale, an improved form of the preceding brake
apparatus.
Figure 55 is a detail of the apparatus shown in Figure 54.
Figure 56 shows, partly in diagram, part of an apparatus whereby a suitable
bass on the pedal organ or a suitable accompaniment on one of the manual organs
may be instantaneously brought into operation in connection with any manual upon
which the operator may happen to be playing.
Figure 57 shows the remaining part of the preceding apparatus, the two parts
being, however, operated as one apparatus.
Figure 57 is a modification of the device shown in Figure 57.
Figure 58 is a plan of part of the mechanism shown in Figure 56.
Figure 1 gives a general idea of the electric arrangements for a three manual
organ and will serve to illustrate the invention, although it is to be understood
that such arrangements are susceptible of considerable variation. A, A1, A2 are
three finger keys, one for each manual, and A³ is one of the pedal keys. Each
key is provided with two or more electric contacts, B B which are closed each
time the key is operated. F is the battery or other source of electricity whence
the current flows by a wire F¹ to a test or terminal board C₁ of ordinary construc-
tion placed within or near the organ. Thence the lead F¹ is conducted to a second
test or terminal board C, placed on or near the console, and from said board the
branch wires F³ lead the current to the various contacts B B' aforesaid, and other
devices within the console. These supply wires are shown in dotted lines. b, b', 62, 7,3
are wires whence the current flows from the contacts B' to the terminal board C.
When a coupler board D, as hereinafter described, is employed, the said wires
are brought past and connected to the same, as hereinafter shown and described in
detail. c, c¹, c², c³ are wires connecting the wires b, 61, 62, 63 on the terminal board C

page_text: with the terminal board C¹. From the terminal board C₁, the various currents
are led by wires e ele² e³ to their respective electro-pneumatic levers E constructed
by preference in one of the ways hereinafter described. These electro-pneumatic
levers operate, by means of pull downs E¹ or otherwise, the pallets or wind valves
of their respective pipes, similar levers being also employed in connection with
pedals, stop keys, etcetera, for operating other parts of the organ as hereinafter
described, the connecting wires for these being led to the terminal boards, as in
the case of the wires from the manuals and pedal clavier. From the electro-
pneumatic levers, the return wires ffff³ are led to the battery F.
The key desk or console is preferably made portable, being conveniently mounted
upon casters g, as in Figure 2, which figure (and also with Figs. 3 to 6) shows
the design of console that I employed in my original rough model.
When organs are provided with movable consoles in this manner, it is sometimes
advisable to mount the pedal board G separately upon casters, as shown. The
pedal board is so arranged that, when rolled into position, the ends of the pedal
keys A³ come over or against their respective spring contacts B, (as in Figures 1
and 11) in such manner that the key contacts B B are closed when the pedal keys
are depressed. To guide the pedal board into its exact position, V-shaped blocks g¹
are provided on the console building frame G' which engage corresponding recesses
in blocks g on the pedal board when the latter is pressed home.
F F1, Figure 3, is the electric cable connecting the console with the organ, the
connections between the cable and the various devices on the console not being
shown. The cable is made flexible in order to permit of it being readily paid out
when the console is moved from place to place. If the circumstances require the
cable to be of considerable length, it is provided with a stout preferably stranded,
insulated lead F acting as a supply to convey the current from the battery and
organ to the console, or vice versa. The lead is preferably formed of a cable of
bare wire insulated on the exterior, said lead being passed through the centre of
the connecting cable, the remainder F of which is formed of separate insulated
wires, leading from the console to their respective devices in or near the organ, or
vice versa.
A switch may be fitted upon the console for cutting off the electric current
when the organ is not in use. This switch, when desired, may be furnished with
a lock and key. Similar switches, placed where they may be readily actuated in
either direction by the performer, are provided for instantaneously cutting off or
joining up each department of the organ. It is generally advisable also to provide
some form of switch, say a "plug" switch, on to which all the main wires from the
console, battery, etcetera, may be brought.
66
The console terminal board C may be conveniently placed at one side of the
building frame" G', as shown in Figure 2. This terminal board and the organ
terminal board C will be found of great use if wishing to trace any particular wire.
They may, however, be dispensed with, if desired.
By making the console portable, the performer is enabled to play the organ from
any desired position, such as either from the choir or cave of a large cathedral.
Should it be inconvenient to move the console from place to place owing to
structural hindrances, or the like, I provide a duplicate console in a second position,
each of the two consoles being, in this case, furnished with a switch, to render it
inoperative if occasion may require. It is advisable that the different key frames G³
and other parts of the console should be hinged together say in such a manner as
that shown at g³, Figures 2 and 6, the joints between the frames being so arranged
that each manual or other part can be turned back separately, so that access may
readily be had to the upper or under side of the keys, contacts, etcetera of each
manual without disturbing the relative positions of the contacts and keys. The
connecting wires in no way interfere with such movement, and the various adjust.-
ments may be made to a nicety, it being possible to operate the keys and stop
keys and sound the corresponding notes and operate the stops, etc. while the various
frames are turned back and the contacts, etcetera, fully exposed to view in their
B

page_text: proper relative positions. The lowest key frame may, in a similar manner, be
hinged upon the console or organ building frame or upon a base piece sliding
thereon. A more solid construction than this is unnecessary when electricity is
made use of in the manner hereinafter described. The key frames G2 may be
made to slide as a whole upon the building frame G' of the console, as seen in
Figure 4, and they may be adjusted horizontally in position by means of thumb
screws 9, Figures 2, 4 and 5. Arrangements may also be provided for adjusting
the vertical height of the key frames. These devices allow of the manuals being
adjusted to suit different organists.
A A A, Figures 6, 13 and 15, are the manual keys, which are usually short and
may be centred in any convenient manner at the end remote from the performer,
as in Figures 6 and 15, or at some distance in advance of said end, as in
Figure 13, or at any other point. The keys are kept in their normal position
by springs of any suitable forin or material, such as B, Figure 6, or a, Figures 13
and 15.
In the arrangement shown in Figure 6, the springs B are simply round
metallic wires attached at their forward ends to the pin rail and projecting
backwards below their respective keys for some distance, say, almost to the
balance rail. A suitable regulating device is provided between each key and
its respective spring, as, for instance, a felt covered button a', which is hinged
to the lower side of the key, so as to press upon the spring, and has its position
adjusted by a screw a² passing through the key to its upper side, where it is
accessible without the necessity of moving the keys.
B1 B2 B3 B are a series of key contacts of any required number, which are, in
this case, formed of a series of metallic pins driven through or otherwise mounted
upon a board g', cake of cement or other insulating support. They are so
arranged that the free end of the spring B shall, upon the depression of its
key, pass between and rub against the pins, as will be understood from Figures 6
and 10, the pins being made sufficiently flexible and being placed at such a
distance apart as to permit the spring to make a perfect rubbing contact between
them, while offering a very slight resistance to the depression of the key. a³ is
a rail placed above the ends of the springs B to prevent them springing out of
place when the keys are removed. The pins B1 B2 B3 B4 are connected respec-
tively to wires b d d' d². The wires dd 2 are connected to the coupler board D
hereinafter described, while the wires from all the keys in the manual are
attached to the console terminal board C and are also led on to the coupling
board (when employed) as hereinafter described. F2 is a wire soldered to the
row of springs B and in electric connection with a wire F3 from the battery.
The pins B1 B2, etcetera, may be made of any metal or alloy, preferably one
that is not readily oxidised.
Instead of utilising the key springs B as contacis, any other suitable form of
contact device, moving with the key, may be employed, as, for instance, that
shown in Figures 13 and 14, which consists of a simple metallic stem 135 pro-
jecting from the rear end of the key and adapted to be brought into contact
with the pin contacts B1 B2 B3 B4 aforesaid, which are mounted, in this case,
above it. Each stem 135 is connected, by an electric conducting wire F, passing
along the underside of the key, with the supply cable F³, secured to the balance
rail g
In Figures 15 and 16, the contact pins B¹ B₁ B2 B2 B3 B3*, etcetera, arc
arranged in pairs, each pair being connected with its own circuit, and the key
carries on its underside a series of bent wires B. or other suitable separate
insulated metallic projections (one for each pair of pins B' B1 B2 B²* B³ B³*)
which are adapted to be thrust between and rub against their respective pins at
each depression of the key, and thus complete the circuits, so far as concerns
the key contacts.
The contacts for the pedal keys may be arranged in any of the ways above
described. In Figures 3, 11 and 12, the pedal keys are shown provided with

page_text: the first named arrangement, namely, a series of contact pins B¹ B², etcetera,
engaged by the key springs B. The end of each pedal key is preferably
provided with an adjustable regulating block at (or an adjustable device similar
to that shown for the manuals, Figure 6) which presses upon the key spring B,
as seen in Figures 11 and 12.
In each of the above arrangements of key contacts, the contact is made by
the surfaces of two cylinders (or bodies with similarly curved surfaces) having
their axes more or less at right angles to each other and rubbing one upon the
other, a construction under which a clean contact surface is always ensured with
a minimum amount of friction. Or two or more pieces with very narrow edges
may be employed in lieu of two or more cylinders. Or one or more of the pieces
may be provided with a pointed projection or projections adapted to rub against
the surface of the other piece or pieces. The contacts may be made in duplicate
or triplicate. To ensure a more perfect insulation of the pins than is afforded
by the wooden board 97, the pins may be cast into a cake of insulating material,
and the latter attached to said board, or the pins may be set in cloth or silk
lined holes in a board, moisture being excluded by a covering of wax.
For controlling the speech of the various stops or ranks of pipes, I employ, if
desirable, instead of the usual more or less clumsy stop handles or knobs (or in
addition to these) a simple and convenient stop governing arrangement, by means of
which the ranks of pipes, individually or collectively, may be brought into, or put
out of, action by the slightest touch of the player's finger, and even, it may be,
without his having to lift his hand from the keys.
In carrying this into effect, I provide, in place of the above knobs or handles (or
in addition to them), a series of small cams, buttons, levers, tablets or plates, called
"stop keys," which are so mounted that they can be moved with a slight touch or
push of the finger, instead of having to be grasped by the hand or pulled out like
the old stop handles. These stop keys may be placed on, above, or otherwise near
to, one or more of the manuals, or between any or each two of them, and preferably
so that they may be accessible from one or more of the manuals without lifting the
hands from the keys thereof.
The stop keys of the entire organ may, by means of a stop switch, hereinafter
described, be connected to a battery or other source of electricity, and each such
key is furnished with 1, 2 or 3 contacts. These contacts are connected by a small
cable of wires to the terminal board C. The stop keys and their connections may
be arranged and constructed in a great variety of ways, three of which may be
described by way of illustration only:-
In one arrangement, 1 arrange, in a convenient position on the edge of the music
desk, and overhanging the upper manual, a series of short vertical levers or
tumblers H, which form the stop keys. They may be arranged in one or more
rows, but, in the drawings, one row only is shown, (see Figure 5) the stop keys in
which are divided into groups corresponding with the various departments of the
organ, and some of them are shown tilted backwards in their speaking position.
The stop keys H are pivotted at or about their centres upon a horizontal axis or
axes h, which, in my rough model, was, as shown, supported upon several small
brackets, attached to the ends of wooden bars 2 suitably secured to the console.
Each stop key is provided with a light spring device, which, in this instance,
consists of a flat spring ³ secured at its rear end upon a wooden strip and pro-
jecting forward above the end of the stop key, and of a short pointed pin h
inserted between the free end of the spring and the end of the stop key, the ends
of the pin resting in small indentations in these two parts, as seen in Figure 8.
The parts are so arranged that, in the two extreme positions of the stop key, the
pin lies on opposite sides of a line perpendicular to the spring ³, so that the
action of the latter is to thrust the upper end of the stop key forward or backward
and hold the stop key securely in either of its two positions, thus rendering it
impossible for it to stick at any intermediate point. This spring device has also a
further advantage that it only offers a very slight resistance to the movement of the

page_text: Stop key, so that a light touch upon either end of the key is sufficient to change its
position.
Behind the ends of each stop key there are arranged respectively two
contacts HH' in such manner that, when one end of the key is depressed on to its
contact H', the other end is withdrawn from its contact H2. The stop keys may
be provided with more than two contacts when desired.
The contacts consist of thin insulated strips of metal bent over at their forward
ends and turned outwards slightly, as shown in Figure 8, so that the bent ends,
which are flexible, effect a rubbing contact upon the rear surface of the stop key,
the latter being metallic and in electrical connection with its axis h. The said
axis is connected by a supply wire h³ to the battery or other source of electric
energy. A safety supply connection is also provided, through the wire h', a wire hⓇ
soldered to the springs, and through the springs h³ and pins *. The wires h³ h³
from the contacts H1 H2 are carried along grooves g in the woodwork of the
console to the terminal board C. The contacts of one series, say the upper one H¹,
are connected through the console terminal board with their respective electro-
pneumatic levers (hereinafter described) in such manner that, on the depression of
the upper end of any given stop key in the series, the corresponding electro-
pneumatic lever is energised or operated, and, in turn, operates the corresponding
stop slider or vent, so as to open the stop. Each of the lower series of contacts H²
is similarly connected with an electro-pneumatic lever in such manner that, when
the said lever is energised by the depression of the lower end of any of the stop
keys in the series, its action is such as to cause the slider or vent to be operated or
released in such a manner as to close the corresponding stop.
Arrangements are provided, as hereinafter described, whereby the circuit is
broken as soon as the slider or vent is fully operated in either direction.
In Figures 17, 18 and 19, another form of stop key is shown. Each "stop" in
the organ is represented at the console by a pair of small keys or levers H³ H⭑
which may be placed horizontally or at an inclination as shown. They may be
placed in a row just underneath one of the manuals-the keys of which would be
made to overhang, and the finger plates of the stop keys made small so as not to
interfere with the ordinary use of the manual keys-or they may be placed as
shown, just below the music desk G³ and above the upper manual.
The finger
plates of the stop keys may be somewhat similar in appearance to those of
the manual keys as usually made, the white key H³ being used for bringing its stop
into action and the black key H for silencing the same, or vice versa.
By pre-
ference, the black finger plate is made smaller than the white one 0 and so
arranged as to rise through the same at its rear end, as seen in Figures 17 and 19,
and may itself be covered on the upper surface by a thin plate of white ivory.
Each pair of stop keys is so pivotted that, when the white key is depressed, the
black key will be raised, and vice versa, the preferable arrangement being that, for
the position of silence, the white key shall be raised and the black key depressed,
so that the upper surfaces of the two come flush or almost flush, while, for the
position of speech, the white key will be depressed and the black key raised. This
simultaneous movement of the two stop keys may be obtained by pivotting the
white key H³ at some distance from its rear end as at 12, and the black one H* at
some point in the rear of the pivot h2, as at 13, and by connecting the two by an
adjustable screw 4 passed through the rear end of the black key H and bearing
upon the upper side of the key H³ in the rear of its pivot h¹. The keys are so
formed or bent (as seen in Figures 17 and 19) that the rear end of the black one
lies above that of the white one, while the front ends of both lie side by side in
approximately the same plane, the finger plates being, however, arranged as above
described. The pivots or axes 12 h may run part of or the whole length of the
row of stop keys and be supported upon brackets A placed at suitable distances
apart. Each pair of stop keys is provided with a spring device ³, as herein-
before described, which ensures it remaining either in the "speaking" or "silent"
positiou.

page_text: The rear end of the key H' works between two spring contacts H'H², Figures 17
and 18, the curved rubbing parts of which are so arranged that, when the key is
in its silent position, as shown, its end bears against the contact H², whilst, in its
speaking position, the said end is raised out of contact with the contact H2 and into
contact with the contact H. and are the wires connecting the contacts H¹
and H2 with their respective circuits and electro-pneumatic levers. The current
supply for both circuits is made through wires h' ho, the key spring ³, the pin and
the ends of the key H³.
This latter form of stop key may be, with ease, incorporated in the pin rail and
frame which holds the manual keys.
Another arrangement of stop key is shown in Figures 20 and 21. The keys
consist of rods H, having their forward ends projecting through a plate just below
the music desk, or through the key slip, and their rear ends supported in a suitable
bar or board go, the keys being arranged in one or more rows, as desired. Each
key is capable of moving bodily in the direction of its length within certain limits
and its front end is also capable of a limited vertical movement, the holes g
through which the key passes being elongated or slightly enlarged to permit of
such movement. 1 is a spring tending always to elevate the forward end of the
stop key, and 4" is a second spring acting to thrust the stop forward bodily, the
latter spring being inserted between a metallic collar 18 on the stop key and a
metallic washer fixed on the support 90. These springs may, of course, be
arranged in a variety of ways, or one spring may be made to serve the two
purposes. The rearward movement of the stop key is limited by a sleeve 20
inserted between the collar 18 and the washer 19, the sleeve, in the present case,
being formed in one with the washer. 21 is a metallic collar faced with felt and
limiting the forward movement of the key. h22 is. a felt buffer against which the
rear end of the key may strike when the latter is pushed in. The key is shown in
the position of silence, being retained therein by the engagement of a notch
(Figure 21) in the key, with the bevelled edge on the upper part of the hole ".
A light downward touch on the key in the direction of the arrow in Figure 20 is
all that is needed to release it and cause it to spring forward under the action of
the spring H. A backward touch in the direction of the key axis replaces the key
in the position of silence, as the spring 16 raises the notch 23 on its forward end
into engagement with the aforesaid bevelled edge.
The collars 1 and 2 are connected clectrically by an insulated wire 25 let into
the body of the stop key. In the silent position, the current passes through the
supply wire, washer 1, spring ", collar 18 and wire 25, to the collar " and
thence by the contact H2 to the return wire h³. In the position of speech, the
current passes through the wire h', washer 1,10, spring hand collar 18 to the
contact Hand thence to the battery by wire ³.
It will be obvious that the preceding form of stop key could be so mounted and
arranged as to be brought into the speaking position by an upward touch on its
forward end. Also its spring device could be so arranged as to render the use of
the notch or detent 23 unnecessary.
Where a dynamo is employed, or where, for any other reason, there is no great
need to economise the electric current, one of the contacts (H' or H2) mentioned on
each of the foregoing forms of stop keys may be omitted, and the remaining
contact utilised to energise a single electro-pneumatic lever, which may draw the
stop slide or vent on or off as the case may be, the return movement being effected
by a spring.
All patterns of the stop keys may be provided in duplicate or triplicate, if
desired (either connected together or independent of each other) so as to be more
accessible from each of the manuals.
A stop switch is also provided and placed in some convenient position, whereby,
by the lightest touch, the electric power from all the stop and coupler keys of the
entire organ is cut off or put on, so that the performer is enabled to prepare before-
hand, or as he has opportunity during the performance, such combinations of stops

page_text: and couplers for the entire organ as he will subsequently require. The stop switch
may, if desired, be in the form of any of the stop keys herein before described. In
Figure 5 one of the last named kind, marked S S, is shown placed among the stop
keys about the middle of the row.
H, Figures 5 and 17, is a name plate placed above the stop keys and bearing the
full names of the various stops, couplers, etcetera, actuated thereby. Abbreviated
names are also sometimes placed upon the stop keys themselves. Some of the stop
keys shown in Figure 5, as, for instance, those marked H*, are used to actuate the
couplers as hereinafter described.
It is sometimes advisable to have the stop keys of different colours, say, for
example, the flue stops white, the reeds red, and the couplers. black.
Composition and combination pedals, pistons, keys or contacts may be arranged
to actuate any desired number or combination of the stop keys, or the combination
pedals or contacts may be arranged simply to move the sliders or stop-valves
without affecting the stop-keys. This latter plan, however, I do not recommend,
as the performer has then only his memory to rely upon as to what stops are
drawn.
In Figure 17, J is a composition key, conveniently arranged below the stop keys
and above the upper manual in such position as not to interfere with the performer's
fingers. The key J is pivotted at its rear end as at j and is connected by a chain or
cord and chain wheel with a composition roller J, Figures 17 19 and 22, in
such a manner as to partially rotate the roller at each depression of the key, the
roller being provided with a helical spring (not shown), by which it and the key
are returned to their normal positions as soon as the latter has been released by the
performer. The roller J¹ lies transversely to the stop keys, running, if desired,
across the entire row of them, and it is provided with a series of pins or
projections J, Figures 17 and 22, arranged one above each of the lever stop
keys H³ H. The pins J2 are made adjustable so that the performer, by simply
lifting off the music desk G³ may arrange his composition as required. When a
pin is thrust through the roller into its lower position, its end rests upon or in
proximity to the adjacent stop key H³ or H', so that the latter, if it happens to be
in its elevated position when the roller is actuated, is depressed, and the correspond-
ing stop or coupler brought into or out of action according as the depressed key is
a white one H3 or a black one H. If a pin J2 is drawn up to its higher position,
the key below it is in no way affected by the movement of the roller. This will be
clearly understood by reference to Figure 22.
A convenient method of rendering the pins readily adjustable in their two
positions is shown in Figures 23 and 24. The pins are split from their lower ends
upwards, as at j³, and are each provided on opposite sides (or on one side only) with
transverse grooves j corresponding in their relative positions with the two positions
of the pin. are two pins running transversely through the roller J' on each
side of the pin J² and intersecting, to about half their diameter, the holes through
which the pin passes. As the pin J2 is pulled up or pushed down with some force,
its two limbs are pressed towards each other and ride over the pins by which it
was previously held, until, the next pair of grooves j being reached, the limbs
spring apart and engage the pins j³ with sufficient force to hold the pin J² in position
during the operation of the roller.
The pin arrangement shown in Figure 25 is rather better than the preceding, as,
by it, it is impossible for the performer, when he is setting his composition roller,
to inadvertently put both pins of a pair of stop keys H3 H4 into the operating
position and thus render the roller unworkable. A single pin J³ suffices for both
keys of a pair, the said pin being pivotted somewhat stiffly, as at 16, upon or in the
roller Jin such manner that it can readily be turned to either side to bring its
lower end above either key of the pair.
In Figures 25 and 25 an arrangement is shown whereby the composition pins
may be readily adjusted without the necessity of removing the music desk G³.
HH are the stop keys, the rear portions of which are, in this case, turned on

page_text: enge. Each stop key is provided, below the roller J', with a notch 10 of suitable
depth. The end of the pin J³ rests upon or in close proximity to the bottom of
the notch when the adjacent key is in its elevated position. The remote ends of
the notches are closed by cover pieces. The roller, in addition to its turning
movement, is capable of a limited longitudinal movement in either direction, such
movement being imparted to it by any suitable lever or operating device under the
control of the performer. A spring or springs (not shown) keeps the roller
normally in its central position, that is, with the pin axes je midway between their
respective keys. To arrange his composition, the performer first depresses all the
keys H³, the stops or coupling movements of which he desires to speak when the
roller is operated, and elevates all the rest, the keys H occupying respectively
the reverse positions. He now reciprocates the roller I longitudinally, the spring
aforesaid returning it to its normal position when released. This movement causes
the pins J to strike the cover pieces of the elevated keys (H³ or H') and be
thrown over into position above the notch in the corresponding depressed keys
(Hor H³), as will be readily understood from Figure 25. However the position
of the stop keys may be varied meanwhile, the rotating of the roller brings on the
desired combination of stops and takes off the rest, as before described, the pins J³,
however, striking the bottoms of the notches j instead of the upper edges of the
keys. If desired, the levers H3 H4 could be provided with plates projecting
above their upper edges, the notches 10 being dispensed with and the pins J³
working upon the upper edges of the levers.
Any number of composition rollers and keys may be provided, as, for instance,
at J J**, and the internal portions of the keys H3 H4 may be made of any
desired length to accommodate them. The rollers may be turned by any known
method from the movement of keys, pushes or pedals. The pins J2 or J³ may be
left without the power of ready adjustment, if desired, or a plain or stepped rib
might be substituted for them. The pins may be tipped with or formed of hard
rubber to prevent noise in working.
In Figures 20, 21 and 26, another composition arrangement is shown. J J are
the composition rollers, lying transversely to the stop keys, as before, and operated
by any suitable device, such as that already described herein. Each stop key is
provided with an equivalent number of pairs of projections JJ, the members of
each pair being arranged one on each side of its respective roller J. are stiff
spring pieces which are secured upon the rollers J; and are adapted, when the
rollers are turned, to come in contact with the upper ends of the adjacent pro-
jections J and press their stop keys downwards to a sufficient distance to permit
them to spring into the speaking position, as hereinhefore described. are pins
projecting through the rollers between their respective projections J J³, and
adapted, when the rollers are turned, to catch upon the sides of the adjacent
projections J, as seen in Figure 21, and to press their stop keys backwards into
the silent position. The pins may be made adjustable as hereinbefore described
with reference to Figures 23 and 24. The spring pieces may also be attached to
pins, as seen in Figures 20 and 26, and these may also be adjustable. The latter
pins, however, do not project so far through the rollers as to come into contact with
the projections J5 when the roller is turned. It will be understood that the
performer, in any given composition roller, places the spring pieces 7 opposite
those stop keys which are to be silenced and the pins opposite those which are to
speak.
A roller J with pins J2 or J³ may also be applied to the type of stop key shown
in Figure 8, by permitting the pins to operate upon two stems, projections or other
devices mounted upon the back of, or otherwise moving with, the stop key.
Figures 27 and 28 show the construction of the coupling board D, and Figure 29
illustrates, in a simple form, the system of electric connections suitable for a two
manual organ. The coupling board D has a number of slightly flexible metallic
pins D' D passed through it, each of which is connected to a separate wire d³, the
wires being gathered into small cables d' at the back of the board and led off to

page_text: the proper points on the console or organ. The pins are arranged in pairs, and the
pairs formed into rows as shown. In close proximity to each row of pins there is
a long roller switch, formed of a roller D³ provided, on its periphery, with short
insulated metallic strips a³, so arranged that, on the roller being turned a shor
distance about its axis, the strips are brought into or put out of contact with
their respective pairs of pins, the electric connection between each pair of pin
being thus made or broken. Each roller is provided with a lever arm, and it
movement is effected by the organist, by mechanical, pneumatic, electric, electro
pneumatic or electro-mechanical means.
Referring now to Figure 29, the light pins D¹ of each pair are connected to the
contacts B B B' of the notes to be struck by the performer. The adjacent dark
pins D² are connected to the contacts B2 B³.... aforesaid, which are in circuit with the
notes to which the first named notes are respectively to be coupled. To explain
the diagram in detail, A, A A, A AA, are keys belonging respectively to the
"swell," "
great" and "pedal" claviers, B' are the contacts in the circuits by
which said keys play their own notes, B2 B3 are the contacts connected with the
coupler circuits, and B the supply wire contacts common to all the_contacts B2 B3
of their respective keys, as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 6. The
row I of pins (and its roller switch) is for coupling, to the keys of the "swell'
organ, their super octaves on the same manual, the row II for coupling "swell" to
great," the row III for coupling "swell" to "pedal," and the row IV for coupling
great" to "pedal." There are as many light pins D' in a row as there are keys
in the corresponding clavier to which it is connected, and there are, in most cases,
a corresponding number of dark pins D².
66
66
"
When the key A is struck, the current is led from the battery F, through the
wires FF3, through the key contacts B B' along the wire b to the corresponding
pins D D D on the rows I, II and III and thence to the console test board C,
through wire c and the electro-pneumatic action in the organ back to the battery.
Thus the note of the depressed key is sounded. If the super octave roller switch
(row I) be in its operative position, the current passes from battery F and along
wires F³ to the contacts B B2 of the key A. Thence it passes from along
wire d to pin D²; thence by the switch to the adjacent pin D¹ connected to the
wire b forming part of the circuit of the super octave of the depressed key; thence
by the test board C, through wire c and the electro-pneumatic action of the super
octave pipe; and so on back to the battery, the super octave being thus sounded
with its sub octave.
In a similar manner, if a key (say C C) on the "great" manual be struck, the
circuit is completed through wires F F³, the contacts B B¹ of key A A, wire b¹,
pin D on row IV (all the pins D¹ of which are in circuit with the contacts B' of
the "great" manual for a purpose hereinafter seen) wire 64, test board C, wire c',
corresponding electro-pneumatic action, and battery F, the key's own note being
thus sounded. If the swell" to "great" coupler switch (row II) be now brought
into action, the circuit is completed through the wires F' F3, the contacts B B of
key A A, wire d³, pins D' D², swell key wire b, test board C, etcetera, to the
battery, the corresponding note C C on the "swell" organ being thus sounded.
In a similar manner, when the key A A A (note CC) on the "pedal " clavier
is struck, its circuit is completed through the wires F1 F3, the contacts B B₁ of
key A A A, wire 63, test board C, etcetera, to battery F, and the "swell" note CC
is coupled to the "pedal" note by the contact B³, wire d, pin D² (row III) roller
switch, adjacent pin D', etcetera, as will be readily understood from Figure 29.
The "great
is coupled to "pedal" in a similar manner, the pedal contact B²
being employed and connected with the "great" circuit wire &* by wire do, pin D*
(row IV), roller switch and pin D¹.
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It will be noticed that the first twelve pins D³ in row I are not required when
this row is employed for coupling to the super octaves.
The coupling board and roller switches may be placed in or near the console, as
in Figure 1, or it may be located in or near the organ, the rollers being operated

page_text: from the console by any suitable means, preferably by a series of electro-pneumatic
levers, connected by wires to the console as hereinafter described. This plan would,
however, render necessary a greatly increased number of wires in the main
cable F F
Instead of using a coupling board and roller switches, as above described, I may
connect one half 12 B³ of the various contacts B2 B2* 133 133*, Figure 15, directly with
their respective terminals on the terminal board C. For instance, the super octave
contact B2 of the key "CC" would be connected through the wire d to that pin on
the terminal board which was in the circuit of the super octave key "C." The
wire F³ permanently connects together all the pins B2*. The contacts B6 B2 B32*
of any given key on the manual would be closed at each operation of said key, but,
the closing of such contacts would not complete their particular circuit unless the
wire F³ was also connected to the battery by means of a small switch or key operated
at will by the performer. Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 15, the key H*
and its contact H* being in the form of and arranged in a similar manner to the
stop keys already described herein. The coupler keys may also be conveniently
grouped with the stop keys in front of the music desk, as seen in Figure 5. The
wire forms part of the supply wire from the battery. The entire arrangement
of the circuit will be understood by reference to Figures 1, 15 and 16.
The great simplicity of the above described electrical coupling arrangements
enables me to make use of couplers which, though very advantageous, have not
hitherto been generally used in organs. In a large organ, every manual may couple
on its own keys, or may couple every other manual on to its own keys in sub octave,
quint, unison, super octave, etcetera, and every manual may be coupled on to the pedals
in unison, quint and super octave, and this either independently or simultaneously.
I will now proceed to describe the electro-pneumatic levers, reference being had
to Figures 30 to 42^ :-
In most of my arrangements, I employ very small electro-magnets E2 preferably
of a horse-shoe form, and generally wound with a quantity of fine insulated wire,
so as to ensure a high resistance. E³ is a very light piece or disc of soft iron
(which may, if desired, be tinned or varnished and be coated with a thin soft
material such as paper, kid, cloth, etcetera). This disc is so arranged that, in its
normal position, it lies very close indeed to the poles of the magnet E², the disc
forming, in fact, the armature of the magnet and the primary valve of the electro-
pneumatic lever. E' is a perforated valve seat hereinafter more fully described,
against which the disc bears in its norinal position, as shown.
Two different forms of the electro-pneumatic action are depicted in the drawings
by way of illustration, that particular form shown in Figures 30 to 33 being a
reproduction of the experimental model designed originally to actuate the pallets
of a sound board constructed for ordinary mechanical action.
Describing these in detail:-
One, two or more long wooden boxes K, which may be placed facing each other,
are provided to contain the clectro-pneumatic pallets and these boxes are supplied
with wind from the organ bellows.
The lower covers K₁ of the boxes are hinged as at k and packed with rubber or
other material as at in such a manner that, although perfectly air-tight when
closed, they may be opened so as to readily give free access to the electro-pneumatic
pallets. The covers are held closed by hooks 2 pivotted at 3 on the cover and
engaging staples k* on the top of the box. Each box is furnished on the outside
with a set of pneumatic bellows K2, which form the last members of the electro-
pneumatic train or lever and are so placed as to come immediately below the pull
downs E' of the sound board it is desired to play upon, the tails of the bellows
being, in fact, connected with the pull downs or with a rod E connected thereto,
as shown. The entrance of the supply pipe K³ to each of these pneumatic bellows
is controlled by its electro-pneumatic pallet within the box K.
The body of the electro-pneumatic pallet is made of wood, covered on its
C

page_text: upper face with leather e¹ and hinged on to the upper board of the box by the en
of the leather, secured by a screw and small strip of wood . The body piece I
may be broader and not nearly so long as the pallets usually employed in ordinan
mechanical action sound boards. The body piece E' covers three openings E6 E'
in the upper part of the box, two of which, E and E³, communicate with thi
atmosphere (the former through the valve seat. E'), and the third with the pipe
leading to the pneumatic bellows K². The body E' is pierced by two openings I
and E, Figures 30 and 31, which would allow the air from the box K to escap
into the atmosphere if this were not prevented as hereinafter described. Upon th
underside of the body E' and near to its centre is mounted a small bellows E
which, by means of a tail-piece e and light rod e8, governs the position of th
secondary pneumatic valve E, which normally closes the opening E. The top
of the box is, on its underside, recessed, or otherwise provided with a chamber or
chambers, as at e³, e21, so as to make room for the primary and secondary valves E
and E which are located respectively between the holes E' and E10 in the body
piece E and the aforesaid openings E and Es leading to the atmosphere.
The inside of the small bellows E" communicates by means of a hole el with the
recess in which the primary valve E is situated. A light spring e" tends to
keep the bellows E" normally distended and the valve E2 closed.
The small horse-shoe electro-magnet E' is made of soft iron wire about of an
inch in diameter, and has its poles passing through and fixed into a small plate
of zinc, brass or other suitable metal, the poles being securely soldered to the plate
which is let into or placed upon the leather e and is fixed firmly to the body
piece E. The surface of the plate, together with the poles of the magnet, may
have one or two coats of lacquer. The plate is pierced with a hole E¹³ placed over
the hole E aforesaid, the air passing between the poles. The magnet is fixed in
the body E with its poles uppermost and in such a position that they come
opposite to the hole E' in the wind box, which, as before described, opens to the
atmosphere. This hole is, by preference, fitted with a piece of tube e¹³ of metal or
other suitable material, bearing a thread on its outside. At its upper end, the
tube 3 is prepared for the reception of a screw driver for the purpose of adjust-
ment, and the lower end of the tube is closed by the armature valve seat E which
may be of metal and is, by preference, pierced by a number of fine holes and
embossed, if desired, as hereinafter described. The primary valve E³ is placed
upon the poles of the magnet E, and the tube E13 is screwed down so as to bring
the valve seat E within a very ininute distance from the valve. Three or four
guide pins e, Figures 31 and 34, may with advantage be fixed in the underside of
the top of the box to prevent the disc valve moving from its proper position. Two
metallic studs or contacts e 28
are placed on the underside of the body and a couple
of spring hooks e¹, which pass through the top of the box, press upon the studs els
and keep the piece E³ in its position. The hooks are capable of being turned aside
to permit of the body Es being thrown back about its hinge.
The ends of the wire which surrounds the magnet are soldered, one on to each
of the studs e¹. The shanks of the hooks e pass through the top of the box and
bear respectively against spring contacts e¹8 (see Figure 33). The former is
connected by wire e with the organ terminal board C', and the latter is soldered to
a conducting strip e20 whence a return wire leads to the battery.
If now a current of electricity be made to pass from one hook e to the other
through the coils of the magnet, the light iron disc E³ forming the primary valve
will be drawn on to the poles of the magnet and close the opening E¹³ between
the same, opening at the same time the small holes in the valve seat E and thus
allowing the compressed air which was inside the small bellows E" to escape into
the atmosphere by way of the hole e. The bellows E", being unsupported by
internal pressure, will now collapse under the pressure of air in the box K in
spite of the spring e" and will, through its tail-piece e', move the secondary valve E"
in such a manner as to close the opening E to the atmosphere and allow a con-

page_text: siderable flush of wind to pass through the openings E10 and E' and pipe K³ into
the pneumatic bellows K2, and so actuate the pull down E' and open the pallet in
the sound board, or operate any other device to which it may be connected.
Upon the cessation of the electric current, the primary valve E³ will be blown
against the valve scat E, the bellows El will again be filled with wind through
the holes E' and e¹³, recess and hole e, and the spring e" will cause the
secondary valve E¹² to return to its former position and so shut off the supply of
wind from the bellows K² and open the latter to the atmosphere through the
hole Es. The bellows K2 now collapse and close the sound board pallet or other
part operated by the bellows.
In the simplified form of electro-pneumatic lever which I prefer and which is
shown in Figures 35 to 38, the bellows E are replaced by a flexible diaphragm E
attached to the top of the wind box and connected by a light rod (or rods) e22
with the secondary valve, which may be formed of two discs E" and E or of two
plates of suitable shape fixed to the rod at opposite ends of a hole E16 passing
through the bottoin of the box, said hole being the equivalent of the holes E
The hole els com-
and E and recess e in the apparatus shown in Figure 30.
municates by a pipe or passage K³ with the pneumatic bellows K2 for actuating
the pull down E. The disc valves E" and E are fixed on the rod at such a
distance apart that, when one end of the hole E is closed to the wind box by the
disc E, the other end is open to the atmosphere past the disc E, and vice versa.
e is a guide for one end of the rod 2, and e* a disc by which the opposite end of
the rod is secured to the diaphragm E". K is a removable cover forming the
top of the recess or chamber 2 containing the primary valve E³ and diaphragm E".
The cover is held in position by guide pins and screws k. The side walls
the recess e" are formed of a rubber or other compressible ring, and, by adjusting
the screws, the position of the valve seat E' (and, consequently, the valve E³)
may be adjusted with respect to the poles of the magnet E. Or the side walls k
may be rigid and the valve seat may be carried and adjusted by a threaded tube
such as e, Figure 30. The strip e aforesaid for the return circuit is placed
inside the wind box as shown. e is the wire for the supply circuit of the magnet.
The action of the apparatus is very similar to that previously described.
of
The attraction of the primary valve E³ to the poles of the magnet closes the
opening E E and permits the compressed air in the chamber e² to escape
through the valve seat E. The pressure in the wind box now raises the
diaphragm E" (which is of greater area than the secondary disc valve E14), thus
opening the bellows supply passage K³ to the wind box, and, at the same time,
closing it to the atmosphere by the disc E. On the circuit being broken, the
chamber is again filled with compressed air from the wind box, as hereinbefore
described, and the double valve E" E" returned to its normal position.
It will be noted that, in the above arrangement of primary valve, both poles of
the magnet act directly upon the disc E³ to draw it bodily off the seat E on to
the opening E3, also, that the magnetic field is fully concentrated upon the
armature or disc valve and that the magnetic circuit is almost complete. I am
thus enabled to bring the total power of the magnet to bear upon the valve in the
most direct and efficient manner, and to thereby effect a great economy of electric
In order to secure a
energy, or a reduction in the size of the magnet or both.
greater area of pole surface for the attraction of the primary valve, the magnet E³
may be placed at an inclination to its supporting plate e, and, therefore, to the
valve, as seen in Figures 39 and 40. In order to prevent sparking at the contacts
of the stop-keys or at other points at which the circuits of the electro-magnets
require to be broken, I usually wind the magnet coils in two, three or more
separate layers of different lengths or of wire of different gauge, the adjacent
ends of the wires being all connected together.
The valve seat E is in most cases so constructed that the pressure of the air
in the recess e shall not greatly oppose the movement of the valve E³ towards
the poles of the magnet, and that a very small movement of the said valve shall

page_text: open a comparatively large area for the passage of the air. To this end, the valv
seat is provided with a number of fine holes or one or more very narrow holes o
considerable length which are each preferably surrounded by a narrow bearing strij
embossed or otherwise formed upon the face of the valve seat.
The holes ar
preferably so arranged as to present, within a limited area (and when taken in th
aggregrate) a greatly extended edge over or past which the air may escape. On
form of valve seat constructed on the above principle is shown in Figures 41, 4
and 42, in which e25 are a series of small holes cach surrounded by a narrow bearin
strip standing up for some distance beyond the body of the valve seat. It wil
be readily understood that the pressure of the air on the lower (magnet) face
the valve is to a large extent counterbalanced by the pressure on a large part
the opposite face of the valve, and that, to open all the holes 25 to their fullest
extent, it is only necessary to impart to the valve a movement equal to the
diameter of one of such holes. It will be readily conceived that valve seats may
be constructed upon the aforesaid principle, having many various forms and
arrangements of holes, or even with one narrow hole suitably disposed. It will
also be obvious that the same principle may be applied to the construction of seats
for the secondary valves E12 or E4, or for any flat or disc valves employed within
the organ, console or their adjuncts. In the modified arrangement shown in
Figure 42, the guide pins are mounted in the magnet plate 12. I am thus
enabled to reduce the diameter and therefore the weight of the valve E³ to a
minimum. It is preferable to construct the valve seat E of iron, so that it exerts
a more or less repellent force on the armature valve E³.
It will be obvious that the above described forms of electro-pneumatic levers
may be employed in organs worked by pressure, exhaust or vacuum or a combi-
nation of two or more of these, the arrangement of the valves being modified
accordingly.
When one or more of the electro-pneumatic levers above described is or are
applied, to actuate a vent or stop slider L, Figures 43 and 44, one or more pneumatic
bellows L L of larger dimensions than those shown in Figures 30 or 35 is or are
provided, the said bellows being connected to the slider and so arranged as to push
or pull the same. In Figure 43 a bellows is shown applied to each end of the
slider, the bellows being adapted respectively to open and close the slider when
their respective electro-pneumatic levers E E are operated by a stop key, as before
described.
Suitable switch or contact devices are arranged in connection with the slider in
such manner that the electric circuit of the active electro-pneumatic lever shall
be broken as soon as said lever has caused the slider to be fully opened or closed
or almost so, and that, at the same time, the circuit of the inoperative lever shall
(so far as concerns the movement of the slider) be closed and thus enable the latter
lever to operate when the circuit is entirely closed by the action of a stop key.
Any useless consumption of the electric current is thus prevented. are wires
forming parts of the circuit, which, by the operation of a stop key, and through
the medium of its corresponding electro-pneumatic lever E, as herein before described,
operates to fill the bellows and push open the slider. The wires are con-
nected respectively with a fixed contact 12 and a spring contact P³.
When the
slider is closed, the contact 13 bears against the contact 12, but, as the slider
approaches its fully open position, an insulated abutment 1, moving with the slider,
strikes the contact 13 and breaks the circuit. A similar arrangement may be pro-
vided at the opposite end of the slider to break the circuit when the slide is fully
closed or almost so. By way of illustration, a different form of contact device is
shown at the opposite end of the slider, consisting of two fixed spring contacts 1 1º,
Figure 44, forming parts of the circuit file of the electro-pneumatic lever E, and
of an insulated metallic strip moving with the slider and adapted to connect the
strips when the slider is open or almost open but to be put out of contact
with them as soon as the slider has been fully or almost closed. This latter
arrangement is to be preferred, as it is furnished with rubbing contact surfaces.

page_text: The foregoing description refers more especially to the application of my electro-
pneumatic action to an organ sound board built upon the old plan, that is to say,
having pallets and sliders. But my arrangements are more readily adapted to such
organs as are furnished with a small pallet for each pipe and a system of vents for
controlling the "stops."
Figure 45 illustrates an arrangement whereby I am enabled to obtain the
trembling effect usually secured in an organ by a vibrating pneumatic valve. M is
a concussion bellows furnished with the usual springs (not shown), attached to the
underside of the sound board at or about its centre and communicating therewith
in the well known manner. M' is an electro-magnet attached to the bottom of the
concussion bellows. M2 is a movable armature pivotted at one end to a support m
on the bellows M and having an extension or arm m² at its opposite end provided
with an adjustable weight m². m³ is a spring attached to the armature and serving
to support the latter upon an adjustable pin m carried by the support m.
M³ is a
post mounted upon the bellows and furnished with a rubber tip which lies normally
in close proximity to the upper side of the arm m'. The action of the apparatus
is the same as that of the ordinary contact breaking device: the vibration of the
weighted armature M² m² m² and the reaction of the magnet on the armnature, as
well as the succession of blows delivered on the post M³, throws the bellows into a
state of vibration and produces the required vibratory or trembling effect in the
air contained in or passing through the sound board and pipes open thereto.
Or the same effect may be produced by a small electric motor M4, Figure 46,
which is mounted on the bellows M and is provided with a wheel M³ weighted on
one side, as at M. The rapid rotation of the unbalanced wheel M causes the
bellows to be vibrated, as will be readily understood.
Or an electric or other motor may be arranged to rotate or oscillate a fan M'
placed in an opening Ms in the side of the swell box N, as in Figure 47. Or the
fan M may be placed near the pipes, preferably near their upper ends as in
Figure 48. In both these arrangements, the fan acts directly on the sound
waves.
Where a swell-box with Venetian shutters is employed, I ensure the moving of
the latter in accord with the transmitting or swell pedal on the console in a variety
of ways, two only of which may be described by way of illustration.
Referring to Figures 49 and 50, N is the swell box, N' the swell shutters and
N' the rod connecting the shutters together by means of lugs n and pins n' so as to
move them all simultaneously. N³ N* are a pair of pneumatic bellows, connected
by links n to the ends of the rod N2 respectively and adapted to be operated in
opposite directions by means of their electro-pneumatic levers E as herein before
described with reference to Figure 43. N³ is a switch lever connected at one end
by a link n³ with the rod N and having its opposite end adapted to move over a
quadrant No. The quadrant end of the switch lever is provided with an insulating
block or gap n', and its working face is furnished with insulated contact pieces
(see Figure 50) extending from the sides of the gap n¹ to the extremities of the
horus of the lever. The working face of the quadrant No is provided with a
series of insulated contact pieces n² separated by narrow strips n of insulating
material. N is a quadrant on the console, having a series of insulated contact
pieces n arranged in a similar manner to the pieces n' aforesaid. 10 is an insulated
contact piece mounted upon a pivotted arm Na movable with the pedal N° (cr
carried by the pedal itself) and adapted to move successively over the contact
pieces n on the quadrant N with each depression of the pedal. The contact pieces
are preferably spring mounted.
The switch lever contacts are connected respectively by wires n¹¹² with their
respective electro-pneumatic levers E, the return wires from the latter being
led to the battery F. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are a series of wires connecting the six contact
pieces n³ with the six pieces n', respectively. The pedal contact is connected
with.the battery F by wires n n16 and pivot n".
.18

page_text: The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-
The pedal being depressed from the position shown so as to bring the cont
on to (say) the second section n°, an electric current passes from the batt
through the wire n¹, pin n¹, wire n¹, contacts no and no, and wire 2 to the
section n of the organ switch quadrant, and thence through lever conta
wire n, electro-pneumatic lever E and wire n¹³ to the battery again, thus ope
the electro-pneumatic lever and partly opening the bellows N³ and shutte
This movement of the shutters causes the quadrant end of the switch lever
move downwards until the gap n is brought exactly opposite to the second co
section n. The gap being a little wider than the section n', the circuit is
broken and the electro-pneumatic lever E and bellows N³ cease to operate.
shutters, however, remain in their partly open position, being balanced by
weight of the lever N or otherwise, or braked as hereinafter described. In a similar
manner, the shutters are opened step by step as the pedal switch contact 10 moves
successively over the sections nº. When the contact 10 is moved over its quadrant
in a reverse direction, the shutters are closed step by step by means of the electro-
pneumatic lever E and bellows N and its connections. In the position of rest, as
shown in the drawing, both circuits are closed, the gap n in the switch lever being
opposite the first section n.
12.
In the arrangement shown, the shutters are opened in five distinct and approxi-
mately equal steps. It will be obvious, however, that the number of the steps may
be considerably increased by increasing the number of sections n' n³ traversed by
their respective contacts n³ and n during the depression of the pedal. It will also
be obvious that the length of the various steps may be varied as hereinafter
described by varying the length or distance apart (or both) of the contacts n' of the
organ switch as hereinafter described, and this may be accomplished either with or
without varying the contacts n° on the console switch.
It will be obvious that the arrangements of contacts above described could be
employed in a reverse manner, the contact 10 or n³ (or both) being fixed and the
quadrant N or N° (or both) being movable with the pedal Nº and shutters N¹
respectively.
3
In Figure 51 there is depicted another arrangement for operating the swell
shutters. The shutters are opened and closed as before by the alternate action of
electro-pneumatic levers E and bellows N3 N.. P is a variable resistance mounted
upon or otherwise moving with the swell pedal N³, and P¹ is a similar resistance
attached to or otherwise moving with the shutter connecting rod N2 or with one or
more of the shutters. P2 is a polarised relay of any suitable form, consisting, in
this case, of a horse-shoe shaped electro-magnet P³, a polarised vibrating tongue P
and a pair of contacts P5 P6. The coil P7 of the magnet is connected in a
circuit p p p² with the variable resistance P, and the coil P8 with a circuit po p² p³
including the resistance P¹, the two coils being so wound and their circuits so
connected to the battery F, that, in the normal condition of the apparatus, the
magnet poles are inert, and have no action upon the free end of the tongue P which
lies between them and is, as usual, held in its central position by a light spring
device or controlling magnet (not shown). The stationary end of the tongue is
connected by a wire p with one pole of the battery, and the contacts P5 P®,
arranged one on each side of the free end of the tongue, are connected through the
circuit wires n12 n14 and 11 13 of their respective electro-pneumatic levers E E
with the other pole of the battery. P² po are spring or rolling contacts bearing upon
the variable resistances P P¹, respectively, and connected in the respective circuits
of the latter.
In the normal position of the apparatus, the relative proportions and positions of
the two resistances P P are such that the circuits p p¹ p² and p' p* pa are balanced
and the magnet poles po plo allow the tongue to lie in equilibrium midway between
the contacts P³ P. On depressing the swell pedal and raising the resistance
piece P, the resistance of the circuit p p¹ p² is increased, the poles p10 p³ are

page_text: respectively polarised (say) N and S, and the tongue P* moved into contact with
the contact P. This completes the circuit through the contact P6, wires n" n¹³
and electro-pneumatic lever E, battery F, wire p and tongue P4, and causes the
bellows N³ to move the rod N upwards and open the shutters more or less. The
upward movement of the rod Nraises the resistance piece P' and increases the
resistance of the circuit ps p p³, until the balance between the two resistance
circuits is restored and the tongue P assumes its normal position and breaks the
circuit of the lower electro-pneumatic lever E. In a similar manner, the depression
of the resistance P operates the upper electro-pneumatic lever E and closes the
shutters. It will thus be seen that each minute movement of the swell pedal in
either direction opens or closes the shutters to a corresponding amount, the move-
ment being free from all pauses or jerks, and in exact accord with the movement of
the pedal.
Figure 52 shows an improved form of variable resistance device for the apparatus
just described. P is a light cylinder of wood or other suitable material, upon which
there is wound a single bare coil of fine wire having sufficient electrical resistance.
The various turns of the coil do not touch each other. The cylinder is mounted on
he shutter operating rod N2, and moves up and down with the same. P10 is a light
sulated spring, mounted on the swell box and bearing against the surface of the
oil. pp are the wires connecting the spring and the upper end of the coil
respectively to the resistance circuit. It will be seen that, as the coil is raised or
lowered, the number of turns of wire through which the current has to pass and
consequently the resistance of the circuit is correspondingly increased or diminished.
It will be understood that a similar resistance device is connected to and moves
with the swell pedal.
It is well known to organists that the first small opening movement of the swell
shutters permits the escape of a volume of sound which is much greater, in pro-
portion to the movement of the shutters and swell pedal, than the increase of
In order,
volume effected by any subsequent movement of a similar amount.
therefore, that the volume of sound emitted may vary as the movement of the
pedal, it is necessary that equal increments of movement in the swell pedal, when
operated to open the shutters, shall effect increments of movement in the swell
shutters of a continually increasing amount.
This may be effected in the apparatus shown in Figure 49 by so arranging the
sections that their length or distance apart (or both) shall increase from the
top to the bottom of the quadrant at such a rate as shall be found most suitable,
the section or sections nearest the top of the quadrant being made very small or
placed close together (or both). When the sections are equal in length and their
distance apart varies, the gap has a fixed width slightly greater than that of a
contact section. When the length of the section varies, as well as, or instead of,
their distance apart, the width of the gap n' is varied automatically, so that it is
always wider than the particular section opposite to it. This may be effected by
mounting the two arms of the switch lever N upon separate pivots n located
at different but suitable points in their length, as seen in Figure 50. The inner
ends of the arms N³ are connected to a cross link 20 which, in turn, is connected
at its centre to the end of the link 3 aforesaid. It will be readily understood that,
as the contact ends of the arms N³ move down over the quadrant No, the gap n²
increases in width, the rate of increase depending on the relative positions of the
pivots 18 and n¹º.
When the apparatus shown in Figures 51 and 52 is employed, the foregoing
effect is obtained by increasing the diameter of the swell shutter resistance
cylinder P from the bottom to the top at a constant or varying rate, so that equal
increments of resistance introduced into the circuit p p¹² by the opening movement
of the swell pedal shall, in order that the circuits may be balanced, require
increasing increments of movement in the swell shutter resistance p¹. It is
preferable to place the upper end of the tapered resistance cylinder eccentrically
to the rod N2 so that the side next the spring contact R shall lie approximately

page_text: parallel to the axis of the rod.
A tapering resistance device, such as described
may also be placed on, or move with, the swell pedal, or both pedal and shutters
may be provided with such a device.
An automatic switch may be provided in connection with the swell pedal to
break the connection of the circuits of the swell shutter apparatus with the battery
when the pedal is stationary.
75
An electro-pneumatic brake is sometimes employed to check undue mo
in the shutters and to hold the shutters firmly in position after each m
thereof. An arrangement suitable for this purpose is depicted in Figur
and 55. QQ are a pair of bellows hinged at one end to a supporting
and located one on each side of the shutter operating rod N2 at its upper or
end. The free ends of the bellows are provided with brake shoes Q², say of ru
adapted to grip the rod between them when the bellows are operated, the ad
part of the rod being also, by preference covered with rubber. Q³ is a wi
communicating by a passage q with the atmosphere and ql q² are passages
from the passage q to the bellows Q. q3q are a pair of disc valves co
opposite ends of the passage q and attached to a rod q³ supported from
diaphragm, of larger area than the valve q, and mounted in the t
wind box. QQ are a pair of small pneumatic bellows having their
connected with the rod q, in such manner that either bellows, when operate
to draw down the said rod. The bellows Q Q communicate respectively, by
pipes 98, with the swell shutter bellows N³ Ñ.
In the normal position of the apparatus, the bellows Q Q are closed, the
passages are open to the wind box Q3 and the bellows Q pressed firmly
against the shutter rod N2. If, now, the electro-pneumatic lever E of the swell
shutter bellows N³, be operated, the said bellows are filled with compressed air and
a small portion of such air passes by pipe q' into the bellows Q and causes the
valves qq to be drawn down, thus closing the passage to the wind box and
opening it to the atmosphere. This releases the bellows Q and permits the rod N2
to move freely under the action of its bellows N³. As soon as the lower electro-
pneumatic lever E is put out of action, the pressure of air in the bellows N³ is
relieved, as hereinbefore described, the pressure being also reduced in the
bellows Q. The wind in box Q3 raises the diaphragm 96, closes the valve ³ and
bellows, and opens the valve again to the wind box, whereby the bellows Q
are filled and the brake blocks Q2 are instantly applied to the rod N². The action
is precisely similar when the upper electro-pneumatic lever E and bellows N
are operated to close the shutters, the bellow Q, however, coming into operation
in this case.
If desirable the pipes 778 could each be supplied with an independent electro-
pneumatic lever, arranged in circuit with its respective lever E.
Figures 54 and 55 show a slightly modified arrangement of the preceding
apparatus, whereby the shutters may be held firmly closed and undue movement,
arising from a tendency of the shutters to rebound when closed, may be counteracted.
Qare the bellows of the brake apparatus and Q are the brake blocks, which, in this
case, work against an enlarged part Q of the shutter rod N2. Q' are one or a
pair of rollers mounted upon each bellows below or on each side of the blocks Q
The rollers Q' are so situated that, when the shutters are closed, they bear upon the
tapered part Q8 of the rod just above the enlargement Q so that the bellows Q, by
pressing them against the said tapered part, exert a downward pressure on the
rod to keep the shutters firmly closed. Should the shutters rebound when closed,
the pressure of the rollers acting as aforesaid instantly counteracts such rebound
and closes the shutters firmly. The rollers Q' and blocks Q2 and their bearing
surfaces are so placed that the blocks are out or almost out of contact with the
enlargement Q by the time the rollers begin to bear upon the tapered portion Q
This may be ensured by grooving or cutting away the corners of the part Q of the
rod as at Q, the wheels being thus quite clear of the rod as soon as they leave
the tapered part Q3 and the blocks Q2 begin to bear upon the part Qʻ.

page_text: This modified arrangement may be applied to the opposite end of the rod N2, the
extreme end of the rod being tapered and the position of the bellows, rollers and
blocks being modified accordingly.
The swell pedal may, by the simple attachment or removal of a spring by the
performer, be made "balanced" or self-closing at pleasure. Or two pedals, one
balanced and the other self-closing, may be provided and may be connected with a
switch by which the performer may bring either pedal into the circuit as desired.
Under certain circumstances, it is well to add a finger key or touch (similar to one
of the stop keys aforesaid) for the better control of the swell shutters, such key
being thrown out of action by any suitable mechanical or other device as soon as
the weight of the foot comes upon the pedal. On actuating this finger key the
supply of electricity to the swell pedal will be cut off and a current will be
transmitted directly to the electro-pneumatic lever or levers provided to open the
swell shutters.
An electrical switch, push or contact may be conveniently placed on or below
each one of the manuals, and so arranged that, by its means, a current may be sent
through any of the stop keys or couplers which may be open on its respective
manual to a suitable stop or combination of stops (or of stops and couplers) in the
pedal organ, so as to cause these stops to speak and the remaining pedal stops to
become silent.
Figures 56, 57 and 58 show one form of apparatus and will serve to illustrate
this part of the invention, although the principle underlying it is capable of being
embodied in many different forms. S S S are three push buttons or studs, placed
one below each of the manuals (see also Figure 5) and hereinafter called "suitable
bass" studs. III are a similar series of push studs arranged alongside the
studs S S S and hereinafter called "independent pedal" studs, their object being
partly to restore any of the depressed studs S to their normal position when
required. Each of the studs I or S is carried by a rod I¹ or S¹ which is, at its
forward end, supported by and works within the key slip g10, and at its rear end it
passes through and works within a board g". S is a vertical shaft having three
arms S3 engaging respectively the three rods I', so that the movement of any one of
said rods effects the movement of the others. S is a board supported in front of
the board glupon pivotted arms s so that it can readily rise or fall for a short
distance. Each rod I or S' passes through a hole s¹ in the board, the said hole
being large enough to permit also of the passage of a nose on the upper
side of the rod. 3 are springs tending to thrust their respective rods S¹ or I¹
outwards.
In the normal position of the parts, the three studs I I I are pushed inwards and
retained in that position by the engagement of their noses s² with the back of the
board S, while the studs S are pushed outwards and their noses are located in
front of the board S as is the case with the upper and lower studs shown in
Figure 56. If now one of the studs S (say the central one) be pushed in, as shown,
its nose s will raise the board S4 and release the studs III which move forward
under the influence of their respective springs. The pressing in of any one of the
independent pedal studs I I I releases whichever of the studs S happens to be
pushed in at the time. It will thus be seen that only one stud S or all the studs I
can rest in their pushed-in position at the same moment. The studs I S and their
connections may also be so arranged as to permit the manual key frames to be
hinged as hereinbefore described.
"
Each "suitable bass stud S is provided with a suitable contact device, such as
an insulated collar S-attached to the rear end of its rod S¹ and connected to
the battery by wires ss--and two insulated spring contacts S6 S7 adapted to bear
upon the collar in the pushed-in or operative position of the stud. The wires 5 87
from the said contacts are connected to separate circuits for purposes hereinafter
described.
Within the organ. there is located a roller switch T, Figure 56, similar to that
shown in Figures 27 and 28. T₁ are the roller contact pieces, and T' is one of a

page_text: series of pins adapted to be placed in or out of contact with the pieces T¹ when
the roller is turned. Each pair of pins T2 and wires t form parts of the circuit of a
pedal stop key or coupler, the whole of the "off" and " on "circuits of the pedal
stop keys and couplers being led past the roller T. E is an electro-pneumatic
lever adapted to operate the roller T in one direction, and 5 is a spring to return
the roller when the lever E is put out of action. The return wire f is connected
to the battery, whilst the wire e is connected to the wires se aforesaid.
Or the roller T may be operated by two electro-pneumatic levers for each of the
"suitable bass " studs, as in the case of the slider shown in Figure 43, a circuit
being broken at each operation of one of said levers (as hereinbefore described),
and the electro-pneumatic levers being suitably. arranged to permit of each pair
operating the roller independently of the others.
"
In the normal position of the apparatus, the roller switch is closed and the "on
or "off" circuits of any pedal stop keys and couplers are complete at that point.
As soon, however, as a "suitable bass" stud is pushed in, the contacts S6 S5 are
closed, the circuit of the electro-pneumatic lever E closed, and the switch roller
operated in such manner as to break both the "off" and "on" circuits of all the stop
keys and couplers of the pedal organ.
Each stop and coupler key for the manual organs is furnished with a third
independent contact device, which, when the "tumbler" type of key is employed,
may consist of an insulated stem S³ projecting from the back of the stop key and
two flexible contacts S1 and S12 against which the stem bears when the stop key is
tilted into its speaking position. The contact S" is connected with a permanent
resistance coil $, through which a small current may be sent, when the stop key is
in its speaking position, if the circuit be otherwise closed. All the coils S are
connected to a "suitable bass" wire S, and the coils may be so arranged that the
relative amounts of their resistances are in inverse proportion to the relative powers
or volumes of their respective stops. Thus the very loud stops would have small
resistance coils only (or even none at all). It will thus be seen that the amount of
current sent through the wire S10 varies directly as the number and power of the
stops in action. The wire S10 is connected by a wire så to the wire p' of the relay
circuit p p p² of a variable resistance and electro-pneumatic controlling device such
as shown in Figure 51, and the return wire p² of said circuit is connected to the
battery F, the wire p, that is the wire & being connected to the opposite pole of
the battery. Each contact S7 is connected by a wire s' with a separate wire s
connecting all the contacts S₁ of its own particular manual. When the
contacts S, S", S are closed, the variable current traversing the circuit p S
77 12 8 S10 spl P7 (Figure 51) p² and F causes a rod T3 (Figure 57)
moving with an adjustable resistance device P (Figure 51) to be raised and lowered
in exact accord with the variations of said current as hereinbefore described. T is
a lever connected to the rod and moved up and down thereby. One end of the
lever has a contact t' which moves over the face of a switch quadrant T5, provided
with a number of separate insulated contact sections t³. The circuits of certain set
combinations of pedal stops or of pedal stops and couplers are connected, through
suitable electro-pneumatically operated switch devices, by one or more wires t
with their respective sections t³, and the lever contact 2 is connected to the
battery F by wires t". The opposite pole of the battery is connected by wires t¹6 +16
with the opposite terminals of the electro-pneumatic levers for operating the said
switch devices. The switch device T T is so arranged that different combinations
of manual stops or stops and couplers bring into action suitable set combinations of
pedal stops and couplers.
If desired the wires may be duplicated for each manual, one wire being con-
nected to the contacts S" belonging to the stop keys of the stops of one particular
class of tone, the other to the contacts S12 of the stop keys of another class of
tone. Each of the divided wires s' are connected through distinct resistances S⁹
and "suitable bass" wires S10 with a separate switch arrangement such as is shewn
in Figure 57.

page_text: "
and close
Or the switch may be arranged and connected as shown in Figure 57*, so that
the pedal stops and couplers are brought on one by one in order as the current in
the "suitable bass" wire S10 is increased. T T are two quadrants provided
respectively with insulated contact picces te t' over which the contacts and to of
the lever T work. The contacts and are connected by wires 10 11 12 to the
battery F, the other pole of which is connected by a wire or wires t¹³, with return
wires of all the "off" and "on" electro-pneumatic levers of all the pedal stops and
couplers. The wires 1, 2, 3, 4 of the contact pieces t' are connected respec-
tively to the wires of the "off" electro-pneumatic levers aforesaid, whilst the
wires 1, 2 3° 4°
of the contacts to are connected to the wires of the on
electro-pneumatic levers aforesaid. As the contacts t8 t are moved downwards by
the action of the rod T³, they successively break the circuits 1, 2, 3
the circuits 1", 2", 3ª thus bringing the corresponding stops and couplers on
one by one. The switch is preferably so arranged that the contact t leaves the
first contact piece and breaks the circuit of its "off" electro-pneumatic lever
before the contact 8 touches the first piece to and completes the circuit of the "on"
electro-pneumatic lever. In the reverse movement of the lever T, the various
electro-pneumatic levers are successively operatod to silence their respective stops.
Simultaneously with the operating of the "suitable bass" stud S to break the
stop key circuits of the entire pedal organ, as before described, the collar S³ of
the bass stud comes into contact with its contact S7 and completes the circuit of the
"suitable bass" wire S10 as before described, thus instantly bringing into operation
a suitable combination of pedal stops or of stops and couplers.
"
"
"
Each manual may, if desired, have a distinct "suitable bass" wire, but all may
be connected to the same wire to work the roller switch T aforesaid. Also each
manual may if desired work the same switch lever T or different switch levers,
each operating a different set of combinations. If desired, each "suitable bass
stud when pushed in may directly couple the manual concerned with the pedals.
"
It will be obvious that an arrangement such as that described above could be
used in connection with the manuals for the purpose of instantly obtaining on any
one of the manuals a suitable accompaniment to another manual upon which the
performer may be playing.
Also the swell pedal may be provided with one or more contacts made to act in a
similar way to the stop keys aforesaid, so that an additional current may be trans-
mitted to the "suitable bass" wire or wires and thus cause more pedal stops to
speak when the swell box is opened.
It will be obvious that forms of switches other than those shown in Figures 27,
28, 49, 50, 57 & 57 may with advantage be employed.
It will be obvious that, in an organ arranged and constructed as hereinbefore
described, the instrument may with facility be divided into any number of portions,
and the pipes of even a single stop may be made to stand in any position that is
desirable for ornamental purposes, without depriving the pipes of the advantage of
standing exactly over their own wind.
When organs, arranged in the manner hereinbefore described, are blown by gas,
water, or other motive power, contacts may be made & broken by the rise & fall of
the wind reservoirs, which will actuate electro-pneumatic levers & so regulate the
speed & working of the engine or of the bellows or the air compressors. If primary
or secondary batteries in parallel be used to supply the electricity, it will be found
advisable to arrange an automatic switch which shall disconnect each set of cells
from the other sets & from the organ when the wind is out of the organ & shall
re-establish the connection when blowing recommences.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In an electric organ, the hinging of the key frames, music desk and stop key
frame or frames one upon the other and upon the organ or console building frame,

page_text: in such manner that any one of said hinged parts may be readily thrown back to
permit of inspection or adjustment of the keys and their immediate connections
without altering the relative positions of the same and so that it is possible to play
upon the keys and sound their notes and to operate the stops, etcetera, while one or
more of said hinged parts are thrown back and such connections are fully exposed
to view, substantially as described.
2. In an electric organ, the employment, in connection with the keys, pedals and
other parts provided with contact devices adapted to be alternately closed and
opened, of a contact device in which the contact is made by the surfaces of two or
more cylinders (or bodies with similarly curved surfaces) or their equivalent as
described having their axes more or less at right angles to each other and rubbing
upon each other as described, whereby a clean electrical contact is always obtained
between the rubbing surfaces with a minimum amount of friction.
3. In an electric organ, a series of single oscillatory tumblers, levers or stop keys
arranged conveniently to the performer and each provided with one or more electric
contacts for the purposes described arranged substantially as described whereby
the stops, couplers, etcetera, may be brought on or taken off by the lightest touch or
glissando movement of the performer's finger.
4. In combination with a series. of oscillatory stop keys, a composition roller
arranged transversely to said keys and provided with a series of pins, or projections
(either fixed or adjustable) arranged or capable of being so arranged with respect
to some or all of the keys, or to pins, projections or other parts carried by or
moving with the same that the performer, by partly turning the roller, is enabled
to simultaneously bring on and take off the stop keys required for the composition,
substantially as described.
5. In a pneumatic or electro-pneumatic lever for an organ or similar musical
instrument, the combination, with a flat or approximately flat faced lift or flap
valve, of a valve seat having a series of fine perforations, or one or more narrow
perforations of sufficiently extended length, substantially as and for the purposes
described.
6. An electro-pneumatic lever for an organ or similar musical instrument in
which both poles of a horse-shoe magnet act directly upon the active part of a light
disc or plate valve to draw it bodily from its scat on to the wind aperture
situated between the poles of the magnet, substantially as and for the purposes
described.
7. In an organ or similar musical instrument, a tremulant device consisting of a
concussion bellows communicating with the sound board, nd an electrically vibrated
body mounted on the movable side of the said bellows and adapted to impart its
vibrations to it and to the air contained in the bellows and the adjacent air spaces,
substantially as described.
8. The electrical apparatus for operating the swell shutters step by step, con-
sisting of a single contact and a subdivided contact as described, working one upon
the other at the console, one of them being movable with the swell pedal and the
whole being so arranged that, on the operation of the said pedal, each section of
the subdivided contact is successively connected with and cut off from the battery;
and a second subdivided contact and a double contact as described working one
upon the other within the organ and one of them movable with the swell shutters,
the various sections of the said second subdivided contact being connected
respectively with those of the first by independent wires and the two sections of the
double contact being connected in circuit with the electro-pneumatic levers for
operating the swell shutters, and separated from each other by a gap or insulating
piece of a width not less than that of the widest section of the adjacent subdivided
contact, substantially as described.
9. The electrical apparatus for operating the swell shutters in exact accordance
with each minute movement of the swell pedal, in which a variable resistance
device movable with the swell pedal and a similar device movable with the swell
shutters are so connected and arranged electrically with respect to the battery,

page_text: No text detected.
Jateo LOIS 29LN 18V OF JULY 1891.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, and London, Patent Agents.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, and London, Patent Agents.