String vibrations (was Re: Stuart)

[Delwin D Fandrich]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Phillip Ford" <fordpiano@earthlink.net>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: September 23, 2003 7:46 AM
Subject: Re: String vibrations (was Re: Stuart)


> I seem to remember that you made a point of saying that Baldwin's
> device was not an 'agraffe'.  What the definition of agraffe is, is
> an interesting question.  I believe that Erard was the original
> inventor.  In french, agraffe is the word for staple.  The original
> agraffes were in fact giant staples - a U shaped piece of heavy wire
> driven into the pinblock to keep the string from being driven off the
> front termination by the hammer blow.  It evolved into what we know
> now.  Actually, what we have now is sort of pushing the envelope on
> the original definition of the term.  I wonder how far we should push
> the envelope before using a new word?  I wouldn't really call
> Stuart's device an agraffe.

Nor would I. We called them "termination pieces." Among other things.


>
> >
> >No patent application was ever submitted. We looked into the possibility
> >but more experienced heads than mine felt there was sufficient prior art
to
> >preclude a patent being granted and the company was loath to spend the
> >money to pursue the issue. I expect Stuart found the same situation. At
> >least I've seen no evidence that he has attempted to patent the device.
> >
> >Del
>
> I have not seen any American patents for Wayne Stuart or Pianos
> Australia.  I'm not familiar with Australian patents.  Based on older
> patents for string terminations that I have seen, I doubt he could
> get a patent on this device.

That was our conclusion as well.

Del