Key actuation systems for keyboard instruments

A key actuation system for a keyboard instrument of the type having a plurality of keys, each key having an upper surface and a lower surface and being pivotally supported above a key bed, each key further having a front end that is depressed by a player to play a note, the key bed extending under and spaced from the lower surface of the key, the actuation system comprising:

• an elongated lever arm disposed in the space between the lower surface of the key and the key bed and between the front end of the key and the pivotal support, the lever arm having a first end in mechanical communication with the lower surface of the key such that movement of the lever arm in a first direction causes the key to move as if depressed by a player;
• an actuator disposed in the space, the actuator comprising a pull solenoid having a coil portion and a piston, the piston being in mechanical communication with the lever arm, the solenoid being operable when the coil portion is energized to draw the piston into the coil portion, and to move the lever arm in the first direction.

A key actuation system for a keyboard instrument of the type having a plurality of keys, each key having an upper surface and a lower surface and being pivotally supported above a key bed, each key further having a front end that is depressed by a player to play a note, the key bed extending under and spaced from the lower surface of the key, the actuation system comprising:

• an elongated lever arm disposed in the space between the lower surface of the key and the key bed and between the front end of the key and the pivotal support, the lever arm having a first end in mechanical communication with the lower surface of the key such that movement of the first end of the lever arm in a first direction causes the key to move as if depressed by a player, the lever arm further having a second end and being pivotally supported between the first and second ends;
• an actuator disposed in the space and in mechanical communication with the second end of the lever arm, the actuator operable to move the lever arm such that the first end moves in the first direction.

A system for modifying the movement related feel of the keys on a keyboard instrument of the type having a plurality of keys, each key being pivotally supported and having a front end that is depressed by a player to play a note, the system comprising

• an actuator operable to selectively resist movement of one of the keys when the key is depressed by a player, the actuator comprising a pull solenoid having a coil portion and a piston, the pull solenoid being operable when the coil portion is energized to draw the piston into the coil portion, the piston being in mechanical communication with the key.

A key actuation system for a keyboard instrument of the type having a key fulcrum supporting a plurality of keys, each key having a front end disposed forward of the fulcrum which is depressed by a player and a rear portion disposed rearward of the fulcrum that pivots upwardly when the front end is depressed, the system comprising:

• a flexible lift underlever having a mounted end and a movable end, the movable end being disposed under the rear portion of the key, the movable end being movable between a first position and a second position by flexing the lift underlever, the movable end of the lift underlever lifting the rear portion of the key upwardly when the movable end is in the second position;
• and
• an actuator operable to flex the lift underlever so as to move the movable end from the first to the second position, whereby the rear portion of the key is lifted upwardly.

A system for modifying the movement related feel of the keys on a keyboard instrument of the type having a plurality of keys, each key being pivotally supported and having a front end that is depressed by a player to play a note, the system comprising:

• a lever arm leaving one end in mechanical communication with the key such that movement of the key causes movement of the lever;
• an actuator operable to selectively resist movement of the lever arm when the key is depressed by a player.