Mechanical Music Digest  Gallery
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Gallery > Pictures > DAsteamboat1

Duo-Art Cam-Operated "Steamboat" Pump
by Richard Vance (010911 MMD)

DAsteamboat1.jpg (24 kb)

The early Aeolian Company "Duo-Art Steamboat Pump" had three pairs of bellows which were moved by a camshaft instead of a crankshaft.  Here is a picture, copied from an eBay entry, where someone was selling one.  A coil spring connects the pair of bellows on each side of an eccentric cam.  The spring is strong enough to keep the rollers in contact with the eccentric cams at all times.

The Duo-Art steamboat pump has the reputation of being the quietest ever devised, since there are no connecting-rod bearings to loosen and knock.  The stroke is comparatively short, compared with other designs, but it can go quite fast without noise.  The wooden rollers are covered with leather, for even more noise reduction.  See http://www.mmdigest.com/Pictures/tuttle02.html

Although this was a fine design, and many collectors prize it, it was so big and thick that it was soon replaced.  After that, they briefly went to a similar arrangement with four bellows and short connecting rods instead of eccentrics.  You can see one on Sam Harris' website: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/9374/stroud/page09.html

By the 1920s Duo-Art had gone to the standard box pump, just like Ampico.

Richard Vance
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 10:07:43 -0400


11 September 2001

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page