A little known use of the Auto-Typist roll frame is the heart of
a roll scanner.  The dominant feature is its fat take-up spool,
not unlike that of most any nickelodeon or orchestrion.   My roll
scanner started out in life as an Auto-Typist roll frame; see how
I adapted it at

  http://members.shaw.ca/smythe/smythe.htm 

My roll scanner produces MIDI files that play quite well on most
any of the solenoid operated pianos.    It is not precision enough
if the objective is accurate recuts.

Regards,
Terry Smythe
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada