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Vol. 86 July 18, 2026 No. 19

G. B. Kelly

inventor

Biography

In 1886, G. B. Kelly invented a wind motor employing slide valves that opened and closed ports leading to pneumatic motors. The author states that this form of motor was adopted almost immediately, and that once Kelly's patent expired it came into general use in player-piano factories throughout the world, marking it as a foundational and lasting contribution to player-piano mechanism design.

Highlights

  • In 1886 invented a wind motor using slide valves to open and close ports to pneumatic motors
  • Upon expiration of his patent, this motor design came into general use in player-piano factories worldwide

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), p. 136.

Public domain.

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