----- Original Message ----- From: "Ed Sutton" <ed440@mindspring.com> To: <caut@ptg.org> Sent: May 31, 2002 9:06 AM Subject: Re: Accu-just HPs in Steinway D :( > Is it a violation of patent for a private technician to install vertical > roll pin (aka "Accu-just') hitch pins on a piano? > Baldwin gave permission for technicians to retrofit their plate bolt > systems. > Did they also give permission to retrofit Accu-just pins? > "Just Curious" > aka ES The patent expired in the late 1980s, as I recall. Subsequent to that I designed the Walter 190 grand using vertical hitch pins (though not of the same type as used by Baldwin). I've long considered the vertical hitchpin to provide a superior back string termination and am still curious why other manufacturers have not at least tried them. Other than Story & Clark I don't think anyone has. Tradition, I guess. And probably a liberal amount of fear at rocking an obviously sinking boat. Del
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