Rockin’ Patent – Robert H. Keaton’s “Music Typing Machine”

  • Rockin’ Patent®: US Patent No. 2,047,690
  • Filed: 12 June 1934
  • In the name of: Robert H. Keaton
  • Title: Music Typing Machine
  • What’s claimed: “In a music typing machine comprising a platen, and a type frame supported for movement transversely and longitudinally thereover and having a plurality of type members for printing in a central position relative to the frame, an inked ribbon disposed between the platen and type frame, and means supporting said ribbon for longitudinal movement with the type frame, whereby each character printed will be exposed to view upon movement of the frame to a position for printing the next succeeding character.”
  • Why this patent rocks: This patent describes the problem of composers, arrangers etc having to hand-write music, which can be slow and tedious. As explained in the patent: “[t]he object of the present invention is to provide a machine whereby the characters most frequently used in the writing of music may be rapidly typed and accurately placed on the staff, the remaining characters being filled in by hand afterwards, or as the work proceeds…”.

If you’re a patent-savvy music tech business looking for patent help, get in touch with Russell IP here!

The information above is for general interest and information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Share the Post:

Related Posts

Iain Russell Recognised As The Top UK-Based IP Attorney On LinkedIn

We are delighted to share that Russell IP founder and director Iain Russell has been ranked the most influential UK-based IP attorney on LinkedIn, and third overall in the world, in the 2025/26 Legal LinkedInfluencers, IP Attorneys Edition. It is genuinely flattering recognition. Perhaps more importantly, it helps shine a light on what smaller, boutique IP practices can offer alongside the much larger firms in the IP profession. In this short post, we’ll cover what the report said, the headline numbers, and what it means for our clients. Key Takeaways Iain Russell was ranked number three globally and number one

Read More

Russell IP Rockception 2026: Music, Innovation & IP

By Iain Russell, Patent Attorney & Director at Russell IP (BSc, CPA, EPA, FRSA – 20 years’ experience in computer-implemented inventions and music technology). Published: 14 May 2026 Last updated: 14 May 2026 On 5 May 2026, we hosted Rockception 2026 at The World’s End in Camden – an informal evening that brought together clients, colleagues and contacts from across the IP and music technology worlds. The brief was simple: skip the corporate formality, lean into the music, and create space for genuine conversations between people who don’t usually share a room. This post is a short recap of the

Read More

Gain the Competitive Edge

Let's see how we can help protect your IP

Get in touch using the contact form or the phone number below to see how we can protect your IP.

There’s no obligation to sign up for anything.