Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-29
NEW TELEPHONE RECEIVER.
Two Inventions Abolishing Microbes
Adopted by Swedish Government

From the London Mail.
Two important telephone developments
have been invented in Sweden and officially
adopted by the Swedish government which
should bring within early range the uni
versal abolition of the microbe-laden
mouthpiece of the present-day telephone.
The new mechanism is ingenious and
cheap; one being available for commercial
and private use and the other for military
field operations and railway work
The invention known as the monophone,
which is for commercial use, has a re-
ceiver of type and of exceptional
carrying power 1t is about eight inches
long, with a plain handle, funnel-shaped
at one end. This funnel, whether held
above or below or at the back of the head,
or pointed upward or downward collects
the speakers voice and transmits his
words. AS the user must not apply the
funnel close to his mouth the hygienic ad-
vantages are obvious.
And the direct current of air does not
come into contact with the membrane of
the funnel. all disturbing vibrations are
avoided and perfect articulation is secured
1t is the invention of Mr.. Holmstrom the
chief engineer of the Swedish telegraph
office, and is much cheaper than similar
instruments in use in this country.
The other invention is q field telephone
and sound telegraph for military purposes
designed by Lieut.. Ljungman of the Swed-
ish Royal Engineers. By its aid body of
troops, horse or foot. can keep in constant
touch with the general officer at the base
of operations without delaying the march
The apparatus is simple to degree. It
consists of a small brass cylinder, about
nine inches long by three In diameter con-
tanning a dry battery and speaking re-
ceiver, which is strapped to the chest of
the soldier. Fixed to his back are small
drums which, although light, can hold 800
miles of wire, the base end being, of course
attached to a receiver. Strapped to the ear
of the cavalryman is another receiver
which is also connected with the cylinder
AS the trooper gallops along, the wire
unrolls from the drum and it may either
be allowed to lie on the ground or be
picked up by soldier following. who places
| it on the branches of trees. The cylinder
receiver is so sensitive that although it is
| placed some twelve inches below the mouth
of the trooper he need not bend his head to
speak into It, or, If more convenient, the
| instrument can be used as a field sound
telegraph by employing the Morse system.
For the foot soldier a lighter instrument
| is provided. The British government has
experimental with this instrument at AL
dershot, and is negotiating for supply Tor
the use OF our army.
An adaptation of this telephone has been
made for use by railway CANCERS 70 enable
them to notify the nearest station OF any
accident or defect on the line
These newest developments In the science
of telephone communication are controlled
by the SWeOlSn ElecITO-L1llildiy SoIAiPt'iIJr
which is represented in this country by
Count Lewenhaupt.
The British post Office authorities, we are
officially informed are conducting series
of exneriu,ents to overcome the inconven-
fence caused by careless subscribers VINO,
after using the telephone, leave the re-
| eeiver off the rest.
When. some few years ago, instruments
of a crrlder type were used, they had
! "howler'' device which continued to make
| a noise that compelled attention. ne re
present experiments are with the ooJect =, ~
| employed with the more delicate lnslru.
! ments now in use. 1t is not suggested thttt
any .'howler" will be devised TO express tlle
/ Indignation of a subscriber who hnds MN
| self enormously and frequently rung up IN
| the search for a different subscriber.