Improvements in Machines for Reproducing Sound and Methods of Advertising by the same.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Dec., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 7th Oct., 1889-Accepted, 7th Dec., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines for Reproducing Sound and Methods of
Advertising by the same.
I WILLIAM LEONARD MADGEN of No. 36 Albert Embankment London, S.W.
Electrical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates to Improvements in machines for reproducing sound and
methods of advertising by the same.
In my Invention I mount the Cylinder or other block on which the sound vibra-
tions are registered in such a manner that it can be suitably driven by clockwork,
electric power, manual or pedal power or otherwise when a coin or token is dropped
into the machine and releases the clockwork or completes the circuit of the motor
or in other manner allows the mechanism to work. I may cause either the cylinder
or the receiving point and diaphragm to travel longitudinally; this motion is con-
veniently produced by means of a rotating screw. One method of carrying out my
invention consists in mounting a series of cylinders having different sound wave
records in a suitable carriage all the cylinders being geared so as to rotate together
and the carriage being bodily movable so that the necessary longitudinal motion is
given to all the cylinders at the same time or to only one cylinder at a time. A
convenient method of mounting the-cylinder is to have two cones connected together
with a spring or moving towards each other with a spring so that the cylinders can
be easily put into place. Different priced sound records can be reproduced; for
instance 3 pence being charged for a reproduction of Madame Patti, 2 pence for a
less known singer, and 1 penny for an unknown person. Many records of one
cylinder can be reproduced by the deposition of copper or similar means.
receiving points and diaphragms are normally kept off their respective cylinders but
either one of them may be depressed to its cylinder at the will of the operator the
result being the reproduction of the sound vibrations impressed on this particular
cylinder and their conveyance to the ear of the operator by suitably arranged ear
tubes which may be held against the ears of the listener by means of springs or else
one diaphragm and point may be used and the required cylinder and diaphragm or
either may be brought into the required position.
I have
The
inay a different opening for coin for each cylinder or a single opening for
coin for all the cylinders and a pointer which is moved by the operator to a marked
position corresponding with the cylinder whose record it is desired to reproduce, or
else the name of the singer may be shewn through an opening. The coin may by
its weight depress a particular receiving point on to the cylinder and at the saine
à time release the clock mechanism or complete the electric motor circuit or allow
the operations to be made by means of pedal or hand attachments so that the cylinders
commence their rotative and longitudinal motions and continue until the particular
sound record has been to the required extent reproduced when the coin is tripped
the receiving point flies off its cylinder and the forward drive on to the carriage is
reversed until it returns to its first and normal position, when the clock work is stopped,
the electric circuit broken, or the manual or pedal power thrown out of gear until
another coin is inserted. Instead of several cylinders the sound vibrations may be
registered on different points of the same cylinder and the point and diaphragm be
It may
brought into the requisite juxtaposition with the cylinder or vice versa.
alternatively be arranged that the coin when inserted completes an electric circuit and
allows a current to pass which as well as driving the motor also excites an electro
magnet whose arunature draws the receiving point down on to the cylinder. At the
end of the forward motion of the carriage this electro magnet may be cut-out or short

page_text: circuited and the reverse motion produced by a reversing clutch or by reversing the
motor or manuel or pedal power; a convenient reversing arrangement consists of two
screws turning in opposite directions & having between them a double sided half-
nut which may engage with either of them according as a forward or reverse motion
is required; or it may be arranged that the carriage be brought back by the action
of a spring on which tension has been placed by the forward motion. A convenient
method is to have the cylinder or block vertical and utilize gravitation.
More than one sound record may be placed on one cylinder but I consider it
generally convenient to have a separate cylinder for each record. I propose adding
to the records of music or the like, sentences advertising certain wares or else to
simply reproduce sentences. which in themselves are advertisements, or disseminate
news of any kind. I consider this an important part of my invention in some cases
where this is done the machine can be set to work by means of a handle, a platform
or any similar attachment or by means of the ear pieces being moved, for instance by
their being lifted off a hook or pul up to the ear or moveable pieces can be put on to
the ear pieces and arranged so that the pressure of the ear thereon actuates the
mechanism or else the machine can be set to work by the withdrawing of a card with
advertisements printed thereon.
The clockwork in my invention may be actuated by a weight or spring which is
wound up so as to go for a number of days or it may be arranged that the user has
to wind it up at every record reproduced this may be done by a specially
arranged handle or by the weight of the user on a suitably placed platform or by
electricity.
:
I may combine with a continuously going clock a phono-graphic cylinder which at
every minute or half a minute or other suitable interval is caused to rotate for a
moment and if the receiving point is depressed the sound record on the cylinder gives
an audible statement of the time. The depressing of the receiving point on to the
cylinder is effected by the insertion of a coin & an arrangement may be provided for
preventing the depression of the receiving point while the cylinder is actually in
motion. In another arrangement before or after the insertion of the token sounds
may be produced which upon the moving of a stop or other mechanical movement
is caused to be reproduced so that people may speak into the apparatus and have their
voice reproduced on payment of a given sum.
' Datud this 1st dose of h
1000
:
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines for Reproducing Sound and Methods of
Advertising by the same.
I WILLIAM LEONARD MADGEN, of 36, Albert Embankment, London, S.W.
Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement:―
My invention relates to Improvements in machines for reproducing sound and
methods of advertising by the same, and in order, that my said invention and the
manner of performing or carrying the same into effect or practice may be properly
understood I have hereunto appended explanatory drawings.
$
B
In my invention mount the cylinder or other block upon which the sound vibra-
tions are registered in such a manner that it can be suitably driven by clockwork,
electric, manual; or pedal power; or otherwise-when a coin or token is dropped into
the. machine and releases, the clockwork or completes the circuit of the motor or in
other manner allows the mechanism to work.
I do not consider it necessary to illustrate the many methods by which this may be
accomplished, there being at present such a number of machines or automatic boxes
worked by insertion of a coin that my, meaning is clear and the adaptation of similar

page_text: to de movement of an axle (that of the cylinder) is too simple to require
details.
I may cause either the cylinder-see Fig. 1 or the receiving point and diaphragm-
see Fig. 2-to travel longitudinally. In Fig. 1 motion given to the pulley D revolves
the cylinder A and causes it to travel longitudinally upon its fixed threaded axle A,
B being the receiving point and diaphragm. In Fig. 2 motion given to the pulley D
revolves the cylinder A but in this case the receiving point and diaphragm B have
the longitudinal motion and this is conveniently produced by means of the rotating
screw or threaded spindle C which is geared up with the pulley axle as shown.
The dotted additions to Fig. 2 make the figure a section through a box constructed
according to my invention; being given to make my meaning clear I wish it under-
stood that I do not confine myself to this exact method, which may obviously be
departed from in various details without effecting the general arrangement.
From the drawing it will be seen that the receiver for coin E is in close proximity
to the aperture through which coin may be passed and the introduction of a coin
causes the diaphragmn B to be pressed down upon the cylinder A and the tail piece
with counterweight to be lifted clear of the hook F. Whilst the coin by its weight
effects this unlocking action it is plain that the instrument may be set in action by
turning the handle G, but upon the full travel of the diaphragm B being accom-,
plished the projection H removes the coin from the receiver E and the counterweight
raises the diaphragm out of contact with the cylinder. Before the instrument can be
again worked the operator must reverse the movement of the handle thus carrying B
back to the original position from which it cannot be again withdrawn until the inser-
tion of another coin causes the tail to be again raised to clear the hook F, into which
it interlocks after the manner of the latch on a door or gate.
One method of carrying out my invention consists in mounting a series of cylinders.
having different sound wave records in a suitable carriage, for instance at equal
distances from and parallel to a central spindle all the cylinders being geared so as
to rotate together and the carriage being bodily moveable so that the necessary longi-,
tudinal motion is given to all the cylinders at the same time or to only one cylinder
at a time. A convenient method of mounting the cylinder is to have two cones con-
nected together with a spring S (see Fig. 3) or moving towards each other with 'a
spring see S. Fig. 4 so that the cylinders can be easily put into place.
Different priced sound records can be reproduced: for instance 3 pence being
charged for a reproduction of Madame Patti, 2 pence for a less known singer, and
1 penny for an unknown person.
Many records of one cylinder can be reproduced by the deposition of copper or
similar known means for reproducing impressions. The receiving points and
diaphragms are normally kept off their respective cylinders by counterweights or
springs as will be readily understood but either one of them may be depressed to its
cylinder at the will of the operator by the counteracting of such springs or counter-
weights by the additional weight of the coin inserted the result being the reproduction
of the sound vibrations on the particular cylinder acted upon and the conveyance to
the ear of the operator by suitably arranged ear tubes of any well known kind for
instance such as used in speaking tubes which may be held against the cars of the
listener by means of springs (as for instance after the manner of the stethescope
see Fig. 5 or as may be otherwise convenient).
I may have a different opening for coin for each cylinder or a single opening for
coin for all the cylinders and a pointer which is moved by the operator to a marked
position corresponding to the cylinder whose record it is desired to reproduce-see
Fig. 6 in which the cylinders are marked A, and B is the diaphragm and appur-
tenances. Where desirable separate coin apertures may be used instead of the pointer
arrangement, and the name of the singer be shown through an aperture. In either
case the coin may by its weight depress a particular receiving point on to the cylinder
and at the same time release the clock mechanisin or complete the electric motor
circuit or in other convenient manner cause or allow the machine to act. In Fig. 7.
A B and D may each be separate records in place of as many separate cylinders."

page_text: It may alternatively be arranged that the coin when inserted completes an electric
circuit and allows a current to pass which as well as driving the motor also excites an
electro-magnet whose armature draws the receiving point down on the cylinder see
Fig. 8 in which A is the cylinder B the diaphragm and C the electro-magnet. At the
end of the forward motion of the carriage this electro magnet may be cut out or short-
circuited and the reverse motion produced by a reversing clutch or by reversing the
motor or manual or pedal power: a convenient reversing arrangement consists of two
screws (A Fig. 9) turning in opposite directions and having between them a double
sided half nut (B Fig. 9) which may engage with either of them according as a
forward or reverse motion is required, or it may be arranged that the carriage be
brought back by the action of a spring on which tension has been placed by the
forward motion. A convenient method is to have the cylinder or block vertical and
utilize gravitation.
More than one sound record may be placed on one cylinder but I consider it
generally convenient to have a separate cylinder for each record.
I propose adding to the records of music or the like sentences advertizing certain
wares or else to simply reproduce sentences which in themselves are advertisements or
disseminate news of any kind.
In Fig. 10 is illustrated a convenient method of utilizing this arrangement in which
the phonograph is an additional attraction to the "Automatic box" and with which
its gearing is coupled; the listener may either hear a voice advising him to use a
certain firm's wares, or a song or salutation or other prearranged sounds.
this an important part of my invention.
I consider
The clockwork in my invention may be actuated by a weight or spring which is
wound up so as to go for a number of days or it may be arranged that the user has
to wind it up at every record reproduced this may be done by a specially
arranged handle or by the weight of the user on a suitably arranged platform or
by electricity.
:
I may combine with a continuously going clock a phonographic cylinder which at
every minute or half minute or other suitable interval is caused to rotate for a moment
and if the receiving point is depressed the sound record on the cylinder gives an
audible statement of the time. This intermittent action can be conveniently effected
by similar gearing to that used on speed or revolution indicators or gas meters in
which an impulse is received by one wheel at intervals only, from another wheel
steadily revolving.
The depressing of the point on to the cylinder is effected by the insertion of the
coin (as already explained) and an arrangement may be provided for preventing the
depression of the receiving point whilst the cylinder is actually in motion, for instance
the coin aperture may be only open at such times as the cylinder is at rest.
In another arrangement before or after the insertion of the token sounds may be
produced which upon the moving of a stop or other mechanical movement is caused
to be reproduced so that people may speak into the apparatus and have their voice
reproduced on payment of a given sum.
•
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1st. The construction or arrangement and combination of the parts of a machine
for reproducing sound substantially as and for the advantages herein described.
2nd. The constructing of a machine for reproducing sound, combining a Box or
similar receptacle containing a Phonograph or equivalent sound recording instrument,
and electrical or other gear set in operation, or capable of being operated upon the
insertion in an aperture of one or more coins or tokens, for the purposes of adver-
tizing disseminating news, repeating any persons voice or the like substantially as and
for the advantages herein described.
3rd. The constructing of a machine as above in which the controlling or driving
mechanism is derived from or controlled by clockwork, springs, weights, levers,

page_text: electrical power, manual (such as pulling a handle out horizontally or turning a
crank or the like) or pedal power; or further by the weight of the user upon a
platform, substantially as and for the advantages herein described.
4th. The combination with a coin freed, actuated, or controlled Box or machine
delivering matches, sweetmeats or the like with a Phonograph or its equivalent, in
such manner that the sound reproducing mechanism is set in motion upon using the
Box thus producing an additional attraction or "draw" to the machine, substantially
as and for the advantages herein described.
5th. The combination with a box or receptacle containing a phonograph and
suitable actuating mechanism, of one or more slits or apertures for the insertion of
coins or tokens substantially as and for the advantages herein described.
6th. The combination as in claim 4 forming aural advertising in contra-distinction
to printed advertisements as generally used substantially as and for the advantages
herein described.
7th. The arrangement in a Phonograph or equivalent sound-recording instrument,
of a diaphragm normally disconnected from the indented recording body, but capable
of being actuated thereby through the medium of the weight, or otherwise of one or
more coins or tokens either directly or by electro-magnetic or equivalent electrical
action substantially as and for the advantages herein described.
8th. The combination of a Box or similar receptacle containing, or used in con-
nection with, a Phonograph actuated by coin freed or controlled mechanism—and
car-tubes substantially as and for the advantages herein described.
9th. The combination of a Phonograph or equivalent sound-recording appliance
with a Clock which upon insertion of a coin or coins shall at prearranged intervals or
otherwise actuate the Phonograph thus either reproducing sound from an already
formed surface or giving motion to an unformed surface ready to receive impressions
and repeating the representative sounds when recorded, substantially as and for the
advantages herein described.
Datal thi. 711 1
CALL
1000
WM. L. MADGEN.