Improvements in Phonographs, Graphophones, and the like.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Mar., 1899-Accepted, 13th May, 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Phonographs, Graphophones, and the like.
I, GIANNI BETTINI, of 110, Fifth Avenue, in the Borough of Manhattan, City,
County, and State of New York, United States of America, Electrician, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to he per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
The present invention relates to sound diaphragms for phonographs and grapho-
phones, so that the same may have a universal motion to permit of the stylus carried
by the diaphragm being free to move in any direction. The invention also con-
templates means for adjusting the sound diaphragm, and further the means for
raising and lowering the parts supporting the diaphragm into and out of position.
It will be understood that by sound diaphragm I mean a
recorder" or a
ducer" for phonographs or graphophones.
"
repro-
In the drawings I have illustrated several constructions of sound diaphragms
embodying my invention. In the drawings Fig. 1 is a view partly in side elevation
and partly in vertical section of a reproducer embodying my invention. Fig. 2
is a top view thereof. Fig. 3 is a front elevation thereof partly in section.
Fig. 4 is a side elevation of another form of reproducer. Fig. 5 is a top view
thereof. Fig. 6 is a front view thereof partly in section. Fig. 7 is a side eleva-
tion partly in vertical section of a recorder embodying my invention. Fig. 8 is
a top view thereof. Fig. 9 is a front elevation partly in section. Fig. 10 is a top
view of still another form of reproducer. Fig. 11 is a side elevation thereof partly
in vertical section.
Similar letters of reference refer to corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A represents a record cylinder and B a frame upon which is supported the
diaphragm carrying parts. Integral with the frame B is a tubular mouth piece h
adapted to receive a sound conduit.
C represents a diaphragm mounted in a frame c, and c¹ a spider on the diaphragm
carrying a stylus 2 represents a sound concentrator, a washer between the
sound concentrator and a ring nut. By moving the latter up or down the ten-
sion on the diaphragm may be regulated. represents a throat piece for directing
the sound waves to and from the diaphragm. The above arrangement of parts
is the same in both the recorder and reproducer shown.
D represents a stud secured to the frame c, which stud carries a vertical pin d
journaled at its ends in a ring d. The ring dis horizontally journaled by means
of pins in the frame B. With this mounting for the diaphragm vertical and
horizontal movements relatively to the record cylinder are provided for.
repre-
sents a threaded rod carried by the stud D) on which works a counterweight by
means of which the frame and diaphragm carried thereby are delicately counter-
balanced in order that the stylus may bear a proper relationship to the record
cylinder. The hereinbefore arrangements of parts are preferable in the construc-
tion of reproducers. In the construction of recorders, an example of which is
shown in Figs. 7 to 9 it is only necessary to provide for a vertical movement of
the diaphragm. This may be accomplished by means of pins which pass
through the frame B and enter lugs on the frame c. The screw-threaded rod

page_text: in this instance is connected directly with the frame c. A counterweight dis
provided on the rod as herein before described.
"
Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, this form of reproducer
is designed more particularly for use on that class of graphophones known as the
Columbia graphophone." To adapt this form of reproducer for any size of such
machines I have provided the frame B with a slotted portion E, and pin e carried
by the bifurcated portion e¹ of the collar e. With this construction of the frame
at this point it can be moved in horizontal and vertical directions relatively to
the record cylinder. This adjustment in connection with the mounting of the
diaphragm and frame enables the reproducer to be placed in the right position
on the machine. The collar e is a split one which enables the pin e to clamp the
slotted end E of the frame B between the bifurcated portion e of the collar e². The
collar is held on a stud of the sliding sleeve e of the "Columbia phonograph'
machines by means of a thumb screw . F represents the lifting device of such
a sleeve. When the handle f of this device is lowered its part f¹ engages with
a vertical rod f that is carried by the stud D to lift the same. The rod fis
continued beyond the stud D to serve as a guide. This portion of the rod works
in a slot in the frame B. The purpose of this is to insure the stylus having
a central position so that it will fall in the groove when the frame and diaphragm
are again lowered.
Referring now to Figs. 4, 5 and 6, this form of reproducer is designed to be
used on that style of machine known as the "Edison phonograph." A curved
arm G is adapted to be connected with the back rod sleeve of the Edison machine,
which sleeve moves the diaphragm along the record cylinder. The frame B is
provided at its rear with a horizontally extending arm which is removably held
in a sleeve carried by an arm gl of the curved arm G. The front part of the
frame B rests upon a flat portion 92 of the curved arm G.
H represents a finger piece which has a turning bearing in a projecting por-
tion of the arm. h represents a disk carried by the finger piece and h¹ a roller
carried by this arm. This roller is so positioned on the disk that when the finger-
piece H is turned, the roller will be brought into contact with a rest h³ of the
machine, to raise the arm G and with it the frame B. The disk is provided with
a cut out portion h*, in which projects a pin 5 carried by the arm G. The purpose
of this pin is to limit the movement of the disk. The guide for the diaphragm
in this instance comprises a rod I carried by the frame e the free end of which
is rounded. This rounded end works in an opening in the frame B (see Fig. 5)
and when the frame B is lifted it falls into a curved recess i in the frame B.
In Figs. 7, 8 and 9 I employ the curved arm and lifting device shown in Figs. 4
to 6. Everything else is the same as hereinbefore described with the exception
that the stylus point is different. This is necessitated by reason of its being
used on a recorder. This recorder is adapted to be used on that class of machine
known as the "Edison phonograph."
Referring to Figs. 10 and 11, this form of reproducer is adapted to be used on
that style of machine known as the "Edison Horne phonograph." In this instance
the frame B, is formed with a sleeve J which embraces the back rod of the machine.
Integral with the arm is a horizontal extension j, and to one end of this extension
is secured an arm ¹ carrying a nut which fits on the screw of the mandrel 7³.
The front end of the frame B is provided with a sleeve K which receives a stud k
of a lifting device, which lifting device is the same as herein set forth with
references to Figs. 4 to 9.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is: —
1. The combination of a frame, a diaphragm supported so as to permit of
automatic vertical and lateral motion relatively to said frame, and means for
moving the diaphragm and frame into and out of operating position.

page_text: 2. The combination of a diaphragm, a device for moving the diaphragm along
a record cylinder and means intermediate the said device and diaphragm for
adjusting the diaphragm vertically and horizontally relatively to the record
cylinder.
3. A sound diaphragm and supporting frame B, constructed substantially as
described with reference to any form shown in the accompanying drawings and
operating in the manner herein described.
4. The sound diaphragm and appurtenant parts as shown and described with
reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 3.
Dated this 17th day of March 1800
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.