Improvements in Methods of, and Apparatus for, Increasing the Volume of Sounds from Telephonic or Phonographic Instruments, and Transmitting such Sounds to Distances.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Oct., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 31st July, 1899-Accepted, 23rd Sept., 1899
Date of Application, as 100
Complete Specification Left, 31st July, 1899-Accepted, 23rd Sept., 1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Methods of, and Apparatus for, Increasing the
Volume of Sounds from Telephonic or Phonographic Instruments,
and Transmitting such Sounds to Distances.
I, HORACE LENOARD SHORT, of New Malden, in the County of Surrey, Con-
sulting Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:
My invention relates more especially to articulate messages or other sounds
produced by the vibration of diaphragms in telephones, telephonic instruments,
or the like, or produced by mechanical means by phonographic instruments,
and it has for its objects methods of increasing the volume and audibility of
such sounds, so that they can be much more readily heard than is ordinarily the
case, and can be made audible at long distances.
My improved method of so increasing the sounds obtained by instruments
of the kind described, consists substantially in the use of devices more or less
equivalent to the " relays" ordinarily used in the transmission of telegraphic
messages to long distances; for which purpose I cause the vibrating diaphragm
of a telephone receiver, or of the style or pointer which presses upon the cylinder
of a phonograph, to cause corresponding vibrations or undulations in a column of
air, steam, or other suitable gas or vapour, these vibrations or undulations being
produced, upon a largely magnified scale, by the governing vibrations of the
telephonic disc, or the phonographic point, and being directed in any required
direction if desired by means of a trumpet-shaped apparatus through which they
are delivered.
syren
"
The apparatus itself, which is influenced and operated by the vibrating tele-
phonic disc, or by the style or pointed instrument actuated by the permanent
depression produced by sound in the usual way upon a phonographic cylinder
or disc, resembles somewhat in principle the apparatus known as the
in which a column of air or steam passing through a tube or chamber is cut off
more or less completely, and renewed, in very rapid succession, so as to cause
in it correspondingly rapid vibrations or undulations which themselves result
in sounds of any desired magnitude and power, according to the size and
character of the apparatus; the pitch of the sounds produced being dependent
upon the number of interruptions or undulations per second, so that by causing
such number of the vibrations to be determined by the vibration of the disc of
the telephone or the stylus or point of the phonograph, the sounds produced
become largely magnified reproductions of the sounds given off by the telephone
or phonograph, and articulate messages or other sounds are thus reproduced,
which can be made of any desired loudness, and can be heard at very long
distances.
The devices which I use for reproducing and magnifying the sounds according
to this system may be varied more or less in construction and arrangement.
For instance supposing that a pipe or chamber be used through which a body of

page_text: air, steam, or other suitable vapour, say for example air, is forced or caused to
pass by any suitable well-known means, I arrange in such chamber or pipe a
small valve, in the form of a perfectly balanced piston valve having a very short
stroke and working with as little friction as possible in a cylindrical passage
in the chamber. At one end of its very short stroke this piston cuts off, entirely
or nearly so, the air, which is admitted through apertures round it in the circum-
ference of the cylinder in which it works, whilst by a very short movement in
the opposite direction it admits the air behind a much larger piston, made as
light as possible, which works freely in a larger cylinder and is connected at its
outer side to light levers or equivalent devices connected to a vibrating sounding
diaphragm of any suitable size by which the movements of the piston are repro-
duced but upon a much magnified scale, the sounds produced by it being also,
therefore, loud. The small piston valve first described is connected to the vibrat-
ing diaphragm of a telephone or telephonic instrument, or to the point which,
in a phonograph, passes over the sound indentations of the cylinder, so
that the vibrations representing sounds are exactly transmitted to the small
piston valve. The larger piston at the other end of the chamber in which the
piston-valve works has a central hole through it corresponding with the diameter
of the latter, and the supply of air (under sufficient pressure) is admitted round
the body of the piston valve, the front edge or flange of which is so arranged
that in the central position of the valve its front edge closes or very nearly
closes the central opening through the larger valve, whilst its back edge
closes or very nearly closes the passage from the space round the reduced body
of the valve (into which the air is supplied) into an annular space at the back
of the larger valve. It will be seen that, as the piston valve makes its short
course backward and forward in accordance with the sound-produced vibrations
of the diaphragm, or with the movements of the phonograph guiding point, with
which it is connected, it alternately and with a rapidity corresponding exactly
with such vibrations admits the pressure of the air to, or releases it from, the
back of the larger piston, the vibrations of which, as well as of the diaphragm,
and other mechanism with which it is connected, correspond, therefore, exactly
but in a magnified form with those by which the piston valve is moved as already
described.
The larger piston may be brought back, after each outward vibration, by a
spring. It may itself be connected with a second larger piston valve of a kind
similar to that already described, which may cause intermitting vibrations, or
undulations, in a second larger column of air, and so on through three or more,
if desired.
The sound may be produced by the column of air itself instead of by a dia-
phragm or the like actuated by its means, and its vibrations will reproduce
articulate or other sounds, perfectly and as loudly as may be desired.
The larger piston operated as first described by the small piston valve instead
of being connected with a vibrating disc as described, may be used to operate
a cutting point which forms depressions upon the surface of a phonograph
cylinder, in the usual way, which cylinder may afterwards be used for the
reproduction of the sounds determined by the depressions formed upon it. Such
cylinder may be of considerable size, and of hard and durable material, the power
operating the cutting point being increased.
Or, the larger piston may be used to vary the pressure upon, and consequently
the conductivity of, a telephonic or other current of electricity passing through
carbon electrodes, such as those well-known in Edison's carbon transmitter.
Another form of the apparatus for putting my improved system in operation,
may consist of a small grating or set of parallel openings in a plate across the
chamber or pipe through which the air, steam, or other vapour, is forced. These
openings are covered or closed by a valve consisting of a corresponding series
of tongues or strips connected together, so that when forced down they close the
openings, and when released the latter are opened. This valve (instead of the

page_text: small piston valve described in the first arrangement) is connected by a light
spindle or equivalent device with the vibrating diaphragm of a telephonic
instrument, or with the guiding point of a phonograph, as already described,
and the vibrations or undulations thus caused in the current of air correspond
exactly with the vibrations representing the sounds, which are therefore repro-
duced from the diaphragm or the phonograph by the more or less complete
closing at rapid intervals of the apertures through which the air is forced. This
form of apparatus is more especially adapted to be used where the loud sounds
to be reproduced are obtained by the vibrations or undulations of the column of
air, forced through the valve, and which may pass directly to a distributing
trumpet or instrument.
The piston valve or other valve by which the interruptions or undulations
in the column of air, steam, or other vapour or gas, are produced, may either be
operated by the diaphragm of a receiving telephone, or by a diaphragm receiving
the sounds from the voice or from other source directly by means of a suitable
mouthpiece, or by a vibrating electro-magnet, or other suitable means.
The improved system and apparatus can be applied to very numerous purposes,
all of which it would be impossible to enumerate.
The following, however, are a few of the purposes to which my improved system
may be advantageously applied.
It can be applied to ordinary telephone receivers, intensifying the sound to any
desired degree. Or, to a telephone recorder or transmitter, thereby permitting a
stronger electric current to be used, and obtaining greater undulations or varia-
tions in such electric current.
It can be applied to any form of talking machine or phonograph, serving as
a reproducer, and so intensifying the sound to any desired degree.
It can be applied to recording sounds upon a phonographic cylinder, upon
which it deeply cuts, engraves, impresses, or marks, the indications of the sound
vibrations in an intensified degree, upon a durable cylinder of hard material.
Applied as a speaking trumpet, it intensifies the vibrations of the voice to any
desired degree of loudness.
On board ships, at lighthouses and lightships, fire stations and the like, it can
be arranged in the form of a talking syren, thereby permitting conversations over
long distances.
Loud sounding music from different instruments may be played by means of
an ordinary piano keyboard. For this purpose, I may take a phonograph cylinder
of considerable length and diameter, and having round it a very great number
of parallel rings of depressions, each such ring of depression representing a
certain definite musical note produced by sounding the particular note into
the diaphragm the cutting point of which produces the depressions on the surface
of the cylinder, as in the ordinary phonograph.
The keys of the key board are connected to links, levers, or equivalent devices,
by which a suitable pointed instrument connected with a small piston valve of
the kind already described, can be brought into contact with the required
ring of depressions upon the cylinder (which is kept revolving at the required
speed). The piston valve thus set in operation (by a revolving cylinder, instead
of by a vibrating diaphragm as first described) reproduces in the way already
described the required note, but louder and in greater volume, the character and
the quality of the tone, however, being exactly reproduced. The length of the
revolving phonograph cylinder may be divided into any number of separate
parts, each part carrying rings of depressions corresponding with and producing
the notes produced by different instruments. Other such parts, again, may be
appropriated to rings of depressions produced by-and reproducing-the com-
bined notes of different instruments played in harmony. In this way, an endless
variety of music, representing the voice or voices, or any instrument or com-
bination of instruments, can be produced as desired by playing upon the keyboard.
and such music may be made as loud as may be desired.

page_text: Although I have described some of the devices which I use in putting my im-
proved system in opération, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to these
particular devices, and they may be varied and modified to any extent according
to the varying circumstances in which they are to be used in order to carry out the
objects of my invention, that is to say, to increase the volume and audibility of 5
sounds produced by the vibration of diaphragms in telephones, telephonic instru-
ments, or the like, or produced by mechanical means by phonographic instru-
ments.
Toted the 0011. 1
1000
EDWARDS AND CO.,
Chartered Patent Agents,
65 and 66, Chancery Lane, London,
Agents for the Applicant.
!
Improvements in Methods of, and Apparatus for, Increasing the
Volume of Sounds from Telephonic or Phonographic Instruments,
and Transmitting such Sounds to Distances.
I, HORACE LENOARD SHORT, of New Malden, in the County of Surrey, Con-
sulting Mechanical 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 and accompanying drawing,
that is to say:
My invention relates to articulate messages or other sounds produced by the
vibrations of diaphragms in telephones, telephonic instruments, or the like, or
produced by mechanical means by phonographic instruments; and it has for its
objects methods of reproducing and increasing the volume and audibility of such
sounds so that they can be much more readily heard than is ordinarily the case,
and can be made audible at long distances.
My improved method of so increasing the sounds obtained by instruments of
the kind described, or of the like kinds, consists substantially in the use of
devices more or less analogous to the "relays" ordinarily used in the trans-
mission of electric telegraph messages to long distances.
For this purpose, I cause the vibrating diaphragm of a telephone receiving
instrument or an armature or equivalent device actuated by such receiving instru-
ment, or the "style" or point which presses upon the cylinder (or disc or other
equivalent suitable surface) of a phonograph to cause or influence corresponding
undulations in a moving column of air, steam, or other suitable gas or vapour,
these undulations being reproduced, upon a largely magnified scale, from and
by the governing vibrations of the telephonic diaphragm or equivalent device
or vibrating body, or of the phonographic point or stylus, and being directed
in any desired direction by means of a trumpet'shaped or other apparatus
through which they are delivered and dispersed.
The apparatus itself, which is influenced and operated by the vibrating tele-
phonic or phonographic diaphragm or equivalent device or by the stylus or
pointed instrument influenced by the permanent series of appropriate depressions
or indentations produced by sound in the usual way upon a phonographic
cylinder or disc or other suitably shaped surface, resembles somewhat (in prin-
ciple) the apparatus known as the "syren" in which a column of air or steam
passing through a tube or chamber is cut off or interrupted, and renewed at
very rapid successive intervals, so as to cause in it correspondingly rapid undula-

page_text: tions which themselves result in sounds of any desired magnitude and power,
according to the size and character of the apparatus; the pitch of the sounds
produced being dependent upon the number of undulations per second. By
causing, therefore, a number of undulations in the column to be determined by
the number of vibrations of the diaphragm of the telephone or equivalent device,
or of the stylus of the phonographic instrument, whilst the character of the
undulations in the column is determined by the character of those of such
diaphragm or stylus, or equivalent devices, the sounds produced become repro-
ductions, largely magnified, of the sounds given off by the diaphragm employed
or phonograph, or vibrating body, and articulate messages or other sounds are
thus reproduced, which can be made of any desired loudness and can be clearly.
heard at very long distances.
The devices which I use for reproducing and magnifying the sounds according
to this system, may be varied more or less in their construction and arrange-
ment. For instance, (referring to the accompanying drawings, which are intended
to be in illustration of my invention) Figure 1 shows in longitudinal section
(upon a greatly enlarged scale for the sake of clearness), a pipe or chamber a
through which a body of air, steam, or other suitable vapour or gas-say, for:
example, air is forced or caused to pass by any suitable well-known means,
through the pipe a¹. In the centre line of this chamber is fitted a small cylinder 6
in which works freely a very well-fitting piston valve & having a very short
longitudinal stroke and working with as little friction as possible. The inner
end c¹ of this valve forms a flange or ring adjoining the part ², which is reduced
in diameter, and it can enter freely an opening in a diaphragm or flange 64
across the chamber a, upon the other side of which diaphragm is an enlarged
cylindrical chamber d in which fits and works freely a much larger piston e,.
which is made as light as possible. Through the bottom of this piston e is an
opening into which the flange d¹ can also enter freely. The outer side of
the diaphragm c has an enlarged recess c³, leaving a space round the flange c¹.
It will be seen, therefore, that a short longitudinal movement of the valve in
one direction will close the opening c³ in the diaphragm c4, and in the other
direction will close the opening f in the piston e.
It should be observed that the stroke required of the valve c to effect these
operations is shown very much enlarged in the figure, for the sake of clearness,
a very small movement backward and forward being sufficient in practice, (as
illustrated in Figure 3).
The outer end of the valve c, or of a tailpiece e, is connected with, or rests
against, the diaphragm g of a telephone instrument or equivalent device, which
may either be the receiving instrument of an ordinary telephone circuit, or may
be set in action by the voice through a mouthpiece or tube at h, or the diaphragm
or device may be vibrated in any other well-known way. i is a spring by which
the tailpiece is kept in contact with the diaphragm g, and the accurate adjust-
ment of the entire apparatus in relation to the diaphragm can be effected by the
lever which carries it and is attached to the diaphragm holder at ¹, and regu-
lated by the screw 2.
The outer end of the chamber a is shown closed by a cap 7 containing an adjust-
able spring m by which the piston e is pressed inward, and n are openings, which
may communicate directly with the outside air, or (as shown) with a chamber o
whence the air passes away through a pipe p A light spindler passes freely
through the cap 7 and is connected with the piston e so that it has precisely the
same movements as the latter. This spindler is connected, directly, or with
the intervention of light levers, or other suitable devices, to a vibrating sounding
diaphragm or vibrating body of any suitable size and character (not shown in
the figures), by which the movements of the piston e are reproduced but upon a
much magnified scale, the sounds produced by it being also, therefore loud.
As the piston valve e makes its short course backward and forward in exact
accordance with the sound produced vibrations of the diaphragm g with which it

page_text: is connected, it alternately and with a rapidity and character corresponding with
such vibrations, admits the pressure of the air to, or releases it from, the back
of the larger piston e, the vibrations of which, as well as of the diaphragm and
other mechanism with which it is connected, correspond, therefore, exactly but
in a magnified form, with those which the piston valve c has communicated
to it, as already described.
Figure 4 is a section of a somewhat simpler arrangement of apparatus
resembling that shewn in Figure 1, in which the telephone diaphragm g is set
in vibration by the human voice. a is the chamber, containing the small
cylinder b, piston valve, c, and pipe for the admission of air at a¹. The larger
piston e carries a spindler passing through a guide in the cap 1, from which a
single escape pipe ? passes directly and carries away the air. The piston valve c
is shown connected to the diaphragm g of a telephone transmitter which is
spoken into at the mouthpiece u, the sounds being greatly magnified, as already
explained, and transferred by the spindle to a larger vibrating diaphragm, or
to other of the devices described.
Figure 5 is a front view of the chamber a with the cap and other parts
removed.
✓
Figure 6 is a separate front view of the larger piston e, and Figure 7 is a front
view of the cap 1.
Instead of being connected with a vibrating diaphragm, the larger piston e may
itself be connected with a larger piston valve resembling the one c, which may
cause intermittent undulations, in a second larger column of air, and so on
through three or more, if desired, the sounds being progressively magnified. A
trumpet-shaped appendage for delivering the message or other sounds in the
required direction, may be fitted to the ultimate sounding diaphragm. In this
way, sounds may be conveyed to, and reproduced at, any desired distance,
each instrument serving the purpose of a relay."
The sounds produced by the undulations in the column of air as it escapes
through the openings n, may be made use of directly, instead of using a dia-
phragm made to vibrate by its means as described, and the undulations of the
column will reproduce articulate or other sounds perfectly, and as loudly as may
be desired.
The piston e operated as first described by the small piston valve c, instead of
being connected with a vibrating sound diaphragm as described, may be used
to operate a cutting or recording point or tool which forms corresponding depres-
sions upon the surface of a phonograph cylinder or disc, or other suitable form
of recording surface, which can be afterwards used for the reproduction of the
sounds determined by the depressions formed upon it. Such cylinders may be of
considerable size, and of hard and durable material, the power operating the
cutter being greatly increased by the means described, above that available in
cutting phonograph record cylinders, discs, or other recording surface by means
of an ordinary diaphragm connected with a cutting or recording point.
Where I speak of a telephonic diaphragm, it is to be understood that I refer to a
vibrating diaphragm or equivalent body or device, of the kind used in ordinary
telephones, or answering a similar purpose.
Figure 2 illustrates this arrangement. Parts similar to those already described
are shown, though upon a smaller scale, but the spindler is shown operating
upon a hinged cutting or indenting tools, the cutting or indenting point or edge
of which operates upon the surface of a phonographic cylinder (or disc, or
other surface) of suitable material, below it, which is made to revolve and move
endways simultaneously in the usual way, so that a continuous helical line of
depressions; corresponding with the sounds, is cut or indented into the surface of
the cylinder.
In the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1, instead of the telephonic diaphragm g
being operated by sound directly, and actuating the valve, as described, the
valve may be connected with, and operated by a spindle, or equivalent device,

page_text: connected with a style or point passing in the usual way over the undulations
formed or recorded upon a phonographic cylinder or disc or other suitable
surface, by sounds, in the usual way. These sounds, such as the human voice
or music, or the like, are of course transmitted to the small valve c, and the
operation of the apparatus is the same as that already described.
Or, in another method of applying my improved system, the spindler (Figure 1)
may be used to vary, by its movements, the pressure upon, and consequently
the conductivity of, carbon electrodes, such as those well known in Edison's
carbon transmitter, through which a telephonic or other current of electricity is
passing.
Another form of apparatus for putting my improved system in operation for the
purpose of magnifying and transmitting the sounds produced primarily by the
vibrations of an ordinary telephonic diaphragm or equivalent device may consist
of a small grating or set of parallel openings in a plate or rigid diaphragm across
the chamber or pipe through which the air, steam, or other suitable gas or vapour
is forced under sufficient pressure, and in which undulations have to be formed
for the purpose of producing magnified reproductions of the vibrations of the
telephonie diaphragm or other vibrating body.
The openings are covered or closed by a valve consisting of a corresponding
set of tongues or strips connected together, so that when forced down they
close the openings, and when released and raised the latter are opened.
I use a valve of this kind (instead of the small piston valve e, and the piston e,
already described and illustrated) in the manner illustrated in Figures 8, 9, 10,
11, 12 and 13.
Figure 8 shows in section such an apparatus somewhat resembling that shown
in Figure 4, the voice being used to speak into a mouthpiece u and set in corre-
sponding vibration the telephonic diaphragm g. In Figure S, however, the
diaphragm is shewn connected with a spindle which passes through the
cap w fitted upon the end of the chamber of suitable diameter, into which air
under sufficient pressure is forced through the pipe a¹. Across the chamber a
is a rigid diaphragm or partition a, having a series of parallel slits through it
forming a grating, as shown in front view in Figure 9. To the partition is
hinged at a plate consisting of a series of light tongues or stripsy (Figures 8,
10, 11 and 12) of such size as just to close the holes forming the grating in a.
This plate of tongues is connected at y to the spindle operated by the
diaphragm of the telephone when the latter is spoken to and the vibrations
of the diaphragm gor vibrations otherwise produced, are therefore trans-
mitted to the tongues y which open and more or less close the passages through
the grating, at a speed and in a manner exactly corresponding with the
movements or vibrations of the diaphragm g, and cause corresponding undula-
tions in the column, of air which is forced in at, and is discharged through the
trumpet-mouthed pipe z, the words or other sounds uttered into the telephone at u
being reproduced, very greatly magnified and strengthened, and capable of being
heard at a great distance, by the more or less complete closing at very rapid
intervals of the apertures or grating through which the air is forced. This
form of apparatus is especially adapted to be used where the loud sounds to be
produced are obtained by the undulations of the column of air forced through
the valve as shown.
A spring m assists in bringing back the tongues.
In Figure 13 the same apparatus is shown, partly broken off, but operated by
movements of the style or point M of a phonograph upon a properly indented
cylinder N or disc, or other suitable surface.
Figure 14 shows an arrangement very similar to that shown in Figure 13, but
having a regulating screw P, by which the pressure on the spindle between the
valvey and the phonograph cylinder N can be exactly adjusted and regulated.
Figure 15 shows a further modified form of the apparatus shown in Figures 1
and 8. In this form the grating and valves are shown applied to apparatus of

page_text: the kind shown in Figures 1 and 2, but instead of being in the form of narrow
slits and corresponding tongues respectively, they consist of a grating a formed
of concentric annular openings, and of a valve formed of a disc y having corre-
sponding annular rings fitting against the openings in the grating the parts or
surfaces between the openings in the valve being opposite to the openings in the
grating, and vice versù. The disc or valve y being fitted and attached to the
spindler, so that as the spindle is made to vibrate by the movements of the valve e
induced by the movements of the telephone disc g, the circular openings through
the grating are synchronously more or less opened and closed by the circular
valve y, and corresponding undulations are caused in the column of air forced
through the inlet passage a, and discharged through the trumpet-shaped
,sounding pipe, the sounds from the telephone diaphragm being reproduced
perfectly clearly, but greatly magnified so that they can be heard at long distances.
In Figure 15 the air operating the cylindrical valve c in the way already
described is admitted round this valve through a separate pipe F communicating
with the main supply from the inlet a behind the grating a. His a cylindrical
valve which presses down the spindler and the valve y attached to it, with the
intervention of a spring m, the pressure being dependent upon the pressure
.of the air from the supply pipe a¹.
In the different arrangements of apparatus which I have illustrated, the air,
instead of being forced in through a supply pipe a¹, may be drawn, by means
of a vacuum or suction, through the pipe p, and withdrawn through the pipe a¹
which would be connected with the suction.
In the arrangements shown, a vibrating disc (resembling more or less a
telephonic disc) may be used instead of the valve or piston c.
The small piston valve, or other valve by which the undulations in the column
of air, steam or other suitable gas or vapour, are produced, may either be operated
by the diaphragm of a telephone receiver, or by a diaphragm receiving the
sounds from the voice or from other source directly by means of a suitable
mouthpiece or by a vibrating electromagnet, or by other suitable means some of
which have been illustrated in the figures already referred to.
In order to still further increase the sound obtained by the undulations
in the column of air, steam, gas or vapour, produced by the movements of a
valve caused by the vibrations of the diaphragm of a telephone, telephonic instru-
ment, or point or stylus operated by the depression upon a phonographic cylinder
or disc (in the methods already described). I sometimes use an additional disc
or diaphragm, of any suitable material capable of vibrating, in the manner
illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, in which such a disc is shown applied to
apparatus having a valve of the kind shown in Figures 8 and 15. Figure 19
shows a part of the apparatus shown in Figures 8, 13, 14, and 15, but having
the additional disc applied to it. Figure 20 shows this additional disc and the
parts connected with it upon a larger scale, showing also (in dotted lines) a
cutting instrument connected with it, and cutting or indenting records
vibrations upon a cylinder or other suitable surface, from which they can be
afterwards reproduced by means of a phonographic instrument.
the
In these figures is the grating and y the valve fitting upon it g₁ is the
additional disc held by its edge at a short distance from the back of the grating a
and having small holes 2 through it, as shown. The valve y is operated by a
spindle which is itself caused to move backward and forward either by the
diaphragm or equivalent device of a telephone or telephonic instrument or other
vibrating surface or body set in vibration by sound (as illustrated in Figures 8
and 15) or by a point or stylus actuated by the depressions formed upon a
phonographic cylinder or disc or other suitable surface, (as illustrated in Figures 13
and 14) or by equivalent means. a¹ is a pipe by which either pressure or a partial
vacuum can be produced in the space between the valve y and the diaphragm gl.
Supposing the apparatus to be operated by the action of such a vacuum:
when the valve V is closed the pressure on both sides of the disc g¹ is in equili

page_text: brium. When the valve is slightly opened the air enters through the holes
in the disc g into the space between it and the grating, and through the
valve y into the tube a¹. This slight opening of the valve y causes a partial
vacuum in this space, and consequently the disc g¹ descends through a space
dependent upon the amount of opening of the valve, and vice versa when the
valve begins to close and these vibrations of the disc g¹ are synchronous with
those of the valve.
The action is somewhat similar, but in an inverse manner, if pressure is used
instead of a vacuum.
The disc g may be connected (as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 20) with
a suitable cutting or indenting point or instrument s, by which depressions or
indentations are formed on a cylinder or disc t or other suitable surface, forming
records corresponding with the sounds, and by which such sounds may be repro-
duced.
Or the disc g¹ may be connected with a second valve resembling, and operating
in a similar way to, the valve y.
My improved system and apparatus can be applied to very numerous purposes
(suitable modifications being made according to the requirements of the different
purposes), all of which it would be impossible to enumerate. The following,
however, are a few of the purposes to which my improved system may be
advantageously applied.
It can be applied to ordinary telephone receivers, intensifying the sound to
almost any desired degree. Or, it can be applied to an electric telephone receiver,
or transmitter thereby permitting a stronger electric. current to be used, and
obtaining greater undulations or variations in such electric current, primarily
produced by sound.
It can be applied to any form of phonograph or talking machine, serving as
a reproducer and so intensifying and magnifying the sounds to almost any
desired degree.
It can be applied to recording undulations produced by sounds upon a phono-
graphic cylinder, disc, or other suitable surface, upon which it deeply cuts,
engraves, impresses, or marks, the indications of the sound vibrations in an
intensified degree, upon a durable cylinder or other suitable surface of hard
material.
Applied to a speaking trumpet, the sounds produced by the vibrations of the
voice can be intensified to almost any desired degree of loudness.
For use on board ships, at light houses, and lightships, fire stations, and the
like, it can be arranged in the form of a talking "syren" thereby permitting
conversations to be held over long distances.
Again, loud-sounding music from different instruments may be played, by
its means, by the use of an ordinary keyboard (resembling that of a piano).
For this purpose I may take (for example) a phonograph cylinder of considerable
diameter and length, and having round its circumference a very great number of
parallel rings of depressions each such ring of depressions representing a certain
musical note of definite pitch and quality, and having been originally produced
by sounding the particular note from the special musical instrument or instru-
ments into a vibrating telephonic (or phonographic) diaphragm, a cutting point
or tool connected with such diaphragm producing the depressions upon the surface
of the cylinder, as in any ordinary phonograph.
Each individual musical note has a set of as many parallel rings of depressions
(which are made as near as possible to each other) as the various qualities of this
particular note to be reproduced; that is to say, the note produced by different
instruments, or combinations of instruments, or by the voice or voices; and
each ring of depressions is continued completely round the cylinder for the
particular note. As many "sets" of parallel depressions are made round the
cylinder, (side by side in the direction of its length) as there are different notes

page_text: in the compass of the instrument, and each set consists of as many rings of
depressions as there are requisite qualities of the notes to be produced.
The keys of the keyboard are connected by links, levers and rods, or equivalent
means, of well known kinds with devices by which when the key is depressed one
or more small piston valves of the kind first herein described are brought into
a position where they are caused to vibrate backward and forward by the particu-
lar ring of depressions relating to each piston valve in the manner already
described and illustrated.
If the cylinder, therefore, be kept in regular revolution at the required speed,
each time one of the piston valves is caused (by the depression of one of the
keys of the keyboard) to be set in rapid motion backward and forward by the
action of any particular ring of depressions the note due to such ring will be
reproduced with very much increased volume and magnitude of sound by means
of undulations, communicated by the valve, to a column of air, or other elastic
fluid in the manner already described and illustrated.
Supposing now that piston valves, and the valves (or gratings and tongues)
and air passages, connected with them as already described, are arranged for
each separate note in a frame or case round the circumference of the moving
cylinder at equal distances apart, and as many in number as the various qualities
of the particular note to be sounded, say for example eight, the number of parallel
rings of depressions for that note being also eight, and that the actuating device
of each piston valve is so arranged that each one when in action is operated by
one particular ring of depressions, then if one of the piston valves is brought
into action a corresponding note will be sounded by the air supplied under
pressure (as in the apparatus already illustrated), or, if more than one, then a
corresponding number of the notes, in unison but of different qualities.
If the same arrangements be provided and applied to all the separate notes
in the length of the cylinder, and if " stops" (resembling those of organs) be
provided, by which one or more of the varying qualities of tone for each note
can be casily and simultaneously brought under the operation of the correspond-
ing rings of depressions, or removed so as not to be acted upon, then a performer
will be able easily and readily to produce any note, or any number of notes
simultaneously as chords, and possessing the tone or quality of one of the rings.
in the sets of depressions, or of two or more, or of the whole, of the rings in each
set, as he may desire; solos, combinations of a greater or less number of instru-
ments or voices, or a full orchestra or choir, being thus obtained from the
instrument.
Instruments made upon the principle just described may be modified more or
less in the details of their construction and arrangement.
For instance, vibrating tongues actuated directly by the circular rings of
depressions upon the revolving cylinder may be used instead of the piston
valves, the tongues opening and closing, more or less, passages of properly
designed shape through which air is forced, and so causing undulations in the
column of air, by which sounds are produced corresponding with the rings of
depression upon the cylinder, which have themselves been previously cut or
formed by the action of similar sounds in the way already described.
A method of construction by which such an application of my invention may be
carried out, is illustrated in longitudinal section (partly broken off) in Figure 16,
in transverse section in Figure 17, and on a larger scale in Figure 18.
"
In these figures, 1 is the revolving cylinder turning upon an axis 2, and
driven at a suitable speed in any convenient way.
It is made of sufficient diameter, (dependent upon the number of instruments,
or qualities of tone which it is intended to include) and of a length dependent
upon the number of separate notes which it is to contain, but it is shown broken
off in Figure 16, only a sufficient length, to indicate the method of operation,
being shown.

page_text: In the
Round this cylinder is fitted a casing, containing a series of longitudinal
channels, or air passages, 4, arranged at equal distances apart in end view, and
as many in number as the different instruments or qualities of tone which it is
intended the performer should be able to produce as he may desire.
drawings eight are shown, which may refer respectively to a full orchestra
the human voice; piano; harp; banjo; and guitar, clarionet and piccolo; violin,
cello' and basso; and bassoon.
The several longitudinal channels 4 communicate at the ends with an annular
space 5, and through it with a passage 6, leading to a trumpet-shaped or other
aperture 7 through which the music is given forth and dispersed. The channels 4
are connected by suitably shaped plates 8 formed upon them and screwed together,
so that they form an airtight chamber extending from end to end of the case 3,
and air under sufficient pressure is forced into this chamber continuously.
Upon the periphery of the cylinder 1 are formed (by the means already
described) rings of depressions 9, 10, 11, and so on, in sets of eight parallel
rings, each set relating to a particular note. For instance, the set 9 may relate
to the note C, that 10 to the note C, 11 to the note D, and so on.
Upon the inner side of each longitudinal channel 4 is a longitudinal groove
in which are fitted plates 12 side by side, each being held up by a spring 13
at one end, and each plate having through it an opening 14 of properly designed
shape, covered by a spring valve 15 fixed at one end, and provided on its lower
side with a point or style 16, which, if the free end of the plate 12 be pressed
down, comes in contact with the ring of depressions opposite to which it is
arranged, and so, by the revolution of the cylinder, causes the spring valve to
oscillate or vibrate and open or close the opening 14 more or less, causing
undulations in the column of air which is allowed to pass through, corresponding
with the depressions of the ring which were themselves originally produced by
a certain note from a telephone diaphragm, and which consequently reproduce
the same note greatly magnified at the trumpet mouth 7.
In Figure 16 the parallel rows of depressions are indicated at 17, the first
eight rows relating to the same note (say C), but each one producing a different
quality of tone so as to represent as many different instruments or voices as there
are channels 4 in the instrument.
The next eight rows of dépressions relate in the same way to the next note
(say C) the next eight to D, and so on.
The vibrating tongues or valves 15 in each circle (say, for instance, the first,
or "C" circle) are each arranged in advance of the previous one (in the direction
of the length of the cylinder 1) a space equal to the distance between the first
eight rows of depressions, so that each such row acts upon one only of the eight
valves 15 round the cylinder. If, therefore, all eight valves are allowed to be
operated, eight loud notes will be sounded, all "C" in unison but each repre-
senting a different instrument, or character of the note.
As the row of vibrating tongues for a particular instrument or quality of
tone for all the range or compass of notes in the instrument, extends from end
to end of the cylinder, it follows that if all of any particular row be retained out
of. contact with the depressions on the cylinder, that particular instrument, or
quality of tone, will not be represented in the music produced, whilst, by bringing
them all into contact with the cylinder, the corresponding particular instrumental
effect will be produced.
A. method of effecting this is illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, Figure 17
being a transverse section through the eight vibrating tongues and parts connected
with them, all giving out the same note, but each one giving such note as produced
by a distinct instrument, or voice, or combination of either. Figure 18 is a
similar section on a larger scale, through one of such vibrating tongues. Referring
to this figure, 1 is a part of the revolving cylinder having the rings of depression
round it, 4 is one of the longitudinal chambers, 8, 8, 8 are the plates or flanges

page_text: connecting together the several chambers 4. 12 is one of the plates carrying
the vibrating tongue 15, which opens and closes the opening 14 through the
plate which is itself held against its seat by the spring 13 near one end. The
style or point 16 is attached to the spring 15. A spindle or bar 18 passes from
end to end of the apparatus and can turn partly round in bearings at its ends,
one or both of which is provided with a knob or handle 19, indicated in dotted
lines in Figure 18. The bar 18 is provided with brackets 20 in which are
pivotted a row of light bellcranks 21, one above each of the plates 12, and
between the end of the plate 12 and one arm of the bellcrank are arranged wires
or spindles 24 passing through, and guided in, holes through the plate 8. The
other or radial arms of the several bell cranks projet into slots in properly
arranged rings 22, ranged independently side by side and each capable of
turning on its axis for a short distance upon the guides 23 which are formed
upon or attached to the longitudinal channels 4 round the cylinder, and which
may preferably be provided with friction rollers.
When, therefore, a ring 22 is in the position shown in Figures 17 and 18, the
bars 18 being all in the position shown, it is evident that none of the styles or
points 16 are in contact with the revolving cylinder 1 and no sounds will be
produced. If, however, the ring 22 be turned slightly round, the whole of the
bellcranks 21 will be moved so as to depress the wires 24 and force down the
plates 12 and the vibrating tongues 15, so that the points 16 are brought into a
position to be acted on by the corresponding rings of depressions round the
cylinder 1. In this position the whole of the vibrating tongues representing the
different instruments will play or give out the same note in unison.
If, however, one or more of the bars 18 be turned by the performer into such
a position (as shown) as to prevent the bellcranks from bringing the plates 12
and the points 16 against the cylinder 1, then (when the ring 22 is moved down)
the particular instrument, or quality of tone of the notes, represented and pro-
duced by that particular row of vibrating tongues, will be silent or omitted from
the music. Instead of one, two or more of the bars 18 may be turned round,
a corresponding number of instruments remaining unrepresented and silent.
Each of the rings 22 is connected, in any convenient manner such as those
used by piano makers, and which it is unnecessary to describe at length, with
one of the keys of the keyboard.
Air, under sufficient pressure, is supplied in any convenient way into the
annular space 25 round the cylinder 1 and inside the several plates 8 which
enclose it.
It must be understood that the apparatus just described is in illustration of a
method of producing the effects described, but that apparatus for the purpose
'may be made in many other different forms of construction and arrangement,
the object being to reproduce and largely magnify and distribute the sounds
produced from records cut or formed upon phonographic cylinders by instruments
operated by the vibration of telephonic diaphragmns originally actuated by the
sounds to be reproduced and magnified.
As already explained, I do not confine myself to the precise methods of putting
my invention in operation, which may be varied more or less to almost any
extent, my invention consisting substantially in methods of greatly increasing
the articulate or other sounds produced in the first place by the vibrations of
diaphragms of telephones, telephonic instruments, or the like, or other equivalent
devices, such sounds being reproduced directly in a magnified form, or the
vibrations which produce them being recorded upon phonographic cylinders or
discs and the magnified sounds being reproduced by means of such records,
or the magnified vibrations being utilized (instead of for the direct production
of sounds) for cutting or indenting deep and permanent records upon phono-
graphic cylinders or discs, which may themselves be used at any time afterwards
for the production of corresponding greatly magnified audible sounds, articulate
or musical.

page_text: I am aware that it has been proposed to utilize the vibrations produced by
sound upon a diaphragm, for the purpose of entirely cutting off and re-admitting
the pressure of a body of air to a sound tube, or to a second vibrating disc the
movements of which are used for the purpose of cutting records upon a cylinder,
or reproducing magnified sounds.
Also, that it has been attempted to utilize the vibrations of a telephonic disc
caused by sound for the purpose of actuating a device by which compressed air
has been admitted to each side alternately of a vibrating disc in a closed chamber,
the vibrations actuating a third disc by which the sounds are reproduced; and
that it has been proposed to cause a disc to vibrate by the action of a cylinder
upon which suitable depressions have been formed by sound; the vibrations
of the disc causing corresponding vibrations in the air in a closed chamber the
ends of which consist of diaphragms which are also caused to vibrate.
Such methods, however, I have found to be impracticable and useless, and
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 reproduction, upon a magnified scale, of sounds, articulate, musical,
or of any kind (obtained in the usual way, in the first place, by the vibration
by means of such sounds, of the diaphragms of telephones, telephonic instru-
ments, or the like, or of equivalent devices,) by causing vibrations produced by
such sounds, to produce corresponding synchronous undulations in a column of
air, steam, gas, or vapour which consequently gives forth, through a trumpet-
shaped or other distributing mouthpiece sounds identical with the originating
sounds, but very much magnified or increased in volume and power.
2. In the reproduction, upon a magnified scale, of sounds, articulate, musical,
or of any kind, as claimed in Claim 1, the recording of such magnified sounds
upon the cylinders or discs, or other suitable surfaces, of phonographic apparatus,
from which they can be reproduced whenever desired.
3. In the reproduction upon a magnified scale of sounds articulate, musical,
or of any kind, as described and claimed in Claim 1, the method of further
magnifying such sounds by using them to cause the corresponding vibration of-
additional diaphragms the vibrations of which are used to reproduce correspond-
ing sounds still more magnified.
4. For the purpose of reproducing, upon a magnified scale, sounds articulate,
musical, or of any kind, the apparatus consisting of a receiving telephonic
diaphragm g, chamber a, cylinder b, cylindrical valve c, having a flange c¹,
larger cylinder d, valve e, openings and f, cap 1, spring m, opening n, chamber o,
inlet passage a¹ and outlet passage p substantially as described, and illustrated
in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawing.
5. In apparatus of the kind described in Claim 4, and illustrated in Figure 1,
the use, instead of the vibrating telephonic diaphragm or equivalent device g, of
a phonographic cylinder, disc, or other surface, having the sounds to be repro-
dnced in a magnified form recorded by depressions upon its surface, such depres-
sions operating the valve c when the cylinder is revolved at the proper speed,
substantially as described.
6. In apparatus of the kind described and claimed in Claim 4, in combination
with the diaphragm g, chamber a, cylinder b, cylindrical valve c having a
flange c, larger cylinder d, valve e, openings and f, cap 1, springs m and
openings n, the spindler operated by the valve e and causing a cutting or
indenting point or tools to cut or indent helically upon a revolving phonographic
cylinder deep depressions or indentations corresponding with the vibrations
of the sound-operated diaphragm g or equivalent device, and capable of repro-
ducing such sounds upon a magnified scale, by means of a suitable phono-
graphically vibrated diaphragm or equivalent device; substantially as described
and illustrated in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

page_text: 7. In apparatus of the kind described in Claim 6, the use, instead of the
vibrating telephonic diaphragm g or, equivalent device of a phonographic cylin-
der, disc, or other surface, having the sounds to be reproduced in a magnified
form recorded by depressions upon its surface, such depressions operating the
valve when the cylinder is revolved at the proper speed, substantially as
described.
8. In apparatus of the kind described and claimed in Claim 1, the modification
consisting of a mouth piece u, the telephonic diaphragm g, chamber a, cylinder b,
valve c, larger valve é, spindler, cap 1, and escape passage p for a column of
air, steam, gas or vapour, forced in through the inlet passage a¹, in which column
undulations are produced by the movements of the valve c, the sounds being
reproduced in a greatly magnified form by such column passing from d to a
distributing trumpet-shaped opening, whilst the spindle attached to the valve e
may be used either (1) for transmitting the movements of the valve to a second
diaphragm of a kind similar to g, which operates a second valve similar to the
valve c, (or to the valve e direct, without the second diaphragm) by which means
undulations are caused in a second more powerful column of air, steam, gas,
or vapour and the sounds, are still further magnified; or (2) for actuating a
cutting or indenting instrument by which records are cut upon a revolving
phonographic cylinder, disc, or other surface, in the manner illustrated in
Figure 7, substantially as described and illustrated.
9. For the purpose of reproducing and largely magnifying the sounds, articu-
late by means of the human voice, musical, or of any kind, produced in the
diaphragm of a receiving telephonic instrument, or, an equivalent device, the
combination of the mouth piece u, the vibrating diaphragm g, chamber a, inlet
passage a through which air, steam, gas, or vapour is forced, partition & having
parallel openings through it, valve y consisting of tongues fitting such openings,
spindle connecting the valve y with the diaphragm g, cap w, spring m, and
sound-delivery opening, substantially as and for the purpose described, and
illustrated in Figures 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the accompanying drawings.
10. In the apparatus described and claimed in Claim 9, and illustrated in
Figure 8, the substitution for the mouthpiece and diaphragm g, of the repro-
ducing instrument M operated by a phonographic cylinder N (or other surface),
upon which the sounds to be reproduced in a magnified form, have previously
formed or cut depressions helically round the cylinder or other surface by suitable
means, substantially as described, and illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 of the
accompanying drawings.
11. In apparatus of the kind described and claimed in Claim 1, the modification
consisting of a diaphragm g vibrated by the sounds to be reproduced, chamber a,
valve c, larger valve e, arranged and operating as described and illustrated_in
Figure 1 in combination with the larger valve H, spindle r, spring m valve
seat valve y, attached to spindle r, inlet opening a into which air, steam, gas,
or vapour is forced, pipe communicating with a chamber round the valve c,
discharge openings n, and trumpet-shaped sound-distributing opening z, sub-
stantially as described and illustrated in Figure 15.
12. In apparatus in which undulations are produced in a column of air,
steam, gas, or vapour, by means of a valve operated by the vibrations of the
diaphragm or equivalent device of a telephone or telephonic instrument or other
vibrating body, caused by sound, or by the movements of a point or stylus over
the depressions or indentations made upon a phonographic cylinder or disc, or other
surface, by sound, the combination with the valve so operated of an additional
vibrating disc or diaphragm fixed at a short distance from the valve and having
perforations through it, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described,
and illustrated in Figures 19 and 20 of the accompanying drawings.
13. The apparatus for reproducing musical notes, upon a magnified scale, by
means of a revolving cylinder having such notes recorded upon its surface, in the
;

page_text: Torm of parallel rings of depressions made by means of a phonographic instru-
ment, each ring of depressions representing a separate note, and actuating or
setting into vibration a tongue which covers an opening through which a column
of air, steam, gas or vapour is forced, in which column corresponding undulations
are caused, reproducing, upon a magnified scale, the original note represented by
the ring of depressions, pins upon or connected with the vibrating tongues being
brought into contact with the corresponding ring of depressions round the
cylinder, by means of keys upon a keyboard depressed by a performer, so that
as each key is depressed a corresponding note is sounded of any desired loudness,
or if two or more keys are depressed simultaneously, a corresponding number
of notes forming chords or harmonies are produced, substantially as described.
14. In apparatus of the kind described and claimed in Claim 13, the use of
sets or several adjoining rings of depressions round the cylinder for each note, all
the rings in such set representing the same note, in the musical scale, but each
being produced by a different musical instrument, voice, or combination of
instruments or voices, or both, and a separate vibrating tongue being provided
for each ring of depressions, and being set in vibration when required to produce
corresponding undulations in a column of air, steam, gas, or vapour, the tongues
corresponding with all the notes relating to each particular instrument or
character of tone, being capable of being made to vibrate, singly or in any
number, by being brought in contact, when required, with the particular rings
of depressions corresponding with them, by means of keys arranged upon a
keyboard and depressed by a performer, substantially as described.
15. In apparatus of the kind described and claimed in Claims 13 and 14, the
combination of a cylinder 1, having round its circumference rings or sets of
rings of depression 9, 10, 11 formed by the action of sound in a phonographic
instrument, each set of rings being produced by the same note, but each ring
of such set being produced by that note from a different instrument, longitudinal
chambers 4 as many in number as the different instruments whose tone is to be
reproduced, moveable plates 12, springs 13, tongues 15 and points 16, the tongues
in each of the chambers 4 being actuated by the rings of depressions relating to
that chamber, or to the instruments whose tone it is to reproduce, bars 18,
pivotted bellcranks 21, wires 24, and handle 19, all arranged and operating so
that undulations corresponding with the vibrations of the tongue or tongues are
communicated to a column of air, steam, gas, or vapour forced into the space 25
and discharged through the passage and dispersing tube 5, 6 and 7 substantially
in the manner and for the purpose described, and illustrated in Figures 16, 17
and 18 of the accompanying drawings.
10. In the apparatus described and claimed in Claim 15, the combination
with the sets of rings of depressions round the cylinder 1, chambers 4, plates 12,
tongues 15 and points 16, bar 18, pivotted bellcranks 21, and wires 24, of the
separate rings 22 having openings operating the belleranks 21, each ring caused
to move round separately on its axis, by the depression by the performer of the
particular key or note upon the keyboard to which it relates, substantially in
the manner and for the purpose described, and illustrated in Figures 16, 17,
and 18 of the accompanying drawings.
17. In the apparatus described and claimed in Claims 15 and 16, and illustrated
in Figures 16, 17, 18, the substitution for the plates 12, vibrating tongues 15,
and points 16 of small piston valves resembling those shown at c in Figure 1,
to which rapid movements backward and forward can be communicated by bring-
ing points connected with them into contact with the particular rings of
depressions to which each is related, the said piston valves producing in the
ways already described corresponding undulations in a column of air or other
elastic fluid, each of the chambers containing the small piston valves being
connected with one of the keys of the keyboard, so that the valve can be made to
oscillate backward and forward when required, by being brought into contact

page_text: with the corresponding ring of depressions when the key is depressed, substantially
in the manner and for the purpose described.
Dated this 29th day of July 1899.
EDWARDS AND CO.,
Chartered Patent Agents, 65 & 66, Chancery Lane, London,
Agents for the Applicant.