Improvements in or applicable to Phonographs or the like.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 25th July, 1890-Accepted, 4th Oct., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or applicable to Phonographs or the like.
We WILLIAM SAINT GEORGE ELLIOTT Surgeon Dentist and WILLIAM SAINT
GEORGE ELLIOTT the younger Engineer both of 39 Upper Brook Street in the
County of Middlesex 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 :-
The object of this invention is to provide a phonographic machine capable of running
for a considerable time without the necessity of changing the record as is usual in the
ordinary machines.
In carrying out our invention we prefer to use a long thin continuous record belt.
The machine consists essentially of a cylinder over which the record passes, and
transversely moving diaphragmatic devices, together with means for preventing the
record slipping on the cylinder and also means for moving the record. Below the
machine is placed a hollow box or stand in which the bulk of the record lies loosely;
this box also serves to hold the motive engine. The invention consists also of the
application of resonating springs to the phonograph thereby increasing its loudness,
and the coating of the interior of parts of the machine with a soft nap or other suitable
non-conductor of sound.
Referring to the accompanying sheets of drawings and to the figures and letters of
reference thereon,
Figure 1 (Sheet 1) is a front view of our phonographic machine with part of the
stand removed to show interior.
Figure 2 (Sheet 1) is a sectional elevation of diaphragin caso holder.
Figure 8 (Sheet 2) is the left hand side view of machine and
Figure 4 (Sheet 2) is a drawing of the electric connections.
Figure 5 (Sheet 3) is a right hand side view of the machine.
Figure 6 (Sheet 3) is a diagram showing the application of weighted roller.
Figures 7 and 8 (Sheet 3) aro onlarged views of the weighted roller.
Figure 9 (Sheet 4) is a rear view of the machine showing part of the stand and
side of the governor bracket removed and the motor in section.
Figures 10 and 11. (Sheet 4) are details of commutator.
Figure 12 (Sheot 5) is a plan of the machine looking downwards.
Figures 13, 14, 15, and 10 (Sheet 5) are details of recorder and reproducer.
Figure 17 (Sheet 6) is a detailed section of cylinder.
Figure 18 (Sheet 6) is a plan looking downwards of a modified form of the
machine.
Figure 19 (Sheet 7) is a rear view of our modification showing the position of
resonating springs.
Figure 20 (Sheet S) is a right hand side view of the modified machine with sides
removed to show motor and without the diaphragmatic device.
Figure 21 (Sheet 9) is a front view of our modified machine.
Figure 22 (Sheet 10) is a left hand side view of the modified machine with
portions of the diaphragin case removed to show-resonating springs.
Figure 23 (Sheet 11) is a plan of and
Figure 24 (Sheet 11) a section through electro-motor.
Figure 25 (Sheet 11) shows the electric connections and
Figures 26 and 27 (Sheet 11) are details of the armature.
A represents the stand or case supporting the machine having an opening on the
top and side and part being removed to show interior. We line the inside with cloth
or other suitable material to deaden the noise caused by the record moving in the
box. The size of this stand varies according to the length of record that will be

page_text: used, for instance if it is desired to have a record lasting for several hours and there-
fore of considerable length, we make the stand in the shape of a column resting on
casters on the floor and of convenient height say 3 feet. Above the opening on the
top of the stand the base B is secured. This base is slotted or U shaped and above
the opening and slot is a blank supporting cylinder 26.
This cylinder consists of an outer shell and two opposite heads that have conical
bearings fitting in or on conical bearings 22 on a horizontal shaft 23 that is rigidly
connected to a stud forming part of B. The cylinder is kept in proper position by
a nut and washer on the outer end of shaft 23.
55 designates pins or teeth projecting from the cylinder and preferably near one
end thereof. 21 is the lead screw supported at both ends by conical bearings in
studs D. 20 is a worm or spiral gear attached to the lead screw and adapted to mesh
in the worm or screw gear 30 which forms part of the short shaft 30'; said shaft is
journalled in a bracket 29 and lies at right angles to shaft 23 and lead screw 21. The
worm or spiral gear 20 is bevelled on the outer odge and graduated on the bevelled
portion. On the front portion of D a pointer is attached.
We prefer to so proportion the record that the pitch of the lead screw and pitch of
the record on record bolt will be the same; in other words, that the lead screw will
make one revolution for every complete revolution of the record: that is, if a line be
drawn across the record the load screw will make one complete revolution for every
time this line crosses a certain point, say the recording point. We also mark one
tooth on the cylinder and one hole in the record, and every consecutive hole that the
marked tooth onters we number 1, 2, 3 etc. and graduate the scale or lead screw in the
same proportion. This scale is used to enable the record to be always put on in
the same way or place, as if any inequalities occur while recording it is important that
they occur in the same place while reproducing. The bracket 29 has a slcovo portion
fitting on shaft 23 and adjustably fixed the. con by means of a set screw.
On the
inner end of shaft 30 is a bevelled gear 28 that meshes with a corresponding
gear 27 secured to the left hand head of the cylinder. By this means the lead screw
is driven by the cylinder Above the cylinder is a shaft 19 mounted in adjustable
bearings in upper ends of studs D D and capable of rotating or moving longitudinally
therein. On this shaft 19, about centrally thereof, is secured by a set scrow a bracket
piece 15 which supports the rear end of the recorder or reproducer holder 9.
16 designates a half nut engaging the threads of the lead screw and suspended by
bangers that are loosely mounted on shaft 19 and embrace bracket piece 15. Longi-
tudinal movement is transmitted from lead screw to shaft 19 by means of thus split or
half nut. 17 designates a spring attached to bracket 15 and extending thereunder
between the hangers of the half nut 16 and serving to press this half nut into
engagement with lead screw. The inner upper end of spring 17 is bifurcated and
supports journal blocks that hold the journals of a rubber covered wheel S adapted to
smooth down the material before the stylus.
2 is an angular bar journalled on dead centres supported in studs EE rising from
the base B at the front of the machine. On one end of bar 2 a lug or pin 4 is
attached that engages a projection 5 on stud E and prevents the bar turning inwardly
beyond a certain point. We previously attach a metal plate R to the rear end of
bar 2. The object of this plate is to enable the machino to be easily lined up by
adjusting this plate, and it serves also for a support for the front part of the holder 9.
41 is a collar on one end of said bar 2 secured thereto by a set screw and having a
button or bandle by means of which the bar may be rotated. The holder 9 is pro-
vided with a forwardly projecting foot 7 to which is attached an adjustable differential
screw by means of which the position of recorder or reproducer relatively to the record
may be adjusted with great exactness. When the bar 2 is turned the holder 9 is
lifted and the recorder or reproducer disengaged from the record. The holder 9 (see
detail Fig. 2 Sheet 1) consists essentially of an annular portion 9' having an internal
flange 9 The recorder or reproducer lie in the holder and are prevented from
turning by the taper pins 9 which fit into corresponding V grooves in the recording
or reproducing case. The recording or reproducing case is kept against the adjusting

page_text: screw 9 by the spring 11. Instead of the cover shown, we prefer to have the cover
shown in the modified machine (see Figs. 19 and 22), that is, the covers in the two
machines are to be exchanged. Referring to Sheets 7 and 10 of modified machine 9*
denotes part of the cover in the form of an annular ring. To this ring is fastened at
the back a hinge allowing the cover to be swung back in order to change the dia-
phragmatic devices, and to the front is attached a spring latch for holding the cover
down. Inside this ring and near the top is an annular flange which together with the
threaded ring 9 serves to hold the diaphragm 97 in place. This diaphragın 97 is
preferably composed of an elastic substance such as thin india-rubber, animal membra,
or of fine wire gauze. It is used mainly to prevent the brenth penetrating to the
recording or reproducing mechanism, and it is believed to improve the sound also.
9 is partly filled with resonating springs which may be of any convenient form such
as volute spirals or even flat shaped. They are chosen empirically as those responding
to the average use to which the machine is put, such as recording or reproducing
speech or music. They take up and intensify the sounds passing to or from the
record. We line the interior of 9 and 9 with a nap, by first coating the surfaces
with a liquid glue and then sprinkling a nap on the wet surface. This nap tones down
the sounds and prevents to some extent the metallic sound so disagreeable in previous
machines. Sometimes also it is advisable to coat the diaphragms of the recorder and
reproducer with a light nap such as cider-down. The holder 9 can be thrown back to
facilitate the removal of the records. 31 designates spring arms depending from and
attached to the base B at each side of the cylinder 26 and having journal blocks 61, 61
attached to their free ends. These blocks form journals for the shafts 63, 63 upon
which shafts the record driving rolls 33, 34 revolve freely; the ends or journailed
portions are eccentric to the main portion of the shafts. To one end of these shafts
is attached a spring crank by means of which the shafts may be rotated and their
distance relatively to the cylinder adjusted. 33 is the backward driving roll and is
preferably made of wood with an outer coating of pure or extremely soft india-rubber;
this driving roll 33 is rigidly attached to a tube 65; and on this tube 65 is fixed the
pulley 37 which receives motion by means of crossed belting from pulley 36 on the
opposite shaft. 34 is the foreward record driving roll mounted and constructed
substantially like the backward driving roll 33 but having a clutch 96 at
one end.
35 is a grooved clutch pulley turning freely on shaft 63 and mounted between
pulley 36 and clutch of 34, and this clutch pulley has clutch faces on both sides which
are adapted to engage with 36 or 34; it is driven continuously from a motor below
and is shifted by means of a lever 62 fulcrummed at 80 on a pin turning freely in
stud E below the collar 41. The lower end of said lever is bifurcated and loosely
embraces the pulley 35, while the upper end is held against the screw-like cam or
collar 41 so that when the collar 41 is turned the clutch pulley is shifted. When the
machine is going forward the stop 4 is pressing against the projection 5 on stud. E
and the bar 2 is in a horizontal position; at the same time the clutch 35 is imparting
motion to the forward driving roll 34 which imparts motion to the record which
transmits motion to both the cylinder and pulley 33 thus keeping the record stretched
over the cylinder. In order to stop, the bar 2 is rotated thus lifting the recording or
reproducing point from the record, and at the same time throwing clutch 35 out of
gear. In reversing, the clutch pulley 35 is in gear with pulley 36, thus the roller 33
drives the record, cylinder, and pulley 34 while at the same time the recorder or
reproducer is held off the record. Thus it will be seen that the record will be kept
stretched at all times over the cylinder. Sometimes however we put a weighted
roller P in the bottom of the record Q (see Fig. 6 Sheet 3), but it is obvious that this
roller can only be used with short records. The top of bar 2 is graduated or a
graduated scale fixed thereon and this scale together with the pointer on foot 7 is for
showing the transverse position of recording or reproducing points approximately.
The frame m of the motor is secured to one side of the stand. We prefer to make
this side so that the motor may be readily examined and we therefore provide it with
hinges. At each side of m brackets extend and serve as supports for beam m¹.

page_text: On
The wheel m³ is of a non-magnetic material of the shape shown on Sheets 3 and 4.
We prefer to let the armatures in so as to preserve a smoth periphery; they are of
iron and are eight in number. To the centre of wheel m³ is securely fixed a shaft
having a conical bearing at one end journalled in beam m²; the other end is provided
with an adjustable centre bearing. The commutator or contact breaker m (Figs. 9
and 10) is securely attached to the internal hub of m³. m consists of an internal
tube of a good conducting substance having teeth or projections whose cross section
varies lengthwise; outside of this tube a hard rubber layer is put completely covering
all the space up to the top of the teeth and having a ring on each end of the teeth
which serves to keep all together; this vulcanite is of one piece vulcanised on.
the outside of the stand behind the motor is fixed the bracket 10. The governor is
journalled in adjustable bearings in bracket 10 and receives motion by means of
rubber covered friction rollers from wheel m³. Behind the governor a bell crank
lever is pivotted communicating by means of a shaft to one brush; the other end of
the lover rests on a collar forming part of the governor. One brush is fastened
directly to the moveable shaft and receives a current by means of a conically wound
spiral spring; this spring also keeps the brush pressed against the contact breaker as
well as keeping the brush pressed away from the frame m. The other brush is
fastened to a tube which turns on a headed pin fastened in a vulcanite block; a
spiral spring conveys the current and also keeps the brush against the commutator.
When the speed is too great the governor forces the shouldered collar up and
compels the brush to take up a position that sends a current for a shorter interval
through the field magnets. The governor consists of a main shaft 98 having a friction
disc fixed to one end separated from the adjustable bearing by a loose washer. The
governing balls are attached to bent flat springs and these springs are attached to
the shaft 98 at the top and to the shouldered collar at the botton. The top of the
shaft 98 is threaded for a thumb screw or nut which serves to regulate the speed to
some extent by pressing the flat springs in a greater or less degree against the shaft 98
and thus limiting the length and therefore the resiliency of the springs. Benoath
the governor two terminals and a switch are placed.
Considerable trouble has been experienced by us in getting the record to press
continually against the shoulder on the cylinder. We have used guides with success
but these are noisy owing to the necessary friction. The trouble may however be
overcome by tapering the cylinder gradually away from the shoulder. The tapering
is very slight as one hundredth of an inch is sufficient at ordinary times.
In order to place a record on the cylinder the diaphragm holder 9 is thrown back
out of the way and shafts 63, 63 are turned in order to move driving rollers 33 and 34
as far away as possible from the cylinder. The record is then placed over the
cylinder care being taken to see that the teeth 55 engage in the holes in the record;
the rollers 33 and 34 are next pressed sufficiently against the record and the motor
started. The bulk of the record lies loosely in the box, but is continually moving as
portion after portion is drawn over the cylinder.
Referring to Sheet 5 (Figs. 13, 14, 15, 16), the recorder and reproducer both work
or turn freely in the annular ring A'. This ring A¹ has two V grooves which
fit on the conical pins 91 and 911 in the holder (Fig. 2) and prevent it from turning.
designates the diaphragm which is held in place by the threaded ring 9. in
the recorder, the cutting tool is held in place by the tube F which is fastened
above to the diaphragm and below to the bent flat flexible spring E' which is made
broad to prevent lateral movement and is fastened rigidly to about the centre of the
bar H. This bar H turns on centre bearings and on one side of it and turning on it
is fixed the flexible spring D'. This spring ordinarily rests on the record and supports
the weight of the diaphragmatic devices; it is of course on the smooth or uncut part
of the record and is adjustable by means of a screw. The object of this spring is to
allow the diaphragmatic devices to ride over any inequalities in the record without
injury or impairing the quality of the record. When no sound is being transmitted
to or from the phonograph the spring D' should bear against the record in such a
position that the stylus is just scraping the surface of the record. In the reproducer

page_text: the weight of the diaphragmatic devices is partly held by the centre bearings K;
enough weight should bear on the reproducer spring however to keep the stylus point
constantly against the record. This construction enables the reproducer to ride over
any gradual inequalities without the diaphragin responding or making any noise. I is
a delicate spring connected to the diaphragm by a silk thread J and having a very
fine point.
We do not confine ourselves to a nap in the interior of the diaphragm holder as a
cloth will do as well; rubber can also be used. We prefer however to use a nap.
A modified forms of our phonographic machine is shown on sheets 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
The principle of this is exactly the same as in previous machine but the details vary
considerably. The cylinder is lapted to be swung up in order to remove the record.
On the cylinder a spiral gear is attached which gears in a corresponding gear beneath
it working on a shaft journalled in centres; near the other end of this shaft is a gear
gearing with its mate on the lead scrow. This form of gearing transmits very smooth
motion. The lead screw carries a pointer, while the index is fixed. The bracket G
fits over the flanged bushing a (Fig. 18), which fits loosely over the sliding bar. One
end is threaded and is provided with a nut and a lock nut. The hangers of 8 may be
embraced between the flange of bushing a at one end and the nut at the other, thus
all play may be taken up. The set scrow in bracket G goes through bushing a and
impinges against the sliding bar; thus the flanged bushing a and bracket G both
rotate with the shaft. The method of hanging, driving and controlling the direction
of rotation of the driving rollers will be readily understood from the drawings. The
motor (sec Sheet 11) is in a drawer and consists essentially of the bed (Fig. 21)
to which the pole pieces c, c, c, c are attached; between these pole pieces four electro
magnets are secured as shown. The brace d (Figs. 23 and 24) serves as a bearing
for the motor as well as a carrier for the brushes. The armature wheel consists of
a brass wheel of the shape shown. Around this wheel in the groove iron wire is
wound forming a core, and around this eight conductors are wound forming the
ordinary Gramme ring. A. shaft having a worm on the top is securely fastened to
the centre of e (Figs. 24 and 27). is an ebonite block fastened to and serves to
hold the commutator bars. The brushes are insulated from brace d by the ebonite or
vulcanite blocks cemented in d. The spiral or worm gear on the motor shaft com-
municates motion to the shaft y (Sheet 9) by means of a spiral or worm gearing on
the latter. The shaft y has bearings at both ends and has a worm or spiral gear at
the end near one bearing while a double pulley is at the other end. By this arrange-
ment the drawer may be readily drawn out for the purpose of oiling or otherwise
attending to the motor. This motor should be supplied with a constant potential or
current under which circumstance it should run nearly at a constant speed under
varying loads. Its armature and field magnets are in parallel. The pole pieces and
cores are alone of magnetic material. Opposite commutator bars are connected
together after Morday's pattern enabling only two brushes at right angles to one
another to be used.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is
1. In a phonographic machine the use of a continuous non-cylindrical record
having a spiral track traced thereon substantially as described herein.
2. In a phonographic machine adapted to use a continuous non-cylindrical record
the use or employment of a cylinder having holes therein or teeth thoreon for the
purpose of engaging with corresponding teeth holes or depressions on or in such
continuous record as and for the purposes herein described and substantially as
illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
3. In a phonographic machine adapted to use a continuous non-cylindrical record
the employment of a box or cavity such as shown in Figs. 20 and 22 of accompanying
drawings wherein that portion of the record not passing over the cylinder lies or
hangs or is contained.

page_text: 4. In a phonographic machine the driving of the cylinder by means of the record.
5. In a phonographic machine adapted to use a continuous non-cylindrical record
the definite longitudinal movement of the record producing a corresponding smaller
transverse movement of the recorder or reproducer.
6. In a phonographic machine the use of a cylinder constructed substantially as
described and as shown in detail in Figure 17 Sheet 6 and rotating in conical bearings
on a non-rotating shaft.
7. In a phonographic machine the use of a lead screw having a spiral or worm gear
thereon.
S. In a phonographic machine the use of resonating springs for the purposes
described herein.
9. In a phonographic machine the lining of various parts with a soft nap or other
suitable material substantially as described.
10. In a phonographic machine the driving of the record by means of friction
rollers substantially as described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
11. In a phonographic machine supporting the rear of the recorder or reproducer
holder by a sliding bar journalled in adjustablo bearings.
12. In a phonographic machine supporting the recorder or reproducer holder by or
on an adjustable track attached to a rotating bar.
13. In a phonographic machine the diaphragmatic dovices substantially such as
herein described and as illustrated by Figures 2, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
14. In a phonographic machine the diaphragmatic devices adjusted relatively to the
record by means of a differential screw.
15. In a phonographic machine the recorder or reproducer interchangeable or
adjustably held in the holder substantially as herein described and as illustrated by the
accompanying drawings.
16. In a phonographic machine the use of a scale and pointer adapted to show the
longitudinal position of recorder or reproducer of the record.
17. In a phonographic machine the use of an electro-motor living relatively.
moveable commutator and brush for varying the duration of current through the
circuit.
18. In a phonographic machine adapted to uso a continuous non-cylindrical record
the employment of a weighted roller for the purpose of keeping the record stretched
over the cylinder.
19. In a phonographic machine driven by an electro-motor susponding or attaching
such motor to a swinging or hinged plate or board (as shown in Figs. 1 and 3) or to
or in a sliding plate or drawer (as shown in Figs. 20, 21, 23, and 24) substantially as
herein described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
20. The general construction and arrangement of the various parts in a phono-
grapic machine for the purpose of adapting such machine to use a continuous non-
cylindrical record substantially as herein described and as illustrated by the accompanying
drawings.