A NEW OR IMPROVED MUSICAL INSTRUMENT, WHICH CAN ALSO BE USED AS A FOG OR OTHER SIGNAL
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Eugene Ernest Bornand, of 8, Howland Street, Fitzroy
Square, London, in the County of Middlesex, Artist Lyrique, for the Invention
of "A NEW OR IMPROVED MUSICAL INSTRUMENT, WHICH CAN ALSO BE USED
AS A FOG OR OTHER SIGNAL.”
Sealed the 28th May 1880, and dated the 1st December 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Eugene Ernest Bornand
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st December 1879.
EUGENE ERNEST BORNAND, of 8, Howland Street, Fitzroy Square, London. in
"A NEW OR IMPROVED MUSICAL
the County of Middlesex, Artist Lyrique.
INSTRUMENT, WHICH CAN ALSO BE USED AS A FOG OR OTHER SIGNAL."
I construct two convex plates of any metal, gold, silver, brass, tin, or whatever
other metal I require, and these plates I make round, oval, or any other shape I
desire, in accordance with the result required, and of any requisite shape and size;
I can also make these plates of wood or any other material. These plates aro
joined together at the edges for a short distance in such a manner that there is a
reservoir of air formed between them, and in the centre of this part that is so joined
together, I place a tube of whatever shape, diameter and length I require. This
tube, made of any material, I use as a mouth piece. By singing through this mouth-
piece, and with the pressure of the fingers on the plates, the sound is produced. By
varying the size, shape, and material used, I can produce imitations of every
musical instrument, so that I can create the same effect as a full orchestra. I can
also use my invention as a signal, whether for fog or any other for which sound
is required. I can also apply it to pianos, organs, or harmoniums.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Eugene Ernest Bornand in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
31st May 1880.
EUGENE ERNEST BORNAND, of 8, Howland Street, Fitzroy Square, London, in
" A NEW OR IMPROVED MUSICAL
the County of Middlesex, Artist Lyrique.
INSTRUMENT, WHICH CAN ALSO BE USED AS A FOG OR OTHER SIGNAL"
My Invention relates to an improved instrument for musical purposes and
audible signals, as will be most readily understood with reference to the accompanying
Drawings.

page_text: Figs. 1, 2 and 2, represent a side, end view, and vertical section respectively of
a simple form of such musical instrument, constructed and operating according to
my Invention. A, A, are two, contiguous, thin convex plates of silver, brass, tin,
wood, or papier-maché, having circular or, elliptical configuration, and rigidly
connected for a short distance at their upper edges B at one or points by soldering,
clasping, or clamping, or equivalent means in such a manner to render them capable
of vibrating. At or near this connection I provide a conducting orifice or tube of
convenient dimensions as a mouth piece for conveying the desirable vocal or other
similar sounds between the above described plates of vibrating susceptibility, thereby
considerably altering and modifying the primary introduced sound. Thus, for
example, by singing or humming any tune through the mouth piece, the plates are
thrown into vibration, which is capable of retardation or suppression by gentle
pressure of the fingers on the convex surfaces, causing the evolution of modified
sound, weird, grotesque, or euphonious.
The sound obtained by my instrument being dependent upon the form, size,
thickness, and elasticity of the plates and mode of excitation, the result is capable
of great modification by varying the sizes or materials of construction, the
proportionate vibrations of a note being directly as the thickness and inversely as
the area of the plates.
With a number of my instruments having different pitches and dexterously
manipulated an orchestral performance may be effectively imitated, while an
individual instrumental or vocal solo may be represented with accuracy and musical
cadence.
My Invention is also applicable to fog, night, or other audible signals, in a similar
capacity as above set forth.
Figs. 3, 4 and 5 shew some modifications of my Invention as to configuration and
external decorations, in which the repeated letters relate to similar or corresponding
parts previously described. It will be readily understood that my instruments are
applicable to organs, harmoniums, or other similar compound wind instruments.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention and the best means known to
me of carrying the same into practical effect,
I claim,-
The novel construction of instrument consisting of two vibrating plates connected
at one or more suitable points, and provided with an orifice or mouth piece, actuated
substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth with reference to the
accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Thirty first
day of May, One thousand eight hundred and eighty.
Witness,
W. H. LE TROIR,
26, Budge Row,
E.C.
E. E. BORNAND. (L.S.)