Phonographic Records.
Year: 1886

page_text: Phonographic Records.
I, JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this Invention which has been com-
municated to me from abroad by the Volta Graphophone Company of Alexandria
Virginia in the United States of America and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement
This Invention relates to producing in air or other suitable medium, vibrations
corresponding in form to sound waves by means of a record which has been formed
in or by a suitable solid body the inequalities variations or irregularities of which
represent the sound to be reproduced. It is preferred to use records cut in wax
and afterwards subjected to an incipient fusion but any suitable record may be
employed such as Edison's well know record or phonogram in indented metal foil-
The Invention is independant of any particular mode of preparing the record and
consists in certain new means (methods and apparatus) for producing sounds or
sonorous vibrations from a sound or speech record. According to the present
Invention the record is caused to act upon a fluid (gas or liquid) in which it
induces the sonorous vibrations or changes similar to such vibrations. The solid
body or style which rubs over the record, or is otherwise directly vibrated by it,
and which has heretofore always been employed, is or may be dispensed with.
The vibrations are communicated to the air or other suitable fluid by direct
contact of the same with the record. One advantage of the arrangement is, that
wear on the record is or may be thus reduced, if not practically avoided. It may
also be observed that this method not only admits of reproduction from a very
minute record, but also enables sounds of considerable loudness to be obtained.
The fluid may remain as a body in contact with the record, or it may be forced
against the same as a jet.
In the first case it may be supposed that the minute elevations or other
inequalities by striking successively against the air or other surrounding medium,
throw it into vibrations which can be received by instrumentalities placed in

page_text: proximity to the record or they carry with them by adhesion a film of air, which
by contact with a stationary device causes sonorous vibrations. Practically, a tube
terminating in a small orifice is supported with the orifice in close proximity to or
in contact with the record, and the sonorous vibrations are impressed upon the air
in said tube. These vibrations may be received in the ear and thus be made
evident directly as sound, or they may be made to impress similar vibrations upon
other media through which, after one or more translations the sounds or the
sonorous vibrations may be made evident.
In the second case a jet of air or other fluid is directed upon the moving record,
and as the elevations and depressions or other inequalities of the record come in
contact with the jet they produce variations therein similar to sound vibrations,
which variations can be listened to or made evident as sound in various ways.
For example, the jet may be included in an electric circuit and the variations in
the electrical condition of the same, caused by the inequalities in the record, may
be made evident by ordinary telephonic instruments. It is preferred however to
make use of the mechanical vibrations which the record impresses upon the jet
fluid. For this purpose the vibrations may be received from the fluid after it has
come in contact with the record; or they may be received from the fluid behind
the jet orifice or they may be received in both ways.
In order to receive the vibrations from the fluid behind the jet orifice the
variations in the record are made to obstruct said orifice more or less so that the
fluid at the orifice is by the energy of motion subjected to strains or pressures
corresponding in degree to the amount of obstruction. These successive strains
produce in the fluid, or in the bodies in contact therewith, vibrations similar to, and
capable of being made evident as, sound waves.
It is believed that this property, possessed by currents of ponderable fluid, of
generating pressure when their flow is checked at an outlet, and which is utilized
for lifting water in the hydraulic ram, has never been applied to the translation of
sonorous vibrations from one medium to another. This feature of the invention,
therefore, is not limited to the case in which a fluid acts upon a sound record to
reproduce sounds therefrom, as are for the most part the other improvements
which make up the present invention. The fluid may indeed act upon this record
so that the latter forms a variable obstruction to the flow, and this method of
obstructing the orifice or outlet is especially claimed; but the flow can also be
otherwise obstructed, as for example by means of a valve connected with and
operated by the ordinary rubbing style, and still be within the invention.
Apparatus for practically carrying out the foregoing methods has been devised
and forms part of the invention.
In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this Specification, Figure 1
is a vertical section partly in elevation of a sound reproducer constructed in
accordance with the invention, the record or tablet being also represented ;
Figure 2 a perspective view of another form of reproducer, also constructed in
accordance with the invention; Figures 3 and 4 sections of two forms of
reproducer head which may be used with the apparatus shewn in Figure 2 and
Figures 5-11 are diagrams illustrating different modes of receiving the vibrations
impressed upon the fluid by the record.
Referring to Figure 1 the record is cut as a spiral in the wax coating 25 of
tablet F, which is supported on the face of a metal disc E mounted upon an
arbor D, the latter being journaled in bearings in the slide C, moveable on a
frame B. The arbor D is revolved, and the slide C moved on the frame, so that
each point on the spiral record moves in its turn in front of the reproducer. This
instrument is supported on an adjustable standard 150. The tube 151, which at
the end next the record is provided with a conical cap, is adjustably supported on
the standard, so that the orifice can be brought nearer to or set farther from the
record. The adjustment is made by the nut 152, which engages a screw thread on
the tube and is held from endwise motion by the arm 153 fastened to the standard
and entering a groove on the nut. Air under a constant initial pressure of say one

page_text: to one and one-half pounds (1 to 14 lbs) to the square inch is admitted to the tube,
so that the jet plays against the record.
A much lower pressure can be used with good effect, that of one-half () an inch
of water or less, for example; but there is a gain in loudness by the use of higher
pressures.
A jet orifice of about one-thirtieth (L) of an inch in diameter (supposing the
elevations and depressions of the record to have about the same width, so that the
jet will play on one line only at the same time) set at a distance of about one
fiftieth () of an inch or less froin the record, will answer.
Under these conditions the jet orifice will be obstructed more or less by the
record, and the outflow of air being thereby varied, variations in pressure will be
produced at the jet orifice, which variations can be made evident as sound waves.
The air outside the jet orifice will also be thrown into vibrations which can be
received by suitable means. In this figure the tube 151 is provided with a
branch 154 which is connected by the sound conveying tube 155 with the ear
piece 156. A diaphragm 157 of thin metal or rubber divides the interior of the
car piece and prevents the air in the tube 151 from escaping. The vibrations of
the confined air are communicated to the outside air through the diaphragm 157.
The diaphragm may be placed at any point between the ear and the jet tube. By
placing the car piece 156 to the ear the sounds recorded on the tablet F can be
heard. To receive the vibrations in the air after it has come in contact with the
record the pressure on the air should, for the orifice named, be one-half () an inch,
or less, of water; but with smaller orifices the pressure may be much greater. The
receiving tube 158, which as shewn surrounds the tube 151, has the perforated
adjustable cap 159 set in close proximity to the record, say at a distance of one
fiftieth () of an inch or less, the perforation being about one quarter (1) of an
inch in diameter. As shewn the cap is nearer the record than the jet orifice.
The best relative position can easily be ascertained in any case by tentative
adjustments.
It is found that the air (and most other fluids as well) has a tendency to cling
or adhere to the record, so that the jet, after it strikes the latter spreads out in a
film. The end of the receiving tube should be within that filin, as close as
convenient to the point where the jet strikes the record; but the sounds may also
be heard by placing it close to the record anywhere in the vicinity of the jet
orifice. The receiving tube is or may be connected by the sound conveying tube 160
with a suitable ear piece.
With the low pressure specified the tube 151 can be drawn back for a con-
siderable distance without materially affecting the loudness or accuracy of the
reception of sounds by the tube 160. The record, however, before the maximum
O distance is obtained ceases to obstruct the flow from the orifice to any practical
extent and very little sound or none at all is heard at the ear piece 156.
On the other hand the tube 151 can be adjusted so close to the record that the
reception at the ear piece 156 is much better than by the sound conveyor 160.
The apparatus shewn is also capable of use without any pressure upon the air in
5 tube 151. If the jet orifice be adjusted to within about one-hundredth (TJ) of an
inch of the record, the recorded sounds can be heard, although faintly, at the ear
piece. If no air is blown through the tube 151, the diaphragm to the ear piece
will be unnecessary although it may be used.
In Figure 2 the reproducer standard 162, instead of being rigid, is hinged to the
0 base 163. This base 163 is adjustably clamped by a set nut, as shewn for the
standard 150 in Figure 1. The coupling 164, secured on the base, is connected
with the tube 165 for introducing the compressed air, also with the tube 166 (of
flexible material such as soft valcanized rubber) for conveying the compressed air
to the outlet which is controlled by the record and with the sound conveying
5 to 155 leading to the ear piece 156.
The tube 166 passes through the ring 167 at the top of the standard and has a
jet tube, (preferably of glass or hard rubber) slipped into it. The flexibility of the

page_text: tube 166 furnishes an universal joint to the jet tube. As shown in Figures 2 and 3
the jet orifice is on the side of the jet tube 168, and it is covered by a flexible
style 169, the point of which rubs over the record. The record thus controls the
outlet of the compressed air through the style which acts as a valve. The
vibrations of the style cause it to obstruct more or less the outlet of the jet orifice,
and consequently the energy of the confined air is partly expended in vibrations as
described with reference to Figure 1.
The jet tube 168 can be replaced by the jet tube 170 shown in Figure 4. The
orifice is in the end of this tube, which in use rests against and rubs over the
record. The latter thus acts as in Figure 1 as a vibratory valve to control the
outflow at said orifice.
Instead of directly transmitting to the ear the vibrations generated in the fluid
whose flow is obstructed, these vibrations can be impressed upon a sensitive jet,
and the vibrations of this jet received in any suitable way.
In diagram Figure 5, the air under a pressure of say of an inch of water
enters the tube 173 and forms two jets, one of which blows against the record F1
(shown as a cylinder) while the other is directed upon the orifice of a receiving
tube 174 connected with the ear piece 175, which is provided with a diaphragm 176
to prevent the air from blowing into the ear of the user. The orifice for the jet
which plays upon the record may be about 100 of an inch in diameter, that for the
senitive jet may also be of an inch in diameter, and the orifice of the receiving
tube may be about the same.
In operation the record obstructs the flow from the adjacent orifice, and the
variable pressure thereby produced throws into vibration, the sensitive jet which
plays upon the receiving tube. The reproduced sounds are heard by listening at
the ear piece 175.
In Figure 6 the parts and operation are the same except that the sensitive air
jet plays against a flame from a pin hole burner, and produces sounds in the
surrounding atmosphere.
In Figure 7 a liquid (water) is used. It enters the tube 173 under a head of
say four feet, and the senitive jet plays upon a small rubber membrane 177
stretched over the end of the sound conveying tube 178.
In Figure 8 the sensitive jet of liquid plays against a lighted gas jet from a pin
hole burner a little to one side of the axis of the flame.
In Figure 9 the liquid (which must be a conductor of electricity, and is preferably
water acidified with one part by volume of sulphuric acid of 66° B, free from lead
to three hundred of water) plays against the end of a platinum wire 179, embedded
in a block of hard rubber, and spreading out in a thin film makes contact with a
platinum ring 180, surrounding the end of the block. The wire and the ring form
the terminals of a galvanic circuit in which a telephone is to be placed in order to
receive the sound.
In Figure 10 the tube 181 has its end in close proximity to the record. The air
in the tube being thrown into vibrations by the record, impresses similar vibrations
upon a sensitive air jet issuing from the tube 182 and playing upon the receiving
tube 174.
In Figure 11 a jet of conducting liquid issuing from a metal tube 183 plays
upon the record Fl which is of conducting material. The metal tube 183 and
the record form the terminals of a telephonic circuit, in which a galvanic battery is
included.
In the foregoing description, it will be understood that when distances, t
dimensions, forins, materials and the like are specified with particularity it is
by way of example, in order to enable others the more easily to carry out the
invention, and not as limitations of the invention, since it is evident that these,
as well as other details can be varied within considerable limits, and yet the
same, or substantially similar, results be produced by the same or substantially 5
similar means, It is evident also that parts of the invention can be used
Beparately.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is :-
First In the reproduction of sound from records, the improvement consisting
in causing the record to impress upon a fluid, by direct contact therewith,
vibrations, or vibrational changes similar in form to sound waves, substantially as
described.
Second-The combination with a sound record, of means for subjecting a fluid
to the action of said record so as to be vibrated directly thereby, such for example
as a receiving tube having its end arranged relatively to the record as explained,
and containing a fluid which makes contact with said record, substantially as
described.
Third-In the reproduction of sounds from records, the improvement consisting
in directing a jet of fluid against the moving record and thereby causing the latter
to impress upon said fluid vibrations or vibrational changes similar in form to
sound waves, substantially as described.
Fourth In the reproduction of sounds from records, the improvement consising
in directing a jet of fluid upon the moving record and thereby inducing vibrations
in said fluid, and receiving the said vibrations from said fluid after it has been
acted upon by the record, substantially as described.
Fifth The combination with a sound record, of a jet tube arranged opposite
said record for directing a jet of fluid against the same substantially as described.
Sixth-The combination with a sound record of a jet tube for directing a jet of
fluid against the record, and receiving devices such for example as a sound
conveying tube having its receiving end in proximity to the record, for taking up
or collecting the vibrations from said fluid after it has been acted upon by the
record substantially as described..
Seventh-In the production or translation from one medium to another, of
sonorous vibrations the method of utilizing the moving energy of fluids by
producing a current in a tube or confined space checking the said current at the
outlet in accordance with the forms of sound waves of the successive sounds to be
translated or reproduced, and receiving the vibrations from the fluid behind said
outlet substantially as described.
Eighth The combination with a tube conveying fluid under pressure, of
appliances in the nature of a vibratory valve at the outlet for checking the flow in
accordance with the varying forms of a succession of sound waves, and receiving
devices for taking up or responding to the sonorous vibrations produced in said
fluid behind the said outlet in consequence of the checking of the current
substantially as described.
Ninth In the reproduction of sounds from records, the improvement consisting
in producing a current of fluid in a tube or confined space, causing the record to
produce a varying obstruction to the current at the outlet, and receiving from the
fluid behind the orifice the sonorous vibrations impressed thereon by the checking
of the current, substantially as described.
Tenth The combination with the sound record of a tube conveying fluid under
pressure appliances in the nature of a vibratory valve, at the outlet, for checking
the flow in accordance with the sound record, and receiving devices for taking up
or responding to the sonorous vibrations produced in the fluid behind the said
outlet by the checking of the current, substantially as described.
Eleventh In the reproduction of sounds from records, the improvement
consisting in producing a current of fluid in a tube or confined space directing a
jet supplied from said current upon the record and causing the inequalities in the
record to act as a varying obstruction to said jet orifice so that the current behind
the said orifice will be checked more or less and sonorous vibration thus be
propagated backward from the jet orifice substantially as described.

page_text: Twelfth The combination with a sound record of a jet having the jet orifice in
close proximity to said record so that the latter acts as a vibratory valve to check
the flow from said orifice, substantially as described.
Thirteenth-In the reproduction of sounds from records, the improvement
consisting in directing a jet of fluid upon the record causing said record to obstruct
the flow through the orifice as well as to impress vibrations upon the fluid which
makes contact with the record and receiving the sonorous vibrations both behind
and outside of the jet orifice substantially as described.
Fourteenth The combination with a sound record and a jet tube having its
orifice in proximity to the record so that the latter acts the part of a vibratory
valve in checking the flow from said orifice, of receiving devices for taking up or
responding to the sonorous vibrations in the fluid behind the jet orifice and a
second set of receiving devices for taking up or responding to the sonorous
vibrations induced by the record in the fluid outside of the jet orifice substantially
as described.
Fifteenth A reproducing apparatus comprising a tube for directing a jet of
fluid upon the sound record, and the means as described for supporting the same
and regulating the position, in combination with the sound record, and receiving
devices, for taking up or responding to the sonorous vibrations induced in the fluid
by the record, substantially as described.