Improvements in the Treatment of Phonograph or similar Tablets after they have been in Use upon the Instrument.
Year: 1889

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Treatment of Phonograph or similar Tablets
after they have been in Use upon the Instrument.
I, DAVID WOLFE BROWN, residing at 314 "A" Street South-East, in the City
of Washington, in the District of Columbia, United States of America, official
stenographer, 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 :-
This invention has reference to the art of obliterating sound records from record
tablets of phonographs or graphophones, or similar sound recording apparatus, in
such manner as will permit a new record to be made upon the same tablet with the
same distinctness as upon a new tablet not before used.
In sound recording machines, it is the usual practice to indent or engrave a sound
record on a noving cylinder or other surface, coated with a waxy substance, by
means of a stylus moved by a diaphragm which is vibrated by sound waves'directed
against the same, to form a continuous groove in tho waxy surface. The groove is
of varying depth in accordance with the vibration of the diaphragm and the stylus
carried thereby, and this variation in depth, forms the record, which, by suitable
means, may be made to reproduce the recorded sound.
In some instances, the record on the tablet is of no further value after being
reproduced and written out, as is now customary in the practical use of the machines,
and the said cylinders are then worthless, and are usually thrown away, unless they
are preserved as permanent records.
As the capacity of each cylinder is quite limited in machines constructed for
practical use, a large number of such cylinders must be used daily in the ordinary
course of business, and as only new or fresh cylinders are used, the expense is con-
siderable.
It has been proposed, to reprepare the tablet surface after it has received one record,
and has been used for reproduction, by cutting or shaving off the waxy substance to
a depth equal to that of the record impressions, but the removal of a large portion of
the record receiving material renders it impracticable to repeat this process to again
reprepare it for still another record, unless the coating is purposoly made of extra
thickness, since the repeated cuttings will so reduce the thickness of the coating that
the recording stylus will cut into the body of the cylinder and form an imperfect
record; in addition thereto, such process requires special machinery and a nice
adjustment of the cutting apparatus to prevent waste.
It is the object of this invention to obliterate the record and reprepare the cylinder
surface for a fresh record without reducing the mass of the coating forming such
surface, so that a single cylinder may be used many times before it becomes useless.
According to this process, sufficient pressure is applied on the surface containing
the record in any suitable manner and with or without specially constructed machinery,
to flatten the ridges between the grooves, and to fill the latter, with the waxy material
of such ridges, until the entire surface is perfectly smooth and in condition to receive
a new record.
In practicing my process I may employ a great variety of instrumentalities, and
while I have shown in the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification,
two forms of apparatus for illustrating the process, it is to be distinctly understood,
In the
that I am in nowise limited to such devices in the practice thereof.
drawings
Fig. 1, is a vortical cross-section through a portion of a sound recording instrument,
showing means applied thereto for practising this process.
Fig. 2, is a vertical cross-section of a record cylinder and recorder, with the parts
in position for simultaneously obliterating an old and producing a new record.

page_text: Fig. 3, is a front elevation of a machine for practising this process, showing a
cylinder in position with the ends in section, and with the record thereon, partially
obliterated.
Fig. 4, is a vertical cross-section on the line x a, of the machine shown in fig. 3;
and
Fig. 5, is a detail view of the bridge as usually constructed for limiting the depth
to which the stylus enters the cylinder coating.
Like numerals of reference indicate like parts throughout the drawings.
Referring now more particularly to figs. 1 and 2, of the drawings, there is shown
in fig. 1, one end standard 1, of the frame of a sound recording apparatus of the
type known as graphophones. This standard has formed on it two legs 2, 2, to
which are secured tie-bars 3, 3, extending to the other standard of the frame, which
is not here shown.
The standard 1, is provided with a central upward extension 4, in the top of which
are formed bearings for a horizontal screw-threaded shaft 5, and this shaft is
surrounded by a sleeve 5, open or slotted along one side, as shown at 5. The
shaft 5, is driven at a reduced speed by a train of gear on the other side of the
standard and designated by the numerals 6, 7, 8, the latter gear being a pinion
indicated by dotted lines, on the main drive shaft 9, which is journalled centrally in
the standard 1, as indicated.
On the inner side of the standard, the shaft 9, carries a gear-wheel 10, which
meshes with a pinion 11, indicated in dotted lines, on a shaft (not shown) terminating
in a head 12, which fits into one end and forms one of the supports of a record
cylinder 13.
The gearing between the drive shaft 9, the shaft 5, and the cylinder shaft, is so
proportioned that the shaft 5, will carry a recorder forward a distance equal to
the space between the screw-threads on said shaft, at each revolution of the record
cylinder.
The cylinder 13, is constructed of a paper body 14, and a coating 15, of a waxy
substance, but for the purposes of this invention, the composition of such coating is
immaterial.
The recorder shown in Figs. 1 and 2, consists essentially of an annular frame or
ring 16, recessed on one side, to form an inwardly projecting annular flange 17.
The recess above the flange is screw-threaded to receive the screw-thread edge of a
shell 18, as shown. The edge of this shell is thickened on one side, as shown at 19,
and on its outer surface or periphery, are cut the screw-threads before mentioned.
The edge 19, is of such thickness that it will clamp the edge of a diaphragm 20, to
the flange 17, when the upper surface of the shell 18, is flush with the surface of the
frame 16.
The central portion of the shell is formed into a cone 21, and the outer portions
are flat as shown. The cono 21, terminates in a short neck 22, provided with an
internal screw-thread, and into this neck is screwed the shank 23, of a flexible
tube 24, provided with a flaring mouth (not shown) for collecting the sound waves
to be recorded.
The diaphragm 20, carries on its under side at the centre, a pointed stylus 25,
constructed in the usual manner to enter and either cut or indent a groove in the
coating 15, of the cylinder. 13, and to move with the diaphragm when the latter is
subjected to the action of sound waves.
At opposite points on the under side of the frame 16, are two downwardly pro-
jecting posts 26, 26, each provided with a longitudinal slot 27, through which passes
a screw 28. The screws 28 enter suitable nuts in the ends of a bridge 29, the latter
extending between the posts 26, below the diaphragın 20, and diminishing in width
from the ends toward the centre, where it is provided adjacent to the stylus 25, with
an enlargement or lug 30. Passing through nuts in the frame 16, are screws 31, with
the lower ends in contact with the upper surface of the bridge 29, at one side of the
posts 26, and serving as a convenient means for regulating or adjusting the distance
of the bridge 29, from the diaphragm 20.

page_text: At one side of the frame 16, is an arm 32, on the outer end of which is formed a
cylindrical carriage 33, so constructed that it will support the recorder in an inclined
position, as shown. This carriage is split longitudinally, and the two parts are binged
together at one sido, as shown at 34, so that the carriage cylinder may be opened and
placed on the sleeve 5, surrounding the shaft 5, at any point desired, and when
closed, the said carriage will embrace such sleeve, but loosely enough to be moved
longitudinally thereon.
The hinged section of the carriage is provided with an arm 35, on the end of which
is a weight 36. which acts as a counter-weight for the recorder frame, and also serves
to maintain the two parts of the carriage cylinder in a closed position around the
sleeve 5¹.
Secured to the arm 32, and projecting into the interior of the carriage cylinder 33,
through a slot 37, therein, is a block 38, with its inner face provided with screw-
threads of the same pitch as those on the shaft 5; and when the carriage is closed on
the sleeve 51, the block 38, projects through the slot or opening 5", therein, and the
screw-threads on its face engage with those on the shaft 5.
:
The operation of the sound recording mechanism is so well known as to require but
brief mention here.
When the drive shaft 9, is rotated, it imparts motion to the screw-shaft 5, and to
the record cylinder, as before explained, and the rotation of the shaft 5, it will be
understood, causes the carriage and recorder supported thereby, to travel longitudinally
over the revolving record cylinder.
In the ordinary operation, the bridge 29, is so adjusted that the point of the
stylus 25, is below the lug 30, thereon, as shown in fig. 2; so that the stylus will
enter the cylinder coating 15, a limited distance, and as the cylinder revolves, and
the recorder moves longitudinally thereon, a spiral groove is cut in the coating by the
said stylus. Sound waves entering the tube 2+, act on the diaphragm to vibrate it
to and from the cylinder, and the stylus moving with the diaphragm, cuts the grooves
deep or shallow according to the amplitude of the vibrations of the diaphragm, and
thereby forms a record in the bottom of the groove from which the sound waves can
be reproduced in a manner and by means well understood.
In recording sounds by means of the apparatus described, the lug 30, on the bridge
piece 29, only serves the purpose of defining the medium depth of the record groove
produced by the stylus; it bears very lightly upon the record surface, and the counter-
balancing weight 36, is intended and specially constructed to reduce the pressure of
the said lug upon the cylinder to a minimum.
It is customary in using the sound recording and reproducing apparatus, particularly
in the transaction of business, to speak into the mouth-piece of the recorder as the
cylinder is rotated, and thus produce the record on the cylinder. The words are then
reproduced by the usual mechanism to an assistant, and written out.
The cylinder records have then no further value, except for the preservation of a
permanent record, and the cylinders are ordinarily destroyed or thrown away; and,
since in the usual course of business, many cylinders are used daily, it will be scen
that the cost of the necessary supply of cylinders is considerable.
It is the object of this invention, as before stated, to reprepare the surface of
the cylinder, by obliterating the record, without removing any of the material of
the coating, so that the cylinders may be used many times, and the expense of a
supply of new cylinders whenever it is desirable to use the phonograph or graphophone,
be saved.
I will now proceed to describe the manner in which I may practice this process,
with the apparatus described with reference to figs. 1 and 2, of the drawings, and
therefore, without the aid of specially constructed machinery.
I first adjust the bridge 29, by loosening the screws 28, and turning the screws 31,
until the lug 30, projects below the point of the stylus, as shown in fig. 1, and then
fasten the bridge 29, in such adjusted position by tightening said screws 28, so that
the stylus is held out of contact with the cylinder coating. I then place the recorder,

page_text: with the lug 30, at the beginning of an old record on a cylinder, and apply pressure to
the recorder, either by the direct application of the hand, or by a weight 39, hung
from a hook 40, on the frame 16, opposite the arm 32. I then rotate the screw
shaft 5, and the cylinder in the manner before described, to carry the lug 30, over the
surface of the coating containing the record. This coating, it has been explained, has
formed in it by the stylus, a spiral groove of varying depth and the coating between
the spirals of the groove, forms an intervening ridge; and as the lug 30, rides
over such surface, the additional weight on the recorder will cause said lug to
force the material forming the ridge into the groove, and thus render the surface
smooth, solid and even, and in good condition for the reception of a fresh record.
the amount cut away by the stylus in forming a record, is but a very small proportion
of the mass of the coating, it will be evident that the obliteration of the record by
pressure applied to said coating may be repeated many times before the conting
becomes too thin for further practical use.
As
When the bridge 29, is in the position shown in fig. 2, that is, with the point of the
stylus projecting beyond the lug 30, then the recorder is adjusted to engrave the
record on the cylinder in the manner before stated. With the parts in this position,
the record may be obliterated and the surface of the cylinder coating reprepared
immediately in advance of and simultaneously with the production of a fresh record,
by attaching a weight to the recorder, or applying pressure thereto by the direct
application of the hand.
When practising this process, in the manner herein before set forth, to obliterate a
record without removing the cylinder from the recording apparatus, the lug 30, is
preferably formed on the bar 29, with a larger and more rounded bearing face, than
that of the lug usually employed for the sole purpose of restricting the depth to which
the stylus shall enter the cylinder coating. In fig. 5, the lug 30, is shown with tho
comparatively narrow bearing face employed when it is used only as a-limiting stop
for the stylus, and in figs. 1 and 2, the lug is shown with a larger and more rounded
bearing face, so that it may be used to reduce the cylinder coating containing a
record, to a smooth, solid and uniform surface, without cutting or grooving such
surface when weight or pressure is applied to the recorder, as would be the case
with the narrow lug shown in fig. 5; while at the same time it in nowise interferes
with the normal operation of the recorder, and acts equally well as a limiting stop for
the stylus.
specially
Referring now more particularly to figs. 3 and 4, there is shown a
organized machine for the purpose of obliterating the record and repreparing the
surface of the record cylinders. In this machine, there is a table or bench 41,
supported at each end on legs 42. On the top of the table and near each end thereof,
are standards 43, 44, and adjacent to the standard 43, is another and similar
standard 45. Joernalled in bearings in the standards 43 and 45, is a drive shaft 46,
extending through and beyond the standard 43, and terminating in a head 47,
provided with a peripheral flange 48, beyond which it is frusto-conoidal in shape,
as shown.
In the standard 44, and in line with the shaft 46, is a horizontal sleeve 49, with an
interior flange 49¹ at one end, as indicated, and through this sleeve extends a spindle 50,
reduced in size for a portion of its length within the sleeve, as indicated by dotted
lines at 51, and there surrounded by a spring 52, also indicated by dotted lines. The
outer end of the reduced portion 51, terminates in a knob 53 having a shoulder 54,
which normally abuts against the end of the sleeve 49.
It will now be seen that by grasping the knob 53, the spindle 50, may be moved
longitudinally in the sleeve 49, and such movement will compress the spring 52,
which is confined between the flange 49', and the shoulder formed by the reduced
portion 51, of the spindle; and that when the knob is released, the reaction of the
spring will return the spindle to its normal position. The spindle 50, has at the end
opposite the knob, a head 55, on which is formed an annular flange 56, beyond which
the head projects and is frusto-conoidal in shape, as shown.

page_text: The heads 47 and 55, beyond the flanges are of such diameter that they will readily
enter the ends of the record cylinder 13, until the edges of the latter abut against the
flanges 48, and 56, on said heads.
It will now be evident that if the spindle 50, be moved against the action of the
spring 52, a tablet cylinder may be placed with one end over the head 47, against the
flange 48, and brought with the other end in line with the said spindle, after which
the latter may be released and the spring will move the head 55, into the cylinder end
until it abuts against the flange 56. The shaft 46 is provided with a pulley 57, around
which passes a belt 58, coming from any suitable source of power.
If now the shaft
be rotated, the cylinder 18, and spindle 50, will rotate with it, as the spring 52, holds
the ends of the cylinder and the flanges on the heads in good frictional contact.
Each of the standards 43, 44, and 45, has an upward projection 59, in which is
formed a bearing for a shaft 60. This shaft is screw-threaded between the standards 45
and 44, and extends through the latter to the standard 45, where it has secured to it
a gear-wheel 61, which meshes with and receives motion from a pinion 62, on the
shaft 46.
On the scrow-threaded portion of the shaft 60, is a cylindrical sleeve 63, internally
threaded for the passage therethrough of said shaft, and provided on one side with a
projecting arm 64, on the under side of which latter is a rounded lug 30, similar in all
respects to the lug on the bridge 29, used in the apparatus described with reference to
figs. 1 and 2; and this lug is at such distance from the sleeve, that it will normally
rest on the surface of the record cylinder 13, as shown in fig. 4.
The arm 64, terminates in an extension 66, at an angle to the main portion, so as to
bo substantially horizontal when the arm is in operative relation to the record cylinder,
and this extension is notched on the upper surface, as shown, to receive the eye 67, of
a weight 68, and hold the latter at any desired point within the length of said
extension.
It will now be understood that if a cylinder on which a record has been formed be
placed between the heads 47, and 55, in the manner before explained, with the lug 30,
bearing on the cylinder coating at the beginning of the record, then on rotating the
shaft 46, in the direction of the arrow a, Fig. 4, the screw shaft 60 will be rotated by
the pinion 62, and gear-wheol 61, and move the sleeve 63, in the direction of the
arrow, fig. 3. The weight 68, having been adjusted on the extension 66, of the
arm 64, to cause the lug to bear with the desired force on the cylinder surface, it will
be seen that the lug travelling in a horizontal direction over the revolving cylinder,
will flatton the ridges and fill up the grooves in the cylinder coating and render it
smooth, solid and even, and in readiness for the formation of a new record, in the
same manner as has been described with reference to figs. 1 and 2.
In fig. 3, the tablet cylinder surface is shown on the right hand side of the arm 64,
smooth and solid, i.e. with the old record obliterated, while on the left hand side of
the arm 64, the cylinder surface is represented with the old record still on the same,
and it will now be understood that fig. 3, represents the apparatus in the condition
when the arm 64, has travelled from one end of the machine to the point where
it is shown.
In the practice of my invention, I am not confined to the use of either of the two
forms of apparatus shown, but may use any instrumentality by which sufficient
pressure can be brought to bear upon the record, to obliterate the same; thus, in
place of, or as a part of either apparatus herein shown, I may use a rotary mandrel
closely fitting the interior of the record tablet, whereby much heavier pressure may be
used in the process of obliterating the record, without danger of crushing the
cylinder.
With either of the devices herein described, the complete obliteration of a graphophone
record can be effected in a few minutes and this can be done by persons who need
not be skilled or specially trained for the work.
As has been stated above, the old record on a tablet may be obliterated by this
process, while a new record is being made, in which case no time whatever is specially
consumed in the re-preparation of the old tablet.

page_text: The cylindrical nut-sleeve 63 shown in Figs. 3 and
halves joined in the manner described with reference to
other suitable manner.
may be constructed in two
the carriage 33 or in any
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 herein described method of obliterating an engraved or indented sound
record from a waxy or other plastic surface which consists in forcing the ridges of
material between the record grooves into the said grooves substantially as described.
2. The herein described method of obliterating an engraved or indented sound
record from a waxy or other plastic surface which consists in forcing the ridges of
material between the record grooves into the said grooves by external mechanical
pressure and solidifying and smoothing the surface by such pressure substantially
as described.
3. The herein described method of repreparing a graphophone or phonograph
tablet having a sound record in plastic material for the reception of a new record
which consists in obliterating the old record by forcing the material of the ridges
which separate the record grooves into such grooves by the forcible application thereto
of a tool substantially as described.
4. The herein described method of repreparing a cylindrical graphophone or
phonograph tablet having a grooved sound record upon a surface of plastic material
for the reception of a new sound record which consists in rotating the tablet and
feeding a pressure tool bearing upon a portion of the surface of the tablet along the
same substantially as described.
5. The method of recording sounds upon a plastic surface having a grooved sound
record already formed thereon, which consists in successively obliterating the successive
portions of the old record by forcing the ridges of material between the record
grooves into the said grooves and simultaneously therewith producing a new record
upon the reprepared portion of the surface substantially as described.
Dated this 6th day of August 1889.