Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 10th July, 1888
Complete Specification Left, 4th Apr., 1889
Complete Specification Accepted, 1st June, 1889
CHARLES ADAMS RANDALL, of No. 15 Montpelier Square, Hyde Park, W. Brompton,
London, Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
This invention has reference to a new and novel method of recording sound
vibrations of all kinds including articulate speech, music, and other sounds and noises,
and to certain improvements designed to overcome the defects inherent in the art as
now practised, and in the apparatus therefor.
By the ordinary methods of recording spoken words, musical and other sounds
for reproduction, it has been attempted to cause a stylus attached to a vibratory
diaphragm to make indentations in a thin metallic sheet, like tin-foil, or in way, to a
depth varying in accordance witli the amplitudes of the sound waves, pulsations or
vibrations to be recorded.
.
It has also been attempted to record the sound vibrations by removing the
material to form the record, by a cutting, gouging or graving action of the
vibrating style, the depth of the record in the material, as in the indenting method,
depending upon, and varying with the amplitudes of the sound waves to be
recorded.
These attempts are more or less defective and ineffective, for the reason that the
force of the diaphragm vibrating under the impact of sound waves is very weak,
and in overcoming the resistance of the recording material, the vibrations of the
diaphragm are not only weakened but modified, and further, the recorded vibrations
are not true, for the reasons, that the resistance to the vibrations of the diaphragm
is all in one direction, and not uniform, the resistance when the diaphragm
moves towards the recording material, or when the record is made being greater
than when moving in the opposite direction, this greater resistance being variable
and changing with the amplitude of the vibrations, and therefore, by these methods
the record cannot be true to the original sound vibrations.
It is also found that an indenting style smooths down the crests of the larger
elevations and also rubs out the finer ones owing to the fact that the recording material
is in motion while the record is being made.
I am familiar with the method and apparatus employed in the early " Vibroscope
,,

page_text: and "Phonautograph," for recording sounds graphically, and the improvements
thereon, all of which are more or less defective, sensitive, & delicate in their operations,
and impracticable for the purpose of reproducing the original sound-vibrations in a
true and natural manner for practical use.
It is the object of my invention to overcome the difficulties, defects and objectionable,
features referred to and to still further improve upon the phonautographic method,
and to obtain a true, distinct, permanent and durable record of the original sound
vibrations, pulsations, and undulations, and without interference with or prevention
of the natural movements of the diaphragm or other vibrator of the primary sound
transmitter of the recording apparatus ;
And further, to cause such original vibrations to be amplified in the phonauto-
graphic record; and further, preferably, to cause such recorded vibrations
to be made by a force greater than that of the primary diaphragm actuated by
the air vibrations of sounds, that the record may be more positive, defined and
distinct;
And further, to provide a method and apparatus for producing a number of
originals simultaneously;
And further, to provide a method of, and means for, obtaining an original record,
or a series of them simultaneously, at a distance from the primary vibrator.
To this end the invention consists, generally, first in having the record-marker,
whether pen, graver, stylus or cutter, or other device, independent of the vibrator
of the recording apparatus, and also having a greater amplitude of movement.
Secondly; In actuating the record-marker by mechanical or
other power,
substantially as set forth herein.
Thirdly Controlling the operation of the record-marker, by electrical devices
controlled by the action of the vibrator of the sound-transmitter, under the influence
of sound-vibrations to be recorded.
Fourthly; In forming in a solid resisting material, such as lead, zinc, copper,
wood, ivory, hard-rubber, or similar materials, a channel or groove of uniform depth
preferably, the side or sides of which represent a phonautographic record
phonogram.
;
or
Fifthly In forming in a semi-resisting material, like wax, paraffin or similar
materials, or compounds, a groove or channel preferably, of uniform depth, the side or
sides having formed therein, a phonautographic record or phonautogram.
;
Sixthly In producing such or similar record, in a solid resisting material, like lead,
or semi-resisting material like wax, and electroplating, or obtaining electrotypes
therefrom, in nickel, platinum, aluminium, phospher-bronze, or like material, for
the purpose of procuring a permanent and durable record.
Eighthly In providing electro-mechanical devices, to be operated and controlled
at a distance from the primary vibrator, and with increased amplitude of motion.
Ninthly In providing electro-mechanical devices, to be operated and controlled
by the action of the primary vibrator, such electro-mechanical devices controlling
the action of the record-marker or record-markers, whereby one or more phonauto-
graphic records of the transmitted sound vibrations can be automatically obtained,
and
Tenthly In various improvements in the devices and apparatus necessary to carry
out the invention in a practical, useful manner.
In carrying out this invention, I contemplate using in combination with the
recording devices, a sound transmitter of special construction having battery circuit-
closers, into which the spoken words or other sounds are conveyed to actuate the
diaphragm or vibrator of the same.
This transmitter is provided with a number of contact circuit-closing points in
independent electric circuits, all being operated by one vibrator common to all.
Each of the circuits is provided with an electro-magnet which is actuated and
controlled by the action of the contact circuit-closing points in circuit with
it, which in turn are actuated and controlled by the vibrator of the primary
transmitter,

page_text: It will thus be understood that the action of the electro-magnets is simultaneous,
and that the same may be mechanically seperated from the primary vibrator and the
circuit-closing points, but connected there with electrically, the limit of seperation
being only the distance to which the sound vibrations at the transmitter can
be conveyed electrically. With such transmitter fifty or more circuits can.be
operated simultaneously and if desired several transmitters can be operated at the
same time.
The recording apparatus consists, generally, of recording material in proper form
carried, preferably, on a revolving cylinder, or a reciprocating moving plate, the
carrier being moved by any suitable motor, and in a proper manner to obtain a
record of the movements of the record-marker.
The record-marker consists, preferably, of a revolving cutter carried upon a shaft
or arm, in such manner that a reciprocating motion may be given to the same, as and
while it is revolving, its revolution at a proper speed, being obtained by any suitable
motive power, the reciprocating motion being obtained by an arm or lever loosely
connected to the shaft or arm carrying the revolving cutter, such arm or lever being
properly fulcrumed and provided with an armature of iron, or connected to a
diaphragm, the armature or diaphragm being under the influence of and actuated by
the electro-magnet in electric circuit with the primary transmitter the vibrations, of
the diaphragm of which is to be recorded, this lever, that moves the revolving cutter
having greater amplitude of motion than that of the diaphragm of the primary
transmitter, but occurring in the same time, causes a more distinct, definite.
and truthful record of the vibrations to be made, than by previous methods.
The recording material may be of lead or other similar solid resisting material,
or of wax or other similar material. The same motive power that drives the carrier,
may also revolve or operate the cutter, and the record will be made as and when both
are in motion, the depth of the groove or channel made in the recording material
depending upon the adjustment of the cutter relatively to the material and not
upon the movements of the recording stylus or vibrating cutter as heretofore
practised.
It will be apparent from this description, to those skilled in the art, that obtaining
a positive, distinct and durable record directly in solid resisting material, and also
duplicate originals, and also duplicates in metal in a cheap, practical manner by electro-
deposition, and also, obtaining at a distance from a primary vibrator or sound-
transmitter, and without interference with or modification of the vibrations of the
primary vibrator, a reliable and true record of sound vibrations, is possible and
practicable under and with this invention, the further description, showing by
drawings and claiming of which I contemplate in a complete specification to be filed
hereafter.
Dated this 10th day of July 1888.

page_text: CHARLES ADAMS-RANDALL, of No. 16 Trevor Square, Brompton, London,
Electrical 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 :-
This Invention has reference to a new and novel méthod of recording sound
vibrations of all kinds, including articulate speech, music, vocal and instrumental, and
other sounds and noises, and to certain improvements designed to overcome the
defects inherent in the art as now practiced, and in the apparatus therefor.
By the ordinary methods of recording spoken words, musical and other sounds for
reproduction, it has been attempted to cause a stylus attached to a vibrating dia-
phragm to make indentations in a thin metallic sheet, like tin-foil, or in wax, to a
depth varying in accordance with the amplitudes of movement of the recording style
actuated by the force of the sound waves, pulsations or vibrations to be recorded.
It has also been attempted to record the sound vibrations, by removing the
material, in forming the record by a cutting gouging or graving action of the
vibrating style the depth of the record in the material as in the indenting method,
depending upon and varying with the amplitudes of the sound waves to be recorded.
These attempts are more or less defective, & ineffective for the reason that the
force obtained by the diaphragm vibrated under the impact of sound vibrations,
pulsations or undulations, is very slight, and in overcoming the resistance of the
recording material, the vibrations of the diaphragm are not only weakened but
modified & further, the recorded vibrations are not true, for the reasons, that the
resistances to the vibrations of the diaphragm is in one direction, & not uniform, the
resistance when the diaphragm moves towards the recording material, or when
the record is made, being greater than when moving in the opposite direction, this
greater resistance being variable and changing with the amplitude of the vibrations,
and therefore, by these methods the record cannot be perfectly true.
It is also found that an indenting style smooths down the crests of the larger
elevations and also rubs out the finer ones, owing to the fact the recording material
is in motion while the record is being made. It is also found that the records in wax
are most delicate and require the greatest care in handling and the most careful
adjustment of the parts when being used for reproducing sounds from the record.
It is the object of my invention to overcome the difficulties, defects and objection-
able features referred to, and to still further improve upon the Phonautographic
method, and to obtain a true and durable record of the original sound vibrations,
pulsations, and undulations, without interference with or prevention of the natural
movements of the diaphragm or, other primary vibrator and further, to cause such
:

page_text: original vibrations to be amplified in the Phonautographic record: and further pre-
ferably, to cause such recorded vibrations to be made by a force greater than that
of the primary vibrator actuated by the force of the air vibrations of speech and
other sounds: and further, to provide a method and apparatus for producing a
number of originals simultaneously and further, to provide a method of, and, means
or, obtaining an original record or a series of them simultaneously at a distance from
the primary vibrator or point where the sounds are being uttered.
To this end the Invention consists generally,
Firstly, In having the record-marker, whether pen, graver, cutter, stylus or other
device, independent of the primary vibrator, and preferably having a greater ampli-
tude of movement.
Secondly, In actuating the record-marker by mechanical or other power, indepen-
dent of the primary vibrator.
Thirdly, In actuating the record-marker by mechanical or other power, indepen-
dent of the primary vibrator, but electrically controlled thereby.
Fourthly, In forming in a solid resisting material such as lead, zinc, copper, wood,
ivory or vulcanite, or similar materials, a groove, channel, cut, or path, of uniform
depth, the side or sides of which represent a phonautographic record or phonautogram.
Fifthly, In forming in a semi-resisting material like wax, paraffine, or other like
compound, by means operative independently of the primary vibrator, but acting in
unison therewith, a groove, cut, or channel, which represents a phonautographic
record or phonautogram.
Sixthly, -In obtaining two or more Phonautographic records simultaneously.
Seventhly, In obtaining a phonautographic record, directly in a solid resisting
material like lead, wood or similar materials, and electro-plating, or obtaining electro-
plates from the same, in nickel, platinum or like materials, for the purpose of obtaining
durable records in duplicates.
Eighthly, In providing electro-mechanical devices for making the record in solid
resisting material, operated and controlled at a distance from the primary vibrator.
Ninthly, In making a phonautographic record in solid resisting material by
mechanical or other motive power at a distance from the primary vibrator and
independent thereof, but acting in unison therewith.
:
Tenthly, In various improvements in the devices and apparatus necessary in carry-
ing out the invention in a practical, useful manner, as herein shown and described.
To this end the invention consists more particularly in detail, as follows;
(A) of a record-tablet carrying drum, loosely fitted to a revolving shaft, and
capable of sliding end wise thereon, but keyed to the shaft by a rib and slot so as to
revolve with the shaft.
(B) of removable cylinders or tubes of wood or metal fitted or attachable to the
revolving drum and carried therewith.
(C) of means for obtaining a longitudinal movement of the tablet-carrier and tablet.
(D) of means for holding the tablet-carrier and feed mechanism.
(E) of means for making the record in and upon the tablet by a revolving cutter.
(F) of means for revolving or actuating the cutter that are independent of the
primary vibrator.
(G) of means for making a record of sound vibrations by an auxiliary power
separate and distinct from the primary vibrator.
(H) of means for giving a reciprocating movement to the. revolving cutter while
revolving.
(I) of means for giving a reciprocating movement to the revolving cutter by an
auxiliary power separate and distinct from the primary vibrator.
(J) of means for obtaining a reciprocating movement of the cutter or graver, in
unison and correspondence with the air vibrations of human speech and other sounds
and noises.
(K) of a primary controlling vibrator of special construction and adaptation to this
purpose.

page_text: ostres a top piin view.
"
3,
"
"
side
"
of same, on line XX.
22
"
Y Y.
Figures 4-5 & 6-detail views of "the record marking devices, and primary
transmitter.
Fig. 7-shows plan view of multiple contact transmitter with battery & con-
nections.
Fig. 8-a form of telephonic-relay in Electric circuit with sound transmitter Fig. 7.
Fig. 9-shows partly side and sectional views of transmitter Fig. 8.
Fig. 10-record marking devices with electro magnet in local circuit with battery.
In the drawings the indicating numeral 1, represents a base-plate having
the upright supporting standards "2-21-3-3-4-5-6-7. Fitted into the
standards 2-2, & 3-3-are shafts 8-9-and in standards 4-5, the shaft 10
which carries the armature-lever 11, carrying the armature 12, and supporting at the
upper crutch-shaped end the cutter shaft 14, that bears also in the standard 4.
The standards 6-7, support the shaft 15, to which is secured the main driving
pulley 16, and the gear wheel 17 and bevel-gear wheel 18 that meshes into the bevel-
gear wheel 19 on the cutter shaft 14, the gear wheel 17 being geared to the wheel 20,
secured to the shaft 8, which also carries a feed-screw 21, and a gear wheel 22,
that gears into the wheel 23 on shaft 9. A record-tablet carrying drum or
cylinder 24 is fitted loosely on shaft 9, movable longitudinally thereon, and also
revolving therewith being keyed thereto by the rib 25, on shaft 9, fitting into the
slot 26, formed inside of the drum 24. An arm 27, is fitted loosely upon the shaft 9
and is made to abut against the drum 24, and to extend over the shaft 8, the
screw 28, in the arm 27, bearing in and upon the thread of the feed-screw 21, the
revolving of the feed screw carrying the arm 27, and drum 24 longitudinally on
the shaft 9, the normal position of the arm and drum being shewn by dotted lines 27',
and 24¹.
To the drum 24, are secured removable record-tablets 29, of any suitable material
such as wood, lead, zinc, wax or other material, upon which the sound vibrations are
recorded as the drum is revolved and simultaneously carried longitudinally.
An electro-magnet 30, is adjustably secured to the base-plate 1, in front of the
armature 12, and serves, when actuated by electric impulses corresponding to the
vibrations of the primary vibrator actuated by sound vibrations to be recorded, to
move the armature 12, and lever 11 in one direction the spring 31 moving the same
in opposite directions, which movements cause a reciprocal movement of the shaft 14,
and cutter 32, while revolving, the movements of the cutter causing a groove of
uniform depth to be cut in the record-tablet and simultaneously a phonautographic
record in or on the side or sides of the channel or groove.
One form of primary vibrator is shown at fig. 5, in which a diaphragm 33 is
clamped between the circular shaped mouth piece 34-shown partly in section-
and a clamping ring 35, partly broken away, showing the carbon electrode 36,
secured to the diaphragm 33. To the ring 35, are secured the upright
supports 37, 38, carrying respectively, the arms, 39, 40, which in turn respectively
carry the contact screws, 41, 42, and the adjusting screws, 43-44.-The
arms 39-40, are insulated from each other, and the adjusting screws 43-44, are
provided with insulating tips. Pressure contact is obtained normally, between the
contact screws, 41, 42, and the carbon electrode 36, by suitable springs, 45-46, the
adjusting screws 43-44, serving the purpose of obtaining the proper normal
positions of the contact screws 41-42 relatively to the electrode 36, so that while the
electrodes make firm contacts, the proper position of the electrodes is obtained by
the screws 43-44, and at the same time the diaphragm and electrodes are free to
move together without unduly dampening the vibrations of the diaphragm.
The same pole of different batteries, is brought respectively to the contact

page_text: screws 41-42, and from thence simultaneously to the electrode 36, common to both,
thence as shown, to the wire 47, electro-magnet 30, wire 48, back to the battery.
In figures 7, and 9, another transmitter constructed upon the same general principle
as fig. 5, is shown, having multiple contacts, the contact-points and their respective
batteries being connected up in one main circuit, common to all, said circuit including
a telephonic relay 49. With a primary transmitter of this construction utilizing a
given working current, a record of sound vibrations may be made practically, at
long distances from the primary transmitter, the distance being limited only, by the
ability to transmit reliably, electrical vibrations corresponding to the sound vibrations
at the primary transmitter.
It will be understood that an inductorium may be used, in the manner well known,
in combination with the transmitters figs 5, or 7, the battery current passing over
the primary coil of the same, the induced current from the secondary coil being
utilized upon the main line or otherwise.
With a transmitter similar to fig. 7, each circuit from the battery to the contact
arms and electrodes may be used independently, and contain an electro-magnet similar
to 30, all acting in unison, by means of which duplicate records can be made
simultaneously.
The record made by this method, whether made in solid resisting material, or
semi-resisting material can be electro-plated, or electro-types obtained therefrom, for
the purpose of obtaining a durable record that may be used continuously without
impairment, and be used in different re-producing instruments or used interchangeably
for the purposes of amusement, instruction &c. The primary transmitter, fig. 7 differs
mainly from that shown in fig. 5, in that the contact-screws 41-42 and adjusting
screws 43-44 are carried upon suitable spring supports 52-53, and the adjusting
screws rest upon an insulated piece 54, secured to the electrode 36, and also, in that
there are a larger number of contact-points.
The telephonic relay 49, may be constructed in any of the well known forms.
The devices shown in fig. 10, correspond to those shown in fig. 4, simply having the
electro-magnet 30 in a local circuit 55, 51, 56, 57, 58, with the local battery 51.
•
It will be apparent that with a primary transmitter similar to that shown in fig. 7,
made to convey sufficient electric energy from a series of batteries through the
electrodes, to an electro-magnet of proper size and magnetic force, the record of the
sound vibrations may be made by the cutter, graver, style or pen, actuated directly by
the electro-magnet, and without the necessity of auxiliary devices or power.
The operation is substantially, as follows; power being applied, manually,
mechanically, electrically or otherwise, to the driving pulley 16, motion is com-
municated to the shaft 15, gears 18, 19 and shaft 14, rapidly revolving cutter 32, and
simultaneously, through the gears 17, and 20, the shaft 8, feed-screw 21, gears 22-23,
shaft 9 drum 24 and record-tablet 29-the arm 27, being lifted and the screw 21,
disengaged from the feed-screw 28. If now the arm 27 is carried to place so that
the screw 28 engages in the feed-screw 21, and the telephonic transmitter be talked or
sung into, or other sounds produced at the opening, vibrating the primary vibrator,
a channel or groove having the record of the sound vibrations will be made upon the
revolving record tablet by the revolving cutter 32, reciprocately moved through the
action of the armature lever 11, controlled by the electro-magnet 30, acting under the
influence of the electrical vibrations corresponding to the vibrations of the primary
vibrator. If desired a spiral groove or channel may be first cut or made in the record-
tablet, the cutter 32, serving simply to cut the record in the side or 'sides thereof. It
will be observed that the longitudinal movement of the drum 29, is readily started and
stopped by a movement of the arm 27.
While I have especially described the apparatus in connection with the use of
solid resisting material, I would remark that it is equally as applicable to the use of
tablets of wax or similar material.
It will be observed that parts of this invention are applicable to other purposes
the electrical transmitters of sound, figs. 5-7, and the telephonic relay fig. 8, being

page_text: readily adapted to the telephonic transmission of speech and especially applicable to
such use, in the manner well understood and practised.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said In
vention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1st. The method, substantially, as shown, of making a phonautographic or phono-
graphic record of sound vibrations, by a motive power, separate and distinct from
the power obtained by a vibrator acting under the influence of sound vibrations.
2nd. The method substantially as shown, of making a phonautographic record of
sound vibrations, directly in a solid resisting material such as box-wood, lead or
similar materials.
'
3rd. The method substantially as shown, of making a phonautographic record of
sound vibrations in wax paraffine or similar material by a motive power separate
and distinct from the power obtained by a vibrator acting under the influence of
sound vibrations.
4th. The method substantially as shown, of making a phonautographic record of
• sound vibrations in solid resisting material, which consists in forming the record upon
the side or sides of a channel or groove made in the recording material simultaneously
with the record.
5th. The method of making a phonautographic record of sound. vibrations upon the
side or sides of a channel or groove mechanically formed in suitable recording material,
before the record is made, substantially as described.
6th. The method of making a phonautographic record of sound vibrations, which
consist in actuating the record-marker mechanically, the same being under electrical
control of the primary vibrator, and operating in unison therewith, substantially
as shown.
7th. The method of making a durable phonautographic record of sound vibrations,
which consists in first cutting the record in solid resisting material such as wood,
lead, &c. and then electro-plating the same with copper nickel or other tenacious
metal, substantially as described.
8th. The method of making a phonautographic record of sound vibrations at a
distance from the .primary vibrator, which consists in the combination of means for
electrically transmitting the sound vibrations, with mechanically operated means for
making the record, operative independently of the primary vibrator and by an
independent motive power, but, electrically controlled by the primary vibrator and
acting in unison therewith, substantially as shown and described.
9th. The method of making two or more original phonautographic or phonographic
records of sound vibrations simultaneously which consists in the combination of a
primary vibrator for the multiple transmission electrically of the sounds to be recorded,
with mechanical means actuated by independent motive power to make the records,
such power being under the control and acting in unison with the primary vibrator
substantially as described.
10th. In an apparatus for recording sound vibrations, means for carrying and
revolving the record tablet or cylinder and the record-marker by a motive power
common to both, substantially as shown.
11th. In an apparatus for recording sound vibrations a record marker or recording
tool, stylus, pen, cutter, or gouge, actuated by a mechanical motive power separate
and distinct from the primary vibrator and controlled by an electro-magnetic device,
acting in unison with the primary vibrator, substantially as shown.
12th. In an apparatus for recording sound vibrations the combination with the
record-marker, style or cutter, of an electrical primary transmitter acting to transmit
electrically the sound vibrations to be recorded, constructed substantially as shown
at figs. 5 & 7.
13th. In an apparatus for recording sound vibrations the combination of an
electrical transmitter of sound vibrations, an electro-magnet controlled thereby, a

page_text: revolving cutter or record-marker controlled in making the. record, by the electro-
magnet, and a movable record-tablet, substantially as shown and described.
14th. In an apparatus for recording sound vibrations the combination of a multiple
contact electrical transmitter of sound vibrations, Fig. 7, a telephonic relay, Fig. 8, in
circuit therewith & controlled thereby, a mechanically operated record-marker Fig. 10,
an electro-magnet 30, and suitable electric generator 51 in local circuit together
controlling the record-marker, the electro-magnet in local circuit being controlled
by the operation of the telephonic relay, substantially as and for the purpose šet
forth.
15th. In an apparatus for transmitting or recording sound vibrations, an electrical
transmitter having two or more independent contact electrodes contacting with an
electrode common to all, substantially as and in the manner shown and described.
16th. In an apparatus for transmitting or recording sound vibrations a diaphragm
or other vibrator 33 having secured thereto an electrode 36 two or more independent
electrodes 41-42 contacting therewith, means 52-53 for obtaining a firm contact
between the electrodes and means 43-44, for adjusting the relative positions of the
electrodes all constructed and arranged substantially as shown and described.
Dated this 4th day of April 1889.