Improvements in or relating to Phonographs.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Apr., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 22nd Jan., 1896-Accepted, 22nd Feb.,
1896
TRUVIDIUNAD STEUTTA
Improvements in or relating to Phonographs.
We, EDUARD WÜRL, a Domain-adminstrator, and ADOLF NOVOTNY, Engineer,
both of Kgl Weinberge, No. 3 Sladkovsky, Prague, Bohemia, in the Empire of
Austria, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows
This invention relates to phonographs, capable of being made of such small
dimensions that one of them can easily be carried in the pocket and used when
required to receive and record tones and all kinds of sound-waves.
This phonograph consists essentially of three chief parts, namely;-
1. A driving mechanism; .
2. A recorder and reproducer.
3. A receiving apparatus, wherein the sounds are recorded in the form of
engraved lines.
For the operation of this phonograph a driving mechanism of the same
construction as that used in musical boxes is employed; and inasmuch as this is
not in any way the subject of this invention, and is perfectly well-known, it will
only be described as far as may be necessary to make the explanation of the present.
invention clear..
The driving mechanism is a cylinder or barrel containing a coiled spring which
is wound up by means of a key placed upon the squared end of a spindle to
which the inner end of the spring is secured: Concentric therewith or nearly so,
the cylinder or barrel is provided with a bevelled, toothed ring in which a bevelled
pinion engages. Secured to the latter is spur-gear in operative connection with
the receiving drum or barrel. The spur-gear by suitable intervening gear,
actuates a fly.
It is well-known that, in such an operative mechanism, by holding the regulator
the entire gear can be brought to a stand-still.
Besides these known devices, the apparatus comprises amongst other details
the writing or recording and reproducing apparatus and the receiver.
The recording-apparatus consists of a carriage or slide which, by means of a
tubular addition can slide to and fro along a guide-rod which is carried in
stationary bearings. This slide is preferably stamped out of a circular disc in one
piece, which disc serves to carry a ring-shaped frame. For this purpose this
frame, by means of bolts or pins is carried or seated in bearers and is angle-shaped
in cross-section, for the reception of another ring. Between the frame and this
other ring is laid a disc of selenite (the diaphragm) in the centre of which is fixed
a double point.
This double-point is the real indicating organ, which transmits the vibrations of
the elastic diaphragm or disc, either to a suitably prepared drum or cylinder, or,
vice versa, from the same, by the passage of the engraved places in the surface of
the drum or cylinder under the point which sets the disc or diaphragm in
oscillation so that it serves to reproduce the indicated tones.
For this purpose, the index bas two points, diagonally situated, whereof the
sharper writing point has an acute angle and records the vibrations of the
diaphragm on the cylinder in such manner that, the more powerful the tone to be

page_text: recorded, the deeper will be the impression recorded on the cylinder, inasmuch as
the vibration of the diaphragm is the deeper.
The other point, serving to reproduce the sounds recorded, is formed
triangular at its extreme end and runs with its point in the bottom of the
impressions.
In order to enable this double use to be made of the apparatus, e. as recorder
and as reproducer, the frame, together with its ring and disc or diaphragm is
rotatable, and the double-point can lie either with the sharp or the blunt point
downwards, according to whether the apparatus is intended to act as a recorder
or as a reproducer. For the purpose of fixing the frame in one or the other of
these alternative positions, the frame is provided with two lugs or projections
whereof the one is seated or lodged in a recess of a single-armed lever capable of
pivoting on a pin. When it is required to reverse the frame, the lever-arm is
opened, or rotated on its pivot-pin, until it releases a lug on the frame; whereupon
the frame is caused to rotate through 180° on the pins or bolts, and then by
closing or turning back the lever and causing another lug to enter into the
recess of the same, the frame is firmly secured in the inverse position. In this
position, the point touches the cylinder and is ready for the reproduction of the
sounds.
Moreover the frame is provided with a toothed bar, made in a single piece
with it, as well as also with a lug with a tapped eye into which a set-screw is
screwed.
This frame has, further, guides in which the flanges of the cover of the recorder
and reproducer are inserted laterally and then turned round, so that the latter is
secured in position.
The cover has a mouthpiece on which a funnel is placed to receive the tones to
be indicated.
On the underside of the frame is seated, moreover, a pivoted device serving to
scrape the indications from the receiver-cylinder. For this purpose the recorder
must, in the manner hereinafter to be described, be set in motion, the head of the
turning-tool, by turning the handle, pressed against the cylinder, whereby it
smooths or otherwise takes cut the marks or indications previously made in the
external surface-layer of wax, leaving the cylinder prepared, ready for fresh
records.
The turning tool moves, to this end, in spirals side by side, as will further on
be more fully explained, and thus passes over the entire external surface of the
cylinder.
It must here also be pointed out that the receiver consists of a roller keyed on
its spindle and covered with a sleeve or coating of wax.
The working of the recorder is as follows;-
When the main-spring is wound up with a key, it sets the entire spring-barrel
or case in rotation, in the opposite direction, while endeavouring to unwind
itself. The arrangement of the rest of the gear, as previously explained, is known.
By the rotation of the barrel the toothed wheel, which is fast connected
therewith is also set in rotation, and in consequence the rack-bar engaging
therewith is set in rotation and in consequence the rack-bar engaging therewith
is set in motion and simultaneously also the slide or carriage begins to slide along
with it in the same direction on the bar, with its recorder.
Simultaneously, however, the receiver-cylinder is set in rotation by the
mechanism first described. This combination of the rectilinear motion of the slide,
with the rotary motion of the cylinder, has the effect that the writing point
indicates, by more on less deeply cut spiral lines, like a screw-thread, the sounds
received; upon the well-known principle that the diaphragm is set in vibration
by the sound-waves which strike upon it, and these vibrations, by means of the
writing point are indicated or engraved on the receiver-cylinder.
It may also be remarked that, at the beginning of the indications, the sound-
trace of the writing or engraving point must commence on the left end of the

page_text: cylinder, which position, apart herefrom is sufficiently defined as a starting point
by the slide butting up against the stationary support.
As regards the regulation of the indicator and of the marks to be engraved or
cut in the surface of the cylinder, a regulating screw is arranged by screwing
which either up or down the force of the contact of the writing or engraving point
may be accurately adjusted according to requirements, so as to make a lighter or
heavier score.
If the apparatus is to serve as a reproducing apparatus, it must be lifted up by
rotation on the round bearing-rod; and thereupon the lever of the apparatus is
turned back so as to release the frame, which is then inverted, i.e. turned round
180°, so as to bring the reproducing point (after refastening the frame by means
of the lever and restoring the slide to its original position), into contact with the
cylinder. Then the mechanism is again wound up, and the reproducing point
follows the trace or engraved spiral already previously described, accurately
following and reproducing the varying depths of the oscillations, which are
thereby themselves repeated and given forth by the corresponding oscillations or
vibrations of the diaphragm, which by means of the mouthpiece, and the bearing
pipe are conveyed to the ears, as reproduced speech, song, music &c.
The slide during its motion, is partly guided by the round bar, and partly by
the set screw, which is moved along the guide-bar.
A modification of the recording and reproducing apparatus consists of a three-
armed angle or bell-crank lever whose arm serves as a handle, while the other two
arms are constructed to carry the points. Here a hook replaces the writing point,
and a loop on the other hand is substituted for the reproducing point of the
previously-described apparatus. The other details of the writing-apparatus remain
exactly the same, and are therefore not repeated.
The change in this alternative apparatus is as follows;-In the centre of the
diaphragm there is an egg-shaped brass organ or element in two parts mounted on
a small through-spindle, screwed through them. One of the lever-arms is made of
elastic or spring-steel and bent upwards and on this bent end a strip of metal
ending in a sharp hook is soldered. The hook serves as writing-point.
The second arm carries the reproduction-point or loop and, in case of use, is
brought, by turning the lever in its own plane to bring the second arm into the
position previously occupied by the first arm. The second arm consists likewise
of an elastic or spring-steel strip, which is longer than the first arm, and also hent
upwards. The second arm is provided with a slot. The upwardly bent portion of
the first arm, as well as also that of the second arm, come with their ends lying
exactly under the egg-shaped brass piece in the diaphragm, so that the vibrations
of the latter are thereby directly communicated to these ends of the bent arms.
It is obvious that as the sound-waves impinge upon the diaphragm, the latter,
with the brass piece, sinks and communicates the same movement to the end of the
corresponding arms; and this results in the points rising, .e. making only shallow
impressions on the cylinder; while, with sounds of less intensity, the membrane
oscillates or vibrates less, and the points, owing to the spring-power of the arms
and of the membrane, press more deeply into the wax coating of the cylinder.
Here, consequently, is an inverse process, to that which takes place in the first-
described apparatus and this is so arranged in order that the impressions may be
deeper and the reproduction for that reason the more accurate.
A third modification of the writing or reproducing apparatus will now be
described; it is most sensitive for the reception of sound-waves, and is especially
adapted for the reproduction of spoken sounds. It consists of a hook-formed bent,
two-armed lever, pivoting on a pin carried by a support. One end of this lever is
lightly pressed against the egg-shaped brass piece by a plate-spring; while the
other, hook-formed, end in its normal position, is pressed into the wax-coating of
the cylinder.
When the sound-waves impinge on the membrane or diaphragm, in the direction
indicated by the arrow, it sinks, presses by means of the brass piece upon the end

page_text: of the lever whereby the hook is slightly raised, and a shallower impression is
made in the cylinder-coating.
The reproducing point (on the other side of the diaphragm is similarly
constructed and arranged and is brought into action i.e. into contact with the
cylinder by the rotation or inversion of the frame carrying the diaphragm.
It consists, therefore, of the bent or angle-lever, whereof the end is also pressed
by a plate-spring, against the central brass-piece on the diaphragm; while the
other, shorter end, (bent backwards at an acute angle on the other side of the
pivot-pin by which it is attached to the frame) serves as a reproducing point.
As already stated, for the reproduction of the sounds previously received and
recorded, the frame is turned round or inverted (on its pivots) so as to bring the
point into the commencement of the spiral impression on the cylinder.
On the apparatus or mechanism being set in motion or started, the point, with its
Blunt end, passes over all the hollows (representing sound-vibrations) of the spiral
line of the cylinder, and causes the diaphragm to undergo exactly similar vibrations,
which actually reproduce the same sounds to which they were originally due.
As, however, one arm is much shorter than the opposite arm of the lever, it is
obvious that the vibrations thus induced in the latter must be proportionately
greater, so that the diaphragm also must make corresponding vibrations of a
inagnified amplitude. Consequently, on reproduction the sounds reproduced must
be magnified one and a half times, as compared with those previously recorded, as
described.
In the apparatus just described, a cylinder is utilised for indicating or recording
the sounds. This device is, however, bulky, and requires a good deal of space.
Consequently it is not well adapted for the reception and record of numerous
pieces of music, songs, etc., inasmuch as much inconvenience may attend the
carrying about of a great number of cylinders.
In order to get rid of this difficulty, we use, in all cases where it is a question of
recording a great number of sounds, simple discs, in place of such cylinders.
In these cases, the cylinder, is removed or taken out.
The receiving discs are carried by a vertical spindle, carried in the foot-plate of
the apparatus. The spindle has mounted on it, approximately on its centre, a
crown-wheel which is caused to rotate by the one of the pinions of the spur-gear
aforesaid.
The top of the spring-barrel is provided with a spiral groove, for the reception
of the lower, pointed end of the screw, screwed through the rack-bar of the writing
apparatus hereinbefore previously referred to.
The record-plates are constructed as follows;-
In the first place a metallic supporting disc is mounted on the vertical spindle
and provided peripherally with three equidistant upright triangular projections, on
which the indication or record-plate properly so called is placed; this latter is
provided with three corresponding triangular notches, which engage with the
projections on the plate, and is thereby secured in position. The latter, consists
of a ring, made solid, between its sides, by a filling of wax, which serves to receive
the engraved marks or record of the sound-vibrations. The method of using this
plate is as follows ;-
At the outset, the set-screw of the writing apparatus must be screwed down
(against the shalt below it) until the slide is raised so high that the rack-bar is
thrown out of engagement with the spur-wheel which ordinarily drives it.
Thereafter the set-screw is screwed down so far as to engage in the spiral groove
of the plate. The height of the receiving disc or plate is adjusted in such manner
that the writing point of the writing-apparatus, at the height so attained, touches
the wax plate.
The mechanism is now wound up and set going, which sets the apparatus in
motion, and communicates a rotary movement to the receiving disc (or indicator-
plate) and to the writing apparatus a rectilinear movement; so that the result of
this combined double-motion shows as a close spiral line upon the waxen receiving

page_text: disc. The rectilinear displacement of the writing-apparatus is caused by the action
of the rotating spiral-groove (of the plate) upon the screw, which is therefore
moved to the same extent sideways.
The reproduction of the sound takes place as previously described. The
receiving disc is restored to its original position, and the screw, to the beginning
of the spiral groove, as at the commencement of receiving and recording the
sound-vibrations. Thereupon the reproduction point is placed, by the inversion
of the frame (on the fixed pins in the ring), in contact with the impression engraved
on the receiving disc, and the driving-mechanism is set in motion. The third
mode of indicating and recording the sound-waves consists in utilising, in lieu of
either the cylinder, or the discs, simple endless bands whose outer surface is
prepared with a suitable layer of wax.
In this case, the writing apparatus and driving mechanism are in all respects the
same as in the modifications hereinbefore described; while the cylinder, as well
as the disc are laid on one side.
The prepared band is wound on a roller (as in the case of a Morse telegraphic
apparatus) and is pressed by a spring against the writing-point of the indicating-
apparatus. Thence it passes between two rollers, which effect the drawing off of
the band. The upper roller is controlled by a spring, acting upon its axis or
The latter is driven
spindle, so that it is firmly pressed against the lower roller.
from the driving mechanism by a spur-wheel.
The writing and reproducing points previously herein described may be used
for each kind of receiving device mentioned, cylinder, disc, or band; one only
needs to take out the frame, and substitute for it another like frame provided with
any
desired point.
DL: 09-1 - 1:00
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicants.
Improvements in or relating to Phonographs.
We EDUARD WÜRL a Domain-administrator and ADOLF NOVOTNY, Engineer,
both of Kgl Weinberge No. 3 Sladkovsky, Prague Bohemia in the Empire of
Austria 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 relates to phonographs capable of being made of such small
dimensions that one of them can easily be carried in the pocket and used when
required to receive and record tones and all kinds of sound-waves.
This phonograph consists essentially of three chief parts, namely ;-
1. A driving mechanism;
2. A recorder and reproducer..
3. A receiving apparatus, wherein the sounds are recorded in the form of
engraved lines.
In the accompanying drawings -
Figure 1 represents a plan partly in section of the complete apparatus, wherein
the "indicator," for the sake of convenience, is only drawn in outline, the move-
ment of the indicator taking place by means of a rack-bar and toothed wheel as
shown;

page_text: "
Fig. 7 shows one form of the writing-point of the indicator ;
Fig. 8 is a section on the line a, a, of Fig. 7.
Fig. 9 is a similar section, showing the second point or reproducer in position;
Fig. 10 is a section of modification of the indicating and reproducing apparatus ;
Fig. 11 is a plan of the phonograph, wherein round plates or discs are substituted
for the receiving cylinder or drum;
Fig. 12 is a front elevation of the same;
Fig. 13 is a plan of one of the receiving dises or plates used in the modification
shown in Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a plan of the supporting plate or disc of the same;
Fig. 15 is a section on the line of Fig. 13 when the receiving-disc is
mounted on the bearing or supporting plate;
Fig. 1.6 represents, in side elevation, the arrangement of the phonograph when
narrow bands are employed as receivers ;
Fig. 17 is a front elevation of the same;
Fig. 18 is a plan and
Fig. 19 shows the application of the hearing pipe to the indicating or reproducing
apparatus.
For the operation of this phonograph a driving mechanism of the same construction
as that used in musical boxes is employed; and inasmuch as this is not in any way
the subject of this invention, and is perfectly well-known, it will only be described
as far as may be necessary to make the explanation of the present invention clear.
The driving mechanism is a cylinder or barrel a containing a coiled spring which
is wound up by means of a key placed upon the squared end a₁ of a spindle to
which the inner end of the spring is secured. Concentric therewith or nearly so,
the cylinder of barrel is provided with a bevelled, toothed ring a, in which a
bevelled pinion az engages.
Secured to the latter is the spur-gear a and a
whereof the latter, as is prolonged to form the spindle a. of the receiving drum or
barrel V1.
The spur-wheel a drives the pinion a, on the spindle of which is
secured the spur-wheel a, which, by suitable intervening gear actuates a fly a
It is well-known that, in such an operative mechanism by holding the regulator
the entire gear can be brought to a stand-still.
Besides these known-devices, the apparatus comprises amongst other details the
writing or recording and reproducing apparatus and the receiver.
The recording-apparatus consists of a carriage or slide S which, by means of a
tubular addition 6 can slide to and fro along a guide-rod bg which is carried in
stationary bearings b₁ b. This slide is preferably stamped out of a circular disc bg
in one piece, which disc serves to carry a ring-shaped frame b4 (Figs. 4, 5, & 6).
For this purpose this frame, by means of bolts or pins b. is carried or seated in
bearers (Fig. 5) and is angle-shaped in cross-section, for the reception of
another ring b. Between the frame b and this other ring b, is laid a dise be of
selenite (the diaphragm) in the centre of which is fixed a double point c₁ cs, the
details of which are shown in Fig. 44.
This double point is the real indicating organ, which transmits the vibrations of
the elastic diaphragm or disc, either to a suitably prepared drum or cylinder, or
vice versa, from the same, by the passage of the engraved places in the surface of
the drum or cylinder under the point which sets the disc or diaphragm in oscillation
so that it serves to reproduce the indicated tones.
For this purpose, the index has two points c₁, c diagonally situated, whereof the
sharper writing point is inclined to the radius R of the record cylinder at an
acute angle a (Fig. 4) and records the vibrations of the diaphragm on the cylinder
in such a manner that, the more powerful the tone to be recorded the deeper will
be the impression recorded on the cylinder, inasmuch as the vibration of the
diaphragm is the deeper.
The other point c, serving to reproduce the sounds recorded is formed triangular
at its extreme end and runs with its point I in the bottom of the impressions.

page_text: In order to enable this double use to be made of the apparatus, i e. as recorder
and as reproducer, the frame b₂ together with its ring h, and disc or diaphragm b..
is rotatable, and the double-point ( c) can lie either with the sharp or the blunt
point downwards, according to whether the apparatus is intended to act as a
recorder or as a reproducer. For the purpose of fixing the frame in one or the
other of these alternative positions, the frame is provided with two lugs or
projections whereof the one is seated or lodged in a-recess of a single-armed
lever capable of pivoting on a pin . When it is required to reverse the
frame b, the lever-arm c is opened, or rotated on its pivot-pin e, until it releases-
the lug on the frame whereupon the frame b, is caused to rotate through 180° ou
the pins or bolts b, and then by closing or turning back the lever c4 and causing the
other lug to enter into the recess of the lever c, the frame b3 is firmly secured in
the inverse position. In this position as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 44, the point
touches the cylinder and is ready for the reproduction of the sounds.
04
is
Moreover the frame b, is provided with a toothed bar es made in a single piece
with it, as well as also with a lug with a tapped eye into which a set-screw
screwed.
This frame b, has, further guides o (Figs. 4 and 5) in which the flanges c of the
cover D of the recorder and reproducer are inserted laterally and then turned
round, so that the latter is secured in position.
The cover D (Figs. 5 and 19) has a mouth-piece e on which a funnel is placed.
to receive the tones to be indicated.
On the underside of the frame b, is seated moreover, (Fig. 4) a device d pivoted
on d' on the frame serving to scrape the indications from the receiver-cylinder V,
For this purpose the recorder must, in the manner hereinafter to be described, be
set in motion, the head d, of the turning-tool d, by turning the handle d, being
pressed against the cylinder, whereby it smooths or otherwise takes out the marks
or indications previously made in the external surface-layer of wax, leaving the
cylinder prepared, ready for fresh records.
The turning-tool moves to this end in spirals side by side, as will further on be
more fully explained, and thus passes over the entire external surface of the
cylinder.
It must here also be pointed out that the receiver consists of a roller V₁ keyed
on its spindle a, and covered with a sleeve or coating of wax V3.
The working of the recorder is as follows;
When the main-spring is wound up with a key, it sets the entire spring-barrel
or case a in rotation in the opposite direction, while endeavouring to unwind itself.
The arrangement of the rest of the gear as previously explained is known.
By the rotation of the barrel a the toothed wheel a, which is fast connected.
therewith is also set in rotation in the direction shown by the arrow (Fig. 1) and in.
consequence the rack-bar c, engaging therewith is set in motion as shown by the
and simultaneously also the slide or carriage S begins to slide along with it.
in the same direction, on the bar by with its recorder.
arrow,
Simultaneously, however, the receiver-cylinder V, V, is set in rotation by the
mechanism first described. This combination of the rectilinear motion of the slide,.
with the rotary motion of the cylinder, has the effect that the writing point
iudicates by more or less deeply cut spiral lines, like a screw-thread, the sounds
received, upon the well-known principle that the diaphragm is set in vibration by
the sound-waves which strike upon it, and these vibrations, by means of the
writing-point c are indicated or engraved on the receiver-cylinder.
In Fig. 1 for simplicity's sake the indicator (or reproducing apparatus) is shown
only in outline. But in Figs. 4 and 6 the same is shown in elevation and cross-
section; while it is shown with the cover on in section in Fig. 5.
It may also be remarked, that at the beginning of the indications, the sound-
trace of the writing or engraving point must commence on the left end of the
cylinder (Fig. 2), which position, apart herefrom is sufficiently defined as a starting
point by the slide S butting up against the stationary support b₁.

page_text: As regards the regulation of the indicator and of the marks to be engraved or
cut in the surface of the cylinder, a regulating screw c, is arranged by screwing
which either up or down, the force of the contact of the writing or engraving point
may be accurately adjusted according to requirements, so as to make a lighter or
heavier score.
If the apparatus is to serve as a reproducing apparatus, it must be lifted up by
rotation on the round bearing-rod ba; and thereupon the lever of the apparatus
is turned back in the direction of the arrow Fig. 4 so as to release the frame b
which is then inverted, i.e. turned round 180°, so as to bring the reproducing
point c, (after refastening the frame b, by means of the lever b4 and restoring the
slide to its original position) into contact with the cylinder. Then the mechanism
is again wound up, and the reproducing point follows the trace or engraved
spiral already previously described, accurately following and reproducing the
varying depths of the oscillations, which are thereby themselves repeated and
given forth by the corresponding oscillations or vibrations of the diaphragm,
which by means of the mouth-piece c₁, and the hearing pipe en (Fig. 19) are
conveyed to the ears, as reproduced speech, song, music &c.
The slide S during its motion, is partly guided by the round bar b, and partly by
the set-screws which is moved along the guide-bar an
Figs. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate another arrangement of the writing or reproducing
apparatus, specially adapted for musical sounds; while that represented in Figs. 4,
5, & 4 illustrates the so-called normal arrangement of the points destined for
sound waves of all kinds, as already described.
Fig. 10 represents the most sensitive form of writing and reproducing
apparatus, which is consequently the best adapted for the indication or recording
of speech.
A modification of the recording and reproducing apparatus (Figs. 7 to 9) consists
of a three-armed angle or bell-crank lever whose arm d', serves as a handle, while
the other two arms d', aud d'; are constructed to carry the points. Here a book d
replaces the writing point, a loop d, being substituted for the reproducing point of
the previously-described apparatus. The other details of the writing-apparatus
remain exactly the same, as in Figs. 4 to 6, and are therefore not repeated in
Figs. 7 to 9.
The change in this alternative apparatus is as follows;-In the centre of the
diaphragm there is an egg-shaped brass organ or element m in two parts mounted
on a small through-spindle, screwed through them. One of the lever-arms d' is
made of elastic or spring-steel and bent upwards (Fig. 8) and on this bent end a
strip of metal de (Fig. 8) ending in a sharp hook d is soldered. The hook d serves
as writing point and for that purpose occupies the position indicated in Figs. 7
and 8.
The second armed', (Figs. 7 and 9) carries the reproduction-point or loop ds, and
in case of use, is brought, by turning the handle d', to bring the arm d' into the
position previously occupied by the arm d', (Fig. 7). The second arm d', consists
likewise of an elastic or spring-steel strip, which is longer than the first arm d', and
also bent upwards. The second arm d¹ is provided with a slot d.. The upwardly
bent portion of the first armd', as well as also that of the second arm d' come with
their ends lying exactly under the egg-shaped metal piece m in the diaphragm b, so
that the vibrations of the latter are thereby directly communicated to these ends of
the bent arms.
It is obvious that as the sound-waves impinge upon the diaphragm, the latter,
with the brass piece m sinks and communicates the same movement to the end of
the corresponding arms d¹, d¹; and this results in the points d, ds rising, i.e. making
only shallow impressions on the cylinder; while with sounds of less intensity, the
membrane oscillates or vibrates less, and the points, owing to the spring-power of
the arms dd, and of the membrane, press more deeply into the wax coating of
the cylinder.
Here, consequently, is an inverse process to that which takes place in the

page_text: first-described apparatus and this is so arranged in order that the impressions
may be deeper and the reproduction for that reason the more accurate.
A third modification of the writing or reproducing apparatus will now be
described; it is shown in Fig. 10 in cross-section (analogous with Fig. 6).
This construction is the most sensitive for the reception of sound-waves, and is
especially adapted for the reproduction of spoken sounds. It consists of a hook-
formed bent, two-armed lever g, pivoting on a pio g, carried by a support g¹. One
end of this lever g is lightly pressed against the egg-shaped brass piece m by a
plate-spring 3 while the other, hook-formed en1 g, in its normal position is
pressed into the wax-coating of the cylinder.
When the sound-waves impinge on the membrane or diaphragm b, in the direction
indicated by the arrow, it sinks presses by means of the metal piece m upon the
end of the lever g, whereby the book g, is slightly raised, and a shallower impression
is made in the cylinder-coating.
The reproducing point (on the other side of the diaphragm is similarly
constructed and arranged and is brought into action ie. into contact with the
cylinder by the rotation or inversion of the frame b, carrying the diaphragm.
It consists, therefore, of the bent or angle-lever g, 9, whereof the end Is
is also
pressed by a plate-spring g, against the central brass-piece m on the diaphragm:;
while the other shorter end g, (bent backwards at an acute angle on the other side
of the pivot-pin by which it is attached to the frame b) serves as a reproducing
point.
As already stated, for the reproduction of the sounds previously received' and
recorded, the frame b is turned round or inverted (on the pivots b) so as to bring
the point g, into the commencement of the spiral impression on the cylinder. On
the apparatus or mechanism being set in motion or started, the point g, with its
blunt end 2 passes over all the hollows (representing sound-vibrations) of the spiral
line of the cylinder, and causes the diaphragin to undergo exactly similar
vibrations, which actually reproduce the same sounds to which they were
originally due.
As however, one arm ge is much shorter than the opposite arm g of the lever, it
is obvious that the vibrations thus induced in the latter must be proportionately
greater, so that the diaphragm also must make corresponding vibrations of a
magnified amplitude. Consequently in reproduction the sounds reproduced must
be magnified as compared with those previously recorded, as described.
In the apparatus just described, a cylinder is utilised for indicating or recording
the sounds. This device is however, bulky and requires a good deal of space.
Consequently it is not well adapted for the reception and record of numerous pieces
of music, songs etc. inasmuch as much inconvenience may attend the carrying about
of a great number of cylinders.
In order to get rid of this difficulty, in all cases where it is a question of
recording a great number of sounds simple discs are used as clearly shown in
Figs. 11 to 15 in place of such cylinders.
In these cases, the cylinder V₁ V2 is removed or taken out in the following
manner;
1
First, the upper bearing f₁ of the journal (Fig. 3) after a screw is taken out, is
turned back on its binge; and thereafter the connection between the spindle a
aud the toothed pinion a, (Fig. 1) can be unmade and the spindle together with
the cylinder Vi V2 removed or put on one side.
The receiving discs are carried by a vertical spindle carried in the foot-plate p
of the apparatus in the manner represented in Fig. 12. The spindle has mounted
on it approximately in its centre a crown-wheel h₁ which is caused to rotate by the
pinion 5.
The top h of the spring-barrel (Figs. 11 and 12) is provided with a
spiral groove i, for the reception of the lower pointed end of the screw screwed
through the rack-bar of the writing apparatus (Figs. 1, 2 and 11).
The record-plates are constructed as follows;-
In the first place. (Figs. 13 14 and 15) a metallic supporting discj is mounted on
D

page_text: the vertical spindle and provided peripherally with three equidistant upright
triangular projections ji, on which the indication or record-plate, is placed; this
latter is provided with three corresponding triangular notches, which engage with
the projections on the plate, and is thereby secured in position. The latter
consists of a ring j, made solid, between its sides by a filling of wax, which serves
to receive the engraved marks or record of the sound-vibrations. The method of
using this plate is as follows;-
At the outset, the set-screw c, of the writing apparatus must be screwed down
(against the shaft a₁ below it, until the slide S is raised so high that the rack-bar
is thrown out of engagement with the spur-wheel a₁, (Fig. 12) which ordinarily
drives it. Thereafter the set-screw i₁ is screwed down so far as to engage in the
spiral groove of the plate h.. The height of the receiving disc or plate j₂ is
adjusted in such a manner that the writing point of the writing-apparatus, at the
height so attained, touches the wax plate j.
The mechanism is now wound up and set going, which sets the apparatus in
motion, and communicates a rotary movement to the receiving discj, (or indicator-
plate) and to the writing apparatus a rectilinear movement; so that the result of
this combined double-motion shows as a close spiral line upon the waxen receiving
disc. The rectilinear displacement of the writing-apparatus is caused by the
action of the rotating spiral groove i (of the plate ) upon the screw, which is
therefore moved to the same extent sideways.
The reproduction of the sound takes place as previously described. The
receiving disc is restored to its original position and the screw to the beginning
of the spiral groove i, as at the commencement of receiving and recording the sound-
vibrations. Thereupon the reproduction point c, (Fig. 4) is placed by the
inversion of the frame b4 (on the fixed pins b, in the ring b.) in contact with
the impression engraved on the receiving disc j, and the driving mechanism is
set in motion,
The third mode of indicating and recording the sound-waves consists in utilising
in lieu of either the cylinder as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 or the discs as in Figs. 11
to 15; simple endless bands whose outer surface is prepared with a suitable layer
of wax (Figs. 16, 17, 18).
In this case, the writing apparatus and driving mechanism are in all respects
the same as in the modifications herein before described; while the cylinder, as
well as the disc are laid on one side.
The prepared band is wound on a roller (as in the case of a Morse telegraphic
apparatus) and is pressed by a spring k₁ against the writing-point of the indicating
apparatus. Thence it passes between two rollers k, k, which effect the drawing off
of the band. The upper roller k, is controlled by a spring k, acting upon its axis
or spindle 2, so that it is firmly pressed against the lower roller kg. The latter
is driven from the driving mechanism by a spur-wheel a engaging with an inter-
polated spur pinion I mounted on the spindle ₁ of k¸.
The writing and reproducing points previously herein described may be used for
each kind of receiving device mentioned, cylinder, disc, or band; it is only
necessary to take out the frame b, and substitute for it another like frame provided
with any desired point.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is ;-
1. In a pocket phonograph a recording apparatus, moving in a rectilinear
direction over a rotating receiving cylinder, and capable of being utilised as a
reproducing apparatus such rectilinear motion resulting from a rack-bar such as c
Fig. 1 engaging with a driving wheel a, so that the recording or reproducing
apparatus ₁₂ moves in a continuous line upon the receiving cylinder substantially
as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
2. In a pocket-phonograph the construction and arrangement of a recording

page_text: apparatus with a view to its being also capable of being utilised as a reproducing
apparatus, comprising a sliding carriage such as S on a guide-rod b, and a disc such
as b at a height or level which may be determined and adjusted by a set-screw c
sliding on a guide-rod a while, at the same time, a frame such as b₁ is journalled
in the said disc so as to be capable of inversion between which and a ring such
as b, is inserted and held fast a diaphragm b, of suitable material serving at one
and the same time to carry a writing point such as e, and a reproducing-point such
as 2 so that by rotating the frame either the writing-point or the reproducing-
point comes into contact with the receiving surface substantially as described and
illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings..
3. In a pocket-phonograph a device for securing the recording and reproducing
points in their alternate positions comprising an arrangement of projecting flanges
or lugs such as ca ca on a frame b, whereof one or the other engages in a hollow
or groove on the inner edge of a pivoted lever such as c and is thus secured
in position substantially as described and illustrated in Figures 4 and 6 of the
accompanying drawings.
4. In a pocket-phonograph the arrangement of a diaphragm of suitable material
whereon are mounted two points such as c₁ c, symmetrically arranged on opposite
sides of the diaphragm of which the recording point is sharp and the reproducing
point is blunt the arrangement being such that greater or smaller vibrations in the
diaphragm cause impressions of greater or less depth to be recorded on the receiver
substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
2
5. In a pocket-phonograph a modification of the recording and reproducing
apparatus characterised by the recording as well as the reproducing points being
located beneath the diaphragm on a three-armed lever pivoting on a pin n and
capable of being so adjusted in position that according to requirements either the
prolongation d of the spring-arm d¹, (acting as the writing point) comes into
contact with a body m mounted on the centre of the diaphragm b, and records the
vibrations of the diaphragm upon the recording surface or for the reproduction of
recorded sounds the arm d' is brought into contact with the body m on the
diaphragm so that when the driving-gear is set in motion the blunt point ds
projecting through a slot d, from the end of the arm d', slides over the impression
recorded on the surface of the receiver and reproduces the sound substantially as
described and illustrated in Figures 78 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.
B
6. In a pocket phonograph a modification of the writing and reproducing
apparatus characterised by two levers such as g₁ 9 each being pivotted and
having a bent arm each lever being controlled by a spring such as 93 g, and
having one end touching the body m on the diaphragm while at the same time
these levers being so constructed that the lever terminating in the writing
point 9 has both arms of equal length while the arm g, forming the reproducing
point of the lever g, is proportionately shorter than the arm g, for the purpose
when reproducing sounds of magnifying the vibrations of the shorter arm 96 and
thus causing the diaphragm to make vibrations of greater amplitude substantially
as described and illustrated in Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.
7. In a pocket phonograph a modification comprising the use of discs such
as as receivers a rectilinear motion of the indicator being brought about by
a spiral groove cut in the upper surface of the top plate h, of the rotating spring-
barrel a in which groove bears the pointed end of a set screw such as i on the
rack-bar €5 while the indicating disc keyed on a spindle h is rotated by suitable
driving mechanism thus causing the writing point to make a spiral trace on the
recording-disc substantially as described and illustrated in Figures 11 12 13 14
and 15 of the accompanying drawings.
8. In a pocket phonograph the arrangement of an indicating disc comprising a
carrier disc such as; in which is inserted a metal ring such as with inlaid wax
disc lugs such as on the disc j engaging in notches such as in the ring j, to
prevent the turning of the latter substantially as described and illustrated in
Figures 13 14 and 15 of the accompanying drawings.

page_text: 9. In a pocket phonograph a modification comprising the use of a band covered
with wax to receive the impressions of the writing point such band being unwound
from a roller such as ki and passing under the writing or reproducing point and
being rolled up by two rollers such as k, k, whereof the upper roller is pressed
against the lower one while the latter is rotated by the spring barrel with the aid
of suitable gearing substantially as described and illustrated in Figures 17 and 18
of the accompanying drawings.
10. The combination with a pocket phonograph wherein by interchange of
corresponding parts the sounds can be recorded either on a cylinder or on a disc
or on a band (Figures 16-18) of interchangeable writing and reproducing points
substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 22nd day of January 1896.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicants.