Improvements in Phonographs.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Sept., 1891
Complete Specification-Left, 8th June, 1892-Accepted, 9th July, 1892.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Phonographs.
I, GEORGE EDWARD GOURAUD, of- Little Menlo, Beulah Hill, in the County
of Surrey, late Colonel in the United States Army, Director of the "Edison
United Phonograph Company" (a Corporation organised and existing under the laws
of the State of New Jersey, U.S.A.), do hereby declare the nature of this
invention (a communication to me from Thomas Alva Edison, of Llewellyn Park,
in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey, one of the United States of
America,) to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the driving and controlling mechanism, to the turning-
off, recording, and reproducing devices, and to other parts of the phonograph; its
objects being to increase the simplicity and convenience and to lessen the cost of
the instrument.
Upon or above a casting or base-plate are mounted a feed-screw, a phonograph-
cylinder, a phonogram-blank, a guide-rod, and a sleeve which is movable on the
guide-rod. At one end of the sleeve is a feed-arm, which has a bearing on the
feed-screw through a longitudinal slot in a protecting tube held by standards
rising from the casting or base-plate. At the opposite end of the Bleeve is the
recorder and the reproducer carrying arm. This arm has a sleeve which fits on
the guide-sleeve and is adapted to turn thereon. At one side of the arm is a
entting or turning-off tool, which comprises a holder clamped on the guide-sleeve
by means of a screw or otherwise. Within the holder slides a rod or handle
having at its lower end a chute furnished with a cutting knife, which is preferably
of sapphire, and is mounted on one edge of a slot or opening in one side of the
chute. In this position, it is protected from injury, and serves to guide the shavings
cut from the blank into the chute. A spring is connected to the rod and to the
holder, and is preferably placed in a passage through the body of the holder.
The spring tends to draw the knife away from the phonogram-blank. At the
upper end of the holder, 'round the rod, is an extension or sleeve forming a part of
ar fixed to the holder. This extension is in the form of an eccentric, and over
this eccentric is a clamping nut. A screw passing through one side of the nut
projects into a groove in the extension, so that, although the nut can turn, it is kept
close to the holder. If the nut be turned very slightly, it binds against the rod
and holds it in any position to which it may have been set. In one side of the
rod or handle, a notch is cut, in which rests one arm of a pivoted three-armed lever.
A spring normally holds the lever in engagement with the rod. The third arm of
the lever projects into the path of a pin on the recorder and the reproducer
carrying arm. The notch is as wide as the available thickness of a phonogram-
blank. This makes it impossible for a user to turn off any more from the surface
of the blank when the blank has been turned down to the intended depth. In the
upper side of the sleeve attached to the recorder and the reproducer carrying arm
is a groove, formed by two flanges, in which is pivoted a lever having at its free
end a cam-shaped extension. A spring presses this end up against a sector fixed
to the sleeve by pins which engage with the holder. In the sector are notches
into which the cam-shaped end of the lever may be thrown by the spring. One
of the inclined sides of the cam-shaped end of the lever acts on the side of the
uotch into which it is thrown and serves to turn the sector and sleeve slightly.
round the rod, thereby carrying the pin which projects from the lower side of the
holder away from the side of the groove in the base-plate. The pin travels along
the groove as the recorder or the reproducer moves over the phonogram-blank.
By relieving the pressure of the vin as described, the friction is largely reduced.

page_text: When it is desired to use a zmaller, phonogram-blank, the large blank and the
phonograph-cylinder are removed, and a small blank is placed directly on the
phonograph-shaft, or on a smaller cylinder. The pivoted arm carried at the outer
end of the recorder and the reproducer carrying arm is swung to the left, so that
the point of the carrying arm can rest on the guide-bar instead of the end of the
pivoted arm, which rests thereon when a large blank is used.
The guide-bar preferably consists of a part of the casting or base-plate. The
lowering of the arm brings the recorder and the reproducer down into operative
position in relation to the small blank. By exerting sufficient force on the carrying
arm, the tension of the spring pertaining to the cam-shaped lever is overcome, the
part in engagement with the sector is forced back out of its notch, and the
carrying arm turns on the guide-rod sleeve. The cam-shaped end of the lever
presses against the sector with sufficient force to prevent the carrying arm falling
rapidly against the blank or phonogram, even if the operator should release it after
moving the pivoted arm. As the carrying arm moves downward, the pin thereon
strikes the three-armed lever, withdrawing its vertical arm from the notch in which
it rests. This makes it possible to move the cutting tool forward far enough to
shave the surface of the small blank. A tilting bar is journaled in the standards
beside the guide-bar. In one position, it is raised above the guide-bar, and
prevents the pivoted arm or the face of the carrying arm from resting thereon.
Connected to the tilting bar is a handle, by means of which it can be moved to
raise its inner edge. As the handle is depressed, an arm on the handle turns
toward the right, moving a piston in an air or fluid cylinder, which acts as a dash-
pot or retarding device. In the course of this movement a pin on the handle-arm
passes over a detent tooth on a lever jointed to the cylinder by overcoming the
tension of a spring which acts on the lever. This holds the guard or tilting bar
up and keeps the recorder or the reproducer from the surface of the blank. To
lower the tilting bar, the lever which is jointed to the cylinder is pressed down
to release the pin on the handle-arm, whereupon the guard moves slowly back to
its normal position. A projection on the cylinder serves as a limiting stop for the
cylinder-lever.
The diaphragm which carries the recorder and the reproducer is so mounted
that, when it is in one position, the recorder is in the operative position, but, when
it is in the other position, the reproducer is in the operative position. The
diaphragm is supported in a ring fitted in the carrying arm. To this ring is
connected a projecting arm, which bears against a cam pivoted in the carrying arm
and furnished with a milled head. By turning this head in one direction, the
projecting arm and consequently the ring and diaphragm can be moved forward.
By turning the cam in the other direction and pressing against the projecting arm,
the diarphagm can be moved back. This furnishes a very delicate means for
adjusting the diaphragm so as to bring the reproducer into line with the track made
by the recorder.
It is customary to employ two tubes, one a speaking tube for use in recording,
and the other a hearing tube for employment during reproduction; the tubes being
so shaped that the former can not be put into place while the diaphragm is in
position for reproducing, and that the latter can not be put into place while the
-diaphragm is in position for recording. In the present invention, a double-topped
cap over the diaphragm and diaphragm-support is used. The upper plate of this
cap
has an L-shaped slot; the lower plate having an opening out of line with the
wider portion of the slot. A short tube is rigidly connected to the diaphragm or
diaphragm support. There is a rib at one side of this tube. The inner bore of the
-end of the speaking tube next the diaphragm is grooved or otherwise adapted to
engage with the rib. On the outer side of the tube there is a lug. In attaching the
speaking tube, it is placed over the diaphragm-tube with the lug in line with the
wider portion of the slot. The tube moves down until it reaches the lower plate
of the cover. It is then turned until the lug comes in line with the opening in the
lower plate, whereupon it drops into place; the diaphragm being brought into the

page_text: recording position by the same movement. To detach this tube, it is necessary to
raise it, to turn the diaphragm backward, and then to raise the tube again. The
hearing tube, when attached, has a lug which passes through the opening in the
upper plate of the cover and rests on the lower plate.
In order to shorten the machine and thus save space, the driving motor is placed
directly under the phonograph-shaft, instead of at one end thereof, as heretofore.
The motor is normally held in place by posts extending downward from the top
plate. At the upper end of the armature-shaft is a pulley connected by a belt to
the phonograph-shaft, and a second pulley connected by a belt to a governor. The
governor is constructed so as to break the motor circuit when the motor reaches.
the limit of speed for which the governor is set. This is done by the centrifugal
action of the governor-balls, which break contact in the circuit by raising a disc
away from a spring. An arm carrying a stop can be moved by a handle, thereby
changing the position of the stop, which limits the movement of the spring and
determines the travel necessary for breaking the circuit. The circuit is provided
with a hand switch.
Heretofore in phonographs, the feed-screw has been formed on the phonograph-
shaft, and has had a very fine thread. The feed-screw may, however, instead of
being cut on the phonograph-shaft, be cut on a separate shaft arranged parallel
thereto, and may then be provided with a coarser thread. The phonograph-shaft
and the feed-screw-shaft are connected by a perforated belt. On the feed-screw-
shaft is placed a driving pulley, around the periphery of which are a series of
projections or pins. On the phonograph-shaft is a similar pulley. The projections
or pins on the pulleys are adapted to engage with the corresponding perforations
in the driving belt. If the thread of the feed-screw be coarse, the pulley on the
phonograph-shaft should be smaller than the one on the feed-screw-shaft, in order
that the recorder or the reproducer may not be fed along the blank at too great
a speed. The driving pulley may be on the feed-screw-shaft, if preferred, instead
of on the phonograph-shaft. It is preferred to employ a belt made of animal
membrane, such as untanned skins, bladders, etc., or other parchment-like materials.
These are preferable to steel belts, such as heretofore employed, because they are
more flexible. They are not injuriously affected by oil which may accidentally get
on them, as is the case with certain other belts.
It will be seen that, if the feed-screw have about fifty threads to the inch and.
be rotated at half the speed of the phonograph-shaft, one hundred convolutions to
the inch would be obtained on the surface of the phonogram-blank. The per-
forated connecting belt or band, with the corresponding pins on the pulleys, insure
a positive and regular motion of the recorder or the reproducer, which is essential
in order that the convolutions or spirals on the phonogram-blank may be kept
separate and distinct and be properly traversed on the phonogram.
It is sometimes desirable to enclose the driving belt, to support the feed-screw
and other parts in a manner different from that above described, and to provide an
alarm operated by the recorder or the reproducer.
The base of the machine may then consist of a casting having a raised wall, in
which, at one end of the machine, are bearings for the phonograph-shaft, the
guide-rod, and the feed-screw. Over the wall is secured a cover, whereby
the pulleys and belt are enclosed and protected from injury and dirt. The guide-
rod is placed between the feed-screw-shaft and the phonograph-shaft.
Near one end of the feed-screw, and in the path of the feed-arm, is an alarm.
circuit-controller, which may consist of two springs normally out of contact and
forming two terminals of the alarm circuit. The alarm circuit includes a vibrating
bell. On the side of one of the springs there is a cam or incline against which a
projection on the feed-arm presses, whereby the one spring is forced against the
other; the alarm-circuit being hereby closed. The bell continues to ring while
the feed-arm is passing over the cam or incline. The circuit-controller is mounted.
on an insulating block, the position of which is adjustable, so that the point at
which the alarm is given can be changed.
The alarm is intended to indicate

page_text: that the recorder and the reproducer carrying arm has reached or is about to
reach the limit of its travel, and that it should be moved back or the motor
stopped.
In practice it is found that, after phonographs have been in use for a time, the
articulation of the speech reproduced is not so smooth and clear as when the
phonograph was new. While the articulation is sufficiently good to be intelligible,
the false or extraneous vibrations are such as to cause unpleasant, and sometimes
confusing, noises at the reproducer. This is attributed to the fact that, by
continued use, the cutting point or edge of the recorder, and of the turning-off tool,
and the bearing point or end of the reproducer become roughened; false marks
being then produced on the phonogram-blank or phonogram. The recording
surface of the phonogram-blank is ordinarily made of wax, or wax-like material,
and it might be supposed that a steel tool, of the best quality, would be satisfactory
for employment in connection with such a comparatively soft substance. It has,
however, been found that such tools are liable to become rough. This is partly
due to the chemical action of acids or other substances present in the wax, or
wax-like composition, of which the phonogram-blank is made, and partly to the
dulling and roughening action of the fine particles of silica or other hard material
which get accidentally mixed with the wax during its manufacture into a blank, or
which lodge on the surface of the blank itself. After many trials, it has been
discovered that sapphires and similar jewels act in the most effective manner on
the wax or wax-like phonogram-blank, since the acids thereof do not attack them ;
they do not rust; and they are able to withstand the dulling action of the hard
particles of silica or other substances.
A jewel cutting tool suitable for the recorder may be in the shape of a cylinder,
the outer end being hollowed out; thus leaving a curved sharp edge for cutting
the surface of the blank. This particular form is, however, not essential. It is
mounted in a socket or sleeve at one end of a pivoted lever, the opposite end of
which is connected to the diaphragm.
The turning-off tool which is used for removing a previous record and for
giving a smooth and even surface to the blank on which a new record may be
impressed, is also made of sapphire, or of quartz, agate, or a similar hard
substance not readily affected by the acids above referred to. It is clamped to
a carrier, which is movable in a holder. A handle is provided for putting the
cutting tool into working position or withdrawing same from the surface of
the blank.
A turning-off tool without a sharp cutting edge, but having the sides of the
cutting edge at right angles, or approximately at right angles, to one another, so
that the edge can not enter too far beneath the surface of the phonogram which it
is required to turn down, may be used to advantage. Such a tool, in cutting the
material, breaks it off above the cutting edge, so that the chips do not carry with
them any portion of the blank below the line of cutting. This form of turning-off
tool is supported in a clamp; its cutting edge being presented obliquely to the
surface of the phonograin.
In the jewel reproducing point, the bearing end is preferably spherical or
rounded. The jewel is held in any suitable manner at one end of a pivoted lever,
the opposite end of which is connected to the diaphragm by means of a post.
Reproducing points made as above described are not only more durable than
those of metal, but move more readily over the record, and do not introduce false
vibrations into the sounds reproduced.
The recorders hitherto used are moved by the diaphragm toward and away
from the surface of the blank. An improved form of recorder, in which the
recording point moves laterally in a succession of minute arcs, has, however, been
devised.
In the preferred construction, the recorder comprises an angle-lever, one end of
which is shaped to act as or to carry the operating point, the other end being
connected to the diaphragm. The lever is supported by a pivot at the angle.

page_text: This pivot may be held by a fixed arm projecting from the diaphragm-holder. The
lever is connected to the diaphragm by a link or yielding connection. When sounds
cause the diaphragm to vibrate, movements are communicated from the diaphragm
to the pivoted lever by means of an intermediate connection, which causes the
operating point to trace a sinuous line on the surface of the rotating blank...
The amplitude of vibration of the diaphragm causes the distance to which the
operating point is moved at right angles to the direction of movement of the
blank to vary, but does not move the point toward or away from the blank,
except to the slight extent involved in describing the minute arcs before
referred to.
Vibrations are more truly recorded in this manner than by indenting the blank in.
the usual way; the reproduced sounds being accordingly improved.
It is advisable to provide means for enabling the recorder or the reproducer to-
operate satisfactorily, notwithstanding the irregularities or eccentricities which
sometimes occur in the surface of the phonogram-blank, owing to imperfection in,.
or warping after, manufacture. It is clear that, if the recorder or the reproducer-
be rigidly mounted and such irregularities or eccentricities pass under it, there will
at certain times be a stronger pressure between the recorder or the reproducer and
the blank or phonogram than at other times; hence the record or the reproduction
would not be uniform. According to the present invention, the diaphragm. aud
frame carrying the recorder and the reproducer are nearly counterbalanced, but
have a slight tendency to press against the phonogram-blank or phonogram.
When, therefore, irregularities or eccentricities pass under the recording or the
reproducing point, the recorder or the reproducer, the diaphragm and the supporting
frame are raised, bence the difficulty above mentioned does not occur. The
diaphragm and the other parts are not so raised by the rapid and minute vibrations
due to the sound waves or to the sound record; the diaphragm vibrating under
their influence in the ordinary manner.
The diaphragm may be mounted in a ring or frame, which is held in a circular
recess in the carrying arm and has rigidly connected with it a pivoted counter-
balance arm having an adjustable weight. A spring may be connected to the saidi
arm so as to diminish the effect of the weight. The weight may, however, be-
dispensed with, and a spring used instead.
It will be seen that the principle upon which the counterbalance works is that
the recorder, or the reproducer, is so nearly balanced that the operating point will
readily follow the contour of the blank or phonogram, even though the blank or
phonogram be not a true cylinder.
To enable the user of the phonograph to stop or start the recorder while in the
act of speaking into the phonograph, without moving the feed-arm to or from the-
feed-screw directly by hand, and without breaking the motor circuit, as has
heretofore been necessary, and to control the position of the recorder and the
reproducer while turning off the surface of a phonogram, means are provided for
stopping and starting the recorder, and for holding the pivoted plate on which
the recorder and the reproducer are mounted.
The tilting bar may be pivoted at each end in a suitable support or bracket, and
be provided with a dash-pot. Below the tilting bar is an electromagnet, which is
included in a circuit having a circuit-controller on the speaking tube. The circuit-
controller is in a position convenient for being operated by the hand which holds
the tube to the mouth. The circuit-controller may consist of a spring connected to
one wire of the circuit, and a pin connected to the other wire of the circuit. The
other ends of these wires terminate in a plug having two conducting plates adapted
to make contact with two corresponding plates in the socket in which the plug is.
placed. The two socket-plates are connected respectively to the two terminals of
the electromagnet. The armature for the electromagnet is pivoted centrally, and
is connected by means of a link or rod with the tilting bar. The upper end of the
link or rod rests against the bar, though it may be jointed thereto, if preferred..
When the circuit is open, the weight of the carrying arm on the tilting bar is

page_text: sufficient to depress the tilting bar and cause the armature to assume an inclined
position; but, when the circuit is closed by pressure on the circuit-controller, the
armature is caused to turn on its pivot, assuming a horizontal position, thereby
raising the inner edge of the tilting bar and moving the recorder from the blank.
This motion also disengages the feeding device. When the operator desires to
proceed with his dictation, he removes his finger from the circuit-controller,
thus allowing the circuit to open, the parts thereupon resuming their normal
positions. A special battery may be employed for the speaking-tube circuit, but it
is preferable to derive the current therefor from the motor battery.
After a record has been made on the blank, it is often desired to remove the said
record in order that the phonogram may be converted into a blank. In some
phonographs, the mechanism is so arranged that the old record can be cut off and a
second record made on the blank just behind the cutting-off tool; but, in other
phonographs, the entire surface must be removed before a second record can be
made on the blank. In the latter kind, it is desirable that the recorder and the
reproducer should be raised entirely away from the surface of the blank during
the operation of cutting off the old record. A support is, therefore, provided for
the plate which carries the recorder and the reproducer, and which is mounted so
that, when in one position, the recorder bears on the phonogram-blank, and, when
in the other position, the reproducer bears on the phonogram. A cam, preferably
struck up from a piece of sheet metal, is pivoted at one end to the ring in which
the diaphragm is mounted. The opposite end is adapted to project under the plate
above mentioned. A screw or pin extends from the diaphragm-support, and bears
against the cam while the diaphragm-support is moved in order to change the
position of the recorder. The cam is provided with a downward projection to serve
as a handle for moving the plate in the opposite direction to that in which it is
moved by the screw or pin.
The operation of the device just described is as follows:- When the diaphragm
is turned into the position in which the reproducer is over the phonogram, the cam
can be pushed inward by hand, in order that its end may rest under the plate carrying
the recorder and the reproducer and support it so that the reproducing point is
held out of contact with the phonogram. The old record can then be cut off.
When the cutting-off operation has been completed, the arm on the diaphragm-
support is moved by hand to bring the recorder into working position, the screw or
pin pressing against the cam and turning it until its end is automatically withdrawn
from beneath the plate carrying the recorder and the reproducer; the recorder
being thereupon allowed to rest on the surface of the blank. To again move the
cam under the plate,,the downward projection must be pressed by the finger of the
operator, because the screw or pin does not operate on the cam in its reverse
movement.
Dated this 4th day of September 1891.
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Phonographs.
I, GEORGE EDWARD GOURAUD, of Little Menlo, Beulah Hill, in the County
of Surrey, late Colonel in the United States Army, Director of the "Edison
United Phonograph Company" (a Corporation organised and existing under the
laws of the State of New Jersey, U.S.A.), do hereby declare the nature of this
invention (a communication to me from Thomas Alva Edison, of Llewellyn Park,
in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey, one of the United States of
America,) and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to the driving and controlling mechanism, to the turning-

page_text: off, recording and reproducing devices, and to other parts of the phonograph;
its objects being to increase the simplicity and convenience and to lessen the cost
of the instrument.
In the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1 is a plan of a phonograph constructed according to this invention; Fig. 2
being a corresponding view partly in side elevation and partly in section.
Fig. 3 is a view partly in section on the line 3, 3 in Fig. 1 and partly in end
clevation.
Fig. 4 is a similar view in a plane passing through the line 4, 4 in Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 is a plan, on a larger scale, of the recorder and reproducer carrying arm
and the turning-off tool.
Fig. 6 is a view partly in section on the line 6, 6 in Fig. 4 and partly in
elevation.
Fig. 7 is a similar view in a plane passing through the line 7, 7 in Fig. 4.
Fig. 8 shews the end of a speaking tube suitable for use with this instrument;
Fig. 9 illustrating the corresponding part of a hearing tube.
Fig. 10 is a plan representing a different form of driving mechanism; Fig. 11
being an end elevation of certain details embodied therein.
Fig. 12 is a plan illustrating a modified form of the improved phonograph;
Fig. 13 being a corresponding end elevation.
Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic plan of the alarm apparatus.
Fig. 15 is a view partly in section and partly in end elevation of a phonograph
furnished with an improved cutting tool.
Fig. 16 shews a jewel recording point and the lever by which it is carried.
Fig. 17 represents a turning-off tool of slightly different shape to that illustrated
in Fig. 15.
Figs. 18 and 19 shew a jewel reproducing point.
Fig. 20 is a view representing in vertical section a recorder in which the
recording point moves laterally in a succession of minute aros.
Fig. 21 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of a counterbalanced
recorder; Fig. 22 being a modification thereof.
Fig. 23 is a diagram partly in section and partly in side elevation illustrating
means for stopping or starting the recorder and for holding the pivoted plate on
which the recorder and the reproducer are mounted; Fig. 24 being a corresponding
end elevation.
Fig. 25 is a plan of the under side of the recorder and reproducer.
Fig. 26 is a horizontal section on the line 26, 26 in Fig. 23.
Fig. 27 is a side view, drawn to a larger scale, of one of the parts shewn
in Fig. 25.
Upon or above a casting or base-plate 1 are mounted a feed-screw 2, a
phonograph-cylinder 3, a phonogram-blank 4, a guide-rod 5, and a sleeve 6, which
is movable on the guide-rod. At one end of the sleeve is a feed-arm 7, which has
a bearing on the feed-screw 2 through a longitudinal slot in a protecting tube 8
held by standards rising from the casting or base-plate. At the opposite end of
the sleeve is the recorder and the reproducer carrying arm 9. This arm has a
sleeve which fits on the guide-sleeve and is adapted to turn thereon. At one side
of the arm is a cutting or turning-off tool, which comprises a holder 10 clamped on
the guide-sleeve by means of a screw 11 or otherwise. Within the holder slides a
rod or handle 12 having at its lower end a chute 13 furnished with a cutting
knife 14, which is preferably of sapphire, and is mounted on one edge of a slot or
opening in one side of the chute. In this position, it is protected from injury, and
serves to guide the shavings cut from the blank into the chute. A spring 15 is
connected to the rod 12 and to the holder 10, and is preferably placed in a passage
through the body of the bolder. The spring tends to draw the knife away from
the phonogram-blank. At the upper end of the holder, round the rod 12, is an
extension or sleeve 16 forming a part of or fixed to the holder. This extension is
in the form of an eccentric, and over this eccentric is a clamping nut 17. A

page_text: screw 18 passing through one side of the nut projects into a groove in the extension,
so that, although the nut can turn, it is kept close to the holder. If the nut be
turned very slightly, it binds against the rod 12 and holds it in any position to
which it may have been set. In one side of the rod or handle 12, a notch 19 is cut,.
in which rests one arm of a pivoted three-armed lever 20. A. spring 21 bearing on
-another arm of the lever normally holds the lever in engagement with the rod.
The third arm of the lever projects into the path of a pin 22 on the recorder and
the reproducer carrying arm. The notch 19 is as wide as the available thickness
of a phonogram-blank. This makes it impossible for a user to turn off any more
from the surface of the blank when the blank has been turned down to the intended
depth. In the upper side of the sleeve attached to the recorder and the reproducer
carrying arm is a groove, formed by two flanges 23, in which is pivoted a lever 24
having at its free end a cam-shaped extension 25. A spring 26 presses this end up
against a sector 27 fixed to the sleeve 6 by pins 28, which engage with the holder 10.
In the sector 27 are notches 29 into which the cam-shaped end 25 of the lever 24
may be thrown by the spring 26. One of the inclined sides of the cam-shaped end
of the lever acts on the side of the notch into which it is thrown and serves to turn
the sector and sleeve slightly round the rod 5, thereby carrying the pin 30 which
projects from the lower side of the holder away from the side 31 of the groove 32
in the base-plate 1. The pin travels along the groove as the recorder or the repro-
-ducer moves over the phonogram-blank. By relieving the pressure of the pin as
described, the friction is largely reduced.
When it is desired to use a smaller phonogram-blank, the large blank and the
phonograph-cylinder are removed, and a small blank 4 is placed directly on the
phonograph-shaft 2, or on a smaller cylinder. The pivoted arm 33 carried at
the outer end of the recorder and the reproducer carrying arm is swung to the left,
so that the point 34 of the carrying arm can rest on the guide-bar 35 instead of the
end of the pivoted arm 33, which rests thereon when a large blank is used.
The guide-bar preferably consists of a part of the casting or base-plate 1 (Figs. 1
and 4). The lowering of the arm into the position indicated in dotted lines brings
the recorder and the reproducer down into operative position in relation to the
small blank. By exerting sufficient force on the carrying arm, the tension of the
spring 26 pertaining to the cam-shaped lever is overcome, the part 25 in engage-
ment with the sector is forced back out of its notch, and the carrying arm turns on
the guide-rod sleeve 6. The cam-shaped end of the lever presses against the sector
with sufficient force to prevent the carrying arm falling rapidly against the blank
or phonogram, even if the operator should release it after moving the pivoted
arm 33. As the carrying arm 9 moves downward, the pin 22 strikes the three-
armed lever 20, withdrawing its vertical arm from the notch 19. This makes it
possible to move the cutting tool forward far enough to shave the surface of the
small blank. A tilting bar 36 is journaled in the standards 36' beside the guide-bar.
In one position, it is raised above the guide-bar, and prevents the pivoted arm 33
or the face 34 of the carrying arm resting thereon. Connected to the tilting har is
a handle 37, by means of which it can be moved to raise its inner edge to the
position indicated in dotted lines. As the handle is depressed, an arm 38 on the
handle turns toward the right, moving a piston in an air or finid cylinder 39,
which acts as a dash-pot or retarding device. In the course of this movement,
a pin 40 on the handle-arm passes over a detent tooth on a lever 42 jointed to
the cylinder by overcoming the tension of a spring 43 which acts on the lever.
This holds the guard or tilting bar up and keeps the recorder or the reproducer
from the surface of the blank. To lower the tilting bar, the lever 42 is pressed
down to release the pin 40 on the handle-arm, whereupon the guard moves slowly
back to its normal position. A projection 44 on the cylinder serves as a limiting
-stop for the cylinder-lever.
The diaphragm 45 which carries the recorder and the reproducer is so mounted
that, when it is in one position, the recorder is in the operative position, but,
when it is in the other position, the reproducer is in the operative position. The

page_text: diaphragm is supported in a ring 46 fitted in the carrying arm 9. To this ring
is connected a projecting arm 47, which bears against a cam 48 pivoted at 49 in
the carrying arm and furnished with a milled head 0. By turning this head in
one direction, the projecting arm 47 and consequently the ring and diaphragm
can be moved forward. By turning the cam in the other direction and pressing
against the projecting arm 47, the diaphragm can be moved back. This furnishes
a very delicate means for adjusting the diaphragm so as to bring the reproducer
into line with the track made by the recorder.
It is customary to employ two tubes, one a speaking tube for use in recording,
and the other a hearing tube for employment during reproduction; the tubes
being so shaped that the former can not be put into place while the diaphragm is
in position for reproducing, and that the latter can not be put into place while the
diaphragm is in position for recording. In the present invention, a double-topped
cap 51 over the diaphragm and diaphragm-support is used. The upper plate of
this cap has an L-shaped slot 52 (Figs. 1 and 5); the lower plate having an
opening 53 out of line with the wider portion of the slot. A short tube 54' is
rigidly connected to the diaphragm or diaphragm-support. There is a rib 55 at
one side of this tube. The inner bore of the end of the speaking tube next the
diaphragm contains a groove 56 or is otherwise adapted to engage with the rib 55.
On the outer side of the tube there is a lug 57. In attaching the speaking tube, it
is placed over the diaphragm-tube 5+ with the lug in line with the wider portion of
the slot. The tube moves down until it reaches the lower plate of the cover. It
is then turned until the lug 57 comes in line with the opening 53 in the lower
piate, whereupon it drops into place; the diaphragm being brought into the
recording position by the same movement. To detach this tube, it is necessary to
raise it, to turn the diaphragm backward, and then to raise the tube again. The
hearing tube, when attached, has a lug 571 which passes through the opening in the
upper plate of the cover and rests on the lower plate.
In order to shorten the machine and thus save space, the driving motor 58 is
placed directly under the phonograph-shaft, instead of at one end thereof, as
heretofore. The motor is normally held in place by posts 59 extending downward
from the top plate 60. At the upper end of the armature-shaft is a pulley
connected by a belt to the phonograph-shaft, and a second pulley connected by a
belt to a governor 61. The governor is constructed so as to break the motor
circuit when the motor reaches the limit of speed for which the governor is set.
This is done by the centrifugal action of the governor-balls, which break contact
in the circuit by raising a disc 62 away from a spring 63. An arm 64 carrying a
stop 66 can be moved by a handle 65, thereby changing the position of the stop,
which limits the movement of the spring and determines the travel necessary for
breaking the circuit. The circuit, which is provided with a hand-switch 67, is
clearly indicated.
•
Heretofore in phonographs, the feed-screw has been formed on the phonograph-
shaft 2x, and has had a very fine thread. The feed-screw may, however, instead
of being cut on the phonograph-shaft, be cut on a separate shaft 68 (Figs. 10 and 11).
arranged parallel thereto, and may then be provided with a coarser thread. The
phonograph-shaft and the feed-screw-shaft may be connected by a perforated
belt 69. On the feed-screw-shaft is placed a driving pulley 70, around the
periphery of which are a series of projections or pins 71. On the phonograph-
shaft is a similar pulley 72. The projections or pins 71 on the pulleys are adapted
to engage with corresponding perforations 71* in the driving belt. If the thread
of the feed-screw be coarse, the pulley 72 should be smaller than the pulley 71, in
order that the recorder or the reproducer may not be fed along the blank 4 at too
great a speed. The driving pulley may be on the feed-screw-shaft 68 instead of
on the phonograph-shaft 2*. It is preferred to employ a belt made of animal
membrane, such as untanned skins, bladders, etc., or other parchment-like materials.
These are better than stel belts, such as heretofore employed, because they are

page_text: "
more flexible. They are not injuriously affected by oil which may accidentally get
on them, as is the case with certain other belts.
It will be seen that, if the feed-screw have about fifty threads to the inch and be
rotated at half the speed of the phonograph-shaft, one hundred convolutions to the
inch would be obtained on the surface of the phonogram-blank. The perforated
connecting belt.or band, with the corresponding pins on the pulleys, insure a
positive and regular motion of the recorder or the reproducer, which is essential in
order that the convolutions or spirals cut on the phonogram-blank may be kept
separate and distinct and be properly traversed in reproducing from the phonogram.
It is sometimes desirable to enclose the driving belt, to support the feed-screw
and other parts in a manner different from that above described, and to provide an
alarm operated by the recorder or the reproducer.
The base of the machine may then consist of a casting 1* having a raised wall 73,
in which, at one end of the machine, are bearings for the phonograph-shaft 2*, the
guide-rod 5, and the feed-screw 68. Over the wall is secured a rover 74, whereby
the pulleys and belt are enclosed and protected from injury and dirt.. The guide-
rod 5 is in the present instance placed between the feed-screw-shaft 68 and the
phonograph-shaft. 2*.
Near one end of the feed-screw 68, and in the path of the feed-arm 7, is an
alarm circuit-controller, which may consist of two springs 75 and 76 normally out
of contact and forming two terminals of the alarm circuit. The alarm circuit
includes a vibrating bell 77. On the side of the spring 75 there is a cam or
incline 78 against which a projection 7* on the feed-arm 7 presses, whereby the
spring 75 is forced against the spring 76; the alarm circuit being hereby closed.
The bell continues to ring while the projection 7* on the feed-arm is passing over
the cam or incline 78. The circuit-controller is mounted on an insulating block 79,
the position of which is adjustable, so that the point at which the alarm given
can be changed. The alarm is intended to indicate that the recorder and the
reproducer carrying arm 9 has reached or is about to reach the limit of its travel,
and that it should be moved back or the motor stopped.
In practice it is found that, after phonographs have been in use for a time, the
articulation of the speech reproduced is not so smooth and clear as when the
phonograph was new. While the articulation is sufficiently good to be intelligible,
the false or extraneous vibrations are such as to cause unpleasant, and sometimes
confusing, noises at the reproducer. This is attributed to the fact that, by con-
tinued use, the cutting point or edge of the recorder, and of the turning-off tool,
and the bearing point or end of the reproducer become roughened; false marks
being then produced on the phonograin-blank or phonogram. The recording
surface of the phonogram-blank is ordinarily made of wax, or wax-like material,
and it might be supposed that a steel tool, of the best quality, would be satisfactory
for employment in connection with such a comparatively soft substance. It has,
however, been found that such tools are liable to become rough. This is partly
due to the chemical action of acids or other substances present in the wax, or wax-
like composition, of which the phonogram-blank is made, and partly to the dulling
and roughening action of the fine particles of silica or other hard material which
get accidentally mixed with the wax during its manufacture into a blank, or which
Todge on the surface of the blank itself. After many trials, it has been discovered
that sapphires and similar jewels act in the most effective manner on the wax or
wax-like phonogram-blank, since the acids thereof do not attack them, they do not
rust, and they are able to withstand the dulling action of the hard particles of
silica or other substances.
A jewel cutting tool 80 suitable for the recorder may be in the shape of a
cylinder, the outer end being hollowed out; thus leaving a curved sharp edge for
cutting the surface of the blank 4. This particular form is, however, not essential.
It is mounted in a socket or sleeve 81 at one end of a pivoted lever 82, the opposite
end of which is connected to the diaphragm.

page_text: The turning-off tool 83 which is used for removing a previous record and for
giving a smooth and even surface to the blank on which a new record may be
impressed, is also made of sapphire, or of quartz, agate, or a similar hard substance
not readily affected by the acids above referred to. It is clamped to a carrier 84,
which is movable in a holder 85. A handle 86 is provided for putting the cutting
tool into working position or withdrawing same from the surface of the blank.
A turning-off tool 83* (Fig. 17) without a sharp cutting edge, but having the
sides of the cutting edge at right angles, or approximately at right angles, to one
another, so that the edge can not enter too far beneath the surface of the phonogram
which it it required to turn down, may be used to advantage. Such a tool, in
cutting the material, breaks it off above the cutting edge, so that the chips do not
carry with them any portion of the blank below the line of cutting. This form of
turning-off tool is supported in a clamp 84; its cutting edge being presented
obliquely to the surface of the phonogram 4.
In the jewel reproducing point, the bearing end 87 is preferably spherical or
rounded. The jewel is held in any suitable manner at one end of a pivoted
lever 88, the opposite end of which is connected to the diaphragm 89 by means of
a post 90.
Reproducing points made as above described are not only more durable than
those of metal, but move more readily over the record and do not introduce false
vibrations into the sounds reproduced.
The recorders hitherto used are moved by the diaphragm toward and away
from the surface of the blank. An improved form of recorder, in which the
recording point moves laterally in a succession of minute arcs, has, however, been
devised.
In the preferred construction, the recorder comprises an angle-lever 91 one end
of which is shaped to act as or to carry the operating point, the other end being
connected to the diaphragm 89. The lever is supported by a pivot at the angle.
This pivot may be held by a fixed arm 93 projecting from the diaphragm-holder.
The lever is connected to the diaphragm by a link or yielding connection 94.
When sounds cause the diaphragm to vibrate, movements are communicated from
the diaphragm to the pivoted lever by means of the intermediate connection. 94,
which causes the operating point to trace a sinuous line 95 on the surface of the
rotating blank 4. The amplitude of vibration of the diaphragm causes the
distance to which the operating point is moved at right angles to the direction of
movement of the blank to vary, but does not move the point toward or away from
the blank, except to the slight extent involved in describing the minute arcs before
referred to.
Vibrations are more truly recorded in this manner than by indenting the blank
in the usual way; the reproduced sounds being accordingly improved.
It is advisable to provide means for enabling the recorder or the reproducer to
operate satisfactorily, notwithstanding the irregularities or eccentricities which
sometimes occur in the surface of the phonogram-blank, owing to imperfection in,
or warping after, manufacture. It is clear that, if the recorder or the reproducer
be rigidly mounted and such irregularities or eccentricities pass under it, there
will at certain times be a stronger pressure between the recorder or the reproducer
and the blank or phonogram than at other times; hence the record or the reprodac-
tion would not be uniform. According to the present invention, the diaphragm
and frame carrying the recorder and the reproducer are nearly counterbalanced,
but have a slight tendency to press against the phonogram-blank or phonogram.
When, therefore, irregularities or eccentricities pass under the recording or the
reproducing point, the recorder or the reproducer, the diaphragm and the supporting
frame are raised, hence the difficulty above mentioned does not occur.
diaphragm and the other parts are not so raised by the rapid and minute vibrations
due to the sound waves or to the sound record; the diaphragm vibrating under
their influence in the ordinary manner.
The
In Fig. 21, the diaphragm is mounted in a ring or frame 96, which is held in a

page_text: circular recess in the carrying arm 9 and has rigidly connected with it a counter-
balance arm 97 pivoted at 97* and having an adjustable weight 98. A spring 99
may be connected to the arm 97 so as to diminish the effect of the weight. 5* is
the guide-bar. The weight may, however, be dispensed with, and a spring used
instead.
In Fig. 22, the ring 96 is attached to a lever 100 pivoted at 100% to the arm 9;
the lever being connected by a spring 101 to a post 102 at the end of the arm 9.
103 is an ordinary speaking tube.
It will be seen that the principle upon which the counterbalance works is that
the recorder, or the reproducer, is so nearly balanced that the operating point will
readily follow the contour of the blank or phonogram, even though the blank or
phonogram be not a true cylinder.
To enable the user of the phonograph to stop or start the recorder while in the
act of speaking into the phonograph, without moving the feed-arm to or from the
feed-screw directly by hand, and without breaking the motor circuit, as has 1
heretofore been necessary, and to control the position of the recorder and the
reproducer while turning off the surface of a phonogram, means are provided for
stopping and starting the recorder, and for holding the pivoted plate on which the
recorder and the reproducer are mounted.
The tilting bar 104 may be pivoted at each end in a suitable support or
Below the tilting bar is an
bracket 105, and be provided with a dash-pot 106.
electromagnet 107, which is included in a circuit 108 having a circuit-controller
on the speaking tube 103. The circuit-controller is in a position convenient for
being operated by the hand which holds the tube to the mouth. The circuit-
controller may consist of a spring 109 connected to one wire of the circuit, and a
pin 110 connected to the other wire of the circuit. The other ends of these wires
terminate in a plug 111 having two conducting plates 112 and 113 adapted to
make contact with two corresponding plates 114 and 115 in the socket 116 in
which the plug is placed. The two socket-plates are connected respectively to the
two terminals 117 and 118 of the electromagnet 107. The armature 119 for the
electromagnet is pivoted centrally, and is connected by means of a link or rod 120
with the tilting bar 101. The upper end of the link or rol rests against the bar,
though it may be jointed thereto, if preferred. When the circuit is open, the
weight of the carrying arm 9 on the tilting bar 104 is sufficient to depress the
tilting bar and cause the armature 119 to assume an inclined position; but, when
the circuit is closed by pressure on the circuit-controller 109, the armature is caused
to turn on its pivot 119*, assuming a horizontal position (as indicated in dotted
lines in Fig. 2+), thereby raising the inner edge of the tilting bar 104 and moving
the recorder from the blank. This motion also disengages the feeding device.
When the operator desires to proceed with his dictation, he removes his finger
from the circuit-controller 109, thus allowing the circuit 108 to open, the parts
thereupon resuming their normal positions. A special battery may be employed
for the speaking tube circuit, but it is preferable to derive the current therefor
from the motor battery.
After a record has been made on the blank, it is often desired to remove the
said record in order that the phonogram may be converted into a blank. In some
phonographs, the mechanism is so arranged that the old record can be cut off and
a second record made on the blank just behind the cutting-off tool; but, in other
phonographs, the entire surface must be removed before a second record can be
made on the blank. In the latter kind, it is desirable that the recorder and the
reproducer should be raised entirely away from the surface of the blank during
the operation of cutting off the old record. A support is, therefore, provided for
the plate 121 which carries the recorder and the reproducer, and which is mounted
so that, when in one position, the recorder bears on the phonogram-blank, and,
when in the other position, the reproducer bears on the phonogram. A cam 122,
preferably struck up from a piece of sheet metal; is-pivoted at one end to the ring-
shaped part of the arm 9 in which the diaphragm is mounted: 'The opposite end
.
5

page_text: A screw or
pin 123 extends from the diaphragm-support 96, and bears against the cam 122
while the diaphragm-support is moved in order to change the position of the
recorder. The cam is provided with a downward projection 124 to serve as a
handle for moving the plate 121 in the opposite direction to that in which it is
moved by the screw or pin 123.
of the cam is adapted to project under the plate above mentioned.
The operation of the device just described is as follows:-When the diaphragm 89
is turned into the position in which the reproduce: is over the phonogram, the
cam 122 can be pushed inward by hand, in order that its end may rest under the
plate 121 carrying the recorder and the reproducer, and support it so that
the reproducing point is held out of contact with the phonogram. The old record
can then be cut off. When the cutting-off operation has been completed, the
arm 125 on the diaphragm-support 96 is mored by hand to bring the recorder
into working position, the screw or pin 123 pressing against the cam 122 and
turning it until its end is withdrawn from beneath the plate 121 carrying the
recorder and the reproducer; the recorder being thereupon allowed to rest on
the surface of the blank. To again move the cam 122 under the plate, the down-
ward projection 124 must be pressed by the finger of the operator, because the
screw or pin 123 does not act on the cam 122 in its reverse movement.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in-what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-.
1. In a phonograph, the combination, with a shaft or support for a phonogram-
blank, and a motor for driving it, the support being adapted to carry either a large
or a small blank, of recording, reproducing and turning-off devices, which are
arranged to act either with a large or with a small blank, substantially as
described.
2. In a phonograph, the combination, with the guide-sleeve and-the recorder- and
reproducer-carrying-arm, of means for locking them together, substantially as
described.
3. In a phonograph having a diaphragm supported to turn as described, the
employment of a double cover with openings in the cover-plates, substantially as
described.
4. In a phonograph, the combination, with a speed-governor and a circuit-
controller operated thereby, of an adjustable stop for determining the position at
which the circuit is broken, substantially as described.
5. In a phonograph, the combination, with the main shaft, and a recorder or
reproducer, of a separate feed-screw-shaft for the recorder or reproducer, and a
belt between the main shaft and the screw-shaft, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
6. For use in a phonograph, a belt formed of parchment-like material and
arranged to operate substantially as herein described.
7. In a phonograph having a main shaft and a feed-screw-shaft driven therefrom,
encasing the pulleys and belt substantially as herein described.
8. In a phonograph, the combination, with a phonograph-cylinder and a feed-
screw-shaft, of a guide-rod between the cylinder and the screw-shaft, a sleeve on
the guide-rod, a recorder- or reproducer-carrying-arm extending from the sleeve
over the cylinder, and a feed-arm projecting in an opposite direction to the carrying-
arm, substantially as described.
9. In a phonograph, the combination, with a feeding device and an alarm, of
means, moved by the feeding device, for operating the alarm, substantially as
described.
10. The improved construction of phonograph-recorder, having its point formed
of a jewel, substantially as herein described.
11. In a phonograph, the combination, with a movable phonogram-blank, a
diaphragm or vibrating device, and a recorder or reproducer the point of which is
movable in an arc at an angle to the direction of movement of the blank, of &

page_text: connection between the diaphragm and the recorder or reproducer, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
12. In a phonograph, the combination, with a phonogram-blank, of a diaphragm
or vibrating device, a pivoted angle-lever one end of which forms or carries an
operating point adjacent to the phonogram-blank, and a link connecting the a
diaphragm and the angle-lever, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
13. The improved construction of phonograph-reproducer, having its point
formed of, a jewel, substantially as herein described.
14. In a phonograph, the combination, with a phonogram-blank, of a counter-
balanced recorder or reproducer, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
15. In a phonograph, the combination, with a phonogram-blank, of a recorder
adapted to rest on the blank, a speaking tube, a circuit-controller thereon, an
-electromagnet, and means operated by the electromagnet for raising the recorder
from the blank, substantially as described.
16. In a phonograph, the combination, with a recorder and a reproducer carried
by a single support which can be turned to bring either the recorder or the
reproducer into operative position, of a movable plate adjacent to the support and
projecting or adapted to project under it, and a pin on the support, the pin being
arranged to move the plate, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
17. The recording and reproducing phonograph, and the driving and operating
mechanism therefor, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
Dated the 8th day of June 1909
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Chartered Patent Agent.