NEW OR IMPROVED MEANS, APPARATUS, OR APPLIANCES FOR UTILIZING AND CONVEYING SOUNDS OR SIGNALS FROM OR TO TELEPHONIC OR PHONOGRAPHIC SOUND-PRODUCING OR SIGNALLING INSTRUMENTS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Edward Pritchett, of Bishop Stortford, in the
County of Herts, Architect, for the Invention of "NEW OR IMPROVED MEANS,
APPARATUS, OR APPLIANCES FOR UTILIZING AND CONVEYING SOUNDS OR
SIGNALS FROM OR TO TELEPHONIC OR PHONOGRAPHIC SOUND-PRODUCING OR
SIGNALLING INSTRUMENTS."
Sealed the 22nd March 1878, and dated the 15th January 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Edward Pritchett at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th January 1878.
"
GEORGE EDWARD PRITCHETT, of Bishop Stortford, in the County of Herts,
Architect. NEW OR IMPROVED MEANS, APPARATUS, OR APPLIANCES FOR UTILIZING
AND CONVEYING SOUNDS OR SIGNALS FROM OR TO TELEPHONIC OR PHONOGRAPHIC
SOUND-PRODUCING OR SIGNALLING INSTRUMENTS."
This Invention comprises means or methods of imparting and revealing sounds,
articulate speech, musical or other sounds or signals emanating from or produced
by telephonic, phonographic, and sound-producing instruments and apparatus, so
as to put the sounds or signals into audible or open communication with a number
of persons simultaneously. This may be effected by placing a cap, caps, or covers,
or other similar appliances of suitable dimensions, construction, and materials in
close connection with, or in such convenient position or positions with respect to
the telephonic and phonographic instruments and apparatus as to catch the words,
sounds, and signals emanating from or produced by the instruments and apparatus
aforesaid. From these caps, cap, or covers a number of tubes or channels of various
sizes or lengths may be branched by being inserted, screwed, or secured into the
said cap or covers, or into the telephonic and phonographic instruments and
apparatus, below or above the discs, and terminated or fitted with ear-pieces, mouth-
pieces, and valves, or otherwise.

page_text: It follows, that when the telephonic and phonographic sounds, words, or signals
are produced or received by the instruments or apparatus aforesaid, the tubes or
channels attached to the said cap, caps, or covers, or telephonic and phonographic
instruments, will convey the sounds, words, or signals emanated or signalled to a
distance from the instruments or apparatus to a number of persons using the
instrument where required.
Such tubes, and mouth-pieces, and ear-pieces, can also be used and attached for
speaking into and listening to such instruments from a distance simultaneously,
and thus authenticated copies of messages or signals sent could be taken down in
writing, or listened to by persons in different places.
For example, several reporters to newspapers, or other persons, may severally
have the use of one or more tubes or channels, and mouth-pieces and ear-pieces,
running from the cap, caps, or covers or instruments as before mentioned, which, if
adjusted or fixed to his or their persons or ears, having light ear-pieces and pads
with springs, or otherwise, so as to shut out external sounds, stillness would be
secured to him or them, and one telephonic and phonographic instrument, from
which sounds, words, or signals emanate or are signalled, would answer the purpose
of a multiplicity of telephonic and phonographic instruments and apparatus, as
several persons would, one and all, be able to hear the same messages, words, or
signals, or sounds at the same time, although in different places. The messages
words, or signals received could thus be attested, registered, and accuracy ensured
at the moment of emanation or delivery.
It will be evident that the hands of the reporters or others will be free, from not
having to hold any instruments, as the tubes or channels aforesaid will be attached
to or brought into close proximity to their ears, mouths, or persons from the
telephonic and phonographic instruments, which could be fixed. Thus, their fingers
will be free and ready to write or manipulate other instruments, apparatus, &c., as
required, at the same time as the words, sounds, or signals are in emanation from
the telephonic and phonographic instruments or apparatus.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said George Edward Pritchett in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
15th July 1878.
GEORGE EDWARD PRITCHETT, of Bishop Stortford, in the County of Herts,
Architect. "NEW OR IMPROVED MEANS, APPARATUS, OR APPLIANCES FOR UTILIZING
AND CONVEYING SOUNDS OR SIGNALS FROM OR TO TELEPHONIC OR PHONOGRAPHIC
SOUND-PRODUCING OR SIGNALLING INSTRUMENTS."
This Invention comprises means or methods of imparting and revealing sounds,
articulate speech, musical or other sounds or signals emanating from or produced
by telephonic, phonographic, and sound-producing instruments and apparatus, so as
to put the sounds or signals into audible or open communication with a number of
persons simultaneously. This may be effected by placing a cap, caps, covers,
cases or other similar appliances of suitable dimensions, construction, and materials
in close connection with or in other convenient position or positions with respect
to the telephonic and phonographic instruments and other apparatus, so as to catch
the words, sounds, and signals emanating from, conveyed, or produced by the the
instruments and apparatus aforesaid. From these caps, cap, or covers a number of
tubes or channels of various sizes or lengths may be branched by being inserted,
screwed, or secured into the said cap, caps, covers, or cases, or into the telephonic
and phonographic instruments and apparatus, below or above the discs, and
terminated or fitted with ear-pieces, mouth-pieces, valves, and circuit breaks or
otherwise.
It follows that when the telephonic or phonographic sounds, words, or signals
are produced or received by the instruments or apparatus aforesaid, the tubes or
channels attached to the said cap, caps, or covers or telephonic and phonographic
instruments will convey the sounds, words, or signals emanated or signalled to a
distance from the instruments or apparatus to a number of persons using or listening
to the instrument where required.
Such tubes, and mouth-pieces, and ear-pieces, can also be used and attached for
speaking into and listening to such instruments from a distance simultaneously,
and thus authenticated copies of messages or signals sent could be taken down in
writing, and listened to by persons in different places.
For example, several reporters to newspapers, or other persons, may severally
have the use of one or more tubes or channels, and mouth-pieces and ear-pieces,
running from the cap, caps, or covers or instruments as before mentioned, which if
adjusted or fixed to his or their persons or ears (having light ear-pieces and pads
with springs or otherwise, so as to shut out external sounds) stillness would be
secured to him or them, and one telephonic or phonographic or other sound-pro-
ducing instrument or instruments from which sounds, words, or signals emanate
by being boxed or cased in, or are signalled, would answer the purpose of a
multiplicity of telephonic, phonographic, or other sound-producing or conveying
instruments and apparatus as several persons would, one and all, be able to hear
the same message, words, or signals, or sounds from the same telephonic or phono-
graphic instrument at the same time. The messages, words, or signals received
could thus be attested, registered, and accuracy ensured at the moment of emanation
or delivery.
It will be evident that the hands of the reporters or others will be free from not
having to hold any instrument, as the tubes or channels aforesaid will be attached
to or brought in close proximity to their ears, mouths, or persons from the tele-
phonic and phonographic or other instruments which could be fixed. Thus, their
fingers will be free and ready to write or manipulate other instruments, apparatus,
&c., as required, at the same time as the words, sounds, or signals are in emanation
from the telephonic or phonographic or other instruments or apparatus.
Having thus far described my Invention, I may remark that my new, improved,
and combined sound-producing, transmitting, and receiving instruments, apparatus,

page_text: and appliances alluded to may be placed at any convenient distances or number of
miles apart, and may be brought into use or worked by any method or medium,
so as to produce the required and strengthening effects, and same may vary in
size, shape, dimensions, and materials.
For the new adaptations and combinations aforesaid one mode I adopt, shewn
by Fig. 1 of the Drawing accompanying this Specification, is to bend a steel or
iron rod or rods, jointed or otherwise, towards or at its or their centres, or else-
where, and supplied with or without soft iron cores and coils, bobbins, and discs,
in such a curvilinear or angular manner and proportion as to allow mouth and ear
pieces or caps, with finials, pads, and appliances to fit to the ear or ears and mouth
of the user when placed there, so as to form both transmitting and receiving
instruments or instrument to be used at the same time without shifting it or them
from the ear to the mouth, or vice versa.
This duplex form and combination can be held by the hand or hands, or other-
wise fixed, the pressure of the fingers on the jointed, bent, or straight rod or rods
(which may be magnetized or otherwise) being sufficient to adjust the instrument
to the ear and mouth as required.
This adjustment may also be assisted by handles or knobs on the bar or stem
(as shewn in Fig. 1).
These iron or steel rods can be covered with velvet or other suitable material, or
decorated, as can also the cap and tubing.
This instrument can be folded up, so as to go readily into the pocket, or into a
small case or box.
To apply this duplex instrument to both the ears and the mouth another new
adaptation and combination (see Fig. 2) which I make use of is to attach a second
rod, mounted with mouth and ear pieces similar to those already described, and as
shewn in said Fig. 2, and thus form it into a triple instrument. These caps or ear-
pieces can be padded as aforesaid, and applied to the ears, so as to shut out external
sounds (as also shewn in Figures 1 and 2), which will much aid the receiver in
hearing sounds and messages, whilst to transmit sounds or articulate speech it will
only be necessary to move or adjust the instrument by the handles at A, B, to the
mouth, so as to speak into the instrument in its duplex or triple form without
shifting it or them from the ear to the mouth, or vice versa.
In order to lighten these instruments elastic tubing, light springs, or other
materials may be introduced between the rods or parts with advantage, as also
shewn in Fig. 2.
To put two or more persons into communication with this instrument or these
instruments, tubes of various sizes and suitable lengths, with ear and mouth pieces,
are also introduced into the caps as required (as shewn in Figs. 1 and 2).
Another new adaptation and combination is to have one or two caps and steel
or iron rods, as aforesaid, so as to fit the ear or ears, and with pads or otherwise,
so as to shut out external sounds. These may be connected or fixed by straps,
tubes, bands, or springs, and fastened by these passing over the head and under
the chin.
Tubes may be inserted in the caps, as aforesaid, both for purposes of transmitting
and receiving sounds. The hands of the person or persons using this instrument,
or these instruments will thus be free to write or manipulate with other instru-
ments, as required. This method and combination is illustrated in Fig. 3.
Another new adaptation and combination (see Fig. 4) I make use of is to cap
telephonic instruments with conical or segmental caps, or enclosures of other
shapes, made with metal, ebonite, or suitable materials, and having a tube or tubes
(elastic or otherwise) terminated with ear finials and pads to cover the ear or ears
of the person using them, so as to shut out sounds. Mouth-pieces or tubes adapted
for transmitting sounds or messages will be branched and fixed on the caps, and
adapted for the use of the mouth (as shewn at A in said Fig. 4).
The telephonic instruments when used in this adaptation and combination can
or will be fastened by a clip, strap, or otherwise to the collar or garment of the

page_text: user, either on the left or right side; or there will, by preference, be two telephonic
instruments in use, one on each side (as shewn by dotted lines in Fig. 4) with caps
and tubes, which may reach to the ears as aforesaid, and the two instruments be
connected with a band or strap across the shoulders, as shewn, or by clips as
aforesaid.
In the case of one telephonic instrument only being in use, and attached on the
left or right side of the garment of the user, the tubing attached to the cap may or
will be branched'; or this may be done by tripod pieces or otherwise, and conveyed
to the right or left ear by passing at the back of or over the head or under the
chin of the user, where it will be fixed by a band or straps and supplied with pads
and ear-pieces as aforesaid; thus the hands of the person or persons using the
instrument, and to whom the instrument or instruments are fixed, will be free to
write and manipulate with other instruments as required. This adaptation is also
illustrated in Fig. 5, where only one branch piece is shewn by side elevation.
Another new adaptation and combination is to sling telephonic instruments by
straps or bands, or fix them by or on a stem or spring, so that the user can bring
or press the ear against one or both of them by adjustment.
Tubes can be inserted either below or above the discs, and may be used for
transmitting and receiving purposes as required (and as shewn in Fig. 6).
Another new adaptation and combination (as shown in Fig. 7) is to mount
telephonic instruments, either vertically or otherwise, in or on a stand or table.
Above, or in connection with this telephonic instrument or instruments, is a
circular or polygonal tube of metal or other material of any suitable or fitting size
and dimensions, with outlets and branch outlets, as shewn in Fig. 7.
One or more
of such tubes, with outlets as aforesaid, can be lowered or adjusted to the caps or
other portions of the telephonic instruments; or the telephonic instruments will be
raised or lowered to or from the main tube as required, so as to utilize and convey
the sounds emanating from or produced by the telephonic power by their passing
into this main tube and branch tubes aforesaid, and thence into other and longer
tubes (elastic or otherwise) with ear and mouth pieces as aforesaid, and as also
shewn in Fig. 7.
Stops or dampers may be introduced into the main tube or elsewhere, so as to
use one or more instruments at the same time (as shewn at A, Fig. 7). Persons
using these tubes, to which mouth and ear pieces may or will be attached, and fixed
or held to their ear, or adjusted to their mouth, by any of the methods aforesaid,
will one and all hear the sounds, articulate speech, music, &c., emanating from the
telephonic instrument aforesaid, of which several may be in use at the same time,
whilst their hands can or will be free for writing or manipulating with other
instruments or otherwise as aforesaid.
The branches or tubes not in use may be stopped by plugs, valves, or otherwise.
Another new adaptation and combination (see Fig. 8) which I make use of is to
insert into the cap of telephonic instruments a piece of tubing of appropriate size,
preferably about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and spread out at its bottom
end, so as to fit closely down in the caps of the telephonic instruments, whilst its
upper part or end is branched into several openings to receive tubes (elastic or
otherwise) for the purpose of transmitting and receiving sounds. This tubing is
secured to the case of telephonic instruments, as shewn in Fig. 8. Thus one
telephonic instrument only need be in use instead of several.
Another new adaptation I make use of is to cap telephonic instruments with
perforated cap or caps of ebonite, metal, or other suitable material, so as to insert
into it or them one or a number of tubes or channels, which can be led away from
it or them, and terminated by mouth and ear pieces, so that a number of persons
may use the same simultaneously, either for transmitting or receiving sounds as
aforesaid. This is illustrated in Fig. 9.
Another new adaptation I make use of (see Fig. 10) is to form with ebonite,
gutta-percha, metal, or other convenient substances a cover or plug fitting into the
top of the telephonic instrument, and leaving one, two, or more outlets or openings.

page_text: One of the outlets can be used for transmitting, and the other or others may be
fitted with tubes or channels, and mouth and ear pieces, for the purpose of listening
to and receiving sounds and messages. This mode and combination is illustrated
in Fig. 10.
A similar adaptation and combination may be made use of without any tele-
phonic instrument, technically so-called, and also with what are known as toy
telephones influenced by vibratory motions, visible or invisible, by inserting a tube
or tubes with suitable ear and mouth pieces into the material of the instruments,
so that the telephonic instrument becomes a multiplex instrument in its effects,
and several persons may use or avail themselves of a number of telephonic sounds
and results simultaneously without shifting the instruments.
Similar adaptations and combinations in effect may also be used or applied to pho-
nographic or any other sounding instruments. by casing, boxing, or enclosing them
with materials, such as wood, ebonite, metal, or other suitable substances, so that
sounds will be condensed and strengthened, and will emanate and be conveyed
from them and their casings and boxings through tubes or channels to distances
less or greater, as may be required, and thus sounds or signals will be put into
audible, free, and open communication with a number of persons simultaneously, as
also shewn in Fig. 11.
And it may be here observed that this Invention, although it will be found to be
of great utility to all persons who have to use telephonic, phonographic, micro-
phonic, or such like instruments, will also be found to be of the greatest service to
persons afflicted with deafness, as even the simpler forms of sound-conveying instru-
ments could, by the adoption of my Invention, be increased in efficiency.
Relays can also be introduced where requisite.
FT. -
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature and object of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed or carried out in practice,
I hereby declare that I claim substantially as herein-before set forth and described,
the Invention of new or improved means, apparatus, or appliances for utilizing and
conveying sounds or signals to and from telephonic, phonographic, or other sound-
conveying, producing, reproducing, or signalling instruments, wherein the use and
adoption of sounding instruments with enclosings, pads, boxings, tubes, branches,
ear trumpets, and terminals arranged substantially as herein-before described
(although open to variation in detail as to relays or otherwise) with the view of
condensing, strengthening, and utilizing, and transmitting the effect of telephonic,
phonographic, microphonic, and other sound-conveying, producing, reproducing
instruments, is the important point or feature.
!
In witness whereof, I, the said George Edward Pritchett, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
Witness,
T. MORGAN,
Secretary,
Inventors' Patent Right Asso., Limited.
G. E. PRITCHETT. (L.S.)