Energy and Means and Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1886

page_text: Energy and Means and Apparatus therefor.
I JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this Invention which has been com-
municated to me from abroad by The Volta Graphophone Company of Alexandria
Virginia in 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 a new method of and means for throwing a beam of
light or other radient energy into vibriations corresponding to sound waves and also
to a new method of and apparatus for producing a photographic record of such
vibrations.
According to the first part of the invention the vibrations to be impressed upon
the radient beam are produced in a fluid (liquid or gas but specially liquid) in
motion and this fluid impresses the vibrations upon the radient beam. For this
purpose special application is made of what are herein termed sensitive jets.
It has been found that jets of water, air and other fluids issuing from a proper
jet orifice under a suitable pressure respond very readily to sonorous vibrations
within certain limits and that they also can be made to amplify the vibrations
impressed upon them.
În the present invention the sensitive jet is utilised for intercepting, reflecting,
refracting, diffusing, or otherwise altering the intensity, size, or direction of the
radient beam or part thereof. Preferably the radient energy is transmitted through
a film of liquid; but there are various other ways of impressing the vibrations of
the jet or jet fluid directly upon the radient beam, some of which will be hereafter
described. The vibration of the beam by sensitive jets is considered a special
improvement, and is particularly claimed, but it is not designed to limit the
invention thereto, it being broadly new to vary a beam of radient energy by fluid
in motion so as to impress on said beam vibrations corresponding to sound.
This

page_text: part of the invention also consists broadly in the method of impressing vibrations
upon a radient beam by transmitting the same through a varying film or body of
more or less transparent material. Heretofore it was either reflected or intercepted
more or less by an opaque body.
According to the second part of the invention a variable beam of light is caused
to pass through a fine slit or other opening, and an image of the slit, enlarged,
diminished, or of the same size, is then projected by means of one or more lenses
or other suitable devices upon a sensitised tablet, which is moved progressively in
front of the slit. The tablet may be any suitable sheet or strip of sensitised
material. Glass plates coated with a dry photographic film have been used
successively. The light is condensed by lenses, reflectors, or other suitable means
so that a very powerful beam can be thrown on the sensitized tablet. In view
of the short time during which any part of the tablet is exposed, it is very
advantageous to be able to employ a powerful light. Sometimes it is desirable to
use a second slit close to the recording tablet: as for example when the image
formed by a slit of varying length or width is magnified and it is desired to restrict
the enlargement to the variable dimension; and also when a highly magnified
image of a slit, through which light of varying intensity is passed, is thrown upon
the tablet and it is desired to restrict the action to a small area on the photographic
plate, it being difficult to operate with the main opening or slit small enough.
According to the third part of the invention a beam of variable intensity is
allowed to record itself upon the sensitised tablet. The record formed by such a
beam exhibits a variable depth corresponding to the vibrations which produced the
variation in intensity in the beam. The best mode of producing the beam of
variable intensity is by transmission through a jet film, as before indicated; but
there are other modes of producing such a beam as for example by using a variable
source of light.
The Invention further comprises certain special devices, and combinations of
devices and of steps in a method as hereinafter set forth.
In the accompanying drawings Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a horizontal
section and a side elevation, of an apparatus for photographing sound vibrations in
accordance with the invention and Figure 3 is a detail view in front elevation.
Figures 4 and 5 are front and side elevations, respectively, of a modified
transmitting or beam changing apparatus also constructed in accordance with
the invention. Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate transmitting apparatus which
may be used in carrying the invention or parts thereof into effect but which is not
claimed except when used in combination as hereinafter specified. Figures 10, 11,
12, 13, 14 and 15 are views of modified forms of transmitting or beam-changing
apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention and adapted for use as
radiaphonic transmitters, and Figure 16 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale of
still another form of transmitting or beam changing apparatus, also constructed in
accordance with the invention. The same characters indicate like parts in all
the figures.
Referring to figures 1, 2 and 3 the close box 250, placed at one end of the
base 251, contains the tablet F and the means for moving the same.
The tablet is or may be a glass disc coated with a sensitive film such as used in
instantaneous photography. It is mounted on the arbor D turning in bearings on
the slide C, which moves in ways of the frame B. A metal disc E on the arbor
forms a backing to the tablet. The opposite end of the arbor carries a bevel
gear 1, which engages a similar gear 4 on the end of screw 5. This screw is
Journaled in a bearing in the slide C and is tapped through a stationary lug 6 on
the frame B. As the arbor D is revolved, the screw 5 is turned also, and in
consequence of its engagement with the lug 6 it moves the slide C lengthwise of
the frame B. The rotation is communicated to the arbor D from its shaft 7
journaled in bearings of the frame B, the outer end projecting through the end
wall of the box 250. On the outer end of shaft 7 is fixed the fly wheel 8, which
has a crank handle 9, and at the other the friction pinion G which bears against

page_text: the back of the disc E and communicates motion to it, and consequently also to
tablet and arbor D.
On the other side of tablet F from the friction pinion G is a hole 252 in the wall
of the box, which hole can be closed or opened at will by shifting the slide 253.
At a suitable distance from the box 250, the standard 254 is firmly fixed on
the base 251. On the front of this standard is fastened a plate 255 of opaque
material (brass for example) which is perforated by a narrow slit (see Figure 3)
of say 1 of an inch in length by 1 of an inch in width and on the outer face
of this plate is fastened a transparent sheet 256 of glass or other suitable material.
Behind the plate the standard is perforated and the end of the tube 257 fits the
perforation. The opposite end of the tube makes a close joint with the front of
the box 250 and surrounds the hole 252 therein. Thus no light is admitted to the
box except what passes through the slit. In the tubo 257 is a lens 258. It is so
shaped and the length of the tube so adjusted that it projects an image of the
slit upon the tablet F.
Radient energy from any suitable source (the sun's rays for example, reflected
by a common heliostat) is concentrated on the slit by the condensing lens 259.
The amount of light which is allowed to pass through the slit is varied by means
of a varying film of liquid (such as a solution of bichromate of potash) on the
outside of the glass 256. This film is formed by the jet from the jet tube 260.
This tube is set in the sound board 261, which is fastened to the top of the
standard 254 and is so adjusted that the jet strikes the glass say 16 of an inch
above the slit in the plate 255, as shewn in figure 3.
The jet tube is supplied through the flexible (soft rubber) pipe 262 from the
elevated reservoir 263, supported by and adjustable upon the rod 264, which is
fixed at the bottom to the base 251. The jet orifice may be 1 of an inch in
diameter and the reservoir be about four feet above the orifice. Below the glass is
a receptacle 265 for the jet liquid.
In operation the wheel 8 is turned at an even rate of speed which gives an even
speed also to those parts of the surface of the tablet which successively come
opposite the hole 253. This is very desirable because it gives an even exposure to
every part of the surface. If the light were constant a spiral line would be formed
in the sensitised tablet of constant width and practically uniform shade, depth or
intensity. On talking to or in the vicinity of the sound board, or of the jet itself
(a sound board not being essential) the jet is thrown into vibration. The jet may
also be otherwise thrown into vibration,
The film over the slit varies in conformity with the vibrations impressed upon the
jet and allows more or less light to fall upon the tablet. The size of the image
projected upon the tablet remains constant. It is the intensity of the light which
is changed by this apparatus.
After the whole surface of the tablet has been exposed, or so much as is desired,
it is removed from the box and developed by any ordinary or suitable photographic
means.
In this way a very perfect record can be obtained of sound vibrations. The
vibrations impressed upon the jet are also by it amplified as they are propagated
engthwise of the jet so that the effective variations in the jet film are increased.
This amplification further tends to improve the record.
In the apparatus shown in Figures 4 and 5 the jet passes in front of the slit
which is formed in the end of the block 266, and strikes against the inclined plate
off which it runs into the receptacle 265. As the jet is vibrated the cross section
of the part opposite the slit expands and contracts, and the vibrations are recorded
s a line of varying width. The recording apparatus is or may be as shown in
Tigures 1 and 2.
In figures 6, 7 and 8 a flat style 267 of somewhat greater width than the length
f the slit in the block 266 (see figure 8) is attached to the diaphragm 268, and
380 arranged that its upper end overlies the slit. The light therefore passes

page_text: between the top of the style and the upper edge of the slit. The diaphragm is
vibrated by speaking into the communicating sound tube.
The recording apparatus may be as shewn in Figures 1 and 2. The edge of the
vibrating style being parallel with the length of the slit and consequently parallel
with the radius of the tablet through the image thereon, the record will be of 5
practically uniform width, but variable in shade, depth, or intensity. The effect,
it will be observed is here produced not by varying the intensity of the image, as
in the apparatus of Figures and 2, but by the less perfect mode of varying
its size.
The apparatus of Figure 9 is the same as that of Figures 6, 7 and 8 except that
the style vibrates lengthwise of the slit, increasing and diminishing in length.
Consequently the record will be of. varying width. This form of record has certain
advantages. It can, for example, easily be magnified so that the smallest
vibrations become very evident.
The same is true also of the record made by the jet arranged as in Figures 4
and 5. In order to produce the desired enlargement the lens in the tube 257
should be adapted and adjusted to throw an enlarged image of the slit on the
tablet, and the hole 252 in the side of the box should be a narrow slit so that
the variable dimension (that is the length) of the image only is enlarged. Any
considerable increase in the width of the image would cause the successive images
to overlap one another to such an extent as to impair the value of the record.
In figures 10 and 11 the light passes through an annular opening and is received
upon a radiophonic receiver 269. The jet plays upon the upper side of a sheet of
glass 270 on whose lower surface silver has been deposited leaving uncovered the
annular space 271 (see figure 12). The receiver of Figure 10 is a lamp black
receiver and operates mechanically; that of figure 11 has a cell of selenium or lamp
black which varies the resistance of an electric circuit including a magneto
telephone.
In figures 10 and 11 the light passes obliquely through the jet film. In
Figure 13 a mirror 272 is so placed as to reflect the rays and make them normal
or nearly so to the curved film, which spreads over the upper surface of the
lens 273. The jet passes through the hole in the mirror.
In figure 14 the silver coating on the bottom of the lens is shown, an annular
clear space 271 being left for the passage of the light.
In Figure 15 the sheet of glass 270 is used in place of the lens, and the light is
supposed to issue from the point 274. It will be reflected from the mirror 272
after passing through the jet film, and the rays being rendered parallel by the
lens 275 will pass to a distant station to be there received on any suitable radio-
phonic receiver, or a recording apparatus such as shown in figures 1 and 2, the jet
and jet film being omitted.
In Figure 16 the tube 276 is fixed in an upright sound board 277. One end of
the tube is closed by the glass plate 278, and one side thereof is provided with an
outlet 279. In the open end of the tube 276 is inserted the metal cup 280, a
packing of leather or other suitable material being interposed to make a water-
tight joint. The cup being held by friction can be adjusted in and out.
A chamber is formed in the cup by a partition whose centre 281 is of glass.
A liquid inlet pipe 282 communicates with the chamber at the bottom, and an air
escape pipe 283 at the top. A screw plug 284 closes the pipe 283 when the apparatus
is in use.
The jet tube or nipple 285 is fixed in the wall of the chamber opposite
the partition. When the apparatus is to be used for recording, the tube 276 is
slipped into the tube 257 of Figures 1 and 2 and the lens 258 is so adjusted as to
throw an image of the jet orifice on the recording tablet. In operation the jet
liquid is admitted from the elevated reservoir 262 into the chamber in cup 280 by
the pipe 283, and when the chamber is full the air escape is closed by the plug 284.
The jet from the nipple 285 plays against the glass 278 and the waste liquid
escapes by the pipe 279. The light from the condensing lens 259 passes through
the glass 281 and the liquid in the chamber, thence through the jet orifice and

page_text: traversing the jet lengthwise is focussed upon the tablet. On impressing vibrations
upon the jet by talking to the sounding board or otherwise, the intensity of the
light transmitted is varied correspondingly. Of course the light could be received
upon a radiophonic receiver as shewn in Figures 10 and 11.
It will be understood that where materials proportions and dimensions have been
given it is only by way of example for enabling others more readily to use the
several improvements and not as limiting the invention thereto. It will also be
understood that the details can be otherwise varied without departing from the
spirit of the invention, and that parts of the invention can be used separately.
Where a jet is bereinafter referred to a jet film is to be included in the term.
The term fluid is used in its proper sense and not as synonymous with liquid,
although liquids are considered best suited for the purposes of the invention.
It is best to use clear water with Figure 16, but with the photographic arrange-
ments a saturated solution of bichromate of potash has generally been used on
account of absorbent action on actinic rays. In figures 10 and 11 a saturated
solution of alum would probably work best as the heat rays are the active ones in
those cases.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this Inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is.
First: The method of varying or vibrating radient energy by producing
vibrations corresponding to sound waves in a moving fluid in the path of said
energy, and impressing the vibrations upon the radient energy, by the direct
action of said fluid substantially as described.
Second-The method of varying or vibrating radient energy by producing the
vibrations in a sensitive jet, and impressing the vibrations upon the radient
energy by the direct action of the said jet or jet fluid, substantially as described.
Third The method of varying or vibrating radient energy by impressing the
vibrations corresponding to sound waves upon a body or film of more or less
transparent material, and transmitting the radient energy through said body or film
substantially as described.
Fourth-The method of varying or vibrating radient energy by transmitting the
same through a sensitive jet of more or less transparent fluid in vibration, sub-
stantially as described.
Fifth-The method of varying or vibrating radient energy by directing or
concentrating the same upon a jet film of a liquid and impressing the vibrations
upon the jet and through the jet film upon the radient energy substantially as
described.
Sixth-The method of utilizing radient energy for transmitting and recording
sound vibrations consisting in impressing the vibrations thereon by the direct
action of fluid in motion, and causing the vibrated raya to fall upon an apparatus-
such as a radiophonic receiver, or a recording tablet-sensitive to radient energy,
substantially as described.
Seventh The method of utilizing radient energy for transmitting and recording
round vibrations, by impressing the vibrations upon a sensitive jet in the path of
the rays, and thereby causing similar vibrations to be impressed upon the radient
beam, and receiving the vibrated beam upon a sensitive apparatus-such as a
radiophonic receiver or moving sensitized tablet substantially as described.
Eighth The method of utilizing radient energy for transmitting and recording
sound vibrations by transmitting the rays through a more or less transparent
medium, impressing vibrations upon said medium so as to vary the intensity of
the energy transmitted, and receiving the transmitted energy upon an apparatus
sensitive thereto, substantially as described.
Ninth The method of utilizing radient energy by transmitting the same
through the films from a jet of liquid striking a solid substance, impressing

page_text: vibrations upon the jet and receiving the transmitted energy upon an apparatus
sensitive thereto substantially as described.
Tenth The method of recording sound vibrations by varying or vibrating in
accordance with the sounds to be recorded a narrow beam of radient energy, and
receiving the same upon a sensitive tablet to which an uniform surface speed is
imparted substantially as described.
Eleventh-The method of recording sound vibrations by impressing corre-
sponding vibrations or variations upon radient energy emanating from a point
or line such as light transmitted through a small hole or slit-and projecting an
image of said point or line upon a moving sensitized tablet substantially as
described.
Twelfth The method of recording sound vibrations by impressing corre,
sponding vibrations or variations upon radient energy emanating from a point or
line and projecting an image of said point or line upon a sensitized tablet, and
giving an uniform surface speed to said tablet, substantially as described.
Thirteenth-The method of recording sound vibrations by impressing corre-
sponding vibrations or variations upon a jet in the path of a radient beam, and
thereby vibrating or varying the beam and allowing a section of the beam to pass
through a slit and fall upon a sensitive moving tablet, substantially as described.
. Fourteenth-The method of recording sound vibrations, by impressing corre-
sponding vibrations or variations upon a more or less transparent film or medium
transmitting radient energy through the same and causing the transmitted energy
or a portion thereof to fall as a narrow strip or line upon a moving sensitized
tablet substantially as described.
Fifteenth The combination with means for providing or directing a beam of
radient energy of a beam changer consisting of a vibratory body of moving fluid
in the path of said energy for impressing vibrations or variations thereon sub-
stantially as described.
Sixteenth-The combination with means for producing or directing a beam
of radient energy of a sensitive jet in the path of said beam substantially as
described.
Seventeenth-The combination with a transparent fluid sensitive to sound
vibrations and adapted to vary radient energy transmitted through it, of means
for directing a beam of radient energy upon said fluid so that the beam or a part
thereof will be transmitted substantially as described.
Eighteenth-The combination of the jet tube supply tube and reservoir of the
glass sheet in the path of the jet and the means for directing the radient energy
upon the film which spreads out over said sheet substantially as described.
Nineteenth-The combination with a sensitized tablet and means for moving
the saine, of means for directing a beam of radient energy through a slit or small
opening and for impressing vibrations upon the said energy and means for directing
the said energy upon the moving tablet to form thereon an image of said slit or
opening substantially as described.
Twentieth-The combination with the sensitized tablet and the means for
directing a beam of radient energy upon the tablet so that it forms a spot or line
thereon, of mechanism for giving to the tablet an uniform surface speed where the
radient energy falls substantially as described.
Twenty first: The combination of the sensitized tablet enclosed in a close box
the means for moving said tablet, the tube opening into the box, the lens in the
tube, the plate or block provided with a slit, and the means for directing radient
energy upon the slit and for varying or vibrating the same substantially as
described.
Twenty second-The combination with the means for producing or directing a
beam of radient energy, of the means for producing a sensitive jet or vibratory body
of fluid in the path of said beam, and a sensitive apparatus or receiver arranged
to be acted upon by the energy which is varied or vibrated by said jet or fluid
substantially as described.

page_text: Twenty third-The combination with the means for producing or directing a
beam of radient energy of the means for producing a more or less transparent jet
film or vibratory fluid in the path of said beam, and a sensitive apparatus or
receiver arranged to receive the energy transmitted through said film or fluid
substantially as described.
Twenty fourth-The apparatus for recording sound vibrations photographically
consisting of the following elements in combination namely the condensing lens,
the plate or block provided with a slit, the means for varying the quantity or
intensity of the energy transmitted through said slit, the recording tablet, the lens
for projecting an image of the slit on the tablet, and the mechanism for giving an
uniform surface speed to the tablet under said image, substantially as described.
Dated this 4th day of Now 100G
J. HENRY JOHNSON,
Agent.