US1622011A - Phonographic reproducing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

March 22', 1927.

A, A. THOMAS PHONOGRAPHXC REPRODUCING'APPARATUS Filed July 28, 1926 '2 Snags-Sheet 1 INVENTOR March 1927. 1,622,011

A, A. THOMAS PHONOGRAPHIC REPRODUCING APPARATUS Filed July 28, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR remind; Me. an,

- lUlWlThlilft earns AJBQLPH A. THOE IJKS, 01" NEW YORK; N. Y.

HHUKTTQGEAPHId EEPRODUGING AKPARA'E'WS.

implication filed July 23,

acoustic machine with novel reproducing mechanism adapted to reproduce either me chanically through the tone arm or electrically through a loudspeaker unit connected to the horn. The reproducing mechanism comprises selecting means which place either to method of reproduction within ready control of the operator.

. Another object of my invention is to provide a phonograph with mechanical and electric reproducing means selectively operable'independently of each other, in combination with valve mechanism automatically controlled by the operative condition of each reproducing means to connect the operative reproducing means with the ampli- 2e :iiying apparatus of the machine. In order to explain thisleature ofmy invention, I have showni't in connection with an electromechanical reproducer having means for manually adjusting the same for either type of reproduction. This adjusting or selecting means automatically operates .a valve for placing either the tone arm or a. louds euker unit in acoustic communication with 't e amplifying; horn of the phonograph. The loudspeaker unit, which is a form of telephone receiver, connected to a branch tube or passage arranged to communicate with the horn at a suitable point. A valve is so mounted that in one position it opens the horn to the tone arm and closes off the branch tube; in the other position, the valve opens connnunication between the branch tube and the horn, whili at the same time preventing sound waves from passing into the tone arm. A suitable electromagnetic device operates the valve, and this mechanism is automatically controlled by the op crativc condition of the reprod-uccr. lVhcn the diaphragm selected for mechanical reproduction through the tone arm, a circuit is automatically closed through the valve actuating device to move the valve into posi tion for cormecting the tone arm with the horn and shutting oil the branch tulle. On the other hand, when the selecting means is operated for electric reproduction, the valve-actuating device automatically moves the valve into position to connect the loudspeaker unit with the horn and cut off the tone arm, so that the sound waves produced 1326. @crial No. 1585,3531.

by the loudspeaker through the horn.

In the preferred embodiment of my invention, the connection between the loudspeaker unit and the horn is concealed below the top board of the cabinet. -'llhe actinitin device for the valveis, therefore, out of sight. lndeed, so far as the operator is concerned, the controlling valve does not exist, for its op eration is Wholly automatic. The selecting means of my double-actingdiaphrag'm are amplified reproducer may also control acircuit of the electric reproducing mechanism, That is to say, when the diaphragm is reproducing, the electric reproducer circuit is open; when the selecting means is operated for electrical re production, the reproducin circuit is automatically closed; This mares the use of a separate switch for the electric reproducing mechanism unnecessary, and absolutely prevents Waste of current when the electric reproducer is not in operation. a

In order selected an (illustrative embodiment thereof for detailed description, it being understood that the construction shown in the accoInpanying drawings is merely by way of example and not as a limitation or restriction. In these drawings, v v 1 Fig. 1 illustrates an interior face view lot an clectro-mechanical reproducer embodying my invention, certain parts lacing shown in section on line ll of Fig. 2;.

i Fig. 2 is a cross-section on the broken line 22 of Fig. 1, showing the needle arm connected to the diaphragm;

Fig. 3 is a transverse cross-section on line 3-43 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows a view (partly broken away) similar to Fig. 3, with the connection be tween the diaphragm and the needle arm broken;

Fig. 5 is an inside view of the cover plate (partly broken away), showing the mounting of the switch contacts for the valve-con. trolling circuits and the reproducer circuit; Fig. 6 is a-tragmentary face viewer the outercasing to indicate how the selecting knob should be turned forobtaining electric or mechanical reproduction;

Fig. 7 represents a side view of a phonograph cabinet equipped with my douhle-acting reproducer andihe automatic valve control;

Fig. dis a cross-section on line 8-8 of to explain my; invention 1' have i I Fig. 7, showing a front view of the valve-0perating mechanism, the parts being in po-,

sition for electrical reproduction;

Fig. 9 shows the valve-operat ng mechanism (partly in section) on an enlarged scale, the parts being in position for mechanmechanical reproduction;

Fig. 11 is a cross-section on line 11-11. of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a the circuit connections of the valve-controlling mechanism when the diaphragm 1s used for reproduction; and

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12 showing the valve-controlling circuit connections when the electrical reproducer is in operative condition.

In order to make the drawing as clear as possible, I have purposely exaggerated the dimensions and relative proportions of the difi'erent parts, which have been spread out considerably more than would be necessary in actual practice. These drawings are therefore not to be taken as shop drawings.

A suitable casing C houses the various parts that comprise the interior working mechanism of the instrument. The casing C is here shown as consisting of a back late 1, a cylindrical body section 2, and a ront plate or cover 3. These three parts may be separately connected, as by screws 4 engaging in peripheral bosses 5 ,of section 2. The casing may be constructed of nonmagnetic metal, such as brass, aluminum, or alluminum alloy, or it mav be shaped out of suitable composition material. section 2 is provided with a transverse annular flange 6 arranged to form a shallow .recess or chamber-7, in which is mounted an acoustic diaphragm 8. This diaphragm is held rigidly clamped at its periphery in any practical way. For simplicity, I have shown diagrammatically a pair of nonmetallie rings 9 between which the dia- 'phragm is held for vibratory movement. The diaphragm is easily inserted in position through the open mounth of recess 7 before the back plate 1 is screwed on( A magnet M; preferably of the permanent type, is supported within, the casing. In

the present instance, the magnet is secured to the annular flange 6 by screws 10 or otherwise. The flange 6 thus performs the double function of supporting the magnet and serving as part of the mounting for the diaphragm. By making the magnet of circular shape, as shown in Fig. 1, it is possible to obtain a maximum length of magnetic path in a small cylindrical casing. The ends of magnet M are turned forwardly at 11 for jnitlleiving pole piecesli of soft iron. These diagrammatic view showing The body pole piecesg e preferably cylindrical and are arranged in axial alignment to provide an air ap 13.

X needle arm 14: is pivotally'mounted on casing G byany practical means. For convenience, I have shown the casing provided with a pair of lugs 15, between which is supported a spring blade 16 of proper strength and resiliency. This spring passes through (or is otherwise rigidly connected to) the needle arm near the outer end thereof, which constitutes a needle holder 17. Thetenson of spring 16 permits the-needle arm to vibrate transversely of the casing, as about a pivot, and the strength of the spring is amply sufiicient to take up the longitudinal thrust on the needle arm in the playing of a record. The spring blade 16 thus serves as a pivot support for the needle arm and as i a restoring or centering spring for the same. Any other suitable support for the needle arm may be employed- A slot 18 in section.

2 of the casing permits the insertion of the needle arm into the casing and allows freevibration of the arm. It goes without saying that, when I refer to the lever 14 as a needle arm, I mean any suitable member for carrying a record-playing stylus, which may.

be in the form of a pointed needle for leteral-cut records, a tiny sapphire ball for vertical-cut records, a diamond oint for Edison records, or any other practical form.

To the inner end of the needle arm 14 is rigidly connected a coil 19, as by means of a strap or band 20' clamped tight around the coil. The ends of strap 20 are secured by a screw or rivet 21 to the needle arm. Th" coil is arranged to' vibrate in the air-gap 13 of the magnet. In the normal position of the needle arm,- the coil 19 is substantially in axial alignment with pole pieces 12. The internal diameter of the coil should preferably be about the same as the diameter of the pole pieces. As the needle arm 14 vibrates, the coil 19 vibrates transversely of skilled in the electrical art without the need i of further explanation.

pulses can be utilized to operate a loudspeaker or any other reproducing device. It is clear from Figs. l and 2 that the needle vibrations are transmitted to the coil in amplified ratio, so that-the smallest vibra tions of the needle point arc sullicicnt to generate current impulses in the circuit of the coil. no magnetic drag or load on the needle arm during vibration oF coil '19.

' In the broad aspect oi" my invention, the magnet M and coil 19 rcprosent merely one of many practical forms of electric reproducing mechanism operated or controlled by By connecting the" coil m suitable circuits, these current mi- It is to he noted that there is.

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' 'that-the screw 24 22 of the diaphragm, so that the needle arm Leeann the vibrations of the needle arm. l donot, therefore, intend to be limited to any particular construction of electric reproducing means, rovided it is capable of operation indepen ently of the diaphragm. One of the important features of my invention lies in the fact that the electric reproduction takes place without the diaphragm, which is used solely for mechanical reproduction through the tone arm on which the reproducer is mounted. To accomplish this result, I provide a readily separable and restorablc connection between the diaphragm and the needle arm. This fundamentally novel idea may be mechanically carried out in various ways, one of which is shown by way of example in Figs. 1-4.

he diaphragm 8 is provided at the center with a screw-plug 22. The needle arm 14 has rigidly secured to it a screw-threaded socket 23 in which is supported a screw 24 provided at its outer end with a pinion 25. The screw 24 is adapted to engage in the screw-threaded plug 22. On'the front plate or cover of the casing is formed a bearing- 26 in which is shaft 27. A suitable finger shown asa knob, is fixed to the outer end of shaft 27, and to the inner end of this shaft is connected a gear 29 arranged to mesh with pinion 25. The gear 29 does not have a complete circle. cut-away or mutilated section 30 which does not engage the pinion 25, for a purpose that will presently be explained. A fixed stop 31 on the casing engages a stop 32 on gear 29 to limit the movement of the latter in either direction.

The operation of the selective mechanism above described is as follows Let us assume is in engagement with plug arboror stubplcce 28, here journalled an is operatively connected with the diaphragm ormechanical reproduction. This is the position of the parts shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. It will be observed that the gear 29 is out of contact with the pinion 25 of connecting screw 24, thus permitting. free vibration of diaphragm and needle arm as a single member without interference by the con trolling'gear. Now, if the bperator desires electric reproduction, the knob 28 is turned in the direction indicated by arrow a in Fig. (5. After a slight preliminary turn, the teeth of gear 29 engage the pinion 25 and rapidly rotate the screw 24 in a clockwise or right-handed direction. The screw 24 being left'handed, this turning of the screw moves the same out of plu 22 to disconnect theneedle arm from the diaphragm. When the lug 32 on gear 29 strikes one side of the fixed stop 31, the screw 24: is in the position shown in Fig. 4 and further movement of the knob 28 in the direction a is prevented. By providing an opening 33 ii -the of teeth, but has acounterclockwise until the lug- 32 of gear 29 i i strikes the other side of stop 31. The screw 24 is then in the connecting position shown in: Fig. 3, and the gear 29 is fully disconnected from the pinion. It may be found desirable to insert a pad 34 of hard rubber or other yieldable material in the bottom of plug 22 to produce a final jamming effeet as the screw 24 reaches home and presses against the pad. This makes a tight solid, joint between diaphragm and needle arm, and yet it is a joint that is easily separated by a mere turnof knob 28. To prevent pos sible rattling or looseness of screw 24 when it is in disconnecting osition, the socket 23 may be provided wit a lining 35 of hard rubber or like material, which presses into the screw-threads and thereby holds the screw against working loose during the vibrations of the needle armf It is understood that the gear ratio between the members 25 and 29 is so related to thcpitch and number of screw-threads in screw 24 that one turn of gear 29 moves the screw into andout of connecting attempted to indicate these transmission ratios with mathematical precision in the drawings.

The operator can readily tell, by simply feeling the knob 28, whether the diaphragm and-needle arm are connected or disconnccled. For instance, lookin at Fig. 6, if. the operator tried to turntieknob clockwise and found it locked against movement in that direction, he would know at once that the'necdle arm was connected to the diaphragm and that, therefore, the instrument ,was in condition for mechanical reproduction. Conversely, if the operator found that he could not turn the knob in the direction oi. arrow 1.; in Fig. 6, he would know that the instrument was set for electric reproduction. So that no unnecessary waste of battery current may occur during intervals iuwhich the electric reproducing mechanism is not used, I provide means for autoimitically opening suitable switch connections in the. electric reproducer circuit \vhen'theinstru mechanical rep'roducment is operated for position. I have not tion through the diaphragm. In the present embodiment I have shown a pair of switch contacts 36 and 37 mounted on an insulatin plate.38, which is secured to the inside 0 in". -ll-ese contacts are in the form of movcover 3, or is otherwise supported in the easab e spring arms normally outof engagement with each other. To the contacts 36 and 37 are connected the end conductors 39 of coil 19. Also, a pair of leads are connected to c0ntacts 36 and 37. The selectingmembcr 29 carries an insulated cam projection 40 arranged to engage the spring contact 36 and force it against the contact 37 when the member 29 disconnects the needle arm from the diaphragm, as shown in Fig. 13.. It is understood. of course, that the finger piece 28 is not moved into the electric position unless and until the instrument is to be used for electric reproduction. The cam 40 does not close the contacts 36 and 37 when the nected as when it is disconnected. This is due to the fact that the lug 32 engages opposite sides of stop 31, which has a predetermined thickness. In the broader aspect of my invention, the contacts 36 and 37 represent a switch in any part of the electric reproducing circuit or system of which the coil 19 is an element.

The reproduce! casing C is operatively mounted on a tone arm 41, as by means of'a hub 42projecting from the back plate 1 of the casing. A set-screw 43, engaging in a slot 44 of hub 42, determines the correct po sition of the reproducer on the tone arm. The coil leads may be connected to binding posts on the back plate of the casing, as will be understood without illustration.

I now come to that feature of my invention which has to do with means for automatically controlling an acoustic valve in accordance 'with the operative condition of the rcproducer. The phonograph cabinet has" an amplifying horn or chamber 45in connection with tone arm 41. The, inner portion of the horn is here shown as a neck 46 having an extension 47, which preferably extends downwardly at an acute angle to the verticalaxis of the neck. The tubular parts 16 and 47 are preferably cast or molded from metal or composition material as a single piece fitting tightly between the connecting members 43 and '4'). (ln cxlcnsion 47 is mounted a branch tube SlM-arcving a loudspcakor unit 51 of suitable construction. lt will be understood that the telephone unit 51 o' ..-lll(l or conlrollcd by the clcclric impulscs 'cncralcd in oil 19. The circuit connections bctwccn lhc Olcclllc rcproduccr and the lclepbonc rcccivcr 51 nccd nolv be shown or dcscrilnrd. for they will bc clear to those familiar with this art. The cabinet may have a door 52 in thc sidc for easy insertion or rcmo val of unit 51.

In casting 46- is mounted a valve,

which in thisinstance comprises a pair of valve disks 53 and 54 mounted centrally on pivoted rods 55 and 56. Set screws 57, or any other suitable means, hold the valve disks against turning relatively to the supportingrods, which are journalled abdiametricallv opposite points in casting ifid'l'. In assembling the valve mechanism, the disks 53-and 54 are inserted one at a time into the casting before the latter is connected with the parts 48, 49 and 50. Assuming the valve disk 53 held in proper position, the supporting rod 55 is threaded through theacentral hole in the disk. and a screw driver is then inserted through the open end of extension 47 to tighten the set screw. The valve disk 54 and rod 56 are assembled in the same way.

It will be seen from Fig 10 that the valve disks 53'and 54 are mounted in parallel rela tion. When the disks are in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 10, thefione arm 51 is fully open to the horn and the branch tube 50 is completely closed from the born by valve disk 54. moved into the positions indicated by dotted lines 53 and 54, the tone arm is entirely shut off from the horn, and the branch tube 50 communicates freely with the horn.- The disk 53 in closing position 53 forms a continuation of extension 47, so that sound waves pass easily from tube 50 into thehorn without a right-angled turn, whereby the reproduction is improved.

'When either valve disk is in open position.

it stands in a plane substantially parallel with the axis of the tubular member in which it is mounted. and the disk therefore does not interfere with the passage of sound waves, especially since the disks may be made very thin' (of aluminum, for instance). The particular shape of the valve disks will obviously dcpcnd on the shape ofthe conduits 46 and 4-7. In the present embodiment, these conduits are cylindrical, and so-the valve disks are elliptical or oval.

On the neck 46 of the horn is lined a bracket 58, which carries a solenoid indicutcd as a whole by S. This solenoid don prises a pair of coils 59 and in) mounted in axial alignment, and a magnctic core or When the disks areplunger (1. The coils are held rigidly on a lubc, 2 bclwccn a pair of cod plates 63. The tube 2 ucls as a support and guide for the rcciprocablc. core (H. 'lhc ends of coils 59 and (H) load to terminals or binding posts 64 and (3.3, respectively, which are properly conncctcd in the circuit of a battery 66, or other source of electric currcnt for energizing the coils. I

()n the oulcr end of rod 55 is fixed a lcvcr comprising arms .67 and 68, the latter being longitudinally slotted at 69. The outer end of rod 56 carries an arm 70, which is connected to arm 67 by a link 71, whereby those two arms always move together in 68- at thepoint 76.

eonora parallel relation. The solenoid core 61 is provided with a nonmagnetic extension 72, which has a pm 73 arranged to engage in slot 69 of arm. 68. A coil spring Y4 is connected at one end tov a pin or stud 75 on neck 46,.and at the other end to the arm The normal tendency of spring T4 is to contract and thus to rock the pivoted lever (37fi8 (and ther ilore the rod and valve disk 53) in the direction of inoven'ient of the solenoid core 61, as will presently he explained.

lnv the circuit of coil 59 is a pair of con tacts 77, and the circuit of coil includes a similar pair of contacts'i'S.

in casing C at dili'erent distances from the center of shaft 27- For convenience, l have shown each pair of contacts mounted on a small insulating block 79 carried by the rasing cover 3. The selecting wheel 29 carries two arc-shaped contact strips 80 and 81. In Figs. 3 and l, these strips are shown as pieces of spring. metal set firmly into slotted insulating blocks 82 semi-ed to wheel 25 On referring to Fig. 12, it will be seen that contact piece 8O is so arranged as to connect contacts 77 of coil 59 when the Wheel 29 reaches a predetermined position in its movement to connect the needle arm 1% with diaphragm 8. Contact piece 81 is so ar ranged that, when the wheel. 29 is turned counterclockwise to place the electrical reiproducer in operative condition, the contacts 78ers closed just shortly. before the wheel reaches final position. It should be noticed that the. contact piece 80 never touches con tacts 78, and the other contact piece 81 at no time engages contacts 77- lhe valvecontrolling operations that antomatically take place when the selecting member-,9? is actuated are as follows, reference being-had to Figs. 12 and 13: it will be remembered that the diaphragm is connected to the needle arm when the member 29 is turned clockwise (as viewed in l? .1 and 12)." in the position of the parts as illustrated in Fig. 12, the member 29 is being turned in the direction oi' arrow 0 and is near the end of its movement; The contact piece 80, carried by member 29, now connects the switch contacts 77 and the circuit through coil 59 is closed. The energized coil draws the magnetic core 61 into the po-- sition shown in Fig. 9, whereby the pivoted lever @7 68 is rocked clockwise as viewed in Fig: 9) to move the valve disks into the position indicated in Fig. 10. That is to sat, the tone arm 41 is now acoustically conn bted with the horn and. the branch tube .5 is cut oil. Referring back to Fig. 12, as the operator continues to rotate the selecting wheel :29, the contact piece 80 moves out of engagement with contacts 7? and the circuit of coil 59 is broken. 'This'prevents ense- Thcse pairs of contacts are mounted in fixed position withacoustic val ve less consumption of current during. the operation of the phonograph. The valve disks, however, remain in actuated osition, being firmly held therein'by the spring 74. When the lug 32. on'inember 29 strikes the fixed stop 31, the member 29 is in its final position, as previously explained. contact piece 8i) at that time is indicated by the dotted lines 530'. while the final position of contact piece 81 is at 81.

Let us now supposeit-hat we Want to place the electric X's-producer in operative condi-" tion. The selerting member 29 is turned in the'direction oi arrow (Z in Fig. 13. Near the end of the movement of member 29, con tact piece 81 bridges the contacts 78 and the circuit through coil (30 is closed, as indicated in Fig. 12. The (it is drawn into the coil and lever Gi -t8 is rocked counterclockwise into the position shown in Fig. 8, whereby the valve dislcs are actuated into the position indicated by dotted lines 53 and in Fig. 10. The tone arm is now closed oil from the horn and the telephone receiver 51 is in acoustic communication with the horn through branch tube 50. As the member 29 is turned to its final position in the direction oi? arrow [Z in Fig. 13, the contact piece 81 leaves the contacts 78 and the circuit through coil 60 is interrupted. The iinal position of contact piece 81 is indicated at 81. in. Fig. 13.

The foregoing description makes it clear that when the operator turns the finger piece 28 to place either the diaphragm or the electric neproducer in operative condition, the 53-54l is automatically operated into correct position. The action of the solenoid S is supplemented by s ring 74, which moves the lever 67 -68 into nal position independently of core 61 and holds it there.

l have previously described how tlm circuit of reproducer coil 19 is automatically closed when the selecting member 29 is moved into position tor electrio reproduction, and how that 'circnitis automatically opened when mechanical reproduction takes place. instead. of controlling the switch contacts 36 and 37 of coil 19 directly b ythe selecting member 29, the reproducer circuit may be controlled by the movement of the valve-operating mechanism., This ideacan be embodied in various Ways. 'In Fig. 9 I have shown a pair or" contacts 36 and 37' mounted on an insulating" plate 82 carried by the extension 47. These contacts, like contacts 36 and 3? previously described,

form a. normally open, switch in a circuit 83 of the electric reproducer mechanism. When The position of J the valve disks and 5d are actuated into 7 the position 53" and 54'; (see Fig. 10),the arm 70 strikes the spring contact arm 36' and forces it against contact 375,.thereby closing reprodncer circuit 83. When the valve disks are operated to close tube 50 automatic operation by the valve-controlling .my copen 'filed January 29, 1926.

operated mechanism.

Although I have shown a valveconsisting of two disks, a single valve member may be used. For example, a valve plate could be pivoted at the point 845 in Fig. 10, so that it could swing between the positions 53' and 54. In that event, however, the parts 46 and 47 must be of a shape to allow swinging movement of the valve. Various other changes and modifications will occur to those who are skilled in this art, without depart ing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. In the basic scope of my invc tion as regards the automatic valve control, the mechanical and electrical reproducing means need not be mounted in a single casing, but may be separate devices properly mounted on the tone arm.

This ap lication is in part a division of ding case Serial Number 84,551,

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A phonograph having mechanical and electrical reproducing means adapted to be independently of each other, a born for amplifying the sound vibrations of both reproducing means, and valve mechanism automatically controlled by the operative condition of each reproducing means to connect the operative reproducing means with said horn.

2. In phonographic reproducing apparatus, the combination of a horn, mechanical and electrical reproducing means adapted to be operated by a record-playing needle independently of each other, acoustic connections whereby the vibrations of both reproducing means are transmitted through said horn, means for placing either of said reproducing means in operative condition, and

tus,

mechanism automatically operated by said last-mentioned means forso controlling said acoustic connections that the reproducing means in operation is connected with said horn while the inactive reproducing means is acoustically disconnected from the horn.

3. In phonographic reproducing apparathe'combination of a horn, two sound conduits communicating with said. horn, a valve for controlling the acoustic connection between each conduit and said horn, a mechanical reproducer connected with one of said conduits, a telephone receiver connected with said other conduit, an electric reproducer operable independently of said mechanical reproducer and electrically connected with said receiver, electromagnetic mechanism for actuating said valve to open communication between the horn and that conduit through which reproduction takes place, said valve closing the other conduit, and means for automatically controlling said mechanism in accordance with the operative 7 cluded in'a circuit of said electrical reproducing means, a valve arranged to control means the acoustic communication of said tone arm and said receiver with said horn, means for placing either of said reproducing means in operative condition, and electromagnetic mechanism controlled by said last-mentioned means for actuating said valve into such position that sound waves initiated by the reproducing means in operation are conveyed through the horn.

5. In phonograph reproducing apparatus,

the combination of a horn, a tone arm and a branch tube communicating with said horn, a reproducer unit mounted on said tone arm and having a diaphragm and electric reproducing mechanism operated by a record-playin needle, means for selecting 95 either said diaphragm or said mechanism for reproducing operation, a telephone receiver connected to said branch tube and included in a circuit of said reproducing mechanism, a valve arranged to control the connections of said tone arm and said. receiver with said horn, an electrpmagnetic device for actuating said valve to place either said tone arm or said branch tube in communication with the horn, and switch connections controlled by said selecting means for actuating said valve into such position that sound waves initiated by the reproducing means in operation are conveyed through the horn. 6. In phonographic reproducing apparatus, the combination of a horn, a air of tone arms communicatingwith said 0rn,. a valve for controlling the communication between said tone arms and said horn so that only one tone armyat a,time is operatively connected with the horn, means for reproducing mechanically through one of said tone arms, means for reproducing elec-" trically through the other tone arm, both of said reproducing means being operable by a. record-playing needle independentlyof each'other, and means for automatically actuating said valve when either of said reproducing means is placedin operative condition, said automatic actuating meanscausing the valve to connect the reproducing tone arm with the horn and to shut off the other arm.

7. In phonograph reproducing apparallO eeann tus, the combination of a born, a tone arm comnmicating with said horn, a reproducer mounted on said tone arm, said reproducer comprising a casing containing a diaphragm and electric reproducing means, said diaphragm transmitting sound. vibrations throu 'h said horn, a telephone receiver controlled by said electric reproducing means and acoustically connected with said horn, an adjustable linger piece outside said casing for placing either said diaphragm or 'said electric reproducing means in operative condition, and mechanism controlled by saidfinger piece'for placing either said diaphragm or said receiver in communication with said. horn.

8. In a phonograph, a lmrn having a, neck communicatin with a tone arm, a branch tube connected obliquely to said neck and adapted to communicate with an electric reproducer, a valve member for controlling the acoustic connection between said tone arm and the horn, asecond valve member for controlling the acoustic connection between said branch tube and the horn, means for so mounting and connecting said valve membersthat when one is open the other, is closed, said first valve member when closed lying obliquely across said neck to form a continuation of said oblique branch tube, whereby sound waves pass easily from said tube into the horn without a right angled turn, and means for simultaneously operating said valve membersi 9. In a phonogra h, a'horn having a neck communicatin wi'a a tone arm, a branch tube connectc obliquely to said neclr and adapted to communicate with an electric reproducer, a valve member for controlling the acoustic connection between said tone arm and the horn, a second valve member tor'controlling the acoustic connection between said branch tube and thehorn, means for so mounting and connecting said valve members that when one is 0 en the other is closed, said first valve mem er when closed lying obliquely across said neck to form a continuation of said oblique branch tube, whereby sound waves pass easily from said tube into the horn without a right-angled turn, and electromagnetic means-mounted on said born for simultaneously operating said valve members.

10. In a phonograph, a -horn having a neck arranged to communicate with a tone arm, a branch tube connected to said neck and adapted to communicate with an electric reprodu'cer, a pair of valve members for controlling the acoustic oonnection's of said to arm and said tube with said horn. said va members beinc' so mounted that when one is closed the other is,open, so that either said tone arm or said tube com- -municates with said horn, a coil for actuat- 6!! ing said valve members into one position,

a second'coit for actuating said valve memhere into the other position, means for re .leasably holding the valve members in either actuatedpo'sution, and means for controlling the circuit oi each coil. 1

I lqA phonograph honing mechanical and electrical reproducin means ada'ated to be operated independent y of each ot er, a-liorn for amplifying the sound vibrations ot'both reproducing means, valve mechanism torchnect one or the other of said reproducing means" with said horn, an electroma netic coil controlled by the operative condition of said mechanical reproducing means for actuating said valve mechanism to connect said mechauicail reproducing means with said horn, and a second electromagnetic coil controlled by the; operative cdudition of said electrical reproducing means foractir ating said valve mechanism to connect said electrical reproducing means with said horn. l

- 12. In a phonograph rcproducer' having a casing, a diaphragm provided at the center i with a; screw-threaded lug, a needle arm having an adjustable screw adapted to fit into said lug for rigidl connecting the diaphragm to the arm, an a rotary member projecting outside said casing for turning said screw into and out of engagement with said lug, said member being automatically disconnected from said screw after the latter hasbeon adjusted into the desired position.

13. A phonograph having mechanical and an electrical reproducing means adapted to am plity through a born, a valve torcontrob ing the acoustic connection of each reproducing means with said horn, and a ducer circuit automatically controlled co rdance with the osition of said valvh.

let. A phonograp having mechanical and electrical reproducing means ada ted to amplify through a horn, a valve or control-= hugthe acoustic connection of each reprono ducing means with said horn, means for" actuating said valve into proper connecting position for either mechanical or electrical reproduction, and a reproducer circuit controlled by said valve-operating means.

15. A phonograph having mechanical and electrical reproducing means ada ted to amplify through a born, a valve or controlling the acoustic connection of each reproreproducing means wtih said horn, electromag- 3120' netic means for actuating saidvalve into ro er counectim osition for either me- P P, r:

chanical or electrical repro'ductiomand a i spring for positively actuating said valve into final position independently of said electromagnetic means, said spring holding the valve in final position.

16. A phonograph having mechanical and electrical reproducing means adapted to be operated independently of.each other, a horn mi in acwe. I

for amplifying the vibrations of both re: producing means, valve mechanism to connect one or the other of said reproducing means with said horn, electroma netic means forectneting said valve mechanism into either connecting position, means for automatically opening the circuit of said electromagnetic incans when the valve mechanism has been actuated, and means independent of said electromagnetic means for holding the valve mechanism in actuated position.

17. A. phonograph having a horn and a tone arm, a mechanical reproducer mounted weenie:

on said tone arm and adant'ed to amplify thron h the tone arm and horn, eiectricai reproducing mechanism operated bv & .record-playing needie and aconsticaiiy connected with said horn, and means for automatically controiiing the acoustic connections of said mechanical re rodncer and said electrical reproducing mec ianism with said horn in accordance with the o erative condition of said mechanical on electrical reproducing devices.

AnoLPH A. THOMAS.

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