The phonoscope (Nov 1896-Dec 1899)

Vol. I. No. i. THE PHONOSCOPE. 13 Slot /Ifoacbines mm mSmt HP* XLhc Ikinetoscope In all exhibitions, the neater and the more attractive the show, the greater is also the financial success. This is especially the case in exhibitions of 'Scopes and 'Phones, where it is desired to attract all classes of society, even the most fastidious. The above cut rep resents an exhibition parlor which it would be well to study in order to use it as a model, wherever practicable. Tasty yet simple decorations act as frames to the various apparatuses, a bust of the great wizard occupies a central position, and everything is arranged so systematically and withal so artistically that all is seen at the greatest advantage. Nobody would ever hesitate to enter such a parlor: it invites and attracts all. A Nickel=in=the=SIot Bicycle Locking Device One of the latest coin-in-the-slot inventions which appears to be practical is a nickel in-theslot bicycle locking device conceived by a Providence man. The apparatus is a black enamelled box, about three by four inches. Attached to one side is a small strong chain. The box can be fastened to a post, fence or wall. A rider wheels up, runs the chain through the wheel, fastens the loose end to a bolt, shoves the bolt back and it snaps sharply; then a key is turned and the only way the bicycle can be stolen is to take an axe and smash the entire outfit. When the owner wants to release his wheel, he has but to drop a nickle in the slot, take the key of the lock from his pocket and unturn the bolt. The lock cannot be picked, it is claimed. (We have not been able to ascertain the real inventor of this device, as different papers from different sections of the country attribute it to different people. Ed.) The Automatic Banjo The automatic Banjo is one of the latest and most ingenious mechanical musical instruments, as it does all that human lingers can do to produce tuneful melody. It is provided with four metallic strings and forty stops placed closely together over the strings, and it is incased in glass, standing upright in full view. At the bridge are four prongs or picks which project from either side. The instrument is operated by dropping a nickel in the slot, whereby an electric motor in the base of the machine is started, which propels a series of bellows, forcing the air through a cylinder, over which passes a roll of perforated sheet music. There are a number of pneumatic tubes which lead to each pick or fret; the perforated notes coming in contact with these tubes allow the air to escape, whereupon each pick or fret acts accordingly. Thus the most difficult music can be played automatically with the same effect, both in time and harmony, as if performed by a professional baujoist, and what is more any stringed instiu ment that is played with the. fingers can be adjusted to this automaton. The Automatic Gas Meter The penny-in-the-slot gas meters have not yet reachced New York, but they have found their way into every large city in England. The reports of meetings of gas companies and of corporations owning gas works that are published there from day to day show that the demand for them continues almost unabated. During the past year alone one London gas company has sent out more than 30,000 of these meters. A few months ago the demand was so very great, and the meter makers so little able to meet it, that the company had to discontinue supplies for a while. Now the demand is as great as ever. Another London company— the South Metropolitan — has sent out during the past four years not less than 50,000 of this class of meter. In Manchester the penny-in-the-slot meters are being sent out at the rate of from S00 to 1,000 a month, and in Liverpool, Birmingham and other northern cities the demand is equally great. These machines, which are really a boon to small householders, and a corresponding trial to small dealers in wood and coal and burning oil. are now being made proof against human guile. The gas companies through long experience have become wary, indeed. In the new meters French pennies will no longer work the oracle. The penny which used to be attached to a string and withdrawn when value had been received is now irrecoverable, for the string is cut by a concealed blade. The sticky penny, which used to keep the gas "on," cannot effect a fraudulent lodgment either, and among the English slot patrons now there is nothing for it but dull, prosaic rectitude until their ingenuity can devise some fresh device for "beating the machine." IRecent Inventions The Duplex Speaker The Ediion -Phonograph Works are cow making a new Speaker, which, when used in the regular way, prevents outside listeners from hearing the reproduction, as the diaphragm or glass set in its upper part is encased so as to retain the sound — vibrations from the lower face of the glass within the enclosure. It has two outlets for sound, one from above and one from below the diaphragm. Enclosing the glass gives to the speaker another advantage by enabling it to utilize the vibrations from the lower side of the diaphragm which now are lost. Thus the tone is considerably strengthened, and the carrying power of the Speaker is increased when both outlets are used either with two horns or in connection with the multiple rails. By using but one outlet no increase of tone or power takes place, which, however, is very pronounced when both are used, making a reproduction most effective even at a distance. The Muliplex Phonograph The Multiplex Phonograph— illustrated above —is the standard Edison machine with the Multiplex attachment. This attachment consists of a frame containing five mandrels, which can be attached to the standard Edison machine. A lecord can be put on each mandiel, and any one reproduced at will by simply bringing it into place, which is done by means of a compound reacting ratchet lever, the knob of which is exposed in the front part of the machine. It is especially adapted to slot machines, as anyone patronizing such a Phone with this attachment on can have their choice of five selections. It is also very valuable for commercial purposes, as five cylinders may be dictated to at one sitting, without changing cylinders. "Screen" Sqnibs The Little Rock, Ark., "Democrat" gives a very interesting account of the success of Edison's Vitascope at the Capital Theatre. The exhibition was accompanied by phonograph recitations of songs and instrumental pieces. There was one concensus of opinion: Marvelous! Alexander Promio, of Paris, has taken differ ent views of Chicago with the cinematograph. Amongst other very interesting scenes of life in the Windy City, he took several views showing firemen and policemen in action. They are to be exhibited in the old world, where they will certainly prove very interesting. The Bostonians are always in the lead. H. A. Hill, of the Grand Opera House, brought the latest screen picture projector from Europe: the Animatographe, and delights large audiences with life like views and scenes from London, Brighton and Calais. The Animatographe is sure to prove a great card. The pictures of the Kineopticon move and act true to life, they actually seem to breathe. These Kineopticon actors skurry along the streets, dodging bicycles and carriages, smiling and laughing, scowding and frowning, until the spectator would almost believe that he was looking out of a window on a dull gray day, watching the procession of real life go by. The instantaneous success of Edison's Vitascope at Proctor's Pleasure Palace shows how keenly the public is interested in the fascinating pictures of real life, endowed with movement. No subject is allowed to grow stale and every view is new, except that which shows Edison's portrait developing under the rapid crayon of Blackton, the cartoonist, who turns and bows to the audience at the finish. . These wonderful photographs in action are an ever growing sensation. Mr. Edison himself is manifesting unusual interest in the Vitascope.