The Shell-O-Phone Patents: Primary Awarded 1920 The 1920 Patent Award for a talking machine that uses a Conch shell as its internal horn. This was awarded to Robert L. Poe, of the "Shellophone" Company of Chicago. You may view it here. In 1919 Mr. Poe recieved a patent for a specific horn and wood amplifier, a design used in the Shell-O-Phone. You may view it here. In 1917, Inventor Robert L. Poe was awarded a patent for a talking machine cabinet that is clearly the design used on the Shell-O-Phone. You may view that patent here.