US2755341A - Multistation remotely-controlled phonographic systems - Google Patents

Description

y 7, 1956 R. M. SOMERS EI'AL 2,755,341

MULTISTATION REMOTELY-CONTROLLED PHONOGRAPHIC SYSTEMS Filed April 2, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 11a r l R r= J'I'Q S 2 2 14' a? 011161: 9 7 5- Francis J. Saffnrd United States MULTISTATION REMOTELY-CONTRQLLED PHONOGRAPHIC SYSTEMS Application April 2, 1952, Serial No. 280,074

19 Claims. (Cl. 179100.1)

This invention relates especially to phonographic systems wherein the operator is remote from the machine itself, and more particularly to such systems adapted for recording and/or reproducing dictation.

The invention is concerned especially with remotelycontrolled multistation dictation-recording systems of the type described and claimed in the pending applications of Richard Kobler, Serial No. 204,794, filed January 6, 1951, now Patent No. 2,650,951, granted September 1, 1953, and Richard M. Somers et al., Serial No. 247,244, filed September 19, 1951, both having common ownership with the present application. This type of remotelycontrolled multistation dictation-recording system is characterized by the use of only four wires between each remote station and the machine, two of which wires constitute a combined communication and control circuit and the other two of which are part of the signaling circuit. Further this system is characterized by the use of an auxiliary control operable by the carriage as the same passes a predetermined point in its travel across the record utilized to cause the attendant to change the record when the remote operator puts his handpiece on its usual support after having passed that selected point. As is described in the Kobler application abovementioned, if this point is in the last half portion of the carriage range of travel, typically at about a three-quarter point, there will normally be sufiicient recording space left on the record for the usual dictation period whenever a remote operator picks up his handpiece to start use of the machine.

In the following description the term station in use is employed to mean that remote station at which activation of the phonographic system for use was initiated, and the term use is employed to mean to record and/ or to reproduce and to start and stop the machine at will. Also, the phrase activation of the phonographic system for use is herein used to mean such conditioning of the machine as will enable immediate start-stop operation thereof for recording and/ or reproducing.

An object of our invention is to provide a novel electrical control system for such phonographic machines wherein the aforestated signaling circuit between stations is utilized also for controlling the operation of the machine.

Another object is to perform dual control functions through such combined signaling and control circuits by control of the level of current therein.

Another object is to use interstation connecting wires in such phonographic system either for signaling or control purposes depending upon whether the respective remote station is in use or not.

A more specific object is to provide a circuit between stations of such remotely-controlled phonographic system, which is used as a signal circuit to each station not in use and as a control circuit to the station in use.

A further object is to supply D.-C. or A.-C. power to the remote stations according to whether the stations are in use or not.

atent iQQ A more specific object is to provide each remote station with a circuit connecting it to the phonographic machine which is provided with alternating signaling current when the station is not in use and which is connected automatically to a D.-C. power source and to associated control devices of the machine as the operator at the respective remote station activates the phonographic system for use.

A further object is to provide a novel form of the aforestated auxiliary control which is operated in response to only a momentary actuation of the control element by the carriage.

A further object is to provide an improved auxiliary control system of the character mentioned which comprises a relay actuated in response to momentary operation of a control element in the pathway of the carriage and which has a holding circuit for maintaining the relay in actuated condition thereafter until it is released by performance of a special control operation on the machine.

It is a further object of our invention to provide a novel control arrangement for phonographic systems of the character described wherein one of the stated four wires leading from each remote station can be joined selectively with each of the remaining three wires to form three circuits for communication and control purposes between the machine and that remote station.

Further objects are to provide a novel control arrangement according to the last aforestated object wherein (1) the stated one wire of the difierent circuits is a line of the communication circuit, (2) wherein the wires of the signal circuit are joined with the stated one wire to form two independent control circuits as the communication circuit is energized, and (3) wherein concurrent energization of said independent circuits is adapted to effect an indexing operation.

These and other objects and features of our invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

In the description of our invention reference is had to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figures 1 and 2 are diagrammatic views of circuits and apparatus of multistation remotely-controlled phonographic systems showing first and second embodiments respectively of different features of our invention.

The phonographic system shown in Figure 1 is applicable for recording or playback at the will of the operator. This system comprises an attendants station 10 including a dictating machine and control circuits and devices, and one or more remote operators stations typically of identical form, of which one referred to as 11a is shown in full and two others referred to as 11b and 11c are indicated only diagrammatically.

The remote stations are connected to the attendants station through a relay station 12. The connection between each remote station and the relay station consists of four wires referred to by the numbers 13-16 inclusive with the sufiix letter of the respective remote station; however, in general reference to these wires they are referred to only by their numbers without sufiix letters. As will appear, the Wires 13 and 14 are part of a combined communication and D.-C. control circuit, hereinafter referred to simply as a communication circuit and are at positive and negative potential respectively; and the wires 15 and 16 are at times part of an A.-C. signaling circuit and at other times part of a D.-C. control circuit and are in the latter instance at positive and negative potential respectively. The relay station is connected to the attendants station by five wires 17-21.

In the relay station there is a relay corresponding to each remote station referred to by the number 22 with the sufi'ix letter of that station, and there is a six-wire bus 23 having wires 24-29 inclusive. Each relay comprises a double-pole double-throw switch referred to by the number 30 with the corresponding sufiix letter. The negative side of the communication circuit for each remote station is connected directly to the bus wire 24 and this wire is in turn connected directly by the lead wire 17 to the negative side of the D.-C. source provided at the attendants station. The positive side 13 of each communication circuit serially includes the respective relay 22 shunted by audio by-pass condenser C; this side is connected to the bus wire 25 and is in turn connected directly by the lead wire 18 to the attendants station. The lead wires 15 and 16 of each remote station are connected respectively to the pole members of the respective relay switch 30. These pole members normally engage contacts connected to the bus wires 27 and 29, and make with contacts connected to the bus wires 26 and 28 when the relay is operated. The bus wires 27 and 29 are connected directly by the lead wires 19 and 20 to the attendants station, and the bus wires 26 and 28 are connected by the lead wires 21 and 17 to the attendants station, the wire 17 serving as a common lead wire for both the communication and control circuits. As will appear, whenever an operator at one of the remote stations activates the phonographic system for use, the respective station relay 22 is actuated. Thus, as to remote stations which are not in use, the respective wires 15 and 16 are connected to the attendants station via the lead wires 19 and 20, and as to the remote station in use the wires 15 and 16 are connected to the attendants station via the lead wires 21 and 17. As will appear, in the first instance the wires 15 and 16 are part of the signal circuit and in the latter instance they are part of a D.-C. control circuit.

The dictation machine at the attendants station is only fractionally shown for the present purposes. It comprises, for example, a record support 31 as for a disc record R, which is driven through a clutch 32 by a motor M. The carriage 33, diagrammatically shown, is supported above the record and coupled to the turntable by any suitable means well known in the art to cause traveling movement thereof across the record in the direction of the arrow 34 in correspondence with the rotation of the turntable. This carriage supports recording and reproducing translating means as in the form of separate devices 35 and 36. Typically, the reproducer 36 trails the recorder by a short distance to permit playback of a last portion of the recorded dictation without backspacing the carriage. These devices engage the record simultaneously but may be lifted together or selectively from the record by any suitable mechanism controlled as by a lever 37 on the carriage. The record disc may be held on the support 31 by any suitable clamp 38 0perable as by a lever 39, as known in the art.

The audio circuits of the dictating machine comprise an audio transformer 40 the primary of which is serially connected in the line 18 of the communication circuit. The secondary is connected to switch pole members 41 of a relay 42. These pole members connect normally to contacts in a line 43 leading to the recorder 35 and including an amplifier 44. When the relay 42 is operated, the pole members 41 make with contacts in a line 45 which leads from the reproducer and includes a second amplifier 46. Alternatively, a single amplifier may be used for both recording and reproducing as is well known in the art. Thus, when the relay 42 is in its normal unoperated state, the communication circuit is connected to the recorder 35, and when the relay is operated the reproducer 36 is connected to the communication circuit.

At each remote station there are a handpiece and suitable manual controls for activating the phonographic system and for controlling its operation. At station 110, for example, there is a handpiece 47 comprising two transducers: the receiver 48 and a microphone or transmitter 49 of which the latter is preferably of the carbon button type. The receiver 48 may be connected across the communication line 13a-14a through a condenser 50, r

sistor 51 and on-olf station switch 52. Also, as the station switch 52 is closed the carbon button microphone 49 is connected across the communication line through a resistor 53. The pole member of this station switch is urged into a closed position by a spring 54 but has an extension 55 'On which the handpiece is to be seated whenever the station is not in use for causing the switch to be then held open by the weight of the handpiecc. Thus, the communication circuit to each remote station is maintained normally open and is closed only when the respective station is in use.

The communication circuit 1314 has therein a source of direct current at the attendants station for energizing the carbon button microphone 49 and for operating certain control devices hereinafter described. This source comprises a full wave rectifier 56 connected through a power transformer 57, master switch 58, cord 59 and plug 60 to an A.-C. power source not shown. The amplifiers 44 and 46 are also energized from this power source via the master switch but such circuit connection need not be shown for the purposes of the present invention. The entire system will therefore be readied for operation whenever the master switch is closed but will not be activated, as will appear, until one of the remote operators lifts his handpiece from its support.

The output terminals of the rectifier are connected to the communication lines 17 and 18 through a filter comprising a choke 61 and condenser 62 and thence through two control relays 63 and 64. A condenser 65 shunts the communication circuit between the relay 64 and the audio transformer 40 for by-passing the audio currents past the control relays.

The relays 64 and 63 are adapted to operate respectively at predetermined lower and higher direct current levels. The lower current level is established whenever any one of the remote station switches is closed, the circuit being then through the voltage cutdown resistor 53 and carbon button microphone 49; also, the respective station relay 22 is activated at this lower level of direct current. To establish the higher current level for operating also the relay 63, a switch 66 is connected across the resistor 53. As will appear, this switch serves as a startstop control for the machine when conditioned for recording.

In the present application the term operated is used in connection with the station switches 52 and 66 to mean that they are held in actuated positions against their biasing or, in other words, that their push-operable members are depressed. Thus, the station switch 52 is open when in operated position, and the start-stop switch 66 is closed when in operated position.

The relay 64 operates three pole members 67, 68 and 69 as represented by the tie line 64a. The pole members 67 and 68 are both connectable to one side of the AC. power source through a line 70 and the master switch 58. When the relay 64 is operated, the pole member 68 closes with one side of the motor M through a line including resistor 71 and rectifier 72. The other side of the motor is connected directly to the other side of the power source through a line 73. Thus, whenever both the master switch and one of the remote station switches are closed, the motor M is running. For filtering purposes, a condenser 74 is connected across the motor.

When both the station switch 52 and start-stop switch 56 are closed, the higher current level is established to cause the relay 63 to be also operated. Operation of this relay causes clutch 32 to be engaged as represented by the tie line 63a. Engagement of the clutch 32 causes instantaneous starting of the record rotation.

The energization of the communication circuit and the starting of the motor M which follows in response thereto is a conditioning of the system for immediate start-stop operation and is referred to as an activation of the system for use.

As the relay 64 is operated to start the motor M, alternating signal current is supplied to each remote station except the station in use througha transformer 75 at the attendants station. One side of the primary of this transformer is connected to the A.-C. power source through the line 73 and the other side is connected to this source through the line 76, pole 67 of relay 64 and the line 70. The secondary of this transformer is connected to the bus wires 27 and 29 through the lead wires 19 and 20. The signal wires 15 and 16 as to all remote stations not in use are connected to the bus wires 27 and 29 through the switches of the respective relays 22. However, the relay 22 of the station in use is in an activated condition to cause the signal source to be disconnected from this station.

At each remote station there is a signal device, suitably a lamp 77, which is connectable across the signal circuit 15-16 through a resistor 78 and switch 79. This switch 79 is tied mechanically by the line 52a to the station switch 52 for unison operation therewith. The operation is such that the switch 79 is closed with the lamp 77 when the station switch is open, and vice versa. Thus at each station not in use the lamp 77 is connected to the signal circuit. A signal light is therefore given at each remote station not in use to cause the operators at those stations to be warned against then attempting to use the phonographic system.

At the station in use, the switch 79 is broken with respect to the lamp 77 and is connected to a line 80 which in turn is connected to pole members of manual control switches 81 and 82. Manual switch 81 is closable to short the lines 15 and 16 at the remote station through a lead wire 83, and manual switch 82 is closable to connect these lines 15 and 16 together through a current cutdown resistor 84. Since the relay 22 corresponding to the station in use is in an operated state. the wires 15 and 16 of the station in use are connected to the D.-C. power source via the bus wires 26 and 28 and the lead wires 17 and 21. However, this connection to the power source is made serially through two control relays 85 and 86. These relays, like the relays 63 and 64, are adapted to operate at predetermined lower and higher levels of direct current respectively. When the switch 82 is closed, the lower current level is established by the current cutdown resistor 84 to cause only the relay 85 to be operated, but when the switch 81 is closed the direct current connection then established across the lines 15 and 16 causes both relays 85 and 86 to be operated.

The relay 85 controls a normally-open single-pole single-throw switch 87 and the relay 86 controls a singlepole double-throw switch 88 and a single-pole singlethrow switch 89. When only the relay 85 is operated, a

power circuit is completed for the playback relay 42.

This circuit is completed from one side of the A.-C. power source through line 70, resistor 90, rectifier 91 and line 92, and from the other side of the A.-C. power source through line 73, line 93, relay switch 89, line 94, relay switch 87 and line 95. The operation of relay 42 causes the reproducer 36 to be connected through the audio transformer 40 to the communication circuit. Also, this relay has an operative connection to the clutch 32, represented by the dash-dot line 42a, to cause the clutch to be engaged when the relay is operated. Thus, the machine is conditioned for playback and record rotation is started when the control switch 82 is closed while the handpiece is off of its support.

Standard equipment for dictating machines comprises indicating devices for making suitable marks or other indications, as on an index slip, in correspondence with the positioning of the recorder on the record, which marks are utilized to aid the transcriber in transcribing the re corded dictation. These deviceswhich themselves are well known-may be adapted for indicating length and corrections, and may be operated by respective solenoids 96 and 97. The solenoid 97 is controlled by the relay 86 in such manner as to cause a pulse actuation thereof whenever the switch 81 at the remote station is closed. When the relay 86 is unoperated, a condenser 98 is connected to a D.-C. power source through the line 70, rectifier 91, line 99, relay switch 88 and associated contact 88a, resistor 100, line 93 and line 73. When the relay 86 is operated in response to closure of the switch 81, the charged condenser 98 is disconnected from this power source and connected across the solenoid 97 by the relay switch 88 breaking with the contact 88a and making with the associated contact 88b. The resultant discharge of the condenser 88 through the solenoid 97 causes a pulse operation of the relay to make a correction mark.

An operation of the solenoid 96 for a length mark is adapted to occur whenever the station switch 52 is opened. When the station switch is closed, the relay 64 is operated to cause a condenser 101 to be connected to a D.-C. power source through the line 70, rectifier 91, line 102, switch 69 and associated b contact of relay 64, switch 69 and its associated b contact, line 103, resistor 104 and line 73. As the operator opens the station switch, the relay 64 moves to unoperated position, and the switch 69 is closed with its a contact to connect the charged condenser 101 across the solenoid 96. This produces a pulse operation of the solenoid to make a length mark.

The auxiliary control, hereinbefore referred to, for facilitating the use of one dictating machine from a plurality of remote operators stations comprises a singlepole single-throw switch 105. This switch is held normally open and is positioned in the pathway of the carriage 33 so that it will be closed when the carriage reaches a predetermined position, as represented diagrammatically by the dash line 106. Typically, this point at which the switch is closed is in the second half portion of the carriage travel, as aforementioned; hence, this switch 105 is termed an intermediate end switch. In the present system this intermediate end switch need be closed only momentarily, as during only the time the carriage is being advanced past the stated intermediate point, in order for the switch to perform its intended function. This is accomplished by the use of a relay 107. As the switch 105 is closed, a D.-C. power circuit for this relay is completed through the line 70, rectifier 91, line 108, line 109, switch 105 and line 73. As the relay 107 is operated, it closes switches 110 and 111. Switch 110 is a holding switch shunting the intermediate end switch 105 through a line 112 and through a manually-openable switch 113 to cause the relay 107 to be maintained in operated position so long as the manual switch 113 is left in a closed position. The second switch 111 of this relay 107 is in an attendants signaling circuit 114. This circuit 114 runs from the line 73 to a contact 68a of the switch 68 controlled by the motor-control relay 64, and serially includes not only the switch 111 but also a manually-openable switch 115, which is mechanically tied to the aforementioned manual switch 113 by a tie bar 116, and a buzzer 117 and lamp 118 in parallel. Thus, upon the carriage having passed the selected intermediate end position, and upon the manual switch 113-115 being in its normally-closed position, power for the buzzer 117 and lamp 118 is fed to the contact 68a of the relay 64. If the user should thereupon put his handpiece on its support to open the station switch 52, the relay 64 returns to unoperated position and the switch 68 makes with its a contact to complete the buzzer and lamp circuit across the A.-C. power source. This causes a heavy signal to be given to the attendant to warn him that the record should be changed immediately.

The process of removing a record from the machine involves the operation of lever 37 to raise the recorderreproducer from the record and operation of lever 39 to release the record clamp. After the old record is removed and the new record put on the turntable, these levers must be restored to their original positions. .Dur-' ing this process of changing the record, the attendant will shut off the buzzer 117 by opening the manual switch 113-115. The opening of this switch also releases the relay 107.

It is important to warn the remote operators against attempting to use the phonographic system during the time that the attendant is changing the record; also, it is important that the attendant himself he warned in some mild manner while the translating devices are raised from the record and the record clamp is released so that he will not inadvertently fail to restore these devices to their normal positions after a record is changed. For these purposes a warning signal comprising an electronic relaxation type oscillator 119 is provided to give a flash signal to the attendant and to feed a warning signal, preferably in the form of a recurring tick sound, to the receivers of the remote stations. This oscillator may comprise a dual-triode tube 121 of which the grid of the first triode is connected through a condenser 122 to the plate of the second and the grid of the second is connectable through a condenser 123 to the plate of the first, the grids being also connected through resistors 124 and 125 to a common cathode having connection to the ground or negative side represented by the line 73. The plate of the first triode is connected to a B supply by way of a lead 126, resistor 127 and rectifier 91, and the plate of the second triode is connected through resistors 128 and 129 to the same B supply source. The resistor 129 is however shunted by a signal lamp 130. There are three parallel-connected switches 131, 132 and 133 for connecting the grid of the second triode to the plate of the first for the purpose of rendering the oscillator operative. Each such grid control switch is associated I116- chanicaliy with a respective parallel-connected plate circuit control switch; thus, there are plate switches 134, 135 and 136 corresponding respectively to the grid switches 131, 132 and 133. The dual switch 131-134 is nor mally open and is operable by the record clamp 38 as represented by the dash line 137. Dual switch 132-135 is likewise normally open and is operated by the recordreproduce lever 37 as represented by the dash line 138. The dual switch 133-136 is part of a relay 139 and is closed whenever this relay is not operated.

As the attendant releases the record clamp, the dual switch 131-134 is closed to start the oscillator 119 and to complete its plate output circuit through lead 140, switch 134, condenser 141, primary of transformer 142, lead 143 and lead 73 to the cathode. The secondary of transformer 142 is connected by leads 144 to the communication circuit. Thus, the oscillator is put into operation to flash the lamp 130 and to feed a tick signal to the remote operators receivers whenever the record clamp is released. The flashing of lamp 130 is for the purpose of warning the attendant against inadvertently leaving the record clamp released, and the tick signal to the remote station receivers is for the purpose of warning any of the remote operators against then attempting to use the phonographic system.

As the attendant operates the lever 37 to lift the recorder and reproducer from the record, the dual switch 132-135 is closed to parallel the same connections as are performed by the switch 131-134. Thus, when either the record is unclamped or the recorder and reproduccr are raised, the above-mentioned warning signals are given to the attendant and to the remote operators.

The relay 139 is connected to a D.-C. power source via the rectifier 91 and a single-pole double-throw switch 145. This power circuit is normally closed. Hence, the relay 139 is normally in its operated state and the switches 133-136 are normally open.

The switch 145 is operable by the carriage 33 as is represented by the dash line 146. However, this is an end switch positioned in the end portion of the path of carriage travel so that it will remain in the position shown until the carriage reaches nearly the end of its travel, say within thirty seconds of travel time from its end position. As the carriage is moved gradually through this last thirty-second interval, it moves the switch from its a to its b contact. As soon as the switch breaks with its a contact, the relay 139 becomes deenergized and the switches 133-436 are closed. The closing of switches 133-136 has the same effect as the closing of either the switches 131-134 or 132-135 above described; for instance, it starts the oscillator 119 to flash the lamp 134) and feed the tick signal to the remote station receivers. This tick signal has a -low level of intensity so that it will not destroy the intelligibility of the dictation being recorded or reproduced, but will nevertheless inform the operator that he has only a short space left on the record. If the remote operator continues using the machine to the expiration of the end-signaling period, the switch 145 closes with its b contact to close the power circuit for the relay 147 via the rectifier 91, lead 148 and line 73. The relay 147 closes the switch 149 connected by leads 150 and 151 across the control relays 63, 64 and the choke 61. This shorting of these devices in the communication circuit not only disables the control relays 63 and 64 but also causes a heavy hum signal to be fed into the communication ci cuit. This heavy hum signal apprises the station operator definitely that the machine is in a disabled state. As a natural consequence he will place his handpiece on its support. This will cause the buzzer 117 to start and will apprise the attendant to change immediately the record. After a short interval the remote operator will again pick up his handpiece. If the heavy hum is still on, he will know that the attendant has not yet returned the carriage from its end position, and if the tick signal is still on he will know that the attendant has not yet restored the record clamp and lowered the recorder and reproducer onto the record. However, as soon as this tick signal stops, he will know that he can resume his operation of the phonographic system.

Although our invention has particular utility in connection with a remotely-controlled phonographic system having a plurality of remote operators stations, it will be understood that dilferent features of our invention are not necessarily limited in their application to phonographic systems which have either a plurality of operators stations or operators stations which are remote from the machine itself.

As will appear from the foregoing description, certain primary novel features of our invention reside in the dual signal and D.-C. control circuit comprising the interstation connecting wires 15 and 16, and in the novel intermediate end switch system which requires only momentary operation of the switch 105 by the carriage, the advantage of such momentary operation being that the load on the carriage for operating the system is only a momentary one.

In Figure 2 there is shown a modified form of control circuit arrangement for controlling the phonographic machine from the remote stations. Many of the components of this second embodiment are the same as in the foregoing, and are given the same reference characters.

In this second embodiment the lead wire connections between each remote station and the attendants station are substantially the same as before except that the bus wire 28 of the relay station 12 is no longer connected to the negative lead 17; instead, it is connected to a separate lead wire 38 to constitute an additional control circuit, as will appear. Furthermore, as will appear, the circuit 15-16 is a signal circuit as to each remote station not in use, but as to a station in use the lines thereof are connected in common with the negative side 14-17 of the communication circuit to provide separate control circuits, one of which is by way of the lead wires 17 and 21 and the other of which is by way of the lead wires 17 and 38. The machine-activating relay,

now referred-to as 153, is the sole relay at the attendants station in common with all branches of the communication circuit. When any one of the station switches 52 is closed, this relay 153 and the respective station relay 22 are both operated. Since only one current level is utilized in the communication circuit, the voltage cutdown resistors 53 at the remote stations, which appeared in the foregoing embodiment, are now removed.

The relay 153 controls two pole members 154 and 155. These pole members are electrically connectable to one side of the A.C. power source through the time 70 and the master switch 58. When the relay is operated, pole member 155 is closed with one side of the motor M. The other side of the motor is connected through a rectifier 1'56, resistor 157 and line 158 to the other side of the A.C. power source. Thus, whenever both the master switch :and one of the remote station switches are closed, the motor M is running. The start-stop control switch 66 at each remote station is connected between the interstation lines 14 and 15 by way of the station switch 52 and one section 159 of a dual switch 160, this dual switch being held normally in the position shown as by a spring 160a. In the normal position if this dual switch, the switch section 159 is closed. Thus, upon the handpiece being removed from its support to cause the station switch 52 to be closed :and the start-stop switch being in operated position, the branch lines 14 and 15 are interconnected at the remote station. Since the respective station relay 22 is operated while the station switch 52 is.

closed, the respective branch line 15 is connected at the relay station 12 to the alttendants station by way of the line 21. Line 17 is connected directly to the negative side of the D.-C. power'source 56, the same as before, but the line 21 is connected now through a single relay 161 to the positive side of this source. The power circuit of the relay 161 is therefore closed when the station switch '52 and start-stop switch 66 .are closed at the remote station.

Relay 161 controls a single-pole switch 162 and also the clutch 32 as diagrammatically represented by the tie line 161a. When the relay is operated, the clutch 32 is engaged and the switch 162 is opened. Since the motor M is already running, engagement of the clutch 32 causes instantaneous starting of record rotation.

An energization of the communication circuit caused by closure of any one of the station switches 52, and the starting of the motor M which follows in response thereto, is a conditioning of the phonographic system for immediate start-stop operation and is again referred to as an activation of the system for use. Furthermore, the term operated is used again in connection with the station switch 52 and start-stop switch 66 to mean that their push-operable means are in actuated positions.

As the relay 153 is operated to start the motor M, an alternating signal current is applied to each remote station except the station in use through the transformer 75 at the attendants station, the same as before. One side of the primary of this transformer is connected to one side of the A.C. power source through the line 158, and the other side is connected to the other side of this source through the line 163, switch 154 of relay 153, and the line 70. The secondary of this transformer is connected to the bus wires 27 and 29 through the lead wires 19 and 20. The signal lines 15 and 16 are connected to these bus wires 27 and 29, as to all of the remote stations not in use, through the switches of the respective station relays 22. However, the relay 22 of the station in use is in an operated condition to cause the signaling source to be disconnected from that station.

At each remote station there is a signal lamp 77 connectable across the signal circuit 15-16 through a resistor 78 and switch 79. Switch 79 is connected mechanically to station switch 52'for unison operation therewith as represented by the tie line 52a. The switch 79 is closed to connect the lamp 77 across the signal circuit when the station switch 52 is open, and vice versa. Thus, at each station not in use the lamp 77 is connected to the signal circuit. A signal light is therefore given at each remote station not in use when the system is in an activated condition.

A dual manual switch 172 is provided at each remote station for conditioning the machine for reproducing and for simultaneously engaging the clutch 32 to put the machine in operation for playback. This dual switch 172 comprises one switch section 173 for interconnecting the lines 14 and 15 and another switch section 174 for concurrently interconnecting the lines 14 and 16 as the dual switch is operated from its biased position established as by a spring 175. Closure of the lines 14 and 15 engages the clutch 32 to start record rotation as hereinbefore described. Closure of the lines 14 and 16 is to supply power to a relay 165 connected in the line 38. This line 38 is connected at one end to the positive terminal of the D.-C. power source 56 and is connected at the other end through the bus wire 28 and respective station relay 22 (in view of the station switch 52 being closed and the station relay being therefore operated) to the line 16. Since the negative terminal of the power source 56 is connected permanently to the line 14, operation of the dual switch 172 closes the power circuit of the relay 165 to cause the relay to operate. This relay comprises a double-throw switch 166 and a single-throw switch 167. When the relay 165 is operated, D.-C. operating power is supplied to the conditioning relay 42 by way of the line 158, resistor 168, rectifier 169, lines 170 and 171, switch 167 and line 70. The resultant operation of the relay 42 causes the reproducer 36 to be connected through the audio transformer 40 to the communication circuit wherefore to condition the machine for reproducing. Thus, as the dual control switch 172 is operated while the handpiece is removed from its support, the machine is conditioned for reproducing and record rotation is started to enable playback of the recorded dictation.

As in the previous embodiment, indexing solenoids 96 and 97 are provided for making length and correction marks for the use of the transcriber. The solenoid 97 is controlled jointly by the relays 161 and 165 in such manner that a pulse actuation thereof occurs as the relay 165 is operated while the relay 161 is in an unoperated position. In order to operate the relay 165 and assure at the same time that the relay 161 will not be operated, there is provided at each remote station the dual switch having the aforementioned switch section 159 for opening positively the lines 14 and 15 and having further a switch section 164 for closing the lines 14 and 16 as the dual switch is operated against its biasing spring 160a. When the relay 165 is in unoperated position, as shown, a condenser 176 is charged via line 158, rectifier 169, line 177, relay switch 166, resistor 178, and lines 179 and 70. As the relay 165 is operated, the condenser 176 is con nected across the solenoid 97 via the line 177, switch 166, line 180, switch 162 and lines 181 and 170. The resultant discharge of the condenser 176 to the solenoid 97 causes a pulse operation thereof to make a correction mark. The purpose of the switch 162 controlled by the relay 161 is to prevent a correction mark from being made when both relays 161 and 165 are operated simultaneously by the dual switch 172 for playback.

A pulse operation of the solenoid 96 for a length mark occurs each time the station switch 52 is opened. When the station switches are open the relay 153 is in unoper-. ated position and the switch 155 thereof is closed to cause the solenoid 96 to be connected to a D.-C. power source through condenser 182 via a line 70, switch 155, condenser 182, line 170, rectifier 169, resistor 168 and line 158.'

This causes the condenser 182 to be charged and the solenoid to be pulse actuated. As the operator closes the station switch, the relay 153 is operated to open the charging circuit of the condenser 182. The condenser thereupon discharges gradually through a resistor 183' connected in parallel with the solenoid and condenser. Since this discharge takes place at a relatively slow rate the solenoid is not actuated thereby. The discharge of the condenser does, however, allow a pulse actuation of the solenoid 96 again when the station switch is next opened.

The embodiments of our invention hereinabove described are intended to be illustrative and not necessarily limitative of our invention since the same are subject to changes and modifications without departure from the scope of our invention as set forth in the following claims.

We claim:

1. In a phonographic system including an attendants station having a phonographic machine and sources of direct and alternating current, and an operators station including a transducer and an on-otf station switch: the combination of dual circuits interconnecting said operators and attendants stations, one of said dual circuits being controlled by said station switch and rendered closed when said station switch is in on position; means to cause said phonographic machine to be activated for use when said one circuit is closed; means normally connecting said alternating source of current to the other of said dual circuits; and means in said one circuit including switch means in said other circuit and responsive to movement of said station switch to on position for shifting the connection of the other circuit from said alternating to said direct current source.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1 including a signal device at said operators station normally connected to said other circuit for energization by said alternating current source when the operators station is not in use; and means controlled by said station switch for discon necting said signal device from said other circuit as said phonographic machine is activated.

3. The combination set forth in claim 1 including a plurality of said operators stations and respective dual circuits interconnecting the operators stations and said attendants station to enable the use of the phonographic machine from any one of said operators stations; a signaling device at each of said operators stations; means at each of said operators stations normally efiective to hold the respective station switch in ofi position; and means controlled by each of said station switches for connecting and disconnecting the respective signal device into and out of the respective dual circuits as the station switch is moved to off and on positions.

4. The combination set forth in claim 1 including means at said operators station for changing the current level in said other circuit.

5. In a phonographic system including an attcndants station having a phonographic machine, and a plurality of operators stations each including a transducer and operable control switches for said machine: the combination of first and second circuits leading from each of said operators stations for connecting said control switches and transducers to said attendants station to enable use of said phonographic machine from the operators stations; an electrically-operable control device connected in common with said first circuits and effective upon closure of any one of said first circuits at an operators station for activating said phonographic machine for use; second and third electrically-operable control devices for said machine at said attendants station adapted to operate at difierent predetermined current levels; means responsive to said closure of one of said first circuits for connecting the respective one of said second circuits to said second and third control devices; means for supplying current to said second circuits; and means at each of said operators stations for changing the current level in the respective second circuit for selectively controlling said second and third control devices.

6. The combination set forth in claim 5 including means at each of said operators stations for closing and 12 opening the respective first circuit at will; and means connected to said last-stated means for disabling the respective current-level-changing means as the respective first circuit is opened.

7. In a phonographic system having an attendant's station having a phonographic machine, and an operators station including a transducer and operable controls for said machine: the combination of two circuits interconnecting said operators and attendants stations to enable use of said phonographic machine from said operators station; means for supplying current to one of said circuits; control devices in said one circuit adapted to operate at difierent predetermined current levels; operable means in said one circuit at said operators station for selectively establishing said different predetermined current levcls; and a relay in said one circuit including switch means in the other of said circuits and operable at one of said predetermined current levels in said one circuit for changing the connection of said other circuit with respect to said machine.

8. In a phonographic system including an attendant's station having a phonographic machine, and a plurality of operators stations each including a transducer and operable controls for said machine: the combination of dual circuits leading from said operators stations respectively to said attendants station for enabling use of said phonographic machine from each of said operators stations; means for supplying direct current to one of each of said dual circuits; control devices at said attendants station connected in common with said one of each of said dual circuits and adapted to operate at different current levels respectively, one of said control devices being adapted for activating said phonographic machine; a signaling device at each of said operators stations normally connected to the other of the respective dual circuits; means for supplying alternating current to each of said other of said dual circuits; :1 first control switch at each of said operators stations operable to close said one of the respective dual circuits to establish one of said current levels effective to cause activation of said phonographic machine; a further control device for said machine at said attendant's station; a relay in said one of each of said dual circuits having switch means in the other of the respective dual circuits and operable at said one current level for disconnecting said other of the respective dual circuits from said alternating current supplying means and connecting the same to said further control device via said direct current supplying means; a second control switch at each of said operators stations for controlling said further control device; and means at each operators station connected to the respective one of said first switches and etfective as the latter is closed for shifting the connection of the respective other circuit from said signaling device to the respective second control switch.

9. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system comprising an attendant's station including a phonographic machine having a movable record-supporting device, a translating device, means mounting one of said devices for traveling movement relative to the other and drive means for moving said record-supporting device and for concurrently eflfecting traveling movement of said one device: the combination of a remote operator's station including a transducer and an on-ofi station switch for said system; interstation circuit means controlled by said station switch for connecting said transducer to said attendants station when said station switch is closed; a control switch operable by said one device into closed position as said one device is advanced to a predetermined point in its path of travel; a first relay; an energizing circuit for said relay including said control switch to cause the relay to be operated as said one device reaches said predetermined point; a holding circuit for maintaining said first relay in operated position; a second relay controlled by said on-otI station switch; signaling means at said attendants station comprising a signaling circuit and including switches of both said first and second relays to cause the signal circuit to be closed only when said station switch is in ofl position and said first relay is in operated position; and a switch in said holding circuit at said attendants station operable to release said first relay whereby to open said signaling circuit.

10. In a remotely-controlled phonograph system including an attendants station having a phonographic machine operable in connection with a moving record: the combination of a plurality of remote stations each including a signaling device, an on-ofi station switch for said machine and a conditioning control for said machine; circuit means between each of said remote stations and said attendants station comprising a first circuit connecting said station switch to said machine and a second circuit connecting said signaling device to said machine; means in each of said first circuits at said machine operable upon closure of any one of said first circuits by the respective station switch for placing the machine in condition for start-stop operation and for supplying power to each of said second circuits; electrically-operable conditioning means for said machine; and means responsive to closure of said one of said first circuits by said respective station switch for connecting the respective one of said second circuits to said conditioning means via said conditioning control.

11. The combination set forth in claim including switch means at each remote station mechanically connected to the respective station switch for connecting and disconnecting the respective conditioning control from the respective second circuit respectively as said station switch is moved to close and open the respective first circuit.

12. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system: the combination of an attendants station including a source of signal current and a phonographic machine having an audio circuit; a plurality of remote operators stations each including a transducer, an on-ofi station switch and a signal device; a branch communication circuit leading from each of said remote stations and controlled by the respective station switch for connecting the respective transducer to said audio circuit when the station switch is closed; a branch signal circuit leading from each of said remote stations for connecting the respective signal device to said current source; and means responsive to said station switches respectively as a station switch is closed for disconnecting said signal source from the respective branch signal circuit at said attendants station and for disconnecting the respective signal device from the respective branch signal circuit at the remote station.

13. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system: the combination of an attendants station including a source of signal current and a phonographic machine having an audio circuit; a plurality of remote operators stations each including a transducer, an on-ofl station switch and a signal device; a branch communication circuit leading from each of said remote stations and controlled by the respective station switch for connecting the respective transducer to said audio circuit when the station switch is closed; a branch signal circuit leading from each of said remote stations for connecting the respective signal device to said current source; means for supplying energizing current to said branch communication circuits; a relay in each of said branch communication circuits operable by energizing current from said supplying means when the respective station switch is closed; switch means controlled by said relays respectively and connected in the respective branch signal circuit for disconnecting said signal source from said respective branch signal circuit when the respective station switch is closed; and means at each remote operators station controlled by the respective station switch for disconnecting the respective signal device from the respective branch signal circuit as the station switch is closed.

14. In a phonographic system including an attendants station having a phonographic machine, and a plurality of operators stations each including a signal device, an onoff station switch for said machine, and operable controls for said machine: the combination of circuit means between each of said remote stations and said attendants station comprising a first circuit controlled by the respective station switch and a second circuit serially including the respective signal device; means for supplying power to each of said first and second circuits; means in each of said first circuits and operable upon closure of any one of said station switches for activating said machine for use; electrical control devices for said machine at said attendants station; one electrical relay in each of said first circuits including switch means in each line of the respective second circuit and operable upon closure of the first circuit for connecting the lines of the second circuit through respective ones of said control devices to one line of the first circuit; and switch means at each of said remote stations operable to complete a circuit connection of said one line to the lines of said second circuit selectively.

15. In a phonographic system including a phonographic machine having a movable support for a record, record-cooperable translating means, power means for effecting record rotation and for concurrently eifecting traveling movement between said record and translating means, audio circuits connected to said translating means, and a recordreproduce switch for conditioning said audio circuit for recording on and reproducing from said record: the combination of indexing means for making indicating marks in corresponding relation to the positioning of said translating means with respect to said record; operating means for said record-reproduce switch; means to cause a pulse actuation of said indexing means as said audio circuits are shifted to reproducing condition; and common control means for said operating means and said index-activating means.

16. In a phonographic system comprising an attendants station including a phonographic machine having a movable record support, a drive motor, means for coupling said motor to said support, and selective means for conditioning said machine for recording and reproducing: the combination of a plurality of remote operators stations including a transducer, a signal device, and an on-off station switch for said machine; a communication circuit leading from each of said remote stations and adapted for connecting the respective transducer to the audio circuit of said machine via the respective station switch when said switch is closed; an activating relay for said machine connected in common with each of said communication circuits and operable on closure of any one of said station switches for causing said motor to be started; a signal circuit leading from each of said signal devices to said machine and controlled by said activating relay to cause energization of said signal circuits as said machine is activated for use; a start-stop relay at said machine for controlling said coupling means; a conditioning relay at said machine for controlling said selective means; a station relay for each of said remote stations connected in the respective communication circuit for operation as the re spective station switch is closed and including switch means in each line of the respective signal circuit; circuit means controlled by each of said station relays for connecting the lines of the respective signal circuit through said start-stop and conditioning relays respectively to one side of the respective communication circuit; and switch means at each of said remote stations selectively operable for connecting the other side of said respective communication circuit to the separate lines of said signal circuit respectively and to both of them concurrently.

17. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system: the combination of an attendants station including a source of signal current and a phonographic machine having an audio circuit; a plurality of remote operators stations each including a transducer, an on-olf station switch and a signal device; a branch communication circuit leading from each of said remote stations and controlled by the respective station switch for connecting the respective transducer to said audio circuit when the station switch is closed; a branch signal circuit between each of said remote stations and said attendants station for connecting the respective signal device to said signal source; means for supplying current to said branch communication circuit; an electrically-operable control device for said machine at said attendants station; a control switch at each of said remote stations for said control device; and means responsive to said station switches respectively as any one of said station switches is closed for connecting the respective branch signal circuit to said control device at said attendants station and for shifting connection of said respective branch signal circuit from the respective signal device to the respective control switch at the respective remote station.

18. In a phonographic system including an attendants station having a phonographic machine, and an operators station including a transducer and an on-off station switch: the combination of a first circuit interconnecting said attendants and operators stations and controlled by said station switch to cause the circuit to be closed when the station switch is in on position; means to cause said phonographic machine to be activated for use when said first circuit is closed; a second circuit interconnecting said attendants and operators stations; means for supplying current to said second circuit; a signal device at said oper ators station; a control switch for said phonographic machine at said operators station; and means controlled according to the positioning of said station switch for alternatively connecting said signal device and control switch in said second circuit as said station switch is moved between off and on" positions.

19. The combination set forth in claim 18 including means for changing the current level in said second circuit; and control devices for said phonographic machine in said second circuit differently current-sensitive for selective response according to the current level in said second circuit.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,066,672 Berard et a1. Jan. 5, 1937 2,277,207 Chenoweth et a1 Mar. 24, 1942 2,305,681 Dunning Dec. 24, 1942 2,333,235 Clausen Nov. 2, 1943 2,366,956 Clausen Jan. 9, 1945

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