US2844661A - Remotely-controlled dictationrecording systems - Google Patents

Description

y 1958 R. KOBLER 2,844,661

REMOTELY-CONTROLLED DICTATION-RECORDING SYSTEMS Filed Feb. 1, 1954 ,INVENTOR BY wgzw United States Patent O REMOTELY-CONTROLLED DICTATION- RECORDING SYSTEMS Richard Kobler, New York, N. Y., assignor, by mesne assignments, to McGraw-Edison Company, Elgin, 111., a corporation of Delaware Application February 1, 1954, Serial No. 407,277

13 Claims. (Cl. 179-100.1)

This invention relates to dictation-recording systems which are controlled and operated from one or more dictators stations remote from the dictating machine, and relates especially to novel features and improvements in and on dictation-recording systems of the type described in my Patent No. 2,650,951, dated September 1, 1953, the Somers et al. application Serial No. 247,244, filed September 19, 1951 (now Patent No. 2,757,238, dated July 31, 1956), and my co-pending application Serial No. 377,095, filed August 28, 1953 (now Patent No. 2,788,395, dated April 9, 1957), all of which have a common assignee with the present application.

The type of dictation-recording system here referred to employs a plurality of dictators stations for each dictating machine with means to warn the attendant or secretary to change the record whenever a dictator deactivates the system from his station after having recorded into an end zone on the record containing at least a suflicient space for a normal or average dictation period. The term dictation period, as herein used, refers to the respective time periods dictators hold the system for their own use, and is defined typically by the time elapsing between the instant each dictator picks up his handset or recording microphone and receiver and the instant he returns the handset onto its support. It has been found from wide experience that the integrated recordation time of each dictation period in many classes of dictation machine use is fairly uniform to enable simplification to be made in dictating machine equipment of the remote multistation type. For example, by apprising the attendant to change the record Whenever a dictation period ends in the end zone, typically by a sound signal such as a buzzer, each subsequent dictator is assured of having available sufiicient uninterrupted record space for at least a normal or average dictation period notwithstanding that only one dictating machine is employed in the recording system. The control adjunct for signaling the attendant as above explained comprises a switch-herein referred to as the intermediate end switch-Which is operated by the relative movement between the translating device and cooperating record as the translating device passes a scanning point on the record marking the beginning of the end zone. However, this switch only prepares the warning means or circuit for operation since operation is not cfiected until another control or switch is actuated responsive to the act of terminating a dictation period.

The present invention resides in an improved recording system of the character abovedescn'bed, which can be selectively adapted to meet the desired conditions for either day or night service! For daytime service, it is desirable that the machine be maintained constantly in a ready state for immediate use. For nighttime service, when need for the machine may be only occasional, it is desirable that all operating power to the machine be normally turned off but that the machine be readily :activatable at the remote dictators station for use on short notice not longer than the heat-up period of the amplifier. Also, Whereas completion of a dictation period in theend zone during daytime use is to sound a suitable alarm to apprise the attendant to change the record, it is undesirable to sound any such alarm during night use when the machine is unattended; instead, it is preferable that upon terminating use of the machine in the end zone during night use, the operating power to the entire machine be shut off to render the recording system completely dead not only to save power but also -to prevent operation of the attendants alarm. Objects of my invention are'to provide novel improvements for remotely-controlled dictation-recording systems of the character describedfor accomplishing the aforestated desired conditions.

Since the machine will be available for immediate use when set for daytime service, but will be delayed for use by the heat-up period of the amplifier when set for nighttime service, it is a desirable feature to give the dictator ample warning not to attempt to use the recording system until the amplifier is operative. An object of my invention in this respect is to feed a warning signal to the dicta-' tors receiver through the audio circuit between the dictators station and the attendants station so as to warn the dictator as soon as he picks up his handset not to attempt to record dictation until the amplifier becomes operative. A further object is to provide novel circuits and apparatus for feeding such warning signal to the dictator while avoiding the feeding of such signal to the translating means of the machine and while preserving control over the machine.

Further objects of my invention reside in restoring the availability of electric power to the machine after a record is changed while the machine is set for night service.

Another object is in cutting off all electric operating power when recordation reaches the end of the record while the system is set for night service, and in rendering electric power available again to the machine upon next changing the record or setting the machine for day service.

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

In the description of my invention reference is had to the accompanying schematic drawing showing a remotelycontrolled dictation-recording system incorporating my' invention.

A remotely-controlled dictation-recording system of the type above referred to comprises an attendants station 10 and one or more dictators stations of which two are indicated at 11a and 11b. However, the apparatus of only one station, 11a, is shown since these stations may be identical. At the attendants station there is a dictatingmachine 12 fractionally shown as comprising a turn table 13 carrying a disc record R and mounted for 1'0- tation about a vertical axis, a motor 14 for driving the turntable through a clutch 15 and friction drive wheel 16, a carriage 17 mounted as on a support rod 18 for traveling movement across the record, a feed screw 19 actuated through bevel gearing 20 by the turntableand engaged by a feed nut on the carriage for effecting traveling movement of the carriage as the turntable is turned, recording and reproducing type translating devices 22 and 23 on the carriage of which the reproducer is spaced back of the recorder with respect to the direction of travel of the carriage, and a record-reproduce control lever 24 on the carriage operable through regular mechanism (not shown) to raise both translating devices from the record as when a record is to be changed on the turntable and to lower them both or selectively onto the record asdesired. I

The dictating machine is provided further with an audio circuit 25 which serially includes the primary of an audio transformer 26. The secondary of this trans-- former is connected between a ground 27 and a pair of contacts of a double-pole double-throw changeoven.

sw h 2 he with; hhwh 99? P2 28.4. of switch connects the audio transformer 26 to the input of an amplifier 29 and the other pole 28b connects the outpu hi e am i e w h $9 54 2 it ein u h rht e P1 fi.h R o hh iha th e n u an aht h 9 th m l r ha a m hh und a at r and that one terminal of each of the recorder and reproducer units is grounded, as shown. When the changehvhr s sh i in ts other si n h reproduce? 1;. s co e e a o 2 t h am l fi input n the output of the amplifier is connected. via pole 28b to the ahdih ra form 2 i The andio circuit 25 is utilized also as a control circuit wh t rh it n lu es a relay 30 an a e rhhhh hh Audio currents are byrpassed around this relay and electtomashht b a h s on n er 2- A l l ter a pear, the nircophones at the dictators stations may be oi? the carbon button type requiring energization by direct current. Direct current is supplied to the audio control Hit for the microphones, relay 30 and electromagnet 31 from the A. C. source for "the machine represented by erminals 3.3 h o h a m t Switch P n iormer 35, full-wave rectifier 36 and a filter 37. As shown in the figure, the primary of the audio transformer 26, the relay 30 and electromagnet 3 1, and the D. current source are connected serially in the audio control circuit, with the condenser 32 by-passing the latter three. The control relay and .electromagnet 30 and 31 have difierent current sensitivities so that the relay 30 will operate at a selected subnormal current and both the relay and electromagnet will operate at normal current, the current levels being controlled at the dictators stations as will appear. The relay 30 has three sets of contacts one of which, marked 38, is normally open and is connected in a power line for the motor 14 running from one terminal of the A.-C. Source 33 through the master switch 34, lines 39and 4!) leading to one side of the motor, and the switch 38, line 41 and an auxiliary ast w t h 42 lhh oth, h the S d of the motor to the other terminal of the A.-C. source. Thus the motor 14 runs whenever the relay 30 is operated.

The electromagnet 31 controls the clutch 1 5 through a coup n 3 a mati a r tsdclhfch is normally open but is closed as the electromagnet 31 is operated. Thus the turntable 13 will be driven when normal current is established in the audio control circuit.

,Connectable in parallel with the motor 14, through switches ,44 and 45 hereinafter more fully described, is the primary of a stepdown transformer 46, the secondary of which is connected in a signaling circuit 47. This signaling circuit supplies signaling current to busy lamps at the dictators stations whenever the recording s st m is be l t am 9 0 ahmhh d c a ations, as will appear.

Each dictators station has a handset 48 which may be of the usual telephone variety comprising, as transducer elements, a carbon button microphone 49 and a receiver 50. These transducer elements are connectable in a branch of the audio control circuit designated by the number of this circuit with the sufiix letter of the respective dictators station. The connecting means comprises a double-pole on-oft station switch 51 biased to closed position but normally held open by weight of the hand.- set-as when the handset is not used and is resting on its support- -acting through an extension 52 of one pole of the station switch. As the station switch is closed in response to removing the handset from its support, the respective branch audio control circuit is completed throngh the station switch and a resistor 53 to establish the subnormal current level aforementioned for operat ing the relay 30; also, the receiver 50 is then connected across the audio control circuit through a blocking condenser 54 and resistor 55. The carbon button microphonetgi9 is .connectablethrough a manual switch 56 in parallel-with the resistor 53 and when so connected the ent le el 2 the basis 99999. h rhuit i raised t9 normal level to cause also the electromagnet 31 to operate and close the clutch 15. The manual switch 56 serves therefore as a start-stop control for the machine.

The signal circuit 47, like the audio control circuit 25, has a branch leading to each dictators station marked by the number of the signaling circuit with the surfix letter of the respective station. Each dictators station has a busy lamp L connected in the respective branch signaln: Circuit f q ha h na h nev r a di tate? a one or another of the dictators stations has activated the recording system for his own use.

The record-reproduce changeover switch 2 8 is part of a relay 57 connected by a line 58 from the positive side of the D. 3. source of the audio control circuit to one side of the signal circuit 47. The circuit of this relay can be completed at each dictators station by a manual switch 59 connected between the negative side of he a d wh ql h h a d the s l hhh When the switch 59 closed, the relay 57 is operated by the D.,-C. power source of the audio control circuit to throw the switch 28 from its normal record position to reproduce position.

The phrase activation of the recording system for use is herein deemed to mean that the cathodes of the electronic tubes of the amplifier 29 are substantially heated to emission temperature and that the mechanical drive system of the machine is adapted for immediate start-stop operation. In the present illustrative example, this means that the amplifier is substantially heated and the motor is running but that the clutch 15 is disengaged. When the clutch is also engaged, the system willbe in operation.

In accordance with the present invention, a service selector switch 60 is provided for adapting the system for day and night use. This is a double-pole doublethrow switch for establishing either one of two conditions: (1) to cause the amplifier to be rendered operative whenever the master switch 34 is closed, or (2) to cause the amplifier to become operative only when both the master switch 34 and an on-ott' station switch at one of the dictatqrs stations are closed. A further m ht .ih ht hlhhs he am ifie Well as in etermining whether operating power is available to the ehhhs't eha ih ante-s a t e ux l r master switch 42 controlled by the coil of relay 61. When this auxiliary master switch is closed and the service selector switch ,60 is in the position shown-which is its night position the power circuit from the A. -C. source 33 to the amplifier is through the switches 34 and 42, cable 62, branch 62a of this cable and a normally-open switch 63 constituting part of the relay 30. Thus, with the selector switch in night position and the auxiliary master switch .4} closed, operating power will be supplied to the amplifier only when the dictator picks up his handset to cause operation of the relay 30. On the other hand if ihe service selector switch is in day position, the pole 60a of this switch willshort-circuit the switch 63 ,of the relay 30 to cause operating power to be supplied to the amplifier whenever the master switch 3a is closed. It will therefore appear that in the present description the recording system is deemed as being in a fstand-bycondition a condition wherein operating power is made available to the system whe never both the main master switch 34 and the auxiliary master switch 42 are closed. Also, it will be apparent that the system will be activated for immediate use as soon as a dictator picks up his handset while the service selector switch is in day position, but that activation of ,the system .will be delayed after pickup of a handset at one of the dictators stations, by the heat-up period of the amplifier, when the service selector switch is in night position. If the relay 61 is energized to hold open the auxiliary master switch 42, then operating pow r will be shut off to the .whole system .to render the system dead; however, upon throwing the service selector switch next to day position, the energizing circuit of the relay 61 is opened by the pole 60b of the selector switch to cause concomitant closing of the switch 42. It will thus appear that a shifting of the service switch between day and night positions while the machine is in use has no immediate effect, but that there is a differential efiect depending upon whether this switch is in day or night position when the user returns his handset to its support after having recorded into the end zone. For example, upon returning the handset while the recorder'is in the end zone and the service selector switch is in day position the amplifier remains operative and the attendants buzzer sounds, but upon returning the handset while the recorder is in the end zone and the service selector switch is in night position, the power to the entire system is shut oif. A comprehensive understanding of how the system is adapted for day and night service will be had from the detailed description which now follows.

It will first be considered that the service selector switch 60 is in night position shown in the figure, and that the master switch 34 is closed. Power will then be supplied from one terminal of source 33 through line 39 to one side of a disabling and Warning relay 64 and from the other side of this relay to the other terminal of source 33 through lines 65, 66 and 67, normally-closed switch 68 of an amplifier relay 69, lines 70 and 41, and the auxiliary master switch 42. The resultant energization of the disabling relay 64 will cause its switch 71 to close with its b contact and the aforementioned switch 44 to close likewise with its b contact. Closing of switch 71, as stated, will cause hum to be fed to the audio circuit from the rectifier 36 through a line 72. This hum signal will however not be transmitted to any dictator until he picks up his handset to connect his receiver to the audio line. In the meantime, until a dictator picks up his handset, the amplifier remains dead because neither the selector switch 60 nor the switch 63 of the relay 36 are now closed to complete the power circuit 62 of the amplifier. The operation of switch 44 to its b contact by the relay 64, as abovementioned, has no immediate etfect at this time because the serial switch 45 is still open as will appear. Upon a dictator next picking up his handset to close his station switch, the relay 30 will be operated to cause the switch 38 to be closed to start the motor 14, and to cause the switch 63 to be closed to apply electric power to the amplifier. The hum which is now heard on the line will warn the dictator that the amplifier is not yet heated up. In order that the hum so fed to the line may have substantial volume, the bypass condenser 32 is at first disconnected by a switch 73 of the relay 69 This is a single-pole double-throw switch which, until the relay 69 is operated, makes with its a contact to complete the connection of the audio line with the relay 30 through a line 74 shunting the audio transformer 26. This shunt line maintains continuity of the control circuit with the relay 30 notwithstanding that switch 71 has disconnected the audio line from the audio transformer.

When the cathodes of the amplifier have reached substantially their emission temperature, current will flow in the tube circuits as from one or more tubes 75 through the amplifier relay 69 to ground and will cause operation of this relay. Switch contacts 68 of this relay are now opened to deactivate the disabling relay 64 and cause the switch 71 to return to its a position. Hum tone on the audio line is therefore removed and the audio transformer 26 is again connected in the audio circuit. Concurrently, the operation of the amplifier relay 69 moves the switch 73 to its 1) contact to remove the shunt across the audio transformer 26 and to reconnect the. by-pass condenser 32 across the audio circuit. Still further, the operation of the amplifier relay 69 closes the switch 45 to complete connection of the signal transformer 46 across the motor 14 through the switch 45 and the switch 44 via the a contact of thelatter; busy lights will therefore now go on. Thus, when the amplifier reaches operative condition, the hum tone is removed, the audio control circuit is restored to operative condition, and all busy lights at the dictators stations go on. Upon establishment of these conditions, the system is ready for recording. When the dictator wishes to dictate, he closes the start-stop switch 56 to cause dictation spoken into the microphone to be recorded on the record. If the dictator wishes to listen back to a last portion of his dictation intervening the recorder 22 and reproducer 23, he will close the reproduce switch 59 to operate the changeover switch 28 to reproduce position and will then further close the start-stop switch 56.

If a dictator terminates his use of the machine by hanging up his handset before an intermediate end switch 76, which is described in the next paragraph, is reached by the carriage 17, the machine will be restored to its initial condition-i. e., the relay 30 will be deactivated to stop the motor 14 and to shut off power to the amplifier, and as the amplifier cools off the relay 69 will be deactivated to shut off the busy lights, to open-circuit the by-pass condenser 32 and to restore the shunt'line 74 across the audio transformer, and the relay 64 will be reactivated to connect the audio circuitto the hum line 72. However, power will still be available for reactivating the machine because the auxiliary master switch is still closed. The machine therefore returns to a stand-by condition.

If recordation proceeds across the record past an intermediate end point marking the beginning of an end zone of recordable space for approximately one average dictation period, as a typical example, an arm 75 of the carriage 17 will close the intermediate end switch 76 but without having any immediate effect because this switch is in series with switch 77 of relay 30, which is now open. However, upon the dictator next hanging up his handset to return his station switch to ofi position while the service selector switch is in night position, the auxiliary master switch relay 61 will be operated through a switch 78 connected by a tie line 79 to the record-reproduce lever 24 and now held closed because this lever is in record position, the switch element 60b of the service selector switch 60, a switch 80 of the auxiliary master relay 61 now making with its a contact, switch 77, intermediate end switch 76, switch 81 also connected to the tie line 79 and now making with its a contact, and auxiliary master switch 42. The instant the auxiliary master switch relay is so operated, the switch 80 is moved to its b contact to complete a holding circuit for the relay through the element 60b of the selector switch 60 and the switch 78. Operation of the relay 61 opens the auxiliary master switch 42 to remove all operating power from the recording system wherefore to render the machine dead.

Either of two things may next be done to open the holding circuit of the auxiliary master relay to restore the system to a stand-by condition: (1) shift the service selector switch to day position, or (2) shift the recordreproduce lever 24 to lift the translating devices preparatory to changing a record, which has also the result of opening the switch 78. When the holding circuit is so opened, the auxiliary master switch 42 is again closed, and the switch 80 is returned to its a Contact to return the holding circuit to a disabled condition.

If while the service selector switch is in night position the auxiliary master switch 42 is returned to closed position responsive to changing a record, it is desirable to maintain a warning to all dictators against attempting to use the machine until the record is changed and the translating devices are again lowered onto the record. For this purpose, advantage may be taken of any movable member operated in changing a record to cause activation 9 e isabli r a 64.- .Fsr ex m e a switch 8. s at qllssi b a e d stam h u a e n sa q tbs swits #5! t p lsd b he r co -man ate lever 24 may be connected in parallel (via the b contact of the latter switch") in the circuit of the disabling relay for this purpose, as shown in the drawing. With activation of the disabling relay .64, the switch 71 is moved to i t s :bcontact to restore hum on the audio line. Also, as the relay 64 is operated, the switch 44 makes with its 1: contact to retain the busy lights on regardless of whether the dictator returns his station switch to off but only so long as the amplifier is in operated H I If the dictator hangs up his handset to return th stat o s its o o s t m the relay l mediately drop out because when the relay 64 and the relay 69 are both operated'continuity to the relay 3,0 is broken, As soon as the relay 30 drops out, power is shut off to the amplifier, leaving it to cool .oflf to inoperative condition. Until it does cool off signal current will be supplied to the transformer 46 through switch 45 and the I contact of switch 44. But if the amplifier is in inoperative condition-which it will be if a record change is delayed by the cooling off period of the amplifier after the dictator hangs up his handsetthe only warning to a dictator who would next want to use the system is the siganl transmitted through the receiver from the instant he picks up his handset to the instant when the amplifier becomes again operative. If the dictator records through the entire end zone to the end of the record, some advance warning may be given as the end of the record is approached by feeding a low-volume signal into the audio line as in the manner described in the aforementioned Somers application, but such warning means need not be herein described. When the end of therecord is reached while the selector switch is in night position, an end switch is closed by the carriage 17 to complete the energization circuit 'of the disabling relay 64. The switch 71 of this relay is .then operated to its b contact to restore a warning tone to the audio circuit and to break temporarily the continuity of, the audio control circuit to the relay 30, since the amplifier relay 69 is now still operated tomaintain open the shunt line 74. As soon as the relay 30 drops out, the energization circuit of the auxiliary master relay 61 is completed through switch 7, element 60b of service selector switch 60, switch 80 via its a contact, switch 77, intermediate end A contact and auxiliary switch 76, switch 81 via its a master switch 42. Upon operation of the relay 61 it is held operated by its holding circuit abovedescribed. The auxiliary master switch 42 therefore stays open to render the recording system dead. As soon as these conditions are realized following activation of the relay 64 -which will be almost instantaneousthe hum tone on the audio line is shut off. The dictator will know, however, by the busy lamps being out and by the absence of any side tone on the audio line, that the recording system is dead. Again, as hereinbefore explained, the system be restored next to a stand-by condition only by either operating lever 24 preparatory to changing the record or by shifting the service selector switch to a Pos t n- When the service selector switch is in day position, the amplifier power circuit is closed through the pole element 6 041 of the service selector switch. Thus the system is maintained in a stand-by condition for immediate use. Also, when the service selector switch is in day position the auxiliary master relay 61 is maintained aninoperable state by reason of the pole element 6 0b :of switch being nowdisconnected from its associated contact. 1 The auxiliary master switch 42 is therefore maintained closed at all times while the seryice alsasswitc 18i sl ma den.-

,S ae'ths amplifie s a 9 i w ma nta ned Qanstantly in operated position, the disabling relay 64 is r 8 never activated when a dictator picks up a handset, and as a result horn is not then ever fed to the audio' line. Also, the busy lights will now go on as a dictator picks up his handset; If a dictator hangs up his handset be.- fore recording. into the end zone, the relay 30 drops out to stop the motor 14 and to put out the busy lights by the opening of the switch 38. This restores "the machine to its starting stand-by condition. If the dictator hangs up after recording into the end zone, the intermediate end switch 76 will have been closed, and on the subsequent closing of the switch 77 as the relay 30 drops out, energizing current is supplied to an alarm device 86, typically a buzzer, at the attendants station, through line 39, the device 86, switch 77, intermediate end switch 76, switch 81 via its a contact and auxiliary master switch 42. This alarm apprises the attendant to change the record. As the attendant operates the lever 24 to raise the translating devices from the record the switch 81 is operated to its 12 contact to shut off the alarm and to activate the disabling relay 64. Operation of relay 64 puts hum on the audio line to warn the dictator against attempting to use the machine until the translating devices are restored onto the record. Also the record-clamp switch 83 controls the relay 64 to maintain hum on the line until the new record is clamped onto the turntable. Since both the amplifier relay 69 and the disabling relay 64 are now operated, the busy lights will be kept energized (through switch and b contact of switch 44) until the machine is restored to operable condition by the record being clamped, the carriage being returned to its start ing position, and the translating devices being again lowered onto the record. The carriage return causes the intermediate end switch 76 to be opened to prevent the alarm device 86 from being again activated when switch 81 is returned to its a position.

If while the selector switch 60 is in day position the dictator records to the end of the record, causing the end switch 85 to be closed, the disabling relay 64 will be energized through the line 39, line 66, end switch 85,1ine' 41 and auxiliary master switch 42. Operation of the relay 64 will cause switch 71 to break continuity of the audio control circuit to the relay 30 (it being noted that the amplifier relay 69 is now still operated to hold the switch 73 in its b position) and will cause hum to be fed to the line to warn the dictator against now attempting to use the system. The relay 30 therefore automatically drops out to stop the motor, but the busy lights are kept energized through the switch 45 and the b contact of switch 44. Also, as the relay 30 drops out, the alarm 86 is energized through the. switch 77, intermediate end switch 76, a" contact of switch 81 and the auxiliary master switch 42, even though the dictator may not yet have hung up his handset.

As the attendant proceeds next to change the record, the relay .64 will be kept energized through either thc switch ,83 controlled by the record clamp and/or the switch 81 controlled by the record-reproduce lever 24 to maintain hum on the audio line, to keep the busy lights on and to disconnect the dictators controls from the relay 30 until the record is changed and the machine is restored to operative condition. These operations occur whether or not a dictator continues to hold his handset from its support during record change, but when record change is completed and a dictator holds his handset ofi of its support, the disabling relay will drop out to reconnect the audio control circuit with the relay 30 through the audio transformer 26 and to disconnect the bum source from the audio circuit, and the busy lights will be maintained on through the switch 45 the a contact of switch 44 and the switch 38.

As supplementary description of the operation of the recording system when the service selector switch is inn sht rz i ioa hawai th towin i 9 1 4 b tsd that any condition of operation of the system which 9 would complete the circuit of the alarm device 86 will likewise complete the circuit of the auxiliary master relay 61. The master relay however predominates to cut E operative power to the whole system, with the result that the alarm device never sounds when the selector switch is in night position.

The embodiment of my invention herein particularly shown and described is intended to be illustrative and not limitative of my invention since the same is subject to changes and modifications without departure from the scope of my invention, which I endeavor to express according to the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a record support and record-cooperable translating means: the combination of a remote dictators station comprising a transducer means and an on-ofi station switch; an audio system comprising said transducer and translating means, an interstation circuit, means to connect said transducer means to said interstation circuit when said station switch is in on position, and an amplifier characterized as requiring a heat-up period after application of electric power thereto to render the amplifier operative; a warning tone source at said attendants station connected to said interstation circuit for producing a warning signal via said transducer means when said station switch is moved to on position; means for causing application of electric power to said amplifier when said station switch is moved to on position; and means responsive to said amplifier reaching operating condition for disconnecting said warning source from said interstation circuit.

2. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a record support and record-cooperable translating means, and means conditionable for rendering power available to said machine to place the machine in stand-by condition: the combination of a remote dictators station comprising a transducer means and an onofi station switch; an audio system comprising said transducer and translating means, an interstation circuit connected to said translating means, means to connect said transducer means to said interstation circuit when said station switch is in on position, and an amplifier at said attendants station characterized as requiring a heat-up period after application of electric power thereto to render the amplifier operative; a warning tone source at said attendants station; means rendered operative upon placement of said machine in stand-by condition for disabling said audio system and for concomitantly feeding thereto a warning tone from said warning source; means controlled by said station switch for applying electric power to said amplifier when the station switch is in on position; and means responsive to said amplifier reaching operative condition for restoring said audio system to operative condition and for concomitantly terminating said feed of said warning tone.

3. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a record support, record-cooperable translating means, and means for rendering power available to place the machine in stand-by condition: the combination of a dictators station including transducer means and an on-ofi station, switch; an interstation audio control circuit; means to connect said transducer means to said audio control circuit when said station switch'is in on position; a DC. power source for said audio control circuit effective when said machine is in stand-by condition; an audio amplifier connectable between said audio control circuit and said translating means characterized as requiring a heat-up period after application of electric power thereto to render the amplifier operative; an electric warning source; switch means in said audio control circuit movable to a first position for connecting said circuit to said translating means through said am plifier and to a second position for connecting thecircuit to said warning source; electromagnetic means energized by power to said machine when the machine is in stand-by condition for holding said switch means in said second position; a control device in said audio control circuit operable by said D.-C. power when said station switch is moved-to on position for supplying electric power to said amplifier; and means operated by said amplifier as the same reaches operative condition for causing return of said switch means to said first position.

4. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a record support and record-cooperable translating means: the combination of a dictators station including transducer means and an on-ofl station switch; an interstation audio control circuit; means to connect said transducer means to said audio control circuit when said station switch is in on position; a D.-C. power source; electrically-energizable control means for said machine controlled at said dictators station via said audio control circuit; means for connecting said translating means, control means and D. C. power source in series in said audio control circuit; a condenser-type shunt circuit across said control means and D.-C. power source; an electric warning source; and switch means in said audio control circuit operable into one condition to connect said warning source to said audio circuit, to short out said translating means and to open-circuit said shunt, and into a second condition to disconnect said warning source from said audio circuit and to restore connection of said translating means and said shunt in said audio circuit.

5. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a record support onto and from which a record-may be mounted and removed, a record-cooperable translating means, drive means for relatively moving said support and translating means to scan a record by said translating means and an audio system including said translating means: dictators station and interstation wiring for connecting said dictators station to said machine; apparatus including transducer means and anon-01f station switch at said dictators station for operating said dictating machine to record dictation when said station switch is in on position; an audio amplifier connectable between said transducer means and said translating means and characterized as requiring a heat-up period after application of electric power thereto to render the amplifier operative; means for applying electric power to said amplifier upon movement of saidstation switch to on position; and means, rendered operative by said station switch upon movement thereof to on position and controlled by said amplifier according to the state of warm-up thereof, for feeding a warning signal to the dictators through said interstation Wiring and transducer means during the interval between the instant said station switch is placed into on position and the instant said amplifier becomes operative.

, '6. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a record support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, a record-cooperable translating means, drive means for relatively moving said support and translating means to scan a record by said translating means and an audio system including said translating means: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for connecting said dictators station to said machine; apparatus including transducer means and an on-off station switch at said dictators station for operating said dictating machine to record dictation when said station switch is in on position; an audio amplifier connectable between said transducer the combination of a remote 11 a v nieans'and said translating means and characterized as r ing a heat-up period after application of electric po er thereto to render the aniplifier operative; means for applying electric power to said-amplifier comprising a se ry icle selector switch movable into first and second positions and eflective when in said first position to cause continuous application of electric power to said ampli- 4 maintain the amplifier operative for immediate use; andmeans comprising said station switch and said selector switch and efiective when said selector switch is in the second of its positions for causing application of electric power to said amplifier only when said station switch is in on position. i

7. The combination set forth in claim 6 including a warning means at said attendants station to apprise the attendanfwhen the record is to be changed on said support; an intermediate end switch operated by said maeliine in response to relative advance movement between said record support and translating means past a scanning point marking a predetermined end zone of recordable space on the record; and means differentially conditioned according to the positioning of said service selector switch and controlled by said station and intermediate end switches for causing activitation of said Waming means upon return of said station switch to ofi position while said selector switch is in said one position and the translating means is in said end zone and for Icausing cut-oil of electric operating power to said recording system upon return of said station switch to ofi position while said selector switch is in said secend position and said translating means is in said end zone. i

8. The combination set forth in claim 7 including a movably-mounted member on said machine required .to-be operated into one position as an incident precedent to removing a mounted record from said support and to be returned after mounting of a record to restore the machine .to operable condition; and means controlled by said member according to the positioning of said selector switch for shutting off said warning means when said selector switch is in said first position and for'rendering operating power available again to said recording system when said selector switch is in said second position.

9. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictatingmachine having a record support onto and from which a record may-be mounted and removed, a record-cooperable translating means and electric drive means for efiecting a relative advance movement between said support and translating means to scan a supported record by said translating means: the combination of a remote dictators station and .interstation wiring for connecting said dictators station'to said dictating machine; an on-oif station switch at said dictators station for connecting said dictating machine to said station only when said station switch is in on position; means for supplying electric operating power to said recording system; a relay having operable contacts in said power-supplying means for cutting off all electric operating power to said recording system when the relay is energized; means operated by said machine in response to said translating means reaching a scanning point at the end of the record for supplying energizing current to said relay to shut oli all electric operating power to said recording system; and a holding circuit closed by operation of said relay for retaining the relay in operated position after operating power to said recording system .is shut ofi.

10. The combination set forth in claim 9 including a movab m mber r q r tabs o e in h n n a record on said support; and means controlled by said member asa record change is made for opening said hold ing circuit to return said relay to unoperated condition.

' lljln'a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a record support onto and from which a record may be mounted and "removed, a record-cooperable translating means and electric drive means for effecting a relative advance movement between said support and translating means to scan a supported record by said translating means: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for connecting said dictators station .to said dictating machine; an on-off station switch at'said dictators station for connecting said dictating ma chine to saidstation only when said station switch is in on position; an intermediate end switch operated by said machine in response to relative advance movement between said record support and translating means past a scanning point marking a predetermined end zone of recordable space on the record; means for supplying electric operating power to said system including a power switch openable to render the system dead; a service selector switch movable into first and second positions to adapt said system for daytime and nighttime use; and means controlled by s'aid'station switch, intermediate end switch and service selector switch for opening said power switch upon return of said station switch to cit position while i saidtranslating means is in said end zone and said system between twopositions without influence on said power is adapted for nighttime use.

12. In a dictation-recording system comprising a dictating machine having a movable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed; record scanning means, drive means for said scanning means and an audio amplifieri the combination of a dictators trans-- ducer for said machine, a dictators on-ofi switch for said recording system, an intermediate end switch operated by said machine upon advance of'said scanning means into a predetermined end zone of recordation on said record, means for supplying electric power to said drive means and amplifier including a service selector switch shiftable supplying means while said dictators switch is in on position, and meanscontrolled by said service, intermediate and dictators switches for establishing different terminal conditions of said power supplying means according to the positioning of said service selector switch upon re-' turn oi said dictators switch to off position while said intermediate switch is operated (l) to maintain said amplifier operative when said service switch is in one position, and (2) to render power unavailable to both'said amplifier and saiddrive means when said service switch is i a ssq d qsit qn.

The combination set forth in claim 12 including control means operable incidental to changing a record on said support, and means operable selectively either by.

saidcontrolmeans upon changing a record on said support orby said service switch upon shifting same to said first position for restoring power availability to said amplifier anglldrive means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Chenoweth et a1 Mar. 24, 1942 2,371,051 Kendig Mar. 6, 19 45 2,375g525 Clausen May 8, 1945 2,650gl 19 53 Kobler Sept. 1,

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