US1807073A - Record changing mechanism - Google Patents

Description

May 26, 1931. P.'H. scHuLz RECORD CHANGING MECHANISM Filed May :51. 1929 s Shee'ts-Sheet 1 k a. mew? .BY

M mm

May 26, 1931. p H u z 1,807,073

RECORD CHANGING MECHANISM I Fi led May 31, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I NVENTOR.

M ATTORNEY Patented May 26, 1931 UNITED STATES PAUL H. SCHULZQOE MOLINE, ILLINOIS RECORD GING MECHANISM Application filed. May 31, 1929. Serial No. 367,348.

y changing mechanism of that kind by the operation of which a number of talking machine records can be fed in succession from a com- 5 'mon storage place to the apparatus of a sound reproducing machine, and, after being played, removed from said apparatus and reassembled for return to the place of storage, all of the operations connected therewith being automatically performed. 1

One of the purposes of the invention is to greatly increase the capacity of the machine, so that more than double the number of records can be played consecutively than is now possible with machines of that type, making it a desirable machine for use in restaurants, dance halls, and the like, where it is desired to have the machine run for a considerable length same time the device is of comparatively simple construction, and can be produced at so low a cost as to Warrant the same being used to a large extent in the homes.

Another purpose of the invention is the provision of novel and effective mechanism for conveying the records in regular order to the reproducing devices, and removing the same therefrom, a very brief time'being required for removing one record from the turntable of the machine-and positioning another one thereon. i

The invention is shownand set forth herein in its special adaptation for use with a radio outfit, whereby the sounds that are reproduced b the machine are amplified by the loud speaker of the radio apparatus.

The invention embraces several groups of mechanisms, each independent in a way, but

to bring about the desired results. The function of the first of these groups is to support. a plurality of records in positionfor succes-' sive release and delivery to the conveying mechanism. The second group includes the V f apparatus for receiving the records, one at a invention has reference to a record of time without attention. At thepart of the frame. inter-related and cooperating with each'other time, from the storage mechanism and conveying it to the reproducing apparatus, and

later conducting the record from the reproducing apparatus to the record assembling device, This latter device comprises another and third group of parts, of a novel character. Still another group takes in the reproducing mechanism, including the tone arm and pick-up thereof. Associated with these various groups are frame structures for the support thereof, and drive mechanisms by means of which they are operated.

The construction, arrangement, and operation of the various parts of: the invention will be more fully understood from the fol- 0 lowing specification, taken in connection with the accompan ing drawings, in which is portrayed one em odiment of the machine, and in which, I

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the machine, 05 with some of the frame broken away.

Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof, with part of the superstructure removed.

F ig; 3 is a side elevation of that side of the machine opposite to the side shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a diagram of the electric system used in connection with the invention.

Group A includes a base land frame 2, which parts are also common toother portions of the machine. frame are united by a cross-plate 3, secured to which is a loop 4, in which is fixed the lower end of a'rodv 5, inclined u wardly at an angle of approximately fortyve degrees, and passing through a cross-plate 6, on the upper ends of brackets 7, a so forming a Slidable on the rod 5 is a tube 8, provided at its lower end with an arm 9., with which is connected one end of a coiled spring 10, the other end of which is attached to the cross-plate '6. Fixed to the upper end of the tube 8 is a disk 11, adapted for the supportof a plurality of records 40,

with the projecting end of the rod 5 passing The side-pieces of the pile.

is caused by the pin 20, the end of which is spaced permit of the free scribed.

ment by force of gravity,

through the central openings in the records, and retaining them in position on the disk. It, will be evident that the disk 11 and records thereon are held in an inclined position at right angles with the axisof the rod 5, and that if permitted to do so said records would move downwardly of their own weight.

The tendency of the spring 10 is to move the disk 11 and pile of records upwardly, but this is normally prevented by means of a brakeever 12, fulcrumed on the frame at a, and connected by a coiled spring 13 with a pin 14 in the lower part of the frame. The tendency of said springis to hold the end of the lever 12 in engagement with the tube 8, holding the same from movement. Projected upwardly from one side of. the frame is a -plate 15-, from which projects laterally a tubular support 16, in which is a rock-shaft 17. On the inner end of the shaft 17 is an arm 18, normally in line with the rod 5, and

provided on its lower end with a stop 19, against which the upper record 40 is in con tact. The space between the stop 19 and end of the rod 5 is "slightly wider than the thickness of a record, permitting one record at a time to be removed from the pile on the disk 11. Projecting downwardly from the stop 19 is a pin 20, which enters the opening in the topmost record, and holds the same from accidental release. By means of mechanism hereinafter set forth the arm 18 can be swung toward the center of the machine when it is desired to eject the record from the The "initial 'movement of the record from the upper end of the rod 5, to movement of the pin. In the continued movement. of the 'arm 18 the stop 19 moves away from the record and the pin 20 disengages therefrom, whereupon the record continues its downward moveand is received by the conveying mechanis hereinafter de- J ournaled-in the frame2 is a main driveshaft 22, on which is fixed a worm gear wheel 23, in mesh with the shaft 25 of a motor 26, supported on the base 1. On the outer end of the shaft 22 is a crank-arm 27, the crank-pin 28 of which is engaged in a slot 29 in the lower end of a connecting rod 30, the upper end of which has a pivotal connection with an arm 31, fixed to the outer end ofthe rock-shaft 17. A coiled spring 32 is connected at one endto the connecting rod 30, and at the other end to the support 15 thetendency of said spring beingto give an upward urge ptothe connecting rod at all times.

t one point in the cycle of operationsit is desired to have the brake-lever 12 released momentarily, during which interval the disk 11 and records thereon are moved upwardly which is again bent to form a trip 38,

the one next below the same.

mitting the disk 11 to a worm drive 24 on embraces a pair of the frame 2, in'the upper ends of which is .rockingly supported a rod 46, to which is a distance correspondin with the thickness of a single record. For t 's purpose an anglelever 36 is pivoted to the frame, as at b, the short arm of said lever bearing against the long arm of the lever 12. The plate 36 is bent outwardly at its free end into an arm 37, which is in the line of movement of the outer end of the crank-arm 27. As the crank-arm passes beneath the trip it raises it, tipping the plate 36u wardly and raising the long end. of the bra e lever 12. This permits the tube 8- and disk 11 with its load to move'upwa-rdly under the force of the spring 10, and as this action is timed to immediately follow the discharge of a record from the topof the pile, such records is replaced in position by In some cases, as when loading the disk 11 with a supply of records, it is necessary to, release the brake, and this can be accomplished by means of a hand-lever 39, pivoted to. the frame as at c,

the lower end of said hand-lever engaging the long end of the brakelever and forcin the. same upwardly, releasing the tube 8, an perbe forced downwardly to its lowest point.

During the feeding-interval for the rec-'- ords, when the brake 12 is released, the crankarm 27 is at the upper end of its movement, with the connecting rod 30 in a substantially vertical position, as shown'in broken lines at X in Fig. 3, with the crank-pin 28 at the upper end of the slot 29. In this arm 18 is in its normal position, 1n line :with the rod 5, and it is practically locked in such position during the release of the brake 12, preventing accidental ords from the rod. When the disk supplied with records it is desired to have the arm 18 out of the way, and with the crank-arm 27 in a certain other position the slot 29 permits the rod 30 to be thrown for-. wardly, as shown in broken lines at Y, with the'arm 18 turned well out of the way. This can be accomplished at a time when the storage devices are at rest, as will be hereinafter mentioned. y

Group B, which takes in the mechanism is being for receiving and handling the records after duclng apparatus, such as a'motor 41 for driving the same, located beneath the base 1, and'provided with a vertical shaft 42, to which is fixed a turn-table 43. 'The upper end of said shaft on the turn-table. The receiving apparatus supports 45 on the end of fixed a pair of bearings 47, supportinga plate 48, from the opposite ends of which is prodischarge of the rec is formed into a pin 44, to receive the record, and assist 1n centering it said armsand is stopped by a pair of bum in Fig. 1, this i from scratching the record just- -1nclined support 59, in th receiving end of the 'rod ers 51 supported by' the plate 48. These bumpers also serve as gauges for properly positioning the record with reference to the turn-table 43.

The means for moving the plate 48 and arms 49 consists of an arm 52 fixed to the rod 46 and connected by a plate or rod 53 with the end of an arm 54, pivoted to the frame 2 at (Z. The arm 54 is provided'with a roller 55 for engagement by a cam 56 on the shaft 22. The rotation of said camserves to move the arm 54 forwardly, as shown in broken lines, the arm 52 being moved in the same direction, causing the arms 49 to swing upward-. ly. The conformation of the cam is such that the receiving device at first is carried into the position shown in broken lines at Z,

movement enabling said device to deliver the record which has just been played to the re-assembling mechanism. The arms 49. are then moved downwardly again into the inclined positionbefore re ferred to, in which the record is delivered thereto. The ends of the arms are curved upwardly, and as the record slides .over the curved portions it tends to raise the forward edge of the record a little, and prevent it beneath it. After receiving the record the arms move downwardly again, passing on opposite sides of the turn-table and to a point slightly below the same, depositing the record on such turn-table. he connections for the plate 48 are angularly disposed, and in the final movement thereof downwardlythe gauges 51 draw away from the edge of the record, so as not to interfere with the rotation thereof. A coiled spring 57 connects the arm 54 with the frame, and holds said arm in operative position at all timeswith reference to the cam 56.

Group C, which includes the mechanism for reassembling the records, consists of an e upper end of which is a bearing 60, to receive a rod 61, which is held in place by a set-screw 62 in the hearing. A washer 63 of elastic material serves as abufi'er for the records, which are strung on the rod 61, one at'a time. The is curved, as shown, the curve thereinserving to raise the .records a little, as they slide alon the rod, and raise them from contact wit the gauges .51. After passing this curve the records move downthe inclined portion of the rod by gravity.

Group D, which embraces the reproducing mechanism, includes the turntable already referred to, and tone-arm devices for use therewith, supported from one side of the machine in the following manner ;At-

tached to the'side of the frame 2 is a bracket 65, on which are bearings 66, in which is journaled a shaft-67, on one end of which is a head 68, in which is rotatably mounted a turret 69, in which is pivoted a tone arm 70, so as to have a limited movement in a vertical plane. On the end of said tone-arm is a pick-up casing 71, provided with the usual needle for following the grooves of'the record. On the other end of the shaft 67 is a bevel-gear wheel 72, in mesh with a simi lar wheel 73 on the end of a rock-shaft 74, journaled in the lower part of the frame.

To the inner end of said shaft is fixed an arm 75, (Fig. 2) at the outer end of which is a roller 7 6, in engagement with the edge of a cam 77, fixed on the shaft 22. A spring 78 connects the arm 75 with the frame 2, and insures a positive engagement of the roller 76 with said cam. Projecting from the turret 69 is a pin 79, the insulated head of which I is adapted to contact with one of the terminalsofa switch 80. 82 are also provided to limit the movement of the tone-armin either direction.

As the tone-arm 70 reaches the end of its inward movement on the record the switch Stop-screws 81 andis closed, closing the circuit to .the motor 26, and starting the shaft 22. By the action of the cam 77 also rocking the shaft 67, tone-arm upwardly at the chine, out of the ing devices. movement the tone-arm and pickup thereon, tip back of their own weight intothe position shown in broken lines in Fig. 3, and upon being again lowered over the record will be in position to again start the playing of the record. After one record has been removed from the turn-table and another one positioned thereon the movement of the shaft 67 is reversed, carrying the tone-arm back to operating position, with the switch 80 again open. The outer end of the tone arm is also provided with wires 83, for connection with a radio apparatus. p

. A switch 84 is attached to the frame 2 at one side of the machine, which switch is connected with the electric system of the machine, and the terminals of which are arranged to be normally closed. One of said terminals is in the line of movement of a roller 85 on the cam 77 in the rotation of said 'cam the switch will be opened and the movement of the motor 26 interrupted. This condition continues while the piece on the record is being reproduced, and upon the tone-arm 7 O reaching the end of its inward movement the switch 80, which is on an independent circuit to the motor, is closed by the pin 79, and the motor put in operation again. This results in the operation of the shaft 22, and rocking of the arm As it approaches the end of the so that at one point.

the shaft 74 is then rocked,

7 arm 54, operating of the machine, out of the way of the record receivingv and handling frame. The continued rotation of'the shaft 22 actuates the the shaft 46, and carrying the record that has just been reproduced upwardly and positioning the same on the rod 61. The arms 49 are then moved down- Wardly into inclined position to receive a record from the pile, whereupon they a ain move downwardly, depositing the recor on the turn-table, as before described. At this oint the roller 85 opens the switch 84, and the motor 26 and shaft 22 are again motion 41 has been in movement the record is doless. The motor meanwhile, and as soon as posited thereon the tone-arm is lowered into position to start the reproduction of thepiece. This return movement of the tonearm necessarily precedes the shutting off of the motor 26, and the switch 80 is 0 en at this time, so that the motor will not e' put in operation thereby.

A switch 86 is also attached to the frame 2, and is wired for connection with the electric system extending to the motor v41. The longer arm of the switch 86 is formed at its end with a bend which is in the line of travel of a trip 87 fixed to the tube 8, and upon said tube reachin .the end of its upward movement, with t e last record on the disk 11 discharged, said switch will be opened by the trip 87, interrupting'the movement I of said motor. Upon more records being C and D to the motor 26.

p the re assembling to of the machine is continuous,

placed on the storage disk the trip is moved downwardly, and the'switch permitted to close again.

In Fig. 4 is shown a diagrammatical detail of the electric system and its appliegtion to the various devices. Two main wires A and B lead to the motor 41, and by wires The wire D leads to the switch 80, which is connected with the motor 26 by a wire E. The switch 84: isalso connected with the wires 1) At F'is indicated a switch for opening the circuit of the entire system, when desired, and the switch 86 is shown out into the the operation after the store age devices have been supplied with a quantity of records, one record at a time being fed'from the pile and delivered to the reproducing deviees and later transferred to mechanism. Inmachines which are now in use the limit It will be understood that of this type of records that can be handled at a single loading is twelve, whereas the present machine can be adapted for operation with double that number, or most an number, within reason. Other changes an adaptationican.

and E;

' centrally thereof,

-movement to the up be made without departing fromthe SCOPO" of the invention. What I claim, ters Patent, is; I

1. In a record changing mechanism a storage device comprising a fixed rod, a tubular member slidable thereon and provided with' means for limiting the' a nd desire to secure I ietj means for records, comprising a record supporting table, a tube connected therewith, a rod in said tube projected above said table and forming a central stored thereon, means for constantly impelling said tube in a direction to discharge said records, a brake for said tube, capable of holding'the same at any point in its movement, a retaining arm in line with said rod, means for moving the same out of line there- .with'to release the uppermost record, means for momentary release of said brake, and means for holding said retaining arm in line support for records-- with said rod at such intervals of temporary release of the brake.

3. In a record changing mechanism, a storage device comprising a table held in inclined position, a tube connected with said table, and means for impelling said tube in a direction to dischar 0 records held on said table, means for olding said tube from movement, means for momentarily releasing said last-named means, a rod extending through said tube and table, forming aretainer for records sup orted thereon, an arm swingingly mounted a ve said table, in line with said rod, and provided with means for engagement with the central opening of a record, means for swinging said arm to one side, means for holding sai arm from movement during the momentary tube-holding means, said means when properly positioned also permitting the arm to be swung to one side to permit loading of the storage device. 4. In record changing mechanism, a storage devioe, comprising a support held in an inclined position, a retaining rod for records means for constant upward feed of said sndpport, a stop in line with said support provi ed with a pin for engagement with the opening in a record, means for moving said stop to one side and giving initial vrmost record on said suprportgmd means or arresting the feed of sea support while said stop is in operation.

5. In a record-changing mechanism, a storage device, capable of holding a plurality of release of said disk records in position for automatic dis-' charge therefrom, mechanism for receiving records one at a. time from said stem device and delivering the same to a repro ucing mechanism, "a reproducing mechanism, including a tone-arm and pick-up thereof, and means for moving said tone-arm upwardly and to one side of the machine, and to a point from which it will move by gravity to m a. position ready for another reproducing movement when it is returned to operating position.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

. PAUL H. SCHULZ.

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