US2264911A - Telephonic music selector apparatus - Google Patents

Telephonic music selector apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US2264911A
US2264911A US378540A US37854041A US2264911A US 2264911 A US2264911 A US 2264911A US 378540 A US378540 A US 378540A US 37854041 A US37854041 A US 37854041A US 2264911 A US2264911 A US 2264911A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
coin
relay
microphone
line
station
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US378540A
Inventor
Ken C Shyvers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US378540A priority Critical patent/US2264911A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US2264911A publication Critical patent/US2264911A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04HBROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/65Arrangements characterised by transmission systems for broadcast
    • H04H20/76Wired systems
    • H04H20/82Wired systems using signals not modulated onto a carrier

Definitions

  • This invention relates to telephonie music selector apparatus and particularly to arrangements of such apparatus in which a plurality of stations are .operated 'on a single telephone line.
  • each station is provided with a coin-controlled transmitting device which feeds into a telephone line vfor enabling a customer to signal an operator at a central oice and communicate to the operator the number or nameI of the particular musical selection or selections which the customer desires to hear.
  • a phonographic apparatus such as a turntable and pickup, is provided at the central oiilceA for each subscribing line, and when the operator has been informed of the identity of the piece, she selects the properrecord and plays it' on the turntable.
  • the sound-representing impulses that are picked up from the record are pre-amplied and sent back over the telephone line to the calling station, where a suitable transducing means ampliiies the signals for operating a loudspeaker or the like.
  • an object of my invention to enable a plurality of stations to be independently operated on a single telephone line, and an ancillary object is to prevent persons who have not paid for the music selection service from deriving any undue benet thereof or interfering with the services to customers who have paid for the same.
  • Another object is to provide a music selector embodying a transmitting device of novel construction having a rotatable drum on which the identifying legends of a large number of available 'musical selections vmay be represented and which may be conveniently manipulated to-ex'- pose various sections thereof to view.
  • Still another object is to adapt the transmitspaces such as in booths or at positions along a counter or the like.
  • Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of the apparatus
  • Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the transmittingV device, showing the selector drum
  • Fig. 3 is a partially sectional lside elevation of the transmitting device, showing the Amanner of mounting thel lmicrophone and selector drum thereon;
  • Fig. i is a schematic view of a arrangement according to my invention.
  • My novel music selector apparatus is adapted to be operated from a telephone line comprising the wires 5 and 6, Fig. 1, which lead to a central omce.
  • the apparatus includes a source of electrical energy such as the power pack P; a receiver R which-is adapted to receive and amplify sig- .nals sent over the telephone line for the purpose of operating a loud-speaker S; one or more transmitting devices generally designated T and an associat'ed talk amplifier A; and coin-controlled means governing the operation of the apparatus.
  • the power pack P is utilized to furnish direct current wherever it is neededin the system.
  • This power pack is of conventional construction and comprises a transformer l, a full-wave rectifier tube 8 and the usual filter choke 9 and filter capacities I0.
  • the normal plate voltage for the tubes i9 and 20 is supplied through a conductor 22 which leads from the positive terminal Il of the power pack P to a center tap on the primary of the transformer 2l.
  • the speaker S receives the output signal furnished by the transformer 2i and converts it into audible energy.
  • the bias for the control grids of the tubes i9 and 2l) is supplied by a resistance-capacity combination 23 in the cathode circuit of these tubes.
  • the bias for the screen grids of these tubes is derived from the voltage drop set up in a resistance 24 which is connected between the conductor 22 and another conductor 25 that supplies plate current to the tubes of the talk amplifier A, the construction of which will be explained presently.
  • Each transmitting device T is adapted to be mounted at a convenientlocatlon such as in a booth or at a position along a counter or the like. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, such a device T comacogen forded in the cap il@ opposite the microphone 28 to permit the customer to speak into the microphone. .
  • the cap Ml is removably secured to the frame 26 by 'a threadedbolt dit, Fig. 3, that is connected to the rotatable cylinder of a lock Ml mounted in the upper end of the cap ll, this bolt depending from the lock and being received in a tapped opening in the frame 26.
  • the microphone 28, Fig. l is connected in a series circuit which includes a normally open contact ⁇ G5 of the relay Staand the primary of an input transformer llt of the amplifier A.
  • the conductors which extend between the amplifier A and the device T are contained in a shielded cable or microphone line M, the sheath of this cable being grounded at a convenient point.
  • a frame 26 which may be built up of several v castings, a bracket 2l or the like being provided at the base of this frame to facilitate mounting the device.
  • Amicrophone 28, relay 29, Fig. 1, and a coin-operated switch 3D are mounted on the frame 2t, these elements being included in the electrical circuits which will be described Y presently.
  • a circular flange. 3l is formed on the frame 26 at its junction with the bracket 21, and a ring 32 is rotatably mounted on this ange.
  • Another iiange 33, Fig. 3 is formed on the frame 26 a predetermined distance above the flange 3l.
  • a recess 3d is afforded in the ring 32 to receive the lower end of a hollow cylindrical member or drum 3E, the upper end of the member or drum 35 being loosely iitted around the flange 33.
  • the drum tti is made of a transparent mate rial such as glass or Celluloid so that a paper sleeve it itted within the drum 35 may be observed.
  • the names and numbers of the available musical selections are printed on the outer sur- -iaces of the sleeve as indicated at 3l, Fig. 2,
  • a conventional coin slide 38 is positioned at the upper end of the frame 26 and a receptacle 3S! is attached to the :frame 26 below the ange 3S to receive the coins deposited by customers.
  • the receptacle te may be generally cylindrical in shape to conform to the' inner surface of the selector drum 35 when the latter is installed on the frame it, thereby affording a compact construction.
  • the microphone 28 is mounted near the upperend of the frame 2t above the iiange 33 and is normally hidden from view by a hollow cylindrical cap lil which its over the frame and rests upon the flange 33. .
  • the cap dit is closed at its upper end except for a suitable opening to" enable the coin slide 3e to project therethrough.
  • the plate voltage for these tubes is supplied by the power pack P through the medium of the aforesaid conductor 25 and the load resistors [i9 and 50, respectively.
  • the secondary of the transformer 46 supplies the incoming signal to the grid of the iirst tube 4l, the plate of which is coupled by a condenser 5l and volume control resistor 52 to the grid of the second tube (lil.
  • the plate and cathode of the tube i8 are respectively connected through the blocking condensers 53 and ttl and the conductors IE5 and 5t to the wires t and -of the telephone line.
  • the operating arm of the coin switch 363 is positioned in the coin shute ci the transmitting device T to be actuated in response to the passage of a coin.
  • This switch is electrically connected on oneside by a conductor 5l to the winding of the relay it and on its other side by a conductor 5d to the winding of the relay 29.
  • the other ends of the windings of these relays are connected by conductors 59 and 6o, respectively, to the end terminals of the secondary winding of a tapped transformer tl, the primary of which is connected to the alternating-current supply line.
  • Closure of the contacts G2 and 63 connects the telephone line wires 5 and G acrossI the secondary of a transformer 65, the primary of which .is connected across one of the end terminals and the Ymiddle terminal of the secondary of transformer 30 is closed only momentarily and upon opening it breaks the circuit to the winding of the relay It, causing this relay to again deenergize and open its contacts 62 and B3 so that the signal to the operator is not unduly prolonged.
  • v contact 64 is likewise opened again, and the con-4 tacts I2 and I3 become closed to reestablish the electrical connection between the telephone line and the input of the receiving amplier R.
  • Al direct-current relay 66 of the slow-to-release type has its winding, connected on one side through a protective resistor 61 to the positive terminal Il of the power pack P, andthe other side of this winding is connected by a conductor 68 to the normally open contact 64 of the relay It.
  • the momentary closure of the contact 5t l which connects one terminall of the relay contact 69 to one end of the secondary of transformer 6I, and the other end of this secondary is connected by a conductor 10 to the other terminal of this relay contact. Closure of the relay contact 69, therefore, energizes the solenoid 12 to bring aboutthe closure of the contacts 16 of the clock 13.
  • The'relay 66' is made slow-torelease to insure that the electrical and mechanical inertia afforded by the solenoid 12 will be overcome and that the solenoid will become fully energized to actuate the clock.
  • the clock 13 once it has been set in operation, maintains its contact 1d closed for a predetermined time interval.
  • One terminal of the contact 14 is connected to the middle tap of the transformer 6l and the other terminal is connected by a conductor 15 to one terminal of a normally open contact 16 yof the relay 29, the other terminal of this relay contact being connected to the conductor 58 which leads to the winding of this relay.
  • the closure of the timing contact 14 establishes a holding circuit for the relay 29 for maintaining this relay energized and thereby closing the microphone circuit vfor a predetermined time, enabling the customer to communi- ⁇ cate tc the operator the identication of the musical selection that is desired to be heard.
  • the relay 66 and the time clock 13 are so timed in their operations that the holding circuit is esA tablished for the relay -29 before it has had an opportunity to re-open its contact 7B following the initial energization of this relay produced by the dropping of a coin.
  • the contacts and 16 then close in sequence, and this retardationof -the contact 16 seems to aid materially in producing satisfactory operation.
  • any suitable time delay device such as an electronic timer, may belemployed in lieu of thek clock 13.
  • the receiver R, power pack P, talk amplier A, and-the other rapparatus diagrammatically shown in Fig. 1, exclusive-'of the speaker S .and transmitting device T are assembled on a single chassis which may be installed at any convenient point.
  • Each transmitting device T is positioned to enable a customer to conveniently utilize the same for calling the operator.-
  • the relay 29 Whenever a coin is deposited the relay It operates to momentarily disconnect the receiver R from the line and send a signal to the operator, and concurrently therewith; the relay 29 is energizedto connect the microphone 28 in the input circuit of the amplifier A for a predetermined time.
  • the operator is again signalled with only a momentary interruption-in the reception of the music and at any convenient time she may communicate with the customer.
  • the amplifying characteristics of the receiver R and amplifier A are such that the voice of the customer is not amplified suciently to enable it to be heard at the speaker S, whereas the operators voice andthe music, which are pre-amplified at the central office, may be heard' plainly.
  • a separate transmitting device T is provided at each such station and the electrical connections between the various devices T and the remainder of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 are run in parailel, as indicated in Fig. 4. Because of the fact that the-microphone circuit of each transmitting device is normally open, due to the normally open position of the contact as 45 of its relay as 29, the customer cannot communicate with the operator until he has deposited a coin and thereby closed the switch 3
  • An alternative expedient particularly where only a short timing period is necessary, is to dispense with the relatively quickacting relays as 29, which must be held locked up through holding circuits in order to keep their microphones coupled to the line, and to utilize in place thereof slow-to-release relays or solenoids.
  • Each transmitter 'I' is mainfestly able to operate under control of a plurality of coins consecutively fed thereto, in the event acustomer desires to select a plurality of musical pieces, in which case the predetermined timing period commences to run from the moment the last coin is deposited.
  • the customer is generally notified by appropriate instructions on the selector drum to deposit, say, from. one to ten coins for selecting a corresponding number of pieces.
  • the operator at the central studio either by manually counting the flash signals received or by reading a counter with which the line may be equipped, is apprised of the number of selections which the customer is permitted to make.
  • a coin-contained telephonie apparatus for receiving and converting sound-representing impulses of a musical character originating at a central ofiice in response to voice signals communicated to said oiiice, a transmitting device adapted tov operate on a telephone-line independently of other like devices which may opcrate on said line for establishing communication between a calling' station and said central ofce and comprising a microphone, circuit means enabling said microphone to -be coupled to said line, a relay controlling said circuit means and eiective when in an inoperative condition to prevent said microphone from being coupled to said line, a coin-operated switch closable to initiate operation of said relay for rendering said coupling means effective, and means including a holding circuit for maintaining 'said relay in an operative condition for at lleast a predetermined time after its operation has been, initiated by closure of said switch.
  • a transmitting device adapted to operate on a telephone line independently of other like devices'which may operate on said line for establishing communication between a calling station and said central office and comprising a microphone, means operable to couple said microphone .to said line, means normally effective to disable said coupling means. and coin-operated means for rendering said disabling means ineective.
  • a transmitting device at each ofsaid stations comprising a microphone coupled to said line, switching means controlling said microphone and effective when in a normal condition to disable said microphone, electromagnetic means operable to adjust said switching means to an operative relation for enabling said microphone to transmit voice signals, and a coin-controlled switch for initiating operation of said electromagnetic means.
  • a transmitting device located at each of the several stations and each of the said transmitting devices comprising, in combination, the followingparts: ,a microphone, a relay operating only when energized to connect said microphone to said cou-l 'pling means, and a coin-operated switch for energizing said relay.
  • a coin-controlled telephone system having a music reproducer operated fromv a telephone line and a plurality of microphones adapted to be 'coupled to said line for transmitting orders to a central oillce, control means at each i transmitting station on; said -line comprising switch means interposed between the micro-v phone and said line and normally adjusted to an inactive relation for uncoupling said microphone from said line, a coin-operated switch, ⁇ and electromagnetic means controlled by said coin-operated switch for adjusting said [switch transmitting station' on said line comprising a relay having a contact in circuit with the microphone for controlling the operation thereof, said contact being normally open to disable said microphone when said relay is deenergized, a coin chute, and a switch responsive to the pas, sage of a coin through said chute to energize said relay and thereby close said contact for establishing communication between said microphone and said line, said relay 'remainingV operative for at least a predetermined time after it has been energized by said coin-responsive switch.
  • a telephonie music selector apparatus having a receiver for radiating sound energy of a musical character originating at a central oce in response to a verbal order transmitted to said omce from any of a plurality of transmitting stations adapted to be coupled to a common telephone line, and which has a timing means effective when operated to condition an electrical circuit for a predetermined time interval, a transmitting device at each of saidstations for operatingy on lsaid line independently of -other like devices which may operate on said line and including a relay having i'lrst and second contacts which are normally open when 'said relay is deenergized, said rst contact being effective while open to prevent its transmitting device from 4being coupled to said line and said second contact operating when closed to complete the electrical circuit conditioned, by said tuning means through the winding of said relay for' maintaining said relay in an energized condition during said time interval, a-coin chute, and a switch positioned in said chute and operated in response to the passage of a coin for
  • a control lrelay responsive to said coin-receiving means for coupling said microphone to said line
  • a .casing for said transmitting device embodying a stationary part enclosing said microphone and a rotatable cylindrical portion enclosing said control relay and said receptacle, said cylindrical portion displaying indicia related to the available musical selections.
  • a coinoperated transmitting device operating on a telephone line leading to said central studio for enabling the selection' of a musical number to be played, comprising the combination of a microphone, coin-receiving means, a control relay responsive to said coin-receiving means for coupling saidmlcrophone to said line, and a casing enclosing said microphone, said relay and said coin-receiving means, a portion of said casing comprising a rotatable selector drum displaying indicia pertaining to the available musical selections.
  • a coin-0D- erated transmitting device operating on a tele' phone line leading to said central studio for enabling the selectionof a musical number to played, comprising the combination of a microphone, coin-receiving means including a recepembodying a microphone and a coin receptacle of partially cylindricalA configuration, a bracket forfsupporting said device in upright position, 'a ilange formed on said bracket, a ring rotatably mounted on said flange, a, cylindrical selector drum carried by said ring and rotatable about a vertical axis for displaying diierent portions of its periphery, said drum bearing legends relating to the available musical selections and enclosing lsaid coin receptacle, and a cylindrical cap enclosing said microphone and having a
  • a, transmitting device adapted to operate on a telephone line independently of other like devices which may operate on said telephone line for establishing vcommunication between a calling station and said central omce and comprising a microphone, means af-v fording a circuit between said telephone line and the said microphone, a switch in said circuit which is normally effective to maintain said circuit open, and coin-operated means for automatically closing said switch so as to automati- ⁇ cally close said circuit betweensaid microphone and said telephone line upon the passageof a coin through said coin-operated means.
  • a coin-controlled telephonie apparatus for reproducing sound impulses of a musical character originating at a central station in response to voice signals communicated to said central station from any of a pluralityvof transmitting stations adapted to be operatively connected to said central station by suitable coupling means over a parts: a microphone; a switch adapted when closed to connect said microphone to said coupling means; and a coin-operated means for automatically closing said switch.
  • a telephonie music selecting and musictransmission apparatus in combination, a single telephone line, a central station located at one end of said telephone line, a plurality of calling stations located at a single and common location at the other end of said telephone line, and a transmitting device arranged at each of said calling stations, each of said transmitting devices comprising the following combination of parts: a microphone, a normally open circuit between each of said microphones and said telephone line, and coin-controlled means for selectively and automatically closing each of said normally open circuits to selectively establish communication between a selected one of said calling stations and said telephone line;
  • a music selecting and music-reproducing apparatus which includes a central station at which records may be played and a calling station, a substantially cylindrical member bearing legends upon and around its external peripheral surface representing-available music selections, and means for supporting said substantially cylindrical and legend-bearing member at the said calling station.
  • a music selecting and music reproducing apparatus of the type which includes acentrai station at which records may be played and a calling station, and which includes means for conveying electrical impulses from the calling station to the central station to connote the.
  • a casing enclosing said coin-controlled means and said impulse-conveying means; said casing including a substantially cylindrical portion bearing legends upon and around its external peripheral surface indicating available record selections. and means rotatably supporting the substantially cylindrical portion of said casing so that the latter may be rotated to successively display the legends on its external peripheral surface.
  • the said electrical-impulse-conveying means includes a microphone arranged in the said casing and in which the said casing is provided with a passage for communicating voice signals into said micraphone from a point outside the said casing.
  • a telephonie apparatus for reproducing sound impulses originating at a central oiilce in response to voice signals communicated to said central oice selectively from any one of a plurality of transmitting stations .arranged at a single and the same location and ⁇ adapted to be operatively and selectively connected to a common telephone line by suitable coupling means embodied in said apparatus; a transmitting de vice located at each of the said transmitting stations at the said location comprising the combination of the following parts: a microphone, a relay operating only when energized to connect said microphone to said coupling means. and a coin or' token-operated switch for energizing said relay.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)

Description

. 2, 1941. K. c. sHYvERs TELEPHONIC MUSIC SELECTOR APPARATUS Filed Feb. 12, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 2,1941. K. c. sHYvERs 2,264,911
' TELBPHONICMSIC SELECTOR APPARATUS Filed Feb. 12, 1941- 5 sheets-sheet 2 I wIlL-j w f L J l W mm m 7 m V i HM i IWlVVlAF :E n 8, u 3. e 6 @M 2 (au 3 2 www j rk\ twl /QU y 5 4 Z Qd n0 4 4 2 Qd du 3 7 2 mm w WM 1 l ww l W Dec. 2, 1941. K c. sHYvl-:Rs 2,264,911 TELEPHONIC MUSIC `SELECTOR APPARATUS Flerd Feb. l2, v1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 ?atented Dec. 2;, 1941 Ara-Nr oi-FICE 22 Claims.
This invention relates to telephonie music selector apparatus and particularly to arrangements of such apparatus in which a plurality of stations are .operated 'on a single telephone line. In music selector apparatus of the character just referred to, each station is provided with a coin-controlled transmitting device which feeds into a telephone line vfor enabling a customer to signal an operator at a central oice and communicate to the operator the number or nameI of the particular musical selection or selections which the customer desires to hear. A phonographic apparatus, such as a turntable and pickup, is provided at the central oiilceA for each subscribing line, and when the operator has been informed of the identity of the piece, she selects the properrecord and plays it' on the turntable. The sound-representing impulses that are picked up from the record are pre-amplied and sent back over the telephone line to the calling station, where a suitable transducing means ampliiies the signals for operating a loudspeaker or the like.
In order to economically accommodate a `maximum number of customers, it is desirable to have a plurality of transmitting stations connected to a single line, particularly if all the stations are located in the saine establishment. However, one very serious disadvantage of the prior types of multiple station hookups was that the talking circuits of al1 the stations were rendered simultaneously operative whenever a customerdeposited a coin at one of the stations. This made it possible for several persons at different stations to join in the conversation with .the operator without paying for the same, and frequently led to confusion and altercations and in some instances resulted in encounters between `customers.
It is, therefore, an object of my invention to enable a plurality of stations to be independently operated on a single telephone line, and an ancillary object is to prevent persons who have not paid for the music selection service from deriving any undue benet thereof or interfering with the services to customers who have paid for the same.
Another object is to provide a music selector embodying a transmitting device of novel construction having a rotatable drum on which the identifying legends of a large number of available 'musical selections vmay be represented and which may be conveniently manipulated to-ex'- pose various sections thereof to view.
Still another object is to adapt the transmitspaces such as in booths or at positions along a counter or the like.
Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following descripting device for installation in relatively small tion and'claims and will be understood by refer- .ence to the 'accompanying drawings which, by
way of illustration, show a preferred embodiment and the principle thereof and what I now consider' to be the best mode in which I have c ontemplated applying that principle. Other embodiments' of the invention embodying the same or equivalent principle may be used and structural changes may Ibe made 'as desired by those skilled in the art without .departing from the present invention and the purview of the pended claims.
In the drawings,
Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of the apparatus,
includingbut a single vtransmitting station;
Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the transmittingV device, showing the selector drum;
Fig. 3 is a partially sectional lside elevation of the transmitting device, showing the Amanner of mounting thel lmicrophone and selector drum thereon; and
Fig. i is a schematic view ofa arrangement according to my invention.
My novel music selector apparatus is adapted to be operated from a telephone line comprising the wires 5 and 6, Fig. 1, which lead to a central omce. The apparatus includes a source of electrical energy such as the power pack P; a receiver R which-is adapted to receive and amplify sig- .nals sent over the telephone line for the purpose of operating a loud-speaker S; one or more transmitting devices generally designated T and an associat'ed talk amplifier A; and coin-controlled means governing the operation of the apparatus.
Assuming that theapparatus is to be operated from an alternating-current supply, the power pack P is utilized to furnish direct current wherever it is neededin the system. This power pack is of conventional construction and comprises a transformer l, a full-wave rectifier tube 8 and the usual filter choke 9 and filter capacities I0.
` 'Ihe interaction of these elements yserves to apply a positive direct-current potential tothe terminal H, the negativeV side of the system being ai; round potential.
which contacts are normally closed when this' relay is deenergized. Thus, these contacts connect the line Wires 5 and 6 with the conductors I5 multiple station v and it, respectively, that are connected to the primary of the input transformer Il of amplifier R through the medium of a dual Volume control generally designated i8. While any suitable type of amplifier may be employed, I prefer to utilize .a push-pull arrangement including a pair of tetrodes i9 and 2E. 'Ihe secondary of the transformer I1 supplies the signal to the control grids of the tubes i9 and 26 which amplify the signal and supply it to the output transformer 2l of the amplifier R. The normal plate voltage for the tubes i9 and 20 is supplied through a conductor 22 which leads from the positive terminal Il of the power pack P to a center tap on the primary of the transformer 2l. The speaker S receives the output signal furnished by the transformer 2i and converts it into audible energy. The bias for the control grids of the tubes i9 and 2l) is supplied by a resistance-capacity combination 23 in the cathode circuit of these tubes. The bias for the screen grids of these tubes is derived from the voltage drop set up in a resistance 24 which is connected between the conductor 22 and another conductor 25 that supplies plate current to the tubes of the talk amplifier A, the construction of which will be explained presently.
' Each transmitting device T is adapted to be mounted at a convenientlocatlon such as in a booth or at a position along a counter or the like. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, such a device T comacogen forded in the cap il@ opposite the microphone 28 to permit the customer to speak into the microphone. .The cap Ml is removably secured to the frame 26 by 'a threadedbolt dit, Fig. 3, that is connected to the rotatable cylinder of a lock Ml mounted in the upper end of the cap ll, this bolt depending from the lock and being received in a tapped opening in the frame 26. When it is desired to remove the cap titl a key is inserted in the 'lock 4d and is turned to unscrew the bolt 43. The cap may then be lifted on' the frame to enable the coins to be collected or for the purpose of replacing the printed paper sleeve 36.
The microphone 28, Fig. l, is connected in a series circuit which includes a normally open contact` G5 of the relay Staand the primary of an input transformer llt of the amplifier A. The conductors which extend between the amplifier A and the device T are contained in a shielded cable or microphone line M, the sheath of this cable being grounded at a convenient point.
prises a frame 26 which may be built up of several v castings, a bracket 2l or the like being provided at the base of this frame to facilitate mounting the device. Amicrophone 28, relay 29, Fig. 1, and a coin-operated switch 3D are mounted on the frame 2t, these elements being included in the electrical circuits which will be described Y presently. A circular flange. 3l is formed on the frame 26 at its junction with the bracket 21, and a ring 32 is rotatably mounted on this ange. Another iiange 33, Fig. 3, is formed on the frame 26 a predetermined distance above the flange 3l. A recess 3d is afforded in the ring 32 to receive the lower end of a hollow cylindrical member or drum 3E, the upper end of the member or drum 35 being loosely iitted around the flange 33.
The drum tti is made of a transparent mate rial such as glass or Celluloid so that a paper sleeve it itted within the drum 35 may be observed. The names and numbers of the available musical selections are printed on the outer sur- -iaces of the sleeve as indicated at 3l, Fig. 2,
and lights (not shown) may be mounted on the frame 2li lnteriorly oi the drum 35 to furnish illumination so that the printed legends 3l can be easily read. 'A rather snug :dt is adorded bctween the drum 35 and the ring 32 for enabling the ring to be rotated manually to bring different sections of the sleeve de into View.
A conventional coin slide 38 is positioned at the upper end of the frame 26 and a receptacle 3S! is attached to the :frame 26 below the ange 3S to receive the coins deposited by customers. The receptacle te may be generally cylindrical in shape to conform to the' inner surface of the selector drum 35 when the latter is installed on the frame it, thereby affording a compact construction. The microphone 28 is mounted near the upperend of the frame 2t above the iiange 33 and is normally hidden from view by a hollow cylindrical cap lil which its over the frame and rests upon the flange 33. .The cap dit is closed at its upper end except for a suitable opening to" enable the coin slide 3e to project therethrough. in opening di covered by wire gauze t2 is af- Whenever the relay 2li is energized, in a manner to be explained, and closes its contact t5 the microphone gli is electrically connected in circuit with the primary of the transformer 46. Any sound impulses which impinge on the microphone under these circumstances are converted into electrical impulses which are supplied to the input side of the amplifier A. The output of the amplifier A is delivered to the telephone line, and hence the microphone is coupled to the line when the relay contact l5 is closed. I have found that a two-stage amplifier is satisfactory for the purpose .of amplifying these speech impulses. each stage including a triode 41 or 48. y The plate voltage for these tubes is supplied by the power pack P through the medium of the aforesaid conductor 25 and the load resistors [i9 and 50, respectively. The secondary of the transformer 46 supplies the incoming signal to the grid of the iirst tube 4l, the plate of which is coupled by a condenser 5l and volume control resistor 52 to the grid of the second tube (lil. The plate and cathode of the tube i8 are respectively connected through the blocking condensers 53 and ttl and the conductors IE5 and 5t to the wires t and -of the telephone line.
The operating arm of the coin switch 363 is positioned in the coin shute ci the transmitting device T to be actuated in response to the passage of a coin. This switch is electrically connected on oneside by a conductor 5l to the winding of the relay it and on its other side by a conductor 5d to the winding of the relay 29. The other ends of the windings of these relays are connected by conductors 59 and 6o, respectively, to the end terminals of the secondary winding of a tapped transformer tl, the primary of which is connected to the alternating-current supply line. Hence, whenever the switch ttl is closed due to the depositing of a coin by a custemer, the windings of the relays Hl and 2Q are connected in series with the secondary oi the transformer Eil, and are energized. linergization of the relay lil opens its contacts I2 and I3 and closes its contacts ci. 63 and mi. Closure of the contacts G2 and 63 connects the telephone line wires 5 and G acrossI the secondary of a transformer 65, the primary of which .is connected across one of the end terminals and the Ymiddle terminal of the secondary of transformer 30 is closed only momentarily and upon opening it breaks the circuit to the winding of the relay It, causing this relay to again deenergize and open its contacts 62 and B3 so that the signal to the operator is not unduly prolonged. The
v contact 64 is likewise opened again, and the con-4 tacts I2 and I3 become closed to reestablish the electrical connection between the telephone line and the input of the receiving amplier R.
Al direct-current relay 66 of the slow-to-release type has its winding, connected on one side through a protective resistor 61 to the positive terminal Il of the power pack P, andthe other side of this winding is connected by a conductor 68 to the normally open contact 64 of the relay It. The momentary closure of the contact 5t lwhich connects one terminall of the relay contact 69 to one end of the secondary of transformer 6I, and the other end of this secondary is connected by a conductor 10 to the other terminal of this relay contact. Closure of the relay contact 69, therefore, energizes the solenoid 12 to bring aboutthe closure of the contacts 16 of the clock 13. The'relay 66'is made slow-torelease to insure that the electrical and mechanical inertia afforded by the solenoid 12 will be overcome and that the solenoid will become fully energized to actuate the clock. The clock 13, once it has been set in operation, maintains its contact 1d closed for a predetermined time interval. One terminal of the contact 14 is connected to the middle tap of the transformer 6l and the other terminal is connected by a conductor 15 to one terminal of a normally open contact 16 yof the relay 29, the other terminal of this relay contact being connected to the conductor 58 which leads to the winding of this relay. Thus, the closure of the timing contact 14 establishes a holding circuit for the relay 29 for maintaining this relay energized and thereby closing the microphone circuit vfor a predetermined time, enabling the customer to communi- `cate tc the operator the identication of the musical selection that is desired to be heard.
In this connection it is to be noted lthat the relay 66 and the time clock 13 are so timed in their operations that the holding circuit is esA tablished for the relay -29 before it has had an opportunity to re-open its contact 7B following the initial energization of this relay produced by the dropping of a coin. I have 4found that a satisfactory way of insuring that the contact 15 will not drop open prematurely is to space it a little farther than the customary amount from the core of the relay 29, by bending the contact slightly. The contacts and 16 then close in sequence, and this retardationof -the contact 16 seems to aid materially in producing satisfactory operation. It is to be further noted that any suitable time delay device, such as an electronic timer, may belemployed in lieu of thek clock 13.
In the actual construction of my telephonic music selector apparatus the receiver R, power pack P, talk amplier A, and-the other rapparatus diagrammatically shown in Fig. 1, exclusive-'of the speaker S .and transmitting device T, are assembled on a single chassis which may be installed at any convenient point. Each transmitting device T is positioned to enable a customer to conveniently utilize the same for calling the operator.- Whenever a coin is deposited the relay It operates to momentarily disconnect the receiver R from the line and send a signal to the operator, and concurrently therewith; the relay 29 is energizedto connect the microphone 28 in the input circuit of the amplifier A for a predetermined time. The operators voice .is amplied by the receiver R and is manifested at the speaker S, thereby affording a two-way talking circuit.
If a coin is deposited while a musical selection is being'played, the operator is again signalled with only a momentary interruption-in the reception of the music and at any convenient time she may communicate with the customer. The amplifying characteristics of the receiver R and amplifier A are such that the voice of the customer is not amplified suciently to enable it to be heard at the speaker S, whereas the operators voice andthe music, which are pre-amplified at the central office, may be heard' plainly.
Where there are a plurality of customers stations to be operated on a common telephone line, a separate transmitting device T is provided at each such station and the electrical connections between the various devices T and the remainder of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 are run in parailel, as indicated in Fig. 4. Because of the fact that the-microphone circuit of each transmitting device is normally open, due to the normally open position of the contact as 45 of its relay as 29, the customer cannot communicate with the operator until he has deposited a coin and thereby closed the switch 3|] for energizing the relay 29. This has an outstanding advantage, as noted hereinabove, in that it prevents those who have not paid for the service from having anyvoice in the selection of the musical numbers to be played. If it should happen that two customers deposit coins in close succession, the operator will receive two impulses and upon learning thatA `two customers are in the line she may request v operator is extremely remoteand hence for practical purposes need not be considered. It is, of course, evident that a plurality of speakers as S ymay be employed, and these may be distributed among various locations in a manner similar to that of the transmitting devices T. l f
It is recognized that if a plurality of transmit- -ti'ng devices T are to be associated with a common timing means such as the clock 13, as shown in Fig. 4, there is a possibility that after one customer has completed his call, another customer valt-another station may deposit a coin within the timing period for whichy the clock is adjusted, thereby lengthening this period and maintaining I the first station in an unduly prolonged operative state, and of course this situation can become further aggravated by other customers dropping their coins in close sequence. On the other hand,
if the circuits are so designed that only one impulse can be delivered to 'the clock solenoid within any particular operative period, thenonly the customer vwhose coin initiates operationv of the clock will have the maximum available time for making his communication to the operator, and a subsequent customer at another station may come on the line just before the measured time interval expires so that the control relay as 29 of his transmitter is shortly thereafter released, thereby depriving the customer of his opportunity to talk with the operator. If these conditions should become acute, it may be advantageous to utilize a separate timer for each station, such means preferably being incorporated in Vthe transmitting device T at that station, for holding each relay energized a certain length of time after its operation has been initiated upon the dropping of a coin. An alternative expedient, particularly where only a short timing period is necessary, is to dispense with the relatively quickacting relays as 29, which must be held locked up through holding circuits in order to keep their microphones coupled to the line, and to utilize in place thereof slow-to-release relays or solenoids.
Another important advantage of my invention is the compact and convenient construction of the transmitting device T as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Formerly, it was customary to have the printed titles of the various musical selections` arranged on a flat sheet which was mounted on the apparatus in position to be observed bythe customer. This made it impracticable, where the transmitting devices were installed as separate units at a plurality of stations within the establishment, to provide each customer with a complete list of the available selections. However, by disposing the title list 36 in the form of a cylinder. within the drum 35 so that it may be rotated to bring different sections into view, a great economy of space is aorded and the customer is better satised because he does not have to leave his particular station to consult a chart or the like for ascertaining whether a particular selection is available or the identifying number of the same.
Each transmitter 'I' is mainfestly able to operate under control of a plurality of coins consecutively fed thereto, in the event acustomer desires to select a plurality of musical pieces, in which case the predetermined timing period commences to run from the moment the last coin is deposited. In practice the customer is generally notified by appropriate instructions on the selector drum to deposit, say, from. one to ten coins for selecting a corresponding number of pieces. The operator at the central studio, either by manually counting the flash signals received or by reading a counter with which the line may be equipped, is apprised of the number of selections which the customer is permitted to make.
aaaipn as fall within the purview of the following claims.
Iclaim:
1.111 a coin-contained telephonie apparatus for receiving and converting sound-representing impulses of a musical character originating at a central ofiice in response to voice signals communicated to said oiiice, a transmitting device adapted tov operate on a telephone-line independently of other like devices which may opcrate on said line for establishing communication between a calling' station and said central ofce and comprising a microphone, circuit means enabling said microphone to -be coupled to said line, a relay controlling said circuit means and eiective when in an inoperative condition to prevent said microphone from being coupled to said line, a coin-operated switch closable to initiate operation of said relay for rendering said coupling means effective, and means including a holding circuit for maintaining 'said relay in an operative condition for at lleast a predetermined time after its operation has been, initiated by closure of said switch.
2. In a coin-controlled 'telephonic apparatus for receiving and converting sound-representing impulses of a musical character originating at a central oiiice in response to voice signals communicated to said office, a transmitting device adapted to operate on a telephone line independently of other like devices'which may operate on said line for establishing communication between a calling station and said central office and comprising a microphone, means operable to couple said microphone .to said line, means normally effective to disable said coupling means. and coin-operated means for rendering said disabling means ineective.
3. In a coin-controlled telephonie apparatus for reproducing* soundy impulses of a musical character originating at a central oce in response to voice signals communicated to said ofiice from any of a plurality of transmitting stations associated with a common telephone line, a transmitting device at each ofsaid stations comprising a microphone coupled to said line, switching means controlling said microphone and effective when in a normal condition to disable said microphone, electromagnetic means operable to adjust said switching means to an operative relation for enabling said microphone to transmit voice signals, and a coin-controlled switch for initiating operation of said electromagnetic means.
4. In a coin-controlled telephonie apparatus for reproducing sound impulses of a musical characteroriginating at a central oiiice in re- Any conicts which may arise by reason of a i station coming on the line while orders are still being transmitted from another paying station can be readily adjusted either by observanceof the ordinary rules of courtesy or, if necessary, by adapting the control relays-of the transmitters to the additional function of causing the microphones of the paying stations to come on the line in rotation, this distributing arrangement being an extension of the more basic idea of preventing a non-paying station from coming on the line. l y
While I have illustrated and described a. selected embodiment of my invention, it is .to be understood that it isrcapable of variation `and modification and I therefore do not wish to be limited to the precise details set forth but desire to avail myself of such changes and alterations sponse to voice signals communicated to said oflce from any of a plurality of transmitting stations adapted to be operatively connected by suitable coupling means to a common telephone line connected to said central office. a transmitting device located at each of the several stations and each of the said transmitting devices comprising, in combination, the followingparts: ,a microphone, a relay operating only when energized to connect said microphone to said cou-l 'pling means, and a coin-operated switch for energizing said relay.
5. In a coin-controlled telephone system having a music reproducer operated fromv a telephone line and a plurality of microphones adapted to be 'coupled to said line for transmitting orders to a central oillce, control means at each i transmitting station on; said -line comprising switch means interposed between the micro-v phone and said line and normally adjusted to an inactive relation for uncoupling said microphone from said line, a coin-operated switch,` and electromagnetic means controlled by said coin-operated switch for adjusting said [switch transmitting station' on said line comprising a relay having a contact in circuit with the microphone for controlling the operation thereof, said contact being normally open to disable said microphone when said relay is deenergized, a coin chute, and a switch responsive to the pas, sage of a coin through said chute to energize said relay and thereby close said contact for establishing communication between said microphone and said line, said relay 'remainingV operative for at least a predetermined time after it has been energized by said coin-responsive switch.
7. An apparatus as set forth in which said relay -has a second normally open contact included in a holding circuit for vsaid relay, said holding circuit being governed by timing means and becoming effective when said relay is energized to maintain the state of energization thereof for at least a predetermined time. 1
8. In a telephonie music selector apparatus having a receiver for radiating sound energy of a musical character originating at a central oce in response to a verbal order transmitted to said omce from any of a plurality of transmitting stations adapted to be coupled to a common telephone line, and which has a timing means effective when operated to condition an electrical circuit for a predetermined time interval, a transmitting device at each of saidstations for operatingy on lsaid line independently of -other like devices which may operate on said line and including a relay having i'lrst and second contacts which are normally open when 'said relay is deenergized, said rst contact being effective while open to prevent its transmitting device from 4being coupled to said line and said second contact operating when closed to complete the electrical circuit conditioned, by said tuning means through the winding of said relay for' maintaining said relay in an energized condition during said time interval, a-coin chute, and a switch positioned in said chute and operated in response to the passage of a coin for energizing said relay to close its contacts and operating said timing means whereby said first relay conclaim 6, in.
tacle, a control lrelay, responsive to said coin-receiving means for coupling said microphone to said line, and a .casing for said transmitting device embodying a stationary part enclosing said microphone and a rotatable cylindrical portion enclosing said control relay and said receptacle, said cylindrical portion displaying indicia related to the available musical selections.
10. In a coin-controlled telephone system having means for transducng and radiating acoustically induced signals of a lmusical character which are received from a'central studio, a coinoperated transmitting device operating on a telephone line leading to said central studio for enabling the selection' of a musical number to be played, comprising the combination of a microphone, coin-receiving means, a control relay responsive to said coin-receiving means for coupling saidmlcrophone to said line, and a casing enclosing said microphone, said relay and said coin-receiving means, a portion of said casing comprising a rotatable selector drum displaying indicia pertaining to the available musical selections.
11. vIn a coin-controlled transmitting device for a telephonie music selector apparatus embodying a coin receptacle of partially cylindrical shape, a cylindrical selector member bearing legends relating to the available musical selections and be- I. use in a telephonie music selector system and tact 1s closed to enable said transmitting device to be coupled to said line, said second relay contact being delayed in its closure until said timing means has become operative.
9. In a coin-controlled telephone system` having means for transducing and radiatingacousti-A cally induced signals of a musical character which -are ,received from a central studio, a coin-0D- erated transmitting device operating on a tele' phone line leading to said central studio for enabling the selectionof a musical number to played, comprising the combination of a microphone, coin-receiving means including a recepembodying a microphone and a coin receptacle of partially cylindricalA configuration, a bracket forfsupporting said device in upright position, 'a ilange formed on said bracket, a ring rotatably mounted on said flange, a, cylindrical selector drum carried by said ring and rotatable about a vertical axis for displaying diierent portions of its periphery, said drum bearing legends relating to the available musical selections and enclosing lsaid coin receptacle, and a cylindrical cap enclosing said microphone and having a mouthpiece opposite said microphone, said cap being removably secured to said device for retaining said selector drum in position.
13. In a coin-controlled telephonie apparatus for receiving and converting :sound-representing` impulses of a ymusical character originating at a vcentral omce in response to voice signals communicat/ed to said oiiice, a, transmitting device adapted to operate on a telephone line independently of other like devices which may operate on said telephone line for establishing vcommunication between a calling station and said central omce and comprising a microphone, means af-v fording a circuit between said telephone line and the said microphone, a switch in said circuit which is normally effective to maintain said circuit open, and coin-operated means for automatically closing said switch so as to automati-` cally close said circuit betweensaid microphone and said telephone line upon the passageof a coin through said coin-operated means.
14. In a coin-controlled telephonie apparatus for reproducing sound impulses of a musical character originating at a central station in response to voice signals communicated to said central station from any of a pluralityvof transmitting stations adapted to be operatively connected to said central station by suitable coupling means over a parts: a microphone; a switch adapted when closed to connect said microphone to said coupling means; and a coin-operated means for automatically closing said switch.
l5. in a telephonie music selecting and musictransmission apparatus, and in combination, a single telephone line, a central station located at one end of said telephone line, a plurality of calling stations located at a single and common location at the other end of said telephone line, and a transmitting device arranged at each of said calling stations, each of said transmitting devices comprising the following combination of parts: a microphone, a normally open circuit between each of said microphones and said telephone line, and coin-controlled means for selectively and automatically closing each of said normally open circuits to selectively establish communication between a selected one of said calling stations and said telephone line;
16. ln a music selecting and music-reproducing apparatus which includes a central station at which records may be played and a calling station, a substantially cylindrical member bearing legends upon and around its external peripheral surface representing-available music selections, and means for supporting said substantially cylindrical and legend-bearing member at the said calling station.
17. The device defined in claim 16 in which the l said substantially cylindrical member is rotatably mounted upon the said supporting means therefor so that it may be rotated to expose to View successively all of the legends which are arranged upon and around its external peripheral surface.
18. The device defined in claim 16 in which the said substantially cylindrical member is rotatably mounted upon the said supporting means therefor so that it may be rotated to expose to view successively all of the legends which are arranged upon and around its external peripheral surface, and in which said supporting means ascaeii comprises avbracket for attaching said substantially cylindrical and legend-bearing member to a supporting surface.
19. In a music selecting and music reproducing apparatus of the type which includes acentrai station at which records may be played and a calling station, and which includes means for conveying electrical impulses from the calling station to the central station to connote the.
record selected, and coin-controlled means for controlling the operation of said impulse-conveying means: a casing enclosing said coin-controlled means and said impulse-conveying means; said casing including a substantially cylindrical portion bearing legends upon and around its external peripheral surface indicating available record selections. and means rotatably supporting the substantially cylindrical portion of said casing so that the latter may be rotated to successively display the legends on its external peripheral surface.
20. The device dennen in claim 19 in which the said supporting means for said casing includes a bracket for attaching said casing to a supporting surface.
21. The device defined in claim 19 in which the said electrical-impulse-conveying means includes a microphone arranged in the said casing and in which the said casing is provided with a passage for communicating voice signals into said micraphone from a point outside the said casing.
2K2. In a telephonie apparatus for reproducing sound impulses originating at a central oiilce in response to voice signals communicated to said central oice selectively from any one of a plurality of transmitting stations .arranged at a single and the same location and `adapted to be operatively and selectively connected to a common telephone line by suitable coupling means embodied in said apparatus; a transmitting de vice located at each of the said transmitting stations at the said location comprising the combination of the following parts: a microphone, a relay operating only when energized to connect said microphone to said coupling means. and a coin or' token-operated switch for energizing said relay.
KEN'C. SHYVERS.
US378540A 1941-02-12 1941-02-12 Telephonic music selector apparatus Expired - Lifetime US2264911A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US378540A US2264911A (en) 1941-02-12 1941-02-12 Telephonic music selector apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US378540A US2264911A (en) 1941-02-12 1941-02-12 Telephonic music selector apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US2264911A true US2264911A (en) 1941-12-02

Family

ID=23493526

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US378540A Expired - Lifetime US2264911A (en) 1941-02-12 1941-02-12 Telephonic music selector apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US2264911A (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2516310A (en) * 1947-01-13 1950-07-25 Raymond T Moloney Remote control system for automatic phonographs
US2577272A (en) * 1948-09-08 1951-12-04 Sager Frank Multiple coin-operated phonograph controls
US2586213A (en) * 1949-03-05 1952-02-19 Ellis George Porter Selective telephonic music distributing system and apparatus
US2595510A (en) * 1948-03-20 1952-05-06 Modern Music Inc Apparatus for transmission of music from a central studio to a plurality of subscribers

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2516310A (en) * 1947-01-13 1950-07-25 Raymond T Moloney Remote control system for automatic phonographs
US2595510A (en) * 1948-03-20 1952-05-06 Modern Music Inc Apparatus for transmission of music from a central studio to a plurality of subscribers
US2577272A (en) * 1948-09-08 1951-12-04 Sager Frank Multiple coin-operated phonograph controls
US2586213A (en) * 1949-03-05 1952-02-19 Ellis George Porter Selective telephonic music distributing system and apparatus

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US2261420A (en) Telephone answering and recording apparatus
US2224244A (en) Method of and apparatus for recording and disseminating information
US2385968A (en) Telephone exchange system
US2264911A (en) Telephonic music selector apparatus
US2071053A (en) Inter-outer telephone system
US2101668A (en) Radio communication system
US2241663A (en) System of communication
US2396756A (en) Music reproduction system
US2290817A (en) System of communication
US2291115A (en) Wired music distribution system
US2724015A (en) Telephone answering and recording device
US2312680A (en) Wired music system
US2372262A (en) Telephone station circuit
US2883463A (en) Telephone pay station
US2321944A (en) Information distribution system
US2242197A (en) Sound reproducing system
US2006455A (en) Telephone message recording system
US2362244A (en) Automatic phonograph control
US2535906A (en) Carrier wave communication system
US2393374A (en) Phonograph reproducing system
US2297085A (en) Phonograph
US2917581A (en) Methods and apparatus for signalling and communicating
US2332359A (en) Combined telephone and phonograph
US2750447A (en) Paystation telephone system
US3033922A (en) Closed circuit television system