US2305681A - Phonograph system - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 22, 1,942. Q DU 2,305,681

PHONOGRAPH SYSTEM Filed June 12. 1940 2 Sheets-Shet 1 wry; AMPLIFIER v I I I 31wentot Orvi/[ M Danni/:5

attorney Patented Dec. 22 1942 PHONOGRAPH SYSTEM Orville M. Dunning, Glen Ridge, N. J.',assignor to Thomas A. Edis on, Incorporated, West Orange, N. J a corporation of New Jersey Application June 12, 1940, Serial No. 340,113 31 Claims. (Cl. 179-100.4)

This invention relates to phonographic systems and more particularly to improvements in the control'of such systems. The invention is especially concerned with a selective adaptation of a phonographic system for convenient and eflicient use in any one of several difierent applications.

Electrical phonographs of the commercial type are used for recording various kinds of matter. For purposes of illustrating my invention such matter may be considered as comprising dictation (i. e., letters, memoranda, etc.), telephone conversations and conference proceedings. These different kinds of matter have difierent characteristics which, in the interest of efliciency and convenience of the recording operation, require widely different modes of control of the phonograph system. For instance, the process of recording dictation is, typically, one characterized by frequent suspensions. This is because the operator or dictator normally stops recording at intervals in order to permit him to develop the run of his thoughts. Moreover, he occasionally reproduces or listens-back on portions of previously recorded matter for the purpose of reviving thoughts which may have escaped his mind. Each such reproducing operation also involves a suspension in the operation of the machine. The frequency of these suspensions make it important that a dictating machine be capable of being started instantaneously and stopped at will. However, in contrast to the operation of recording dictation, the process of recording telephone conversations, and

conference proceedings, is throughout its duration a continuous one; as a result, there is here no need for the facility of instantaneous starting. This applies even to the initiation of the recording operation, for usuallya few idle moments elapse at the beginning of each operation to permit a relatively slow starting of the machine.

It is to be further noted that a. machine for recording dictation need not be maintained in condition for immediate operation, since the attendant of the machine, being the one supplying the dictation, can anticipate the need for the machine and prepare it for operation in advance of such need; however, to the contrary, a machine for recording telephone conversations or conference proceedings must be maintained in condition for immediate operation, as whenever the machine is on call (i. e., on duty), since the time at which the machine will be called upon cannot usually be foreseen by the attendant.

It is an object of my invention to provide an improved and eflicient arrangement of phonographic system capable of conveniently effecting any of a plurality of functions such, for example, as those abovementioned.

It is another object of my invention to control and/or adapt a phonograph in a manner to permit the selective recordation of matters of different character, each in highly eflicient and convenient manner.

Another object is to provide an improved and simple control arrangement for such a phonograph.

A further object of my invention is to provide a closure for the mechanism of the phonograph, and means by which the phonograph is caused to attain -a condition for immediate operation as an incident of exposing the mechanism for operation.

It will be noted that to record continuing matter without interruption there is required, in view of the finite recordation area of each record, the use of a plural phonograph system.

It is an object of my invention to improve the control and enlarge the field of use of such plural phonograph systems.

It is another object to provide means to enforce the proper operation and control of a plural phonographic system, and particularly to enforce the proper control of the separate units of the system in respect of their recording and reproducing conditions.

' Another object is to provide, in a universal plural phonographsystem, improved means for shifting and appropriately controlling the system as to recording and reproducing conditions.

more fully appear from the following description and the appended claims.

In the description of my invention reference is 0 had to the accompanying drawings, of which:

-the start and stop electromagnets.

Figure is a view showing structural details of a portion of the system of Figure 4.

Reference being had to Figure 1 there will be seen a single phonograph system including a phonograph proper represented as P, a control station C, a dictation translating unit D usable either as a receiver or as a microphone, and microphone and telephone oscillation sources M and T respectively. The phonograph proper is of a universal character-i. e., one adapted for both recordation and reproduction-but may be of any suitable form such for example as that of the welleknown dictating machine. Such a machine comprises a mandrel I adapted for removably carrying a cylindrical record 2; a carriage 3 bearing a record-cooperating translating device 4 and adapted to be driven longitudinally of the record 2 along guide rods 5 and 6 by means of a feed screw 1; a train of gears 8 coupling the feed screw to a shaft of the mandrel; a motor H) for driving the shaft 9; and a clutch H (diagrammatically shown) interposed between the drive motor and the mandrel shaft.

The clutch ll constitutes a means for instantaneously starting and stopping the mechanical operation of the phonograph. This clutch is connected, as schematically indicated at H, to an armature l3 of a clutch-actuating mechanism l4 comprising a pair of start and stop electromagnets 15 and Hi. The arrangement of this actuating mechanism is preferably one in accordance with the teachings of Langley Patent No. 1,380,486, issued June '7, 1921 and entitled Controlling device. As appears in this patent, when a circuit is established to cause current to flow through one of the electromagnets, say the start electromagnet, the armature is swung in the direction of that electromagnet to engage the clutch, and then the bircuit of the start electromagnet is broken and the circuit of the other electromagnet (i. e., the stop electromagnet) is prepared for operation. Conversely, when the stop electromagnet is energized, the armature is swung in the reverse direction to disengage the clutch, the circuit of the stop electromagnet is broken and the circuit of the start electromagnet is prepared for re-operation. This arrangement of clutch-actuating mechanism is diagrammatically represented in Figure 1 wherein the armature I3 is pivoted as at ll, for alternate actuation by the start and stop electromagnets. Provided on armature I3 is a switch pole l8 which alternately makes connection with contacts I 9 and 20 respectively in series with the start and stop electromagnets I15 and H5. The switch pole I8 is connected to one side of a power supply for the mechanism, as is hereinafter explained, and constitutes a current-supply conductor which is alternately effective as to For instance, when the armature I3 is in stop position-the position occupied by the armature in Figure 1 the switch pole I8 is closed with the start electromagnet |5 to render current available to the latter, thereby preparing the circuit of this elec tromagnet for operation; and when the armature is in start position the switch pole I8 is closed with the stop electromagnet Hi to prepare the circuit of this electromagnet for subsequent operation.

The translating device 4 is of a form selectively placeable into inoperative condition and respective operative conditions for recording and reproducing. This device may, for example, be of the well-known form which, when conditioned for recording, is adapted to receive electrical oscillations by way of terminals 2| and to impress or out on the surface of the record 2 a groove modulated in accordance with those oscillations, and which, when conditioned for reproducing, is adapted to generate electrical oscillations across the terminals 2| in correspondence with such groove modulations. The means for controlling the condition of the translating device 4 is well known in the art and is sufiiciently described in the present case by the statement that it comprises a control lever 22 having a central or inoperative positionthe position occupied by the control lever in the drawings wherein it renders the device operatively free of the record and having terminal positions forward and rearward of its central position wherein it conditions the device for recording and reproducing respectively. The control lever 22 is also commonly arranged to couple and uncouple the carriage 3 with the feed screw 1 as the lever is moved into operative and inoperative positions respectively The phonograph system of Figure l is shown as comprising three-oscillation sources of different type for the purpose of illustrating a selective recordation of matters of different character in accordance with my invention. These sources, which may be separate, comprise the receivermicrophone unit D adapted for recording dictation, the microphone source M adapted for recording conference proceedings or the like, and the telephone source '1 adapted for recording telephone conversations. The receiver-microphone or dictation unit D may well be carried within a handpiece 23 to permit the unit to be positioned before the mouth during recording and at the ear during reproducing; the microphone M and telephone T may, for example, be stationed in rooms R and R.

The outputs of these oscillation sources are selectively connected into the system and fed into the translating device 4 by way of an oscillation amplifying channel comprising an oscillation amplifier 24. The selecting of the several oscillation sources is controlled by the control station C. This station is in the form of a multiple selector switch comprising a plurality of switch elements controlled by a bar member 25 which is movable by means of a control lever 26 to operate the switch. The selector switch has as many positions as there are oscillation sources to be connected into the system; in the present instance there are three such positions: A central position-the position occupied by the switch in the drawings-, and upper and lower positions as effected by downward and upward movements of the control lever 26 respectively, these three positions being hereinafter respectively referred to as the dictation, telephone-recording and conference-recording positions of the control station. To releasably hold the control station into whichever of its three positions it is placed there is provided a detent 21 which is biased by a tension spring 28 into engagement with a controlling the operating mechanism of the system as is hereinafter described; the two lower sets, represented as 33 and 34 respectively, are

nected, within the shield member 35, by a jumper '36 to outer switch element 34a of the set 34; the

other outer switch element 34b of this set is connected by a shielded conductor 39 to the dictation unit D, the conductor 39 first going to the phonograph proper by way of a cable 46 and then from the phonograph proper to the handpiece 23 by way of a cable 4|. The common input to the system for the several oscillation sources is a shielded conductor 42 leading from intermediate switch element 330 by way of cable 40 to the phonograph proper wherein the conductor makes connection to the input of the amplifier 24 through a switch device 43 as is hereinafter explained.

When the control station C is in dictation position, the outer switch elements 33a and 33b are each out of contact with the respective intermediate switch element 330, but outer switch elements 34a and 34b are now connected together by way of the respective intermediate switch element 34c. As the control station C is however, moved into conference-recording and telephonerecording positions the outer switch elements 330 and 3311 are respectively moved into contact with the switch element 330 and the outer switch elements 34a and 34b in each case break connection from one another. Thus when the control station C is in dictation position the dictation unit D is connected to the input of the phonograph system by way of the conductor 39, switch set 34 and conductor 42; when the control station is in conference-recording position the microphone source M is connected to the input of the system by way of conductor 36, switch members 33a and 33c and conductor 42; and when the control station is in telephone-recording position the telephone source T is connected to the input of the system by way of conductor 31, switch members 33b and 330 and conductor 42. It will be understood that the shields of conductors 36, 31, 39 and 42 constitute a return feed for each conductor and that these shields may all be connected together and to ground, as shown.

The amplifier 24 may, for example, have a fixed gain sufllciently high to meet the maximum gain requirements 01 the system and the amplified oscillation level of the respective sources may then be individually controlled by networks respectively associated with these sources. To this end there is provided attenuator 44 serially connected in conductor 39 leading from the dictation unit D, attenuator 45 serially connected in conductor 36 leading from microphone source M and attenuator 46 serially connected in conductor 31 leading from telephone source T, the attenuators being in each case diagrammatically shown.

The input of the amplifier is obtained from .terminal 41 to ground terminal 48 and the output II to ground terminal 52, which serves as a source for monitoring purposes; this output is connected by leads 53 to a Jack 64. In placing a universal phonographic system into recording and reproducing conditions there is involved not only a conditioning of the translating device 4 but also a proper connecting of the translating device, of the particular oscillation source selected and of the dictation-translating unit D in relation to the input and output of the amplifier. The connecting of the system into recording and reproducing condition involves only an appropriate switching of the leads of one side of the oscillation transmitting circuits of the system since the leads of the other sides of these circuits are all connected to ground. This switching is efiected by the switch device 43-aforementioned.

The switch device 43 is of a shielded multiple pole double-throw type preferably constructed in accordance with the teachings of Dann Patent No. 2,280,143, issued April 21, 1942 and entitled Multicircuit switch"; this switch device comprises poles 55, 56, 51 and 58 all insulatedly connected together for simultaneous operation by a tie bar 59 schematically shown. When the poles are in a leftward position they respectively make connection with contact points 55a, 56a, 51a and 58a, and when in a rightward position with contact points 55b, 56b, 51b and 58b. Pole 55 is connected by a conductor 66 to the output ter minal 53 of the amplifier and its associated contact point 55a is connected by a shielded conductor 6! to the dictating unit D partially however by way of the conductor 39 aforementioned; contact point 55b is idle. Pole 56 is connected to the oscillation input conductor 42 aforementioned and its associated contact point 56b is connected by a shielded conductor 62 to the input terminal 41 of the amplifier; cont-act point 56a is idle. Pole 51 is connected by shielded conductor 64 to terminal 2| of the translating device and its associated contact points 51a and 511) are respectively connected to input terminal 41 and output terminal 50 of the amplifier by shielded conductor 65 and conductor 66 respectively. Serially included in shielded conductor 65 is an attenuator 66 (diagrammatically shown) for controlling the sound output level from the dictation unit D during reproducing. Each of the shielded conductors leading to and from the switch device have their shields connected to the shield of the switch device, which in turn is grounded as shown.

The connections effected by the switch device 43 areas follows: When the switch device 43 is in a leftward or "reproducing position the translating device 4 is connected through pole 51 and attenuator 66 to the input of the amplifier and the output of the amplifier through pole 55 to the translating unit D; and when the switch device is in a rightward or recording position the input conductor 42 ,for the oscillation sources is connected through pole 56 directly to the input of the amplifier and the output of the amplifier through pole 51 to the translating device 4.

The control lever 22 is connected to the guide rod 5--f0r example, as by a spline connection, not shown-and the rod 5 is in turn suitably operatively connected, as at 69, to the tie bar 59 of the switch device 43 so as to cause this switch device to be shifted into recording and reproducing positions as an incident of conditioning the translating device for recording and reproducing respectively. Thus the system is completely controlled as to its recording and reproducing conditions by the control lever 22.

The amplifier 24 may well be provided with automatic volume control (or volume limiting) action which may be rendered effective as whenever terminals 61 (designated A. V. C.) are shorted. While automatic volume control is highly desirable during recording, in that it holds the recordation level within prescribed limits, such action is ordinarily very undesirable during reproducing. To automatically render the A. V. C. ac ion efiective when the system is conditioned for recording, terminals 61 are connected by conductors 67' to pole 58 and its associated contact point 58b, the contact point touched by the pole when the system is conditioned for recording. Contact point 58a is, however, idle and consequently terminals 61 are opened and the A. V. C. action is rendered ineffective when the system is conditioned for reproducing. This mode of control of the A. V. C. action is in accordance with my Patent No. 2,163,671, issued June 2'7, 1939.

A preliminary in rendering operative a phonographic system involving an electrical amplifier is the provision of a normal power supply to the amplifier. Due to the relatively long heating-up time of the usual amplifier, the dictator will have to make such provision well in advance of the actual use of the system; and, wherever a phonographic system is employed for recording proceedings or conversations, as in cases where the time of the recording cannot be foreseen by the attendant of the system, particularly as in the case of recording telephone messages or conversations, it is necessary that the amplifier be maintained in condition for condition wherein the tube filaments of the amplifier are at normal temperature-, but it will be understood that such condition for immediate operation may also be one wherein the tube filaments are maintained at such sub-normal temperature as will permit them to come quickly to normal operating temperature upon the application of normal supply voltage to the am- A means for so conditioning the amplifier 24, and for rendering available a power supply to the entire phonographic system, as an incident of exposing the system for operation, is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;, herein it will be seen that power is supplied to the system, as from any desirable source, by way of a plug and conductors H and 12. Of these conductors, number 1! leads directly to one side of a power input 13 of the amplifier 24 and number 12 to a contact member 1411 of an on-ofi switch 14 for the system, the other contact member 141) of this switch being connected by way of conductor I; to the other side of the power input 13 of the amplifier. Switch members 14a and 14b are biased closed and are arranged so as to be opened by the closing of the cover of a cabinet which houses the phonograph mechanism. Such a cabinet may be of any desired form but is preferably of a construction according to U. S. Patent No. 2,203,096 to L. Z. La Forest, issued June 4th, 1940, and

entitled Phonographs. A cabinet of this construction is represented in Figure 2 as 15, and includes a cover 16 openable to render the phonograph accessible for operation. The switch 14 is suitably mounted within this cabinet and an insulating block TI is mounted on contact member 14b in position to project upwardly into the path of the cover. When the cover is open the switch I4 is closed, in response to its biasing, to connect the amplifier with its power source and to render the power supply available to the entire system; but as the cover is closed its lower edge 15 impinges against the block 'I'l to open the switch ,14 and thereby disconnect the entire system from its power source.

As hereinbefore noted, in the recordation of dictation the operator frequently finds need to suspend the operation of the machine--i. e., to render the machine mechanically inoperative-to permit him to develop the course of his thoughts. Suspensions in the operation of the system likewise occur in the transcription of dictated matter for then the transcriber needs to intermittently stop the machine to permit the typing of the portions of matter last reproduced. The starting and stopping of the machine incidental to such suspensions need to beparticularly in view of the frequent occurrence of the suspensionssubstantially instantaneous in action so as to avoid loss of time to the dictator and loss of space on the record. Consequently it is customary to maintain the drive motor in continuous operation, during the course of a dictation-recording opera-. tion, and to efiect the instantaneous starting and stopping of the machine through the medium of a drive clutch-such as the clutch ll controlled by the clutch-actuating mechanism [4 aforedescribed. Particularly to facilitate the starting and stopping of the machine during a dictationrecording operation there is usually provided a hand control on the handpiece 23 for the clutch i I. There is also customarily provided a support on which the handpiece may rest during the nonuse of the latter; this support is usually arranged so that the motor is started and stopped as an incident of the removal of the handpiece therefrom and of the remounting of the handpiece thereon, as is hereinafter described in detail.

In recording proceedings and conversations there is no need for any suspension in the operation of the machine since, in this case, it is important that the recording contain not only the substance of the conversation but also that it indicate the correct time relationship between the respective conversations of the conferees. Also,

-because there is usually no need for instantaneous starting of the system at the initiation of the recording operation, the starting of the drive motor itself-which usually requires but afew moments-may be relied upon to start the mechanical operation of the system; it will however be understood that the clutch Ii will have to be engaged concurrently with such starting of the motor. Thus, while the phonograph system is on call to record matter such as proceedings and telephone conversations, the drive means may be left in a stopped condition with a resultant saving in wear and in power consumed; but when the system is called upon to record both the motor must be started and the clutch engaged. In accordance with my invention, such starting of the motor and engagement of the clutch are effected concurrently as an incident of selectively connectsources M and T into the system by the control station C.

The atorementioned support for the handpiece 23 may, as is well known in the art, comprise a hook-shaped member 33 which is pivoted as at 3| and biased upwardly as by any suitable means.

This support controls a switch 85; diagrammatically shown, which comprises a contact point 850 and the clutch-actuating mechanism It derive 2 their power, the motor being connected to conductor I la by means of conductor 86 and the pole -13 of the clutch-actuating mechanism It being connected to conductor 36 by means of conductor 31. A return conductor 83 for motor. In is con nected to line conductor 12a; return conductors I! and 90 for the start and stop electromagnets l5 and I6 respectively lead to suitable controls for the clutch-actuating mechanism hereinafter described, and then lead onwardly to make connection also.with line conductor 12a. Thus, in asmuch as line conductor 12a is connected to one side of the power source as whenever the system is exposed for operation, a closure of switch 85 will start the motor In and render available power to the clutch-actuating mechanism ll. Switch 05 is held open by the weight of the handpiece 23 but when the handpiece is removed from its support, as during the course of a dictation-recording operation, the switch is held closed by its biasing to place the motor iii in operation and the clutchactuating mechanism in an operable condition- The aforementioned hand control on the handpiece 23 for controlling the clutch-actuating mechanism It appears as 9| and is in the form of a single-pole double-throw switch. This switch comprises a pole Sla which normally makes connection with a contact member 9"), as by a biasing of the pole, and which is movable to break connection with contact member 9|b and to thereafter make connection with a contact member Bic as an incident of imparting inward movement to a switch cover 92 pivoted to the handpiece at 93. Conductors 89 and 90, which are connected with the start and stop electromagnets i5 and it, lead from the phonograph proper by way of the cable ll and respectively connect to contact members Bic and Sib. Pole 3Ia of the hand control is connected to a conductor 94 which leads by way of cable II to the phonograph proper and then by way of cable 40 to control station 0 wherein the conductor connects to outer switch element 3| b of the switch set 3| aforementioned. The other outer switch element 3la of this set is connected by a jumper 95 to the intermediate switch element 300 of switch set 30 and then by way of a conductor 96 through cable 40 to line conductor 12a. When the control station C is in dictation position, the outer switch elements Ma and 3i b make contact with one another by way of the intermediate switch element 3 lo of this set to connect the pole Qla or hand control ill to line conductor 12a. Thus. when the control station C is in dictation are provided with a common connection by way position and the handpiece 23 is removed from its support (to permit switch 85 to close), a manipulation of the hand control 3| into start position to bring pole 9la into contact with contact member 3|c-wiil cause start electromagnet is to be energized and the clutch-ll to be thereby engaged, and a release. oi the hand control to stop position to bring pole 3ia into contact with contact member Sib-will cause stop electromagnet It to be energized and the clutch to be disengaged.

When the honographic system is to be used for recording, selectively from the microphone and telephone oscillation sources M and T, the handpiece will normally be mounted on its support and the hand control 9i will be in stop condition; as a result motor III will be in inoperative condition and clutch II will be disengaged. To automatically render the system mechanically op erative as an incident of selectively connecting the oscillation sources M and T into the system it is necessary both to connect line conductor Ha to power supplyline H and to close the start electromagnet IS with lineconductor 12a. The automatic connecting of line conductor Ha to power supply line Ii and of. start electromagnet I5 to line conductor 12a are respectively effected by switchsets 32 and 30 of control station C. The outer switch elements 32a and 32b of set 32 of conductor .91- through cable 40 to power supply line H, and the intermediate element 32b of this set is connected directly through cable 40 to line conductor Ila; the outer switch elements 30a and 30b of set 30 arev provided with a common connection, by way of conductor 99 of cable 40, to conductor 89, the conductor leading from the start electromagnet i5, and intermediate switch element 300 of set 30 is connected by conductor 96 aforementioned to line conductor 12a. The outer switch elements of sets 30 and 32 are out of contact with their respective intermediate elements when control station C is in dictation position, but these outer switch elements make contact with their respective intermediate mem bers bothto start the motor and to place the clutch-actuating mechanism H into start condition as the control station C is selectively moved into either of its terminal positions. Concurrently with this selective positioning of control station C, switch set 3i is opened to disconnect pole Sla of the dictation hand control ill from line conductor 120; this renders the hand control ineffective, thereby preventing the operator from accidentally disengaging the clutch ll by the hand control while the system is recording from sources M or T.

When the control station C is returned to dictation position switch set 32 is opened to stop the motor but clutch-actuating mechanism It is left in start condition. This leaving of mecha-,

nism It in start condition is advantageous in that it eliminates useless operation of the mechanism and clutch should the system be next employed for recording again from either the microphone or telephone oscillation sources M or T. The clutch-actuating mechanism is however automatically returned to stop condition and the clutch thereby disengaged preliminary to the next dictation-recording operation since, as the operator removes the dictation handpiece from its support (while the hand control Si is in stop position), the switch will be closed to complete the circuit through the stop electromagnet.

As heretofore noted, in the course of recording dictation the system is at times shifted into reproducing condition to permit the reproduction of portions of previously recorded matter;

it is thus important that the'recording and re-' phone oscillation sources.

producing conditions of the system be positively indicated in order to warn the operator against accidentally misoperating the system as, for example, against attempting to record while the system is in reproducing (or neutral) condition. The warning means may comprise any suitable signal which is diiferentiated as between recording and reproducing (or neutral) conditions of the system. Such a signal is preferably in the form of a lamp llll located on the handpiece 23 for ready visibility during recording. The lamp derives its voltage from across a resistor IUI' serially included in the line conductor 12a to the amplifier. connection from one side of this resistor to the lamp .is made by way of conductor 96, switch set 3| of control station C and conductor 94; and connection fromthe other side oi. the resistor to the lamp is made by a conductor I02 through cable 4| to the handpiece. This conductor serially includes an interrupter I03 for flashing the lamp. This interrupter, herein diagrammatically shown, may for example be constructed in accordance with the teachings of my Patent No. 2,228,759, issued June 14, 1941 and entitled Phonographs. In this construction the interrupter is operated by the drive means of the system and controlled by the conditioning means of the translating device 4, the interrupter having an operating connection I04 to the drive means and a controllingconnection I05 to the guide rod 5-which rod is operatively connected to the translating device as heretofore explained. These connections are such that the interrupter may be operated to flash the lamp only when the system is mechanically operative; the differentation in the signalling of the lamp to dis-' tinguish a recording condition from other conditions of the system is preferably one wherein a flashing signal is produced while the machine is in reproducing and neutral conditions and wherein a steady signal is produced while the machine is in condition for recording.

Inasmuch as the power supply to the lamp llll includes the switch set 3|, which is open whenever the control station C is out of dictation position, the lamp i rendered, inoperative as a warning means when the system is conditioned to record from either the microphone or tele- Such inoperative condition of the lamp serves in a negative way to warn the operator against attempting to record dictation while the control station C is out of dictation position.

In the control station C there are provided signal lamps Hi6 and Ill]. Lamp I06 is connected across line conductors 12a and Ma and indicates when the system is mechanically operative i. e., whenythe motor Ill is running; signal lamp lli'l is connected across line conductors 12a and II and indicates when the amplifier 24 is provided with power or is in on condition.

In Figure 3 there is shown an alternative arrangement-for placing the amplifier in on condition and for rendering power available to the entire phonograph system as an incident of exposing the system for operation. In this embodiment the phonograph P is movably mounted within a cabinet 18 on tracks 19. The cabinethas a top closure 18a provided with a front opening 80 which may be closed as desired by a suitable cover (not shown). The top closure 18a is adapted to render the phonograph inaccessible for operation and to provide a substantial closure of the same when the phonograph is in a rearward or inoperative position, as shown. When the phonograph is, however, moved forwardly on its tracks from such rearward position it is rendered accessible for operation. In the cabinet there is an on-oif switch 8i, which in function is analogous to the on-oif switch 14, the switch having contact members 81a and Bib biased open and respectively connected to conductors l2 and 12a. When the phonograph P is in rearward or inoperative position the switch 8| is maintained open in response to itsbiasing, thereby shutting off the power supply of the entire system, but as the phonograph is moved forwardly into an operative position it impinges against an insulating block 32 on contact member 8") to close the switch 8| and to thereby restore the power supply to the amplifier and otherwise to render the power supply available to the entire system.

In Figure 4 there is shown a phonographic system in accordance-with my invention, comprising a plurality of sequentially operable phonograph units. In this plural system the mechanisms of the phonographs proper may each be in all respects similar to that of the phonograph P of the single phonographic system hereinbefore described. Whenever such similarity occurs between corresponding elements of the two systems, they are given the same reference characters; however, to distinguish between the two phonograph units of the plural system the reference characters of one of the units are provided with prime marks.

In this plural system there are again provided three oscillation sources of which the microphone and telephone sources M and T, as in rooms R and R respectively, are the same as in the single system; the dictation unit, corresponding to the receiver-microphone unit D of the single system, is now however rearranged to illustrate my in vention in connection with a different mode of dictation recording. In the instant case the dictation unit, appearing as H0, is adapted for use at a point remote from the operator and may for example, be mounted on an ofiice desk or the like. The unit I I0 is capable of effecting both receiver and microphone functions and may, for example, comprise separate speaker and microphone elements ill and H2. With unit Hi) there is provided a foot-operated start and stop control H3 which corresponds in function to the above described hand control 9|; this foot control together with the dictation unit H0 comprise a station H4 suitable both for dictationrecording and transcribing purposes.

The microphone element III isconnected by a shielded conductor H5 to outer switch element 34b of switch set 34 of the control station C, the same as in the case of unit D of the single system; serially included in circuit H5 is an attenuator H6 for controlling the output lever of the microphone. The oscillation sources M and T again connect to the outer switch elements 33a and 33b of switch set 33; leading from the intermediate element 330 of switch set 33 is the shielded conductor 42 which again comprises a common input to the system for the several oscillation sources. The input conductor 42, A. V. C. terminals 61 and translating device 4 (together with device 4' now connected in parallel with device 4 by shielded conductor ill) are connected to the amplifier by the switch 43 in the same manner as that in which they are connected in the single system, these connections being such that the input conductor 42 is connected to the amplifier input terminal 41, the A. V. 0. terminals are shorted, and the translating devices 4 and 4' are connected in parallel to the amplifier output terminal 30 when the switch 43 is in a rightward or recording position, and such that the devices 4 and 4' are connected in parallel to input terminal 4'! of the amplifier through attenuator 60 and the A. V. C. terminals 61 are open when the switch 43 is in aleftward or reproducing position. In addition, when switch 43 is in reproducing position the low impedance output II-52 of the amplifier is connected to speaker element II2 of the dictation unit IIO by way of pole 55, contact point 55a and conductor 3.

To insure a' proper control as between the phonograph units of a plural system with respect to their recording and reproducing conditions, the phonograph units P and P are interconnected so as to prevent their respective translating devices 4 and 4' from being placed in recording and reproducing conditions at the same time, and in addition the switch 43 is mutually controlled by the translating devices 4 and 4' in a manner to cause the switch to occupy recording position whenever one or more of the several translating devices is in recording condition and to cause the switch to occupy reproducing position whenever one or more of the devices is in reproducing condition. To restrict,

the conditioning means of the translating devices so that they will be prevented from being placed into difierent operative conditions at the same time, the control levers 22 and 22' are suitably splined to the respective guide rods 5 and 5' and the rods are provided with a lostmotion connection shown clearly in Figure 5; this lost-motion connection comprises arms H9 and H3 provided on the ends of the guide rods 5 and 5 respectively, which are interconnected by alink I having slots I2I and HI at its end portions into which are respectively fitted studs I22 and I22 secured to arms H9 and H9.

The slots I2I and HI extend longitudinally of the link I20 and are each equal approximately in length, as is illustrated. in Figure 5, to the angular distance through whicheach stud moves as the respective translating" device is shifted from inoperative to either operative condition, and vice versa. In Figure 5 the studs appear in the positions they occupy when the translating devices are in inoperative condition, the-control levers 22 and 22' being then in their central positions. The positions occupied by the studs when the translating devices are in recording and reproducing conditions, the levers 22 and 22' being then in their respective terminal positions, are respectively indicated by dash-dot lines I23 and I24 for translating device 4 and by dash-dot lines I23 and I24 for translating device 4. The functioning of this lost-motion connection is such that when one of the devices is in one operative condition the other device may be shifted between that same operative condition and inoperative condition without disturbing the condition of the former, but should the latter be shifted to the other operative condition it will return the former to inoperative condition; thus both devices are prevented from occupying diiferent operative conditions at the same time.

The link I20 constitutes in the arrangement Just described, an appropriate operator for the switch 43. To operatively connect the link to the switch there is provided on the link an L-shaped arm I25 which is insulatedly and pivotaliy con nected as at I28 to one of the poles of the switch-say for example pole 51.

the poles of the switch are held outv of contact with their respective contact points, preferably in a mid position, as by means of a pair of oppositely acting biasing springs I2I. However, upon initially placing one of the several translating devices into condition for recording the link I20 is moved to place the switch 43 into .its recording position and upon initially placing one of the several translating devices into condition for reproducing the switch 43 is moved into reproducing position. Y

In accordance with the plan of numeralling, herebefore mentioned, the power supply connections for the plural system, which have the same arrangement and significance as those in the single system aforedescribed, are giventhesame reference characters as in the single system, in some instances however with prime marks as where the corresponding elements are of phonograph unit P. The respective switches in the plural system corresponding to on-ofi switch I4 and motor switch of the single system are considered, purely by way of example, merely as manually operable toggle switches and are therefore given new reference characters I21 and I28 respectively. These switches have however the same function in the system as the corresponding switches .of the single system; for example, when on-ofi switch I2I is closed amplifier 24 is heating and power is made available to the entire system and when switch I23 is closed in addition to switch I21 both motors I0 and I0 are rendered operative and power is made available to clutch-actuating mechanisms I4 and I4.

When the system is employed for recording and reproducing dictation, switch I28 serves as the means to start and stop the motors I0 and I0 and foot control II3 as the means to control the clutch-actuating mechanisms I4 and I4. In ia plural system it is normally desired that .but one of the phonographic units be operated at a time; hence there is provided a selector mechanism I29 of the form of the clutch-actuating mechanisms I4 and I4, which selectively renders the foot control II3 operable to place clutch-actuating mechanisms I4 and I4 into start condition. It will be seen that the foot control -I I3, like the hand operated control 9| of the single system, comprises a pole 3:: which is suitably biased upwardly into contact with switch member II3b-i. e., into stop position-and which is movable downwardly to break connection with contact member II 3?) and to thereafter make connection with switch member I I3c-i. e., into start position. Switch member 30 is connected by conductor I30 to pole I3iI of pivoted armature I32 of the selector mechanism I29. Pole I3I is adapted to alternately make connection with contact points I33 and I33 which are respectively connected to the start electromagnets I5 and IS on the sides thereof opposite those associated withthe poles I 8 and I8. The connection of contact point I33 to electromagnet I5 is made by conductor I34 through normally closed switch elements I39 and I 38 of a multiple switch I35 hereinafter described; the connection of contact point I33 to electromagnet I5 is made in the same way, corresponding elements being; given the same reference characters but with prime marks. Pole II3a of foot control H3 is connected, as whenever control station 0 is in dicta- When both translating devices are in inoperative condition tion osition, to line conductor 12a, this connection being made by conductor I42 to control station C, through control station C by way of switch set 3| and from control station C to line conductor 12a by way of conductor 96. Thus inasmuch as line conductor 1Ia hasa permanent connection to poles I6 and I8 of the clutchactuating mechanisms, a movement of foot control II3 into start position while the clutchactuating mechanisms are in stop condition will cause the potential across line conductors H0. and 12a to be applied across whichever start electromagnet is selected by the selector mechanism I29, thereby energizing that electromagnet and engaging the respectively associated clutch.

A release of foot control II3 to stop position is adapted to apply potential of line conductor 12a to both stop electromagnets I6 and I6 so as to cause any or all of the clutch-actuating mechanisms that should be in start condition at the time of suchpotential application to be returned to stop condition. In a system of sequentially operable phonographs the several clutch-actuating mechanisms must be at times independently operable as is hereinafter explained, and thus the stop electromagnets must be normally dissociated. For this reason the connection of line conductor 12a to the stop electromagnets is made by way of a normally open double-pole switch I43. This stopping switch comprises a pair of poles I44 and I44 and a pair of respectively associated contacts I45 and I45 of which the latter are connected by conductor I46 to line conductor 12a. Poles I44 and I44 are insulatedly interconnected by a bar I41 and respectively connected by conductors I48 and I48 to the stop electromagnets I6 and I6, on the sides thereof opposite those associated with the switch poles I8 and I8. To reduce the number of leads between the phonographic units and the foot control II3, switch I43 is provided with an armature I453 and is operated into closed position by an. electromagnet I56. One side of the electromagnet I50 is connected by conductor I5I to line conductor Ho, and the other side by conductor I52 to the stop side (i. e., to contact member II3b) of the foot control. Thus, since the pole II3a of the foot control is connected to line conductor 12a, as whenever control station C is in dictation position as aforementioned, the

release of foot control II3 will cause the electromagnet I50 to be energized and the switch I43 to be closed, thereby placing the clutchactuating mechanisms in stop condition.

In order that each phonograph unit 1? and P will be able to automatically start the other and subsequently stop itself as an incident of the completion of the traversal of its translating fdevice across the record, the phonograph units are respectively provided with the multiple switches I35 and I35, hereinafter referred to as end switches, which are actuatedby the movement of the respective carriages 3 and 3' through the end portion of their advance travel. These multiple switches are similar and have each three distinct pairs of contact elements: the switch I35, for example, having in sequence from left to right, a pair of normally open contact points I36 and I31, a pair of 'normally closed contact elements I38 and I39 hereinbefore mentioned, and another pair of normally open contact elements I40 and m. Further taking switch I35 as an example, contact pairs I36--I39 and I39-- I46 are bridged by insulating bars I52 and I53 respectively, so that when a rightward movetil ment is applied to contact element I36, as by the impingement thereon at abutment .96 of carriage 3. contact pair 136-431 will first be closed. contact pair I38-I39 will next be opened and then contact pair I4II--I4I will be closed.

Contact pair l38-I36 is serially connected in Y the circuit of start electromagnet I5 and is adapted to render clutch-actuating mechanism I4 inoperable into start condition so long as switch I35 is retained in an operated condition; in a similar manner, contact pair I36I39' of switch I35 controls clutch-actuating mechanism I4. Switch contact pair I36I31 is serially included in a conductor I54 connected at one end to pole-contact 20 of stop electromagnet I6 of clutch-actuating mechanism I4 and at the other end to on end of electromagnet I55 of selector mechanism I29, the other end of this electroma net being connected to pole-contact I33 as aforementioned; likewise in phonograph P contact pair I36-I31' is serially included in a circuit which connects pole-contact 20' of clutch-actuating mechanism I4 to one side of the other electromagnet I55 of selector mechanism I29, this electromagnet having its other side connected to pole contact I33 as aforementioned. Contact pair I4IJ -I4I is connected in parallel with pole I44 and contact point I of stopping switch I43 by way of conductors I48 and I46; and similarly contact pair I4II--I4I' is connected in parallel with pole I44 and contact point I45 of stop switch I43.

The functioning of the circuits and mechanism.

above described is as follows: When foot control II3 is operated to start position potential of line conductor 12a is applied to whichever start elec- P, carriage 3 nears the end of its rightward travel along the record it will impinge against contact element I36 of end switch I35 and progressively move con-tact elements I36, I39 and I40 to the right. The initial rightward actuation of end switch I35 causes contact elements I36 and I31 to be connected together and line conductors Na and 12a to be thereby closed through electromagnet I of selector mechanism I29, the closed circuit being made by way of pole I8 and pole contact 20 of mechanism I4, contact pair I36I31 of switch I35, pole I3I and pole contact I33 of the selector mechanism, contact member H30 and pole II3a of foot control II3 and switch set 3| of control station C. Ele'ctromagnet I55 of the selector mechanism is thus energized and as a result armature I32 is thrown to the left and pole I3I is moved into contact with pole contact I33. Should the end switch l35 be in unoperated condition at the time of this shifting of the selector mechanism, start electromagnet I5 of phonograph unit P will be energized, the circuit from line conductors Hu and 12a through start electromagnet,

switch I35 induced by the further continuing advance of the carriage 3', contact pair Ill!- lll' of end switch I35 is closed; this causes stop electromagnet I i of the clutch-actuating mechanism H to be connected across lineconductors Ha and 12a, thereby throwing mechanism N into stop condition and stopping phonograph unit P. If in the conditioning of phonograph unit P for reoperation the carriage 3' is moved out of terminal position before carriage 3 nears the end of'its advancetravel, then the movement of carriage 3 through the end portion of its travel will cause phonograph unit P to be first started and phonograph unit P to be thereafter stopped. Should carriage 3 be left in terminal position as carriage 3 nears the end of its travel both phonograph units P and P come to a stop condition; upon subsequently returning the carriages 3 and 3' and restarting the system unit P will be the one restarted because of the shifting of the selector mechanism I29 occasioned by the terminal carriage movement of phonograph unit P-the unit last in operation.

When the plural phonographlc system is on call to selectively record from the microphone and telephone oscillation sources M and T, onoff switch I21 will be closed, but switch I28 will be left open and control station C will be'left in dictation position. When the need to record arises control station C will be thrown to connect into the system whichever of the oscillation sources M and T is desired; concurrently with the selective connecting of the sources M and T into the system of motors l and i0 are started and one of the clutches H and Ii, as determined by the selector mechanism I29, is engaged to render the system mechanically operative. A start condition of the motors is effected by connecting line conductor Ha to line conductor ll through switch set 32 of the control station C and is indicated by lamp I06, the same as in the single system hereinbefore described. The selective engagement of the clutches of the units P and P is eifected by connecting line conductor 12a to pole "I of the selector mecha-.

nism, this connection being made by conductor 96, switch set and conductor I 30. The lamp I01 serves, as in the single system, to indicate the on condition of the amplifier.

When the system is once started the phonograph units P and P continue to operate sequentially in the manner above described. When the system is put out of operation, by returning i control station 0 to'dictation position, the motors Ill and III are stopped but the clutch-actuating mechanisms remain in whatever conditions they occupy. However, upon subsequently closing switch I28, as in the conditioning of the system for dictation-recording purposes, the clutchactuating mechanisms will be returned to stop condition, the same as heretofore described in connection with the single phonograph system.

Although I have herein shown and described my invention in connection with certain preferred embodiments it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and not lim- 'itative of my invention as these embodiments are net manipulatable to expose said phonograph for operation; control means operatively associated with said manipulatable means and causing said amplifier to be rendered operative as an incident of exposing said phonograph for operation; and means, having operable and inoperable conditions controlled by said control means, for rendering said driving means operative and inoperative.

2. In a phonographlc system including a rotatable record support, a drive motor and means operable to couple said motor with said support: the combination of means for independently controlling said motor and said coupling means; and separate control means operable to simultaneously start said motor and render said coupling means operative.

3. A phonographic system for selectively recording oscillations of different character, comprising control means operable to start and stop the operation of the system at will, said control means having operable and inoperable conditions; and a unitary control device selectively operable either to connect said system to an oscillation source of one character and place said control means in operable condition, or to connect said system to an oscillation source of a difierent character and concurrently place said control means in inoperable condition and said system into operation.

. 4. A phonographlc system for selectively recording oscillations from a plurality of oscillation sources comprising start and stop control means for placingsaid system into and out ofoperation; means for selectively connecting said sources to said system; and means, operatively associated with said connecting means and operated as an incident of connecting a predetermined one of said oscillation sources to said system, for placing said system into operation and concurrently rendering said start and stop means inoperable.

5. In a. phonographic system adapted for the selective recordation of oscillations from sources of matter characterized by frequent interruptions and of matter relatively. continuous: the combination of input transmission circuit for said system operatively connected with said sources respectively; means for interrupting the operation of the system at will; means for selectively connecting said input transmission circuits into said system; and means, operatively associated with said connecting means and operated upon connecting the system to the said transmission input circuit associated with said source of continuous matter, for rendering said interrupting means inoperative and concurrently starting the operation of the system.

6. In a phonographlc system adapted for the selective recordation of oscillations from sources of matter characterized by frequent interruptions and of matter relatively continuous and comprising a. rotatable record support, a drive motor and engageable clutch for coupling said drive motor to said record support: the combination of input transmission circuits for said system operatively connected with said sources respectively; means for controlling said clutch whereby to suspend the operation of the system at will; means for selectively connecting said input transmission circuits tosaid system; means to start and stop said motor; and means operatively associated with said clutch, said start and stop means and said connecting means and operated as an incident of connecting the system with said source of continuous matter for both starting said drive motor and engaging said clutch whereby to adapt the system for continuous operation, and operated as an incident of connecting the system with said source of interrupted matter for starting said motor without engaging said clutch whereby to adapt the system for interrupted operation.

'7. In a phonographic system adapted for the selective recordation of oscillations from-sources of interrupted matter and of relatively continuous matter and comprising a rotatable record support, a drive means and clutch means for coupling said drive means with said support: the combination of input transmission circuits for said system operatively connected with said sources respectively; means for controlling said clutch means whereby to suspend the operation of the system at will; means for selectively connecting said input transmission circuits to said system; and means operatively associated with said connecting means for causing both said drive means and clutch means to be rendered operative and said clutch-controlling means to be concurrently rendered inoperable upon the connecting of said system to said source of continuous matter, whereby to condition the system for continuous operation.

8. In a phonographic system adapted for the selective recordation of oscillations from a plurality of oscillation sources and comprising a rotatable record support, a drive means and clutch means for coupling said drive means to said support: the combination of a plurality of input transmission circuits for said system operatively connected with said sources respectively; start and stop control means for said drive means; means movable into a first position to connect one of said input circuits to said system and to concurrently place both said drive means and clutch means in operative condition, and 'into a second position to connect anotherone of said input circuits to said system and concurrently stop said drive means; and means, automatically rendered effective in response to a placing of said start and stop control means into start position subsequent to a moving of said connecting means to said secondposition, for placing said clutch means in inoperative condition.

9. In a phonographic system adapted for the tions and including a rotatable record support, driving means and controllable means for coupling said driving means with said record support: the combination of a handpiece for dictation recording comprising a dictation-microphone and a hand control for said coupling means; start and stop control means for said driving means; a conversation-microphone; and a control station selectively operable either to connect said dictation-microphone into said system and concurrently render efiective said hand control, or to connect said conversation-microphone into said system and concurrently place said conselective recordation of dictation or of conversatrol means into start position and render said coupling means operative.

10. In a phonographic system including a rotatable record support, a drive motor, and controllable means for coupling said motor with said support: the combination of a handpiece for dictation recording comprising a receiver-microphone -and a hand control ior said coupling means; a support for holding said handpiece duringnon-use of the latter; means associated with said support for starting and stopping said motor upon removing the handpiece from and placing the same on said support; a transmission input circuit for said system; and a control arrangement for said system comprising control means movable into neutral position to operatively connect said receiver-microphone and said hand control into said system and movable out of said neutral position to connect said transmission input circuit into said system and concurrently start said motor and render said coupling mean operative, said control arrangement being adapted to stop said motor upon the return of said control means to neutral position, and said starting and stopping means being connected into said control arrangement to cause said coupling means to be restored to inoperative condition upon the removal of the handpiece from its support subsequent to the return of said control means to neutral position.

11. In a phonographic system adapted for the selective recordation of dictation and of con versations: the combination of a handpiece adapted for dictation-recording and comprising a receiVer-microphone and a condition-indicating signal means for the system having operable and inoperable conditions; a conversation microphone; and a control station selectively operable either to operatively connect said dictation microphone into said system and concurrently place said signal means into operable condition, or to connect said conversation microphone into said system and concurrently place said signal means into inoperable condition.

12. In a recording and reproducing phonographic system lncluding a rotatable record support, driving means, controllable means for coupling said driving means with said support and an audio input: the combination of a handpiece for dictation recording comprising a dictation receiver-microphone, a hand control for said coupling means and signal means for indicating recording and reproducing conditions of the system; an input transmission circuit for the system; and a control station selectively operable to connect said dictation receiver-microphone into said audio input and to concurrently render both said hand control and signal means efiective, or to connect said input transmission circuit into said audio input and to concurrently render said signal means inelfective and said driving means and coupling means each operative.

13. In a phonograph including a rotatable record support, a record rotating means, a hand microphone and an oscillation amplifier; the combination of a cabinet for said phonograph including a cover openable to expose the phono graph for operation; circuit means operated by the opening of said cover to rendersaid amplifier operative; a support for said hand microphone exposed by the opening of said cover; and circuit control means for said motor rendered eiiective incidental to a placing of said amplifier in operative condition and operated to start said motor as an incident oi removing said handpiece from said support. I

14. In a phonographic system comprising a plurality of translating devices: the combination oi conditioning means for said translating devices respectively, each operable to place its respective translating device into inoperative condition and respective operative conditions for recording and reproducing; and'means, operatively interconnecting said conditioning means, for mutually restricting the conditioning of said devices each by the other, whereby to prevent a plurality of the devices from occupying diflerent operative conditions at the same time.

15. In a phonographic system comprising a plurality oi translating devices: the combination of conditioning means for said translating devices respectively, each operable to place its respective translating device into inoperative condition and respective operative conditions for recording and reproducing; and means, operatively interconnecting said conditioning means and effective while one of said devices is in one of saidoperative conditions, for restricting the range of conditioning of all other of said devices to said one operative condition and the inoperative condition.

16. In a phonographic system comprising a plurality of translating devices: the combination of a control means for each of said devices having a neutral position rendering the device inoperative and movable into respective operative positions to condition the device for recording and reproducing; and means mutually interconnecting said control means for causing each. of said devices occupying a given one of said operative conditions to be restored to inoperative condition upon placing any one 01 the devices into the other of said operative conditions.

l' l. In a phonographic system including a plurality oi translating devices: the combination of a control means for each of said devices having a neutral position rendering the device inoperative and movable into respective operative positions to condition the device for recording and reproducing; and a lost-motion connection between said control means permitting independent movement of each of the control means ,i'rom operative to inoperative position and causing all control means occupying one of said operative positions to be restored to inoperative position upon moving any one 01' the control means to the other oi said operative positions.

18. In a phonographic system including a pinrality of translating devices each selectively conditionable for recording and reproducing: the combination of conditioning means for said several devices respectively; an osc llation-amplifying channel; means for selectively connecting said several translating devices in parallel either to the input or output of said channel; and means, operatively connecting said plurality of conditioning means with said connecting means, for causing all oi. said devices to be connected with the output of said channel upon a condi-' tioning of any one of the devices for recording and to be connected with the input of said channel upon a conditioning of any oneoi the devices for reproducing.

19. In a phonographic system comprising a plurality of translating devices and an oscillation-amplitying channel: the combination of conditioning means for-said several devices respectively, each selectively operable to place its respective device either into inoperative condition conditioning means to prevent said devices from occupying diiIerent operative conditions at the same time; and means associated with said restricting means for connecting the group oi said devices to the output and input of said channel as an incident to the placement of one of the devices into recording and reproducing conditions respectively.

20. In a phonographic system comprising a plurality of translating devices and an oscillation amplifying channel: the combination of conditioning means for said several devices respectively, each selectively operable to place its respective device either into inoperative condition or respective operative conditions for recording and reproducing; means for selectively connecting said devices either tothe input or output of said channel; and means, interconnecting said conditioning means and difl'erentially operated as an incident of an initial placement of one of said devices into recording and reproducing conditions, for differentially operating said connecting means.

21. In a phonographic system comprising a plurality of translating devices and an oscillation amplifying channel: the combination of conditioning means for said several devices respectively, each selectively operable to place its respective device either into inoperative condition or respective operative conditions for recording and reproducing; means mutually interconnecting said control means for causing each of said dereproducing.

22. In a phonographic system comprising a plurality of translating devices and electroacoustical means adapted to function as a receiver and as a microphone: the combination of conditioning means for said several devices respectively, each selectively operable to place its respective device either into inoperative condition or respective operative conditions for recording and reproducing; means interconnecting said conditioning means and mutually restricting the same to prevent the devices from. occupying different operative conditions at the same time; and means operatively associated with said restricting means for causing said devices to be connected with said electro-acoustical means with the latter connected to function as a microphone upon conditioning one of the devices for recording, and for causing said devices to be connected with said electro-acoustical means with the latter connected to function as a receiver upon conditioning one of said devices for reproducing.

23. In a phonographic system comprising a plurality of translating devices and electroacoustical means adaptedto function as a receiver and as a microphone: the combination of conditioning means for said several devices respectively, each selectively operable to place its respective device either into inoperative condition or respective operative conditions for recording and reproducing; means for preventing said several devices from simultaneously occupying different operative conditions, comprising a member biased into a neutral position and moved in different directions out of said neutral position as an incident of conditioning one of the devices for recording and reproducing; and means, controlled by said member, for operatively associating said devices with said electro-acoustical means with the latter connected to function as a microphone upon conditioning one of the devices for recording and as a receiver upon conditioning one of the devices for reproducing. I

24. In a phonograph system: the combination of a source of oscillation; a recorder-reproducer; an oscillation amplifier; oscillation transmitting circuits for said oscillation source and recorderreproducer respectively; attenuators serially connected in said several circuits respectively; switch means associated with said circuits for selectively connecting the outputs of said attenuators with the input of said amplifier; and a transmitting circuit, serially including a switch operative- 1y associated with said first mentioned-switch means, for directly connecting the output of said amplifier with said recorder-reproducer.

25. In a phonographic machine including a drive motor and a clutch for coupling said motor with the machine: the combination of a handpiece including a hand control for said clutch adapted for use in dictation recording; a support for holding said handpiece during non-use of the latter; means associated with said support for starting and stopping said motor upon removing the handpiece from and placing the same onto said support; an auxiliary control adapted for use in conversation recording and movable into ;5 6f oscillations of said different operative position to start said motor and engage said clutch and into neutral position to stop said motor; and means coupled to said start and stop means and efiective upon a return of said auxiliary control to neutral position, for causing said clutch to be disengaged as said handpiece is removed from said support.

26. In a phonographic machine including a drive motor and a clutch for coupling said motor to the machine: the combination of a hand piece adapted for use in dictation recording; a support for holding said handpiece during nonuse of the latter; means operable to engage said clutch; and means to cause said clutch to be disengaged upon a change in position of said handpiece in relation to said support.

2'7. In a phonographic machine including a drive motor and a clutch for coupling said motor to the machine: the combination of a handpiece adapted for use in dictation recording; a support onto and from which said handpiece is adapted to be mounted and removed; and means, associated with said handpiece support and operatively coupled with said clutch, for causing the clutch to be actuated upon a predetermined change in position of the handpiece in relation to its support.

28. In a phonographic machine including a drive motor and a clutch for coupling said motor to the machine: the combination of a first 10.- gage and control placeable into operative position to start said motor and concurrently engage said clutch whereby to condition the machine for continuous operation; a second control operable to disenengage said clutch whereby to suspend the operation of the machine at will; and means associated with said controls to cause said second control to be ineffective while said first control is in operative position.

29. In a phonographic system adapted for the selective recordation of signal oscillations characterized by frequent interruptions and of those relatively continuous: the combination of means for interrupting the operation of the system at will; means shiftable to selectively connect said system to oscillation sources of said different characters; and means operatively associated with said connecting means and actuated upon shifting the same to a predetermined one of its positions, for rendering said interrupting means inoperative and concurrently starting the operation of said system.

30. In a, phonograph system adapted for the selective recordation of signal oscillations characterized by frequent interruptions and of those relatively continuous: the combination of means operable into start and stop positions to place said system into and out of operation; means for selectively connecting saidsystem to sources characters; and

means, operatively associating said start-stop means with said connecting means, for placing the start-stop means into start position and into inoperative condition when the system is con- 40 nected to a relatively continuous source and for placing the start-stop means into stop position and. into operative condition when the system is connected to an interrupted source.

31. In a phonograph system: the combination of a plurality of oscillation-transmitting networks respectively constituting sources of relatively continuous and of interrupted signal; means for connecting said networks selectively to said system; a drive for said system comprising a motor and a clutch for connecting the motor to the system; and means, operatively associated with said connecting means, for causing said motor to be put into operation and, said clutch to be engaged when said system is connected to said network source of relatively continuous signals and for causing said motor to be put into operation and said clutch to be disengaged when said system is connected to said network source of interrupted signals.

ORVILLE M. DUN'NING.

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