US3557313A - Telephone responder system - Google Patents

Telephone responder system Download PDF

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Publication number
US3557313A
US3557313A US785571A US3557313DA US3557313A US 3557313 A US3557313 A US 3557313A US 785571 A US785571 A US 785571A US 3557313D A US3557313D A US 3557313DA US 3557313 A US3557313 A US 3557313A
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Prior art keywords
switch
sound head
cylinder
carriage
head carriage
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Expired - Lifetime
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US785571A
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English (en)
Inventor
Kurt Guettinger
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Dictaphone International AG
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Dictaphone International AG
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/64—Automatic arrangements for answering calls; Automatic arrangements for recording messages for absent subscribers; Arrangements for recording conversations
    • H04M1/647—Automatic arrangements for answering calls; Automatic arrangements for recording messages for absent subscribers; Arrangements for recording conversations using magnetic tape

Definitions

  • the device When a call is received, the device activates the sound head carriage causing it to move across the cylinder thus enabling a recorded message to be transmitted over the telephone line.
  • the carriage When the complete message has been transmitted, the carriage automatically is returned and is set in a start position for transmitting the message again if another call is received.
  • This invention relates to a device for automatically answering telephone calls. More specifically this invention relates to such an answering device which is used with a magnetic sheet of belt-type dictating machine.
  • the dictating machine with which this invention is used contains a cylinder driven by an electric motor.
  • the drive for the cylinder has a magnetic clutch and the cylinder is adapted to receive a recording medium which may be a magnetic sheet (sometimes called a foil) or a magnetic belt.
  • the machine has a sound head carriage, which carries a sound head. This sound head carriage can be guided parallel to the cylinder and can be displaced, or moved, by a drive to an end position at the end of the cylinder and is connected with an electrically operated return device to provide for the stepwise return of the carriage to the front end of the cylinder.
  • the machine has an amplifier which is connected to the sound head, to a microphone and to two limit switches. Both of these limit switches are adapted to be actuated by the sound head carriage.
  • the first limit switch can be moved between the sound head carriage and the end of the cylinder by hand.
  • the second limit switch is arranged in a fixed position ahead of the front end of the cylinder and is adapted to be actuated by a return element.
  • the second limit switch, the return element. the cylinder and the sound head carriage cooperate, during the return of the carriage in such a way that the second limit switch is returned to its rest position after the carriage is returned and the cylinder and the sound head carriage are reset to their starting position.
  • the amplifier output of the device is switched to reproduction, i.e. playback by a call signal which is received by a telephone connected to the device. Then a recorded message is transmitted to the telephone line to answer the call. After the call has been as answered, the sound head and the magnetic recording medium are automatically returned to the starting position and the telephone line is disconnected. i.e. made ready to receive another call.
  • the answer to the call must be selected so that it is completed within the time period during which the amplifier output is connected.
  • a tape recorder is also connected to the answering device for recording a message transmitted by the caller over the telephone line. The answer to the call and the message of the caller must then be completed within the given time.
  • the time setting frequently is ef-- fected in steps, i.e. increments.
  • the shortest time step or increment can be selected.
  • the telephone line remains busy for the entire incremental time set, even if the answer is completed sooner than the time allowed, ie in less time than is allotted by the one or more steps.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a device for automatically answering telephone calls with a magnetic sheet or belt-type dictating machine in which the sound head of the machine is returned to its start position immediately after the answer recorded on the recording medium, no matter what is its length, has been transmitted and the telephone line is released immediately after the sound head, and the cylinder carrying the recording medium, are reset to the start of the recorded answer.
  • the device according to the invention is characterized by the face that an output of a release member, which is connected with a magnetic clutch of the dictating machine drive, leads also to matching-and-holding circuit, and the electrically operated return device for the sound head carriage is controlled by two limit switches.
  • the return device is connected when the first limit switch is actuated and is disconnected when the second limit switch is actuated. This operation is accomplished in such a way that the release member holds the telephone line to the amplifier output by means of the matching-and-holding circuit when a call signal arrives, and, at the same time, couples the cylinder through the magnetic clutch to its drive.
  • the release member releases the matching-and-holding circuit and, after the second limit switch returns to its rest position, the cylinder is uncoupled from its drive.
  • the electri cally operated return device can be connected to an astablc multivibrator.
  • An electronic switch controlled by the second limit switch, can be connected in series with this astable multivibrator.
  • a switch which is actuated by this electronic switch and which separates the amplifier output from the matching-and-holding circuit during the return of the sound head carriage to its starting position, can be connected into the amplifier output line leading to the matching-and-holding line.
  • the first limit switch can be connected to the electronic switch through a switch, and the second limit switch can also be connected through a switch to both the electronic switch and to the release member. Additional switches for operationally engaging the answering device can be connected into the lines between the telephone terminals and both the mate matchingand-holding circuit and the release member, between the amplifier output and the matching-and-holding circuit, and between the release member output and the magnetic clutch.
  • All these switches can be engaged for operation by a single control.
  • the matching-and-holding circuit, the release member, the astable multivibrator with the electronic switch, and the switches with their operating control can be installed in the housing of the magnetic-sheet-type dictating machine.
  • FIG. 1 shows schematically a front elevation of a magneticsheet-type dictating machine, with its cover removed to illustrate the parts beneath, having a telephone responder arrangement embodying the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows, in section, a top plan view of the from parts of the dictating machine shown in FIG, l',
  • HO. 3 shows a partial section along the line lll-lll in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the circuit used in the device for automatically answering phone calls represented in FIG. 1 through 3.
  • two bearing blocks 2a and 2b are mounted in a housing bottom 1. These blocks carry a shaft 3 with a cylinder 4 into which is inserted the reinforced upper edge of a magnetic sheet 5. The sheet merely is placed around the cylinder without being secured to it, other than by its edge engaged in the slot.
  • the cylinder 4 is driven by an electric motor (not shown in the drawing).
  • the motor drive is connected through a friction wheel gear and a magnetic clutch 67, of which only the wheel gear 6, secured on the cylinder shaft 3, is represented.
  • a guide 8, extending parallel to the cylinder shaft, is secured in the two bearing blocks 2a, 2b.
  • a sound head carriage 9, carrying a sound head 10, is mounted for displacement, i.e. to slide, on this guide 8.
  • This dictating machine is provided with a driving spindle 11, mounted at both ends for rotation in the bearing blocks 2a and 2b. This spindle is for moving the sound head carriage into the end position at the rear end of the cylinder.
  • Spindle 11 is driven by the cylinder shaft 3, acting in cooperation with appropriate linkage, for example, with a cam belt 13 and cooperating pulley, or wheels 13 and 14, each respectively attached to the cylinder shaft ad and the spindle.
  • the driving spindle likewise turns and displaces the sound head carriage which is coupled to it.
  • the cylinder, and, hence, the spindle turn in one direction only, i.e. the feed direction, because if the cylinder were allowed to turn in the opposite direction, the magnetic sheet, held only by its end inserted in the slot in the cylinder, would come loose from the cylinder and become damaged.
  • the sound head carriage 9 comprises a frame 15, which is displaceably, i.e. slideably, mounted at its upper end on the guide 8.
  • the sound head 11 is engaged in the frame under a spring load.
  • Side parts 15a extend towards the front of the machine and their ends are connected by a pivot 20, extending parallel to the guide 8. on which is rotatably mounted a key 19.
  • Guide parts 22 and 23 are provided to hold the key for displacement in a vertical direction only.
  • the frame 15 is tilted about the guide by pressure on the finger support. or fingerpiece, 21 of key 19.
  • a stirrup 16 having a straight center part extending parallel to the spindle 11, is mounted at both its ends to rotate in the bearing blocks 20, 2b.
  • the frame of the sound head carriage can be tilted by tilting the center part of the stirrup 16 towards the cylinder which causes the sound head carriage to tilt about the guide 8.
  • the bottom crossbar 42 of the sound head carriage frame 15 has a carrier level 44 mounted for rotation which is represented for sake of clarity only schematically in FIG. 3
  • This carrier lever 44 has at each of its ends a comb, or series of ridges, for engaging the thread of the spindle.
  • This stirrup 16 is urged by a spring toward the spindle 11 so that each comb on the carrier lever engage the thread of the spindle.
  • a spring urges one end of the carrier lever toward the spindle.
  • the other lever is associated with a stop so that.
  • the driving device for the stirrup 16 consists of a magnet coil 17 (see FIG. 2) which surrounds an armature 18. This armature is adapted to cause the stirrup 16 to be pulled backward when the coil 17 is engaged.
  • Current impulses can be fed to the magnet coil 17 by a control on the microphone, so that with each current impulse fed to the magnet coil, the stirrup 16 is tilted, against the action of its return spring away from the carriage by the armature 18 to effect the return of the sound head carriage.
  • a correction slide" 26 is arranged as shown on the guide 8 between the sound head carriage 9 and the rear, i.e. the right of the cylinder.
  • This correction slide 26 can be adapted so that it can move, i.e. slide, easily along the guide, but cannot be turned, i.e. pivoted, about it.
  • This slide has a pair of normally open contact springs 31 and 32 which are adapted to be actuated by the sound head carriage. The use and connections of these contact springs, which comprise a first limit switch, will be described in detail below.
  • a second limit switch likewise consisting of a pair of normally open contact springs 45 and 46, is arranged at the end of the return path of the sound head carriage.
  • This second limit switch 45 and 46 can be actuated by a return pawl 50 when the pawl is acted upon by the sound head carriage.
  • the return pawl 50 is mounted for rotation and displacement transverse to the cylinder shaft on a projection 49 which extends from the bearing block. it has a nose, or extension 53 at its front end which fits into an opening 54 in the front frame part 150 when the sound head carriage is moved to the extreme front end of the cylinder, i.e. to the far left hand side of the cylinder as viewed in FIG. 1 and 2.
  • the nose 53 of the pawl is caused to push the sound head carriage to the front, i.e. to the right, into a starting position.
  • the other end of the pawl i.e. the end opposite the end with the nose 53, is provided with a hook 57 which is contacted and then displaced by a return cam 58 which is secured on the front face, i.e. the front end wall, of the cylinder.
  • a journal 62 secured vertically in a bearing block part 49, protrudes through an oblong slot 61 in the pawl 50.
  • a return spring 52 secured to the journal 62, holds the pawl 50 in its rest position.
  • the oblong slot 61 is designed so that the return cam 58 secured to the rotating cylinder is able to move the pawl 50 by its hook 57.
  • the hook is moved to the rear and then, when a certain cylinder position, i.e. the starting position, is reached, it is moved to the left so as to disengage the hook from the cam.
  • the pawl is able to return to its rest position and the pair of contact springs 45 and 46. which have been closed until then, can spring open.
  • This pair of contacts 45 and 46 is connected to the signal supply line for the magnetic clutch 67 and also to the magnet coil 17.
  • both the magnetic clutch 67 and the magnetic coil 17 receive current to engage the clutch and to operate the stirrup 16.
  • the stirrup 16 is pulled back so that the carrier lever 44 is lifted from the thread of the driving spindle.
  • the pair of contact springs 45 and 46, i.e. the second limit switch is opened, the magnetic clutch and magnet coil 17 deenergize simultaneously.
  • the cylinder stops rotating and remains in its starting position, into which it has been pushed as described above, and the sound head carriage 9, now also in its starting position, is again coupled to its driving spindle.
  • FIG. 4 shows schematically a block diagram of the telephone answering device circuitry for this magnetic-sheettype dictating machine. in this diagram only certain of the dietating machine parts are represented.
  • socket (not shown) for connecting a telephone 68 is arranged in the rear wall of the housing bottom 1.
  • This socket is connected to the input terminal 75 of the circuit shown FIG. 4.
  • These terminals 75 are connected by the switches 81 to a matching-and-holding circuit 70 is and to a release member 69.
  • This matching-and-holding circuit 70 is of the conventional type. When connected, it transmits the sound signals emitted by received amplifier 72 to the telephone line, and holds the line until it is to be disconnected.
  • the release member 69 which is likewise of known design, is used to control the matching-and-holding circuit 70. When a call signal arrives, the release member signals the matchingand-holding circuit and the call signal is held until an off-signal appears at the input 82 of release member 69.
  • the output 83 of the release member 69 is connected through a switch to the magnetic clutch 67 for the cylinder drive.
  • the magnetic clutch 67 is controlled by the release member only, that is, when switch 80 is closed and a call signal arrives.
  • the cylinder is set in rotation by the call signal and stops only when the release member is disconnected and the magnetic clutch is allowed to deenergize.
  • the feeding of the magnet coil 17 with current impulses to return the sound head carriage 9 is achieved by using an astable multivibrator 73.
  • the multivibrator is connected in series with an electronic switch 74, for example, a thyristor.
  • This electronic switch 74, and, thus, the astable multivibrator 73 are turned on by the contact springs 31 and 32, i.e. the first limit switch, which is actuated by the sound head carriage at the end of its advance path.
  • the magnet coil 17 receives current impulses from the multivibrator 73.
  • the stirrup 16 is attracted with each current impulse and then is pulled back each time into its rest position by the return spring. This movement of stirrup 16 causes the sound head carriage 9 to move back in steps to its starting position in accordance with action previously described.
  • An amplifier 72 is connected to the sound head 10.
  • a switch 77 connected into the output line 84 of this amplifier, is actuated by the electronic switch 74. When the electronic switch 74 is in its rest position, the switch 77 is closed. When the return device for the sound head carriage is started, the switch 77 opens and disconnects the matchingand-holding circuit 70 from the amplifier output.
  • the limit switch 31 and 32 is connected to the electronic switch 74 by a switch 78. In one position of the switch 78, the limit switch 31 and 32 is connected to the electronic switch 74.
  • the switch is tied into the control circuit of the dictating machine so that, when the limit switch 31 and 32 is actuated, the dictating machine is switched from recording to reproduction
  • This second position of the switch 78 is used only when the machine is being used for dictation.
  • the second limit switch 45 and 46 located at the end of the return path of the sound head carriage 9 is also connected through a switch 79 to the electronic switch 74 and the the release member 69.
  • this second limit switch 45 and 46 is actuated by the sound head carriage 9 after it is returned, the astable multivibrator 73 is disconnected by the electronic switch 74 so that the sound head carriage 9 is not further.
  • the closing of the second limit switch 45 and 46 is achieved, as mentioned above, the carriage 9 pushing the return pawl 50 into the spring contact 46.
  • this limit switch is closed, the pawl carrier hook 57 is pushed into the path of motion of the return cam 58 which rotates with the cylinder 4. The cylinder continues to turn until the cam 58 strikes and displaces, i.e.
  • switch 79 connects, as indicated above, the second limit switch 45 and 46 to the electronic switch 74 and to the release member 69.
  • this second limit switch 45 and 46 is connected through diodes 85 and 86 to the magnet coil 17 to provide for the return of the return of the sound head carriage 9. ln this second position, it is also connected to the magnetic clutch 67 to provide for the drive of the cylinder.
  • the switch 79 is in this second switching position and the limit switch 45 and 46 is actuated by the sound head carriage 9, the return of the sound head carriage 9 is stopped and the cylinder 5 is coupled with its drive.
  • This second position of the switch 79 is used only when the machine is being used for dictation. It is not used for answering phone calls.
  • the magnet coil 17 and the magnetic clutch 67 can also be actuated by the control in the microphone.
  • the diodes 87, 88, and 89 are used to separate the microphone from the telephone responder circuit.
  • the matching-and-holding line 70. the release member 69. and the astable multivibrator 73 with its switch 74 advantageously are mounted. together with the necessary switching elements, on a support plate.
  • the telephone responder is designed as an optional unit to be installed in a magnetic-sheet-type dictating machine which is adapted to receive ll.
  • the connecting line for the magnetic clutch 67 and the connecting lines for the telephone socket 75 are arranged in a relay block and are engaged for use by a common control button (see FIG. 2).
  • control button 90 for answering phone calls
  • the machine has additional control buttons to switch it for use for normal dictation operations and for recording telephone calls.
  • a control button When a control button is actuated, the corresponding circuit connections are established and the machine is connected. The disconnection of the machine is accomplished by an off key.
  • the control for normal dictation is actuated first.
  • the sound head carriage is returned, i.e., moved to the left, by hand or by actuating the return control on the microphone until the second limit switch is actuated and the cylinder an the sound head carriage are moved into starting position.
  • the message is then recorded on the magnetic sheet.
  • the cylinder drive is uncoupled by actuating the control on the microphone.
  • the "call answering key” 90 is then pressed, so that all necessary circuit connections are established.
  • the correction slide 26 is then moved on the sound head carriage next to the sound head carriage, and is left in the this position. From this stage on the machine works fully automatically.
  • the first limit switch 31 and 32 closes and the sound head carriage and the cylinder are moved into their starting position, that is. to the position where the recording on the magnetic sheets starts.
  • the carriage moves and the message is reproduced and transmitted over the telephone line.
  • the sound head carriage and the cylinder are automatically returned, as described previously, to their starting position. When this starting position is achieved, the telephone line is released for another call.
  • this answering device is that the person telephoning receives the recorded message immediately after his call is recieved. There is no waiting period before the recorded message starts, which frequently gives rise to misunderstandings. Also, the recorded message is not restricted to a predetermined time period which may be longer or shorted shorter than necessary for the message desired. The message transmitted by this device can be as long or as short as desired, and the telephone lines is held only for the duration of the message (plus the time required for returning the sound head carriage to its starting position). Furthermore, the answering device of this invention is advantageously designed so that it can be added to a dictating machine adapted to receive it. This represents and important economical advantage.
  • a device for automatically answering a telephone for use with a dictating machine having a cylinder for receiving a recording media, said cylinder being driven through a clutch, a sound head carried by a sound head carriage, a drive for moving said carriage along a path parallel to the axis of said cylinder from a first position adjacent said cylinder to a second spaced position adjacent said cylinder, an electrically operated return device connected to said carriage and operable to return said carriage to said first position, an amplifier connected to said sound head, first and second limit switches operably connected with said return device and positioned in the path of motion of said sound head carriage an adapted to be actuated by said carriage, said first limit switch being mounted on one side of said sound head carriage and said second limit switch being mounted on the other side of said sound head carriage, and means for deactivating said second limit switch after it has been activated by said sound head carriage, said telephone answering device comprising in combination.
  • matching-and-holding circuit means electricall connected to said terminals and connected to the output of said amplifier for holding said call to the output of said amplifier when a signal indicating a telephone call is received at said terminals and for releasing said telephone call when said second limit switch is deactivated, release means electrically connected to said terminals, to said matching-and-holding circuit means to the magnetic clutch, for controlling said matchingand-holding circuit means and for engaging the clutch of the cylinder drive when a telephone call is received and for disengaging said clutch when said second limit switch is deactivated, and astable multivibrator and an electronic switch, wherein said return device is connected to said multivibrator, said electronic switch is arranged for controlling the input to the multivibrator and said electronic switch is controlled by said first and second limit switched.
  • a device for answering telephone calls as described in claim 1 wherein a switch adapted to be actuated by said electronic switch is electrically connected between the amplifier output and said matching-and-holding circuit means, said switch for separating the amplifier output from said matchingand-holding circuit means when the sound head carriage is being returned to its starting position.
  • a device for answering telephone calls as described in claim 2 including a third switch adapted to be activated by said electronic switch, said third switch being electrically connected between the amplifier output and said matching-andholding circuit means and adapted to separate the amplifier output for the said matching-and-holding circuit means when the sound head carriage is being returned to its starting posi tionv 4.
  • a device for answering telephone calls as described in claim 3 having at least five additional switches, for open opcrably engaging said device said switches including a first additional switch connected between said first limit switch and said electronic switch, a second additional switch connected between said second limit switch and both said electronic switch and said release means a third additional switch conn nected between said terminals for receiving a telephone call and both said matching-and-holding circuit mean means and said release means, a forth additional switch connected between said amplifier output and said matching-andholding circuit means, and a fifth additional switch connected between said release means and said magnetic clutch.
  • a device for answering telephone calls as described in claim 5 wherein said dictating machine has a housing and wherein said matching-and-holding circuit means, release means, astable multivibrator, electronic switch, five additional switches and said operating control are adapted for installa tion in the housing of said dictating machine.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
US785571A 1967-12-21 1968-12-20 Telephone responder system Expired - Lifetime US3557313A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1795567A CH477137A (de) 1967-12-21 1967-12-21 Einrichtung zur automatischen Beantwortung von Telephonanrufen, enthaltend ein Folien- oder Manschetten-Diktiergerät

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US3557313A true US3557313A (en) 1971-01-19

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US785571A Expired - Lifetime US3557313A (en) 1967-12-21 1968-12-20 Telephone responder system

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2831927A (en) * 1956-05-04 1958-04-22 John Leonard Franklin Automatic recording and announcing machine
US3106612A (en) * 1955-06-14 1963-10-08 Jerome H Lemelson Magnetic recording system
US3286033A (en) * 1960-08-30 1966-11-15 Jerome H Lemelson Apparatus for magnetically recording and reproducing at a remote station over a telephone line

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3106612A (en) * 1955-06-14 1963-10-08 Jerome H Lemelson Magnetic recording system
US2831927A (en) * 1956-05-04 1958-04-22 John Leonard Franklin Automatic recording and announcing machine
US3286033A (en) * 1960-08-30 1966-11-15 Jerome H Lemelson Apparatus for magnetically recording and reproducing at a remote station over a telephone line

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