Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
  • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
  • G11B15/00—Driving, starting or stopping record carriers of filamentary or web form; Driving both such record carriers and heads; Guiding such record carriers or containers therefor; Control thereof; Control of operating function
  • G11B15/18—Driving; Starting; Stopping; Arrangements for control or regulation thereof
  • G11B15/44—Speed-changing arrangements; Reversing arrangements; Drive transfer means therefor
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
  • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
  • G11B15/00—Driving, starting or stopping record carriers of filamentary or web form; Driving both such record carriers and heads; Guiding such record carriers or containers therefor; Control thereof; Control of operating function
  • G11B15/02—Control of operating function, e.g. switching from recording to reproducing
  • G11B15/05—Control of operating function, e.g. switching from recording to reproducing by sensing features present on or derived from record carrier or container
  • G11B15/093—Control of operating function, e.g. switching from recording to reproducing by sensing features present on or derived from record carrier or container by sensing driving condition of record carrier, e.g. travel, tape tension

Definitions

• This invention relates to the telephone answering machine art, and, more particularly, to an improved, inexpensive, reel-to-reel telephone answering device.
• Such telephone answering devices generally have the capability of broadcasting to an incoming caller a pre-recorded message and then, after an appropriate tone signal, allowing the incoming caller to record a message.
• Conventional multi-track magnetic tapes are utilized for both the broadcast message, and the incoming messages.
• Some prior art telephone answering devices have utilized, essentially, two separate tape decks, one for pre-recording the broadcast message thereon, and the other for receiving and recording the incoming messages. Such a duplication of structural parts increases the cost of such devices.
• the broadcast message was repe- titively recorded in spaced apart locations on the single tape.
• the incoming messages were sequentially recorded between each of the pre-recorded broadcast messages.
• On playback when it was desired to listen to the incoming messages that had been recorded, in general, in such devices, it was generally necessary to listen to the broadcast message repetitively between each of the incoming recorded messages.
• a single head was utilized for both playing the broadcast message, as well as recording each incoming message.
• Such devices often utilized a single tape and one or more tracks thereon were utilized for the pre-recording of one or more broadcast messages and the remaining tracks were utilized for recording the incoming messages.
• the single tape head in such devices, was moved from one of the broadcast tape loca- tions to the next available incoming recorded message tracks on the tape during each cycle of operation.
• / O P provide a telephone answering device utilizing a single tape, which is provided with a plurality of tracks, and in which a broadcast message may be recorded on one track and incoming messages recorded on the other tracks, and in which, on playback, it would not be necessary to listen to the broadcast message before listening to each recorded message, or an equivalent time delay therebetween, and in which interference bet- ween the head utilized for playing the broadcast message and the head utilized for recording the incoming messa- ges does not adversely affect operation of the telephone answering device.
• an object of the present invention to provide an improved telephone answering mechanism. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved telephone answering mechanism utilizing a reel-to-reel multi-track tape with separate heads for playing the broadcast message to incoming callers and recording the incoming messages. It is yet another object of the present inven- tion to provide an improved telephone answering mechanism in which, on playback, the incoming messages may be heard without listening to the pre-recorded broadcast message interspersed between each of them, and/or without listening to the unused portions of the incoming call recording tape when the caller does not use the entire time available, and without utilizing "fast forward" or similar control means.
• the above, and other objects of the present invention are provided, in a preferred embodiment thereof, by providing a case means, upon which there is rotatably mounted a supply reel and a take-up reel.
• a multi-track recording tape having a first end connected to the supply reel, and a second end connected to the take-up reel, and in the start condition, that is, when the mechanism is awaiting the receipt of the first incoming call, at least a por- tion of the tape is wound on a section of the supply reel.
• an "end-of-tape” sensor which comprises a pawl means that is movably, for example, pivotally, reciprocatingly, or the like, mounted on the supply reel.
• the pawl means is retained in the retracted posi- tion by the portion of the tape that is wound on the supply reel.
• the multi-track recording tape is divided into a first portion and a second portion and is provided with a metallic strip which acts with a signaling or sensing section between the first portion and the second portion.
• a first track of the multi-track recording tape in the first portion is utilized for pre-recording the broadcast message.
• the other tracks of the multi- track recording tape are utilized to record the incoming messages and the first portion of the other tracks are not utilized.
• the incoming messages are sequentially recorded on the second portion of the other tracks of the multi-track recording tape.
• the second portion of the first track is not utilized.
• a broadcast head is mounted on the case means and is positioned adjacent the first track which con- tains the pre-recorded broadcast message.
• : :: head need not be movable, and may be fixed in location with respect to the first track of the multi-track recording tape.
• a record head is movably mounted on the case means and is sequentially moved to the other tracks on the multi-track recording head to record the incoming messages.
• Appropriate electronic circuitry of conven- tional design is utilized to allow the broadcast head to first act as a recording head to record the pre-recorded broadcast message on the first track, and then to play the broadcast message to each incoming caller.
• the broadcast head also incorporates erase capabilities, so that any previously recorded broadcast message is erased as the new one is recorded.
• the record head is positionable at the first track and the first portion thereof to allow recording of the broadcast message thereon.
• the broadcast head need not have record and or erase capability and only the record head need have the erase capability.
• the conventional electronic cir- cuitry also provides for the recording head to record incoming messages and, during playback operation, when it is desired to listen to the incoming messages, to switch to the playback mode so that each recorded message may be heard.
• a first motion producing means which, for example, may be a multi-level cam, engages the record head for providing the sequential positioning of the record head to the other tracks of the multi- track recording tape to allow both the recording of the incoming messages thereon, as well as during the playback mode, the listening to the incoming messages which have been recorded.
• a plurality of ratchet teeth are coupled to the multi-track cam and the number of ratchet teeth correspond to the number of cam surfaces in the multi-level cam.
• the number of available tracks on the multi-track recording tape available for recording incoming messages corresponds to the number of surfaces on the multi-level cam.
• a drive means is provided for rim drive of the take-up reel.
• the drive means is movable, for example, ' by a solenoid, clutch means, centrifugal means, or the like, upon receipt of an incoming call into a. drive con- dition where it rotates the take-up reel, thereby causing the multi-track tape to be wound upon the take- up reel and unwound from the supply reel.
• a resilient means is operatively con- nected to the supply reel and resists the rotation thereof when the tape is unwound from the supply reel and wound onto the take-up reel.
• the resilient means causes the supply reel to rotate in the opposite direction, thereby rewinding the tape upon the supply reel.
• An arm means is movably mounted on the case means, and, for example, may be mounted for linear reciprocating motion.
• the arm means has first walls which engage the pawl means of the supply reel when the pawl means is allowed to move outwardly from the supply reel for the condition of the multi-track recording tape being unwound from the first section of the supply reel where the pawl means is mounted. Continued movement of the supply reel causes the pawl means to engage the arm means and move the arm means.
• the arm means also has second walls that engage the ratchet teeth on the multi- level cam. The movement of the arm means is controlled, so that the multi-level cam means is moved by the arm means the equivalent of one ratchet tooth, which thereby positions the recording head at the next available track for recording incoming messages.
• Another resilient means such as a spring, may be utilized for biasing the
• the multi-track tape is a con- ventional half-inch width, it is divided into thirteen equally spaced tracks.
• the lowermost track for example, may be the track upon which the broadcast message is pre-recorded on the first portion thereof.
• the remaining tracks that is, tracks two through thirteen, or a total of twelve available tracks, are utilized for sequentially recording the incoming calls.
• the total length of the multi-track recording tape may be selected to provide, for example, fifteen seconds of broadcast message time, which comprises the first portion of the multi-track recording tape, and thirty seconds of incoming calls recording time on the second portion of the tape.
• a foil is positioned between the first portion and second portion, and may, for example, correspond to one second of time to provide an appropriate signal for indicating to the caller that the caller may commence dictating the message which is to be recorded.
• twelve available tracks for recording incoming messages there are twelve ratchet teeth on the multi-level cam, and, correspondingly, twelve cam faces.
• each ratchet tooth and each cam face is thirty degrees of angular measurement.
• a switch is provided, and the switch is also engaged by the arm means when the arm means has reached the extent of its travel. The switch is utilized to operate the appropriate electronic functions of the
• the tape is wound onto the supply reel and retained in that position by the resilient means.
• the multi-level cam means is positioned, for example, manually, into the position corresponding to the location of the recording head at the first available track for recording incoming calls.
• the drive means which may, for example, be a motor, is energized, and the solenoid is energized to move the drive means into engagement with the take-up reel.
• Rotation of the take-up reel causes the tape to move across both the broadcast head and the record head as it is unwound from the supply reel.
• the broadcast message is played by the broadcast head on the telephone line to the caller.
• the foil divider is sensed and an appropriate signal is generated by con- ventional circuitry, to indicate to the caller that he may commence recording of his message.
• the record head may be left in a record mode during the time of playing the broadcast message. Even though interference may occur, so that the broadcast message may be recorded on the first portion of the other tracks, according to the principles of the present invention, this has no inter- ference with the normal operation of the device, since the first portion of the other tracks is not utilized during playback, or at all.
• the incoming message may be recorded as the tape continues to run for an additional thirty seconds, during which the incoming message is recorded. At the end of the thirty seconds, the tape has been unwound from the supply reel, allowing a resilient means
• I ' ⁇ such as a light spring to urge the pawl outwardly from the supply reel as it engages the arm.
• the arm is moved to reposition the recording head to the next available track and, at the end of the movement, to engage the switch for deenergizing the motor and the solenoid.
• Deenergizing the solenoid allows the motor to rotate away from engagement with the take-up reel and the rewind means connected to the supply reel causes rota- tion of the supply reel in the opposite direction, thereby rewinding the tape onto the supply reel and depressing the pawl back to its retracted position.
• the device is then in its start position, and is available for repeating the cycle upon receipt of the next incoming call.
• the multi-level cam means may be manually rotated to position the record head adjacent the first track upon which incoming messages have been recorded.
• An appropriate switch may be energized to change the record head to a playback mode wherein it will play the messages recorded.
• This switch also engages appropriate electronic circuitry coupled to the detection means utilized to detect the foil on the multirtrack recording tape. .
• OMPI ' thereon This corresponds to the initial broadcast message time.
• the pre-recorded broadcast message may be monitored by the user to pro- vide a check thereof.
• the mechanical operation of the pawl engaging the arm occurs and the drive means is disengaged from the take-up reel and rewind on the supply reel occurs.
• the detector means detects the presence of the foil strip on the tape during the rewind operation and when the foil strip is thus sensed, the drive means is controlled to move into the engaged position with the take-up reel and the playback head, having been moved to the next track upon which an incoming message has been recorded, commences to play the next message.
• the incoming recorded message may not occupy the full thirty seconds of time available on the multi-track recording tape. Consequently, a manual control for the arm may be provided so that, for example, if the incoming message only occupies fifteen seconds of the total thirty seconds, at the end of that particular incoming message, the arm means may be manually moved from its first position to its second position, which causes both movement of the playback head to the next available track, as well as causing disengagement of the drive means from the take-up reel to allow rewinding on the supply reel to commence.
• the user on playback of the incoming recorded messages, the user does not have to listen to repetitive broadcast of the pre-recorded broadcast message, nor is there any delay between listening to the recorded incoming messages, except that associated with the com- paratively short time of the rewind cycle.
• the user does not have to listen to repetitive broadcast of the pre-recorded broadcast message, nor is there any delay between listening to the recorded incoming messages, except that associated with the com- paratively short time of the rewind cycle.
• a specially designed multi-track recording tape may be advantageously utilized according to the principles of the present invention.
• Such a tape would have a predetermined length and, as noted above, would be divided into a first portion and a second portion. Since only the first track of the pre-recorded tape is utilized in the first portion and the other tracks are utilized only in the second portion, the tape may be provided so that there is no message recording capabi- lity on the other tracks, that is, the record tracks, in the first portion, and, if desired, there is no message record capability on the first track in the second portion.
• the advantages of such a special tape when utilized in the telephone answering device of the pre- sent invention are apparent.
• certain on-off switching of the record head and/or playback head may be eliminated, since the presence of unwanted sounds emanating from the device; during the first cycle of playback when the record head is traversed by the first portion of the first track available for, no unwanted or unpleasant sounds, " will be generated.
• more than one track of the multi-track tape is utilized for recording different broadcast messages, one such message on the first portion of each track so utilized.
• the broadcast head is selectively positionable adjacent each of the tracks utilized for the broadcast messages.
• Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention
• Figure 2 illustrates a motion producing means useful in the practice of the present invention
• Figure 3 illustrates a multi-track recording ' tape useful in the practice of the present invention
• Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.
• the embodiment 10 generally comprises a case means 12, in which all of the structure and controls for the present invention are mounted.
• a recording tape supply reel 14 is rotatably mounted on shaft 16, for rotation about a first axis 18 in a supply direction as indicated by the arrow 20 and in a rewind direction as indicated by the arrow 22.
• the recording tape supply reel 14 has a bot- torn flange 24, an upper flange 26, and a rim 28.
• a multi-track recording tape 30 may be wound on the rim 28 a predetermined number of turns, and this is indicated on Figure 1 by the area generally designated 32.
• the rim 28 of the supply reel 14 is omitted from a first section generally designated 34.
• Figure 1 illustrates the embodiment 10 at the start condition, wherein at least one winding of the recordin tape 30 is on the rim 28 of the supply reel 14.
• the size of the supply reel 14, and/or the diameter of the rim 28 as compared with the overall length of the tape 30 from its first end 36, which is connected to mounting 38 affixed to the supply reel 14, to its second end 40, which is coupled to a mounting bracket 42 on a take-up reel generally designated 44, will determine the number of turns of the multi-track recording tape 30 which is wound on the supply reel 14 in the start position.
• the take-up reel 44 is described below in greater detail.
• a pawl means 46 mounted in the first section 34 of the supply reel 14 is a pawl means 46, for pivotal movement iri the direction indi- cated by the double ended arrow 48 about a pivot axis 50.
• the pawl means acts as an end-of-tape sensor.
• a resilient means generally designated 52 may be coupled to the pawl means 46 and the supply reel 14 for yieldingly urging the pawl means 46 outwardly in the direction of the arrow 54.
• at least one winding of the multi-track recording tape 30 in the rim 28 of the supply reel 14 retains the pawl means 46 in a first or retracted position to pre- vent movement of the pawl means 46 outwardly in the direction of the arrow 54 under the urging of spring means 52 to a second or engagement position when the
• FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present invetion, generally designated 200, in which a pawl means 46 ' is slidingly mounted for reciprocating move- ment in the directions of the double ended arrow 202 within upstanding walls 204 on supply reel 14' and is urged outwardly into an engagement condition by spring means 206. At least one winding of the tape means 30 on the rim means 28' of supply reel 14, retains the pawl means 46' in the first or retracted position as illustrated in Figure 4.
• An arm means, generally designated* 56, is movably mounted on the case means 12, and, in the embo- di ent 10, the movement is a linear reciprocating move- ment in the directions indicated by the arrows 58 and 60.
• the arm means 56 has first walls 62 on a tab means 64. The tab means 64 is positioned to be engaged by the pawl means 46, when the pawl means 46 has moved outwardly in the direction of the arrow 54 from its position shown in Figure 1 to an engagement position.
• the arm means 56 is constrained to move in the linear reciprocating direction indicated by the arrows 58 and 60 by slots 66 and 68, therein, engaging pins 70 and 72, which are coupled to the case means 12.
• a resilient means 74 such as a spring, may be coupled between the case means 12 and the arm means 56, for yieldingly urging the arm means 56 into the position shown in Figure 1 to provide movement thereof in the direction of the arrow 60.
• a lever means 80 may be coupled to the arm means 56 and accessible in regions external to case means 12, to allow manual actuation of the arm means 56 in the directions of the arrows 58, and, if desired, 60.
• the slot 66 is larger than the pin 72 to allow pivotal movement of the arm means 56 in the direction of the arrow 82, for purposes hereinafter described.
• the take-up reel 44 in the embodiment 10, is spaced from the supply reel 14 and is mounted on a spindle 86 of case means 12 for rotational movement in the directions indicated by the arrows 88 and 90, about second axis 92.
• the second end 40 of the multi-track recording tape 30 is coupled at 42 to the take-up reel 44.
• the supply reel and take-up reel may be coaxially mounted for rotation about a common axis, though at dif- ferent rotational rates.
• those skilled in the art with the teachings of the present invention, may vary the geometrical relationship between the supply reel and the take-up reel as may be desired for par- ticular applications.
• the take-up reel 44 is rotated in the direc- tion of the arrow 88 by a drive means 96, which may be a motor, having a drive wheel 98 engaging the rim 100 of the take-up reel 44 in a drive condition of the drive means 96.
• a drive means 96 which may be a motor, having a drive wheel 98 engaging the rim 100 of the take-up reel 44 in a drive condition of the drive means 96.
• the drive means 96 is mounted on a bracket 104, which is pivotally mounted on the case means 12 for pivotal movement in the direction of the double ended arrow 106, about the pivot axis 108.
• a spring means 110 connected between the case means 12 and the bracket means 104, may be utilized to yieldingly urge the drive means 96 out of the drive condition thereof illustrated in Figure 1.
• Means 112 may be mounted on the case 12 and connected to the bracket means 104 for moving the drive means 96 into engagement with the take-up reel 44.
• the means 112 may, for example, be a solenoid, which is appropriately actuated to move the drive means 96 into the drive position thereof " , and deenergized to allow the spring means 110 to move the drive means 96 out of the drive condition thereof.
• the means 112 may be a clutch or any other type of structure which provides the movement of the drive means 96 as required.
• a rewind means is utilized to rewind the multi-track recording tape 30 upon the supply reel 14 after it has been wound in whole or in part upon the take-up reel 44.
• the rewind means 114 comprises a spring means 116 having a first end 118 coupled to the case means 12 at 120.
• a second end 122, of the spring 116 is coupled to a flexible cord-like member 124 at its first end 126.
• the second end 128 of the flexible cord 124 is coupled at aperture 130 in the supply reel 14 and is adapted to be wound around the supply reel spindle 16.
• the aperture 130 is spaced from the spindle 16.
• the spring means 116 exerts a force on the supply wheel 14 to cause it to rotate in the direc- tion indicated by the arrow 22.
• the force exerted on the supply reel 14 by the spring means 116 is less than
• the drive means 96 has sufficient force to overcome the resistance of the spring means 116 and allow the supply reel 14 to rotate in the direction of the arrow 20.
• the spring means 116 causes the rotation of the supply reel 14 in the direction of the arrow 22.
• a light resistance pad 132 is positioned adjacent the take-up reel 44 and applies a light resistance against rotation thereof.
• the frictional force supplied by the resistance pad 132 is less than the force applied by spring 116 to the supply reel 14 during the rewind operation and is less than the force applied to the take-up reel 44 by the drive means 96 to allow winding of the multi-track recording tape 30 on the take-up reel 44.
• the aperture 130 is spaced from the spindle 16. Such an arrangement is preferred, since, at the start position, shown in Figure 1, there is a greater moment arm due to the offset position of aperture 130 and thus the spring force of spring 116 causes a greater torque than if the flexible member were connected directly to the spindle 16.
• the rewind means 114 may comprise a resilient means such as a coiled spring wound around the spindle 16 and having a first end coupled to the case means 12 and the second end coupled to the spindle 16. It will be appreciated that many other resilient type rewind means may be uti- lized in the practice of the present invention.
• a broadcast head 134 is mounted on the case means 12 adjacent the multi-track recording tape 30. The broadcast head 134, in this embodiment of the pre- sent invention, is fixedly positioned with respect to a first track of the multi-track recording tape 30.
• the broadcast head provides for transmittal of a pre-recorded message which is recorded on the first track of the multi-track recording tape to an incoming caller.
• the broadcast head 134 is not fixedly mounted on the case means 12, but is movable to allow selective positioning adjacent each track of the multi-track tape 20 utilized for broadcast message recordation.
• the broadcast head 134 is selectively positionable, for example, manually, adjacent each of the three tracks.
• a record head 136 is movably mounted on the case means 12, for movement into and out of the plane of the paper on shaft means 138. The record head 136 is movable between the other tracks on the multi-track recording tape 30, that is, all of the other recording tracks except the first track, which is utilized for the recording of the broadcast message thereon.
• the record head 136 is movable for selective positioning relative to the tracks available for recordation of incoming messages.
• the record head 136 records the incoming message on the other tracks of the multi-track recording tape in a sequential operation, that is, the first incoming message is recorded on the first available track, the second message is recorded on the second available track, and similarly, through the total number of tracks available on the multi-track recording tape for recording incoming messages.
• Roller type capstans 140 are provided adjacent the broadcast head 134 and record head 136 to insure proper positioning of the multi-track recording tape 30 thereagainst.
• Movement of the record head 136 from track to track with respect to the multi-track recording tape 30 is controlled by a first motion producing means generally designated 142, and is illustrated in greater detail on Figure 2 hereof.
• the first motion pro- ducing means 142 generally comprises a body member 146, having a multi-level cam surface 148.
• the record head 136 is mounted on a bracket 150 for movement in the direction indicated by the double ended arrow 152 to allow positioning ' of the record head 136 adjacent the plurality of tracks available for recording incoming messages on the multi-track recording tape 30.
• the bracket 150 has a cam follower 154 which engages the cam surface 148 of the body means 146 and spring means 156 yieldingly urges the bracket 150, upon which the record head 136 is mounted, into engagement with the multi- level cam surface 148.
• the multi-level cam surface has a plurality of surface levels corresponding to the number of tracks available on the multi-track recording tape 30 for recording incoming messages. For example, there may be twelve such levels in the multi-level cam surface 148. Each level discretely positions the record head 136 adjacent one track of the multi-track recording tape 30.
• a plurality of ratchet teeth 160 are coupled to the body member 146.
• the body means 146 is a generally annular, cylindrical member, and the upper end 162 is provided with the multi-level cam surface 148 and the ratchet teeth 160 are coupled to the body member 146 adjacent the second end 164.
• the body means 146 is further provided with a sleeve means 166, mounted over a spindle 168, to allow rotation of the body means 146 in the direction indicated by the double ended arrow 170.
• a manually operatable knob 172 which is accessible in regions external the case means 12, is mounted on the sleeve 166 to allow manual operation, that is, manual rotation, of the body means 146 in the directions indi- cated by double ended arrow 170.
• the knob means 172 may provide appropriate indicia thereon (not shown) for indicating which par- ticular track is adjacent the record head 136.
• the record head is selectively positionable, for example, manually, adja- cent each track utilized for recordation of a broadcast message.
• the record head 136 is
• the arm means 56 has second walls 171 for engaging the ratchet teeth 160.
• the arm means 56 may, if desired, be further restrained to its reciprocating movement in a plane by washers 70' and 72* . If desired, a predetermined frictional force may be provided between the spindle 168 and the sleeve 166 to prevent undesired rotation of the body means 146.
• the number of ratchet teeth 160 corresponds to the number of levels in the ulti- level cam surface 148, which, in turn, corresponds to the number of tracks on the multi-track recording tape 30 available for recording incoming messages.
• the number of ratchet teeth 160 corresponds to the number of levels in the ulti- level cam surface 148, which, in turn, corresponds to the number of tracks on the multi-track recording tape 30 available for recording incoming messages.
• twelve tracks available for recording incoming messages on the multi-track recording tape 30 there are a total of twelve levels in the multi-level cam surface 148, and there are twelve corresponding ratchet teeth 160.
• Each ratchet tooth, and, correspondingly, each level of the multi-level cam surface 148 occupies 30° of arc of the axis of the spindle 168.
• the predetermined resistance between the spindle 168 and the sleeve 166 is sufficient to prevent rotation of the body means 146 during the return of the arm 56 in the direction of the arrow 60.
• the manually operable tab 80 on the arm means 56 may be engaged manually to move the arm 56 out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 160 and thus allow free rotation of the body means 146 in either direction indicated by the double ended arrow 170 by manual opera- tion thereof.
• the tab 80 allows movement of the arm means 56 manually both in the directions indicated by the arrows 58 and 60, as well as into and out of ratchet tooth engagement as indicated by the double ended arrow 82.
• Figure 3 illustrates the multi-track recording tape 30 useful in the practice of the present invention.
• the multi-track recording tape 30 may have thirteen separate tracks, one through 13, inclusive.
• Track number 1 is utilized for recor- dation of the broadcast message which is transmitted to each incoming caller by the broadcast head 134.
• broadcast head 134 may be fixedly positioned adjacent track number 1 on the multi-track recoding tape 30.
• the other tracks that is, 2 through 13, or a total of twelve tracks, are utilized for recording incoming messages.
• the record head 136 sequentially records each incoming message on tracks 2 through 13, inclusive. It will be appreciated, of course,- that the record head 136 has both the functions of recording messages on the multi-track tape 30 as well as having the capability of playing back messages which have been recorded on, for example, tracks 2 through 13.
• the broadcast head 134 also has the capabi- lity of both recording a message on track 1, as well as playing back the message which is on track 1, so that the user of the telephone answering machine of the pre- sent invention may listen to the message which he has recorded and change the message as desired.
• the record head 136 is uti- lized to record the broadcast message and thus the record and erase capabilities of the broadcast head 134 are eliminated.
• the multi-track recording tape 30 has, as noted above, its first end 36 coupled to the supply reel 14, and its second end 40 coupled to the take-up reel 44.
• the section 40' of the multi-track recording tape 30, between the second end 40 and the line 180 corresponds to that portion of the multi-track tape 30 extending between the connection at 42 to the take-up reel 44 and the broadcast head 134 when the embodiment 10 is in the start position as shown in Figure 1.
• the portion 36' between the first end 36 and the line 182 corresponds to that portion between the supply reel 14 and the record head 136 when the tape 30 has been fully wound upon the take-up reel 44. Consequently, the sections 40' and 36' are not utilized for the recordation of messages thereon, and, if desired, may be free of the multi-tracks.
• the multi-track tape 30 has a first portion 184, corresponding to a first time indicated on Figure 3 at t x #
• the mu ⁇ t i-track recording tape 30 also has a second portion indicated at 186, separated by a sensing means 188, which, for example, may be a strip of foil.
• the broadcast message is recorded on track number 1 which is in the first portion 184 of the multi- track recording tape 30.
• the section of track number 1 that is in the second portion 186 of the multi-track recording tape 30, is not utilized.
• the incoming messages are recorded sequentially on tracks 2 through 13, which are in the second portion 186 of the multi-track recording tape 30, and the sections of tracks 2 through 13, inclusive, which are in the first portion 184, are not utilized. Consequently, the unutilized portions of the multi-track recording tape 30, as described above, may be free of recording message capability.
• the tracks 1 through 13, inclusive, on the multi-track recording tape 30 may extend completely between the first end 36 and second end 40 thereof, even though por- tions of them .are not utilized.
• the length of the second portion 186 of the multi-track recording tape 30 may correspond to a time indicated by t? on Figure 3.
• the time t ⁇ may be 15 seconds, and the time - may be 30 seconds.
• the width of the foil strip 188 may, for example, be on the order of 1 second. Operation of the embodiment 10 described in connection with Figures 1, 2, and 3, commences with the telephone answering device in the position indicated in Figure 1.
• An incoming call signal is generated by the connection between the embodiment 10 and a telephone (not shown) , and the incoming call signal is supplied to an appropriate control 190, to initiate operation of the telephone answering device.
• the solenoid 112 is actuated upon receipt of the incoming call signal and moves the drive means 96 into the engaged condition with the take-up reel 44.
• the broadcast head 134 is in the play mode.
• the multi-track recording tape 30 is moved past the broadcast head 134 in a direction indicated by the arrow 192, and the pre-recorded message on track number 1 in the first portion 184 of the multi-track 20 recording tape 30 is broadcast to the incoming caller.
• the sensing means 180 is senses by an appropriate detector (not shown) , and an appropriate tone signal of conventional design, is generated to indicate to the incoming caller that he may record his message following the tone signal.
• the record head is in the record mode and positioned adjacent track 2 by the first motion producing means 142.
• Continual movement of the multi-track recording tape 30 in the direction of the arrow 192 continues until the end of the time period indicated by the second portion 186.
• the overall length of the multi-track recording tape 30 is selected so that when the end of the time period t? is reached, the tape has unwound from at least the first section 34 of the supply reel 14, allowing the pawl means 46 to move outwardly therefrom under the influence of the spring 52.
• Continued rota- tion of the supply reel 14 causes the pawl means 46 to engage the first wall 62 of the tab 64 on arm 56, and moves the arm 56 in the direction of the arrow 58.
• the first level or layer of the multi-track tape 30 on the supply reel 14 causes the pawl means 46 to move from its outward engaged position to its retracted 5 posi- tion shown on Figure 1, and continued rotation of the supply reel 14 under the influence of the spring 116, winds the remainder of the tape 30 thereon.
• the spring 74 has caused the return of the arm means 56 to the position shown in Figure 1 in the direction of the arrow 60. The rewinding of the tape 30 on the supply reel 14 continues until the tape 30 is once again in the position shown in Figure 1 and as described above.
• the first motion producing means 142 having moved the record head to the next available track for recording the next incoming message, the embodiment 10 of the pre- sent invention is now ready to receive the next incoming call.
• the above described cycle of operation is repeated until the last message has been recorded or until the last track available for recordation of an incoming message has been utilized. Further rotation of the body means 146, after track 13 has been utilized, is prevented by the surface 146' engaging the mounting bracket 150.
• the record head 136 When it is desired by the user of the telephone answering device of embodiment 10 to listen to the messages recorded on tracks 2 through 13, the record head 136 is switched to the playback mode by an appropriate control (no shown), and, preferably, the broadcast head 134 is deenergized so as not to allow playback of the pre-recorded message.
• An appropriate signal is generated to simulate the incoming call signal and the above described cycle of operation commences.
• the broadcast head 134 since the broadcast head 134 has been deenergized, during the first time period t 1 , there is no broadcast of the pre-recorded message.
• the solenoid 112 is energized and the drive means 96 is energized to cause the take-up reel 44 to rotate in the direction of the arrow 88.
• the record head 136 which is in the playback mode, having been moved to the next track, for example, track 3, then plays back the message recorded on track 3.
• the arm means 56 may be moved out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 160, and the knob 172 rotated to rotate the body means 146 to position the record head 136 at any desired track.
• the drive means 96 is also energized when the drive means 96 is in the drive condition thereof, to rotate the take-up reel 44.
• the drive means 96 may be deenergized.
• variations from the structure illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and- 3 may be made.
• the take-up reel 44 may be coaxially mounted with the supply reel 14.
• take—up reel 44 and body means 146 of "the first motion producing means 142 may both be coaxially mounted with respect to the supply reel 14.
• the pawl means 46 may directly engage the ratchet teeth 160 as well as the switch 198, thereby eliminating the arm 56.

Landscapes

• Recording Or Reproducing By Magnetic Means (AREA)
• Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
• Television Signal Processing For Recording (AREA)

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Family

ID=22456963

Family Applications (1)

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Cited By (1)

Citations (5)

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• 1981
  • 1981-03-23 JP JP56501473A patent/JPS57500579A/ja active Pending
  • 1981-03-23 WO PCT/US1981/000372 patent/WO1981002804A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1981-03-23 EP EP19810901064 patent/EP0048271A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1981-03-24 GB GB8109236A patent/GB2074362B/en not_active Expired

Patent Citations (5)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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