WO1981002804A1

WO1981002804A1 - Multi-track tape drive with reel end of tape sensing and rewind

Info

Publication number: WO1981002804A1
Application number: PCT/US1981/000372
Authority: WO
Inventors: N Buglewicz
Original assignee: N Buglewicz
Priority date: 1980-03-24
Filing date: 1981-03-23
Publication date: 1981-10-01
Also published as: GB2074362A; EP0048271A4; JPS57500579A; GB2074362B; EP0048271A1

Abstract

A telephone answering device of the reel-to-reel type, in which a pre-recorded broadcast message is on a first portion (184) of at least a first track (1) of a multitrack recording tape (30), and incoming messages are recorded on a second portion (186) of other tracks (2-13) of the multi-track recording tape (30). A sensor (188), such as a foil, a coded recorded interval, a predetermined tone, or the like, is on the recording tape (30) between the first portion (184) and second portion (186). A supply reel (14) and take-up reel (44) are provided, and in the start position, that is, when the device is awaiting the receipt of an incoming call, at least a portion of the tape is wound on the supply reel (14) in a first section thereof. The first section of the supply reel (14) has a pawl (46) mounted thereon, which is restrained to a retracted position by the tape wound thereon. When a call is received, a drive motor (96) engages the take-up reel and moves the tape (30) adjacent both a broadcast head (134), which first transmits the broadcast message to the incoming caller, and also past a recording head (136) which records the message which the incoming caller wishes to leave. When the tape has unwound from the supply reel (14) so that the first section is free of the reel, the pawl (46) mounted on the supply reel (14) extends outwardly and engages an arm (56). Further rotation of the supply reel (14) causes the pawl (46) to move the arm (56). The arm (56) engages ratchet teeth (160) on a multi-level cam (148) and rotates the multi-level cam (148) to position the recording head (136) which bears against the multi-level cam (148) adjacent the next available track for recording an incoming message. Further movement of the arm (56) disengages the drive motor (96) from the take-up reel (44). The arm (56) is resiliently biased to its initial position and resists the movement caused by the pawl (46). The foil sensor (188), which is between the first portion (184) and the second portion (186) of the multi-track recording tape (30) is utilized to activate appropriate electronic circuitry during playback, so that the drive motor (96) may be reengaged each time the foil sensor (188) is detected, thereby allowing rapid listening of all of the recorded messages, without listening to the outgoing broadcast message. Further, manual operation for positioning the record head (136) during playback allows selective positioning thereof adjacent any desired track. The electronic controls also switch the record head (136) to the playback mode during the playback operation.

Description

MULTI-TRACK TAPE DRIVE WITH REEL END OF TAPE SENSING AND REWIND

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the telephone answering machine art, and, more particularly, to an improved, inexpensive, reel-to-reel telephone answering device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Automatic telephone answering and playback mechanisms are now widely utilized in many different commercial and private applications. 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. In other prior art telephone answering devices utilizing a single tape, 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. In still other telephone answering devices which have heretofore been utilized, 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. Appropriate switching was required to switch the single record head from the playback mode when the broadcast message was broadcast to the incoming caller, and the record mode when the caller recorded his incoming message. Such devices generally incorporated com- paratively complex mechanisms to carry out the above mentioned operation and, additionally, in many devices it was still necessary to listen to the pre-recorded broadcast message before being able to listen to each of the recorded incoming messages. In the prior art devices which have utilized two separate heads, that is, one for playing the broad- cast message to the incoming caller, and another head for recording the incoming message from the caller, it was often found that there was aninterference between the head utilized for playing the broadcast message and the head utilized for recording the incoming messages, so that some or all of the broadcast message would actually be recorded on the tracks of the tape in the position where it was desired to record the incoming messages^'. Accordingly, it has long been desirable to

/ 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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is 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. It is yet another object of the present inven- tion to provide an improved telephone answering mechanism that is free of comparatively complex mechanisms, does not require precision parts or delicate adjustments, and may be comparatively economically manufactured. 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, of a predetermined length, has 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. In that section of the supply reel, there is pro- vided 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. The broadcast

t C

^::: 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. In such an embodiment, the broadcast head also incorporates erase capabilities, so that any previously recorded broadcast message is erased as the new one is recorded. In another embodiment of the present invention, the record head is positionable at the first track and the first portion thereof to allow recording of the broadcast message thereon. In such an embodiment, 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. Conventional circuitry is utilized to energize the solenoid and allow the drive means to move away from engagement with the take-up 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. When the motor is disengaged from 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

?, ^"*••^• - -

.'V f- arm means into its first position, that is, when it is awaiting engagement with the pawl means, so that the arm means automatically returns to its first position after each movement thereof caused by the pawl means. For example, if 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, from the first end to the second end, 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. In this embodiment of the present invention, 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. In such an embodiment, with twelve available tracks for recording incoming messages, there are twelve ratchet teeth on the multi-level cam, and, correspondingly, twelve cam faces. In this embodiment, wherein the multi-level cam is rotatably mounted to sequentially position each face of the cam into engagement with the recording head, 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

'^ SE ζJ^r- OVPI machine, such as disengaging the drive means from the take-up reel and the like. In the start position, that is, when the device is awaiting the receipt of the first call, 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. When a call is received by the telephone answering machine, 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. At the end of the fifteen seconds of the broadcast message time, 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. After hearing the signal caused by the detec- tion of the foil, 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 ' Λ 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. If desired, there may also be provided a pre- determined resistance to rotation in the take-up reel, to resist the rotation thereof caused by the rewind means during rewind. This may be desired, in some embo- di ents of the present invention, to provide sufficient tension on the tape to insure that the pawl is forced back into its retracted position. After the tape has been rewound onto the supply reel, the device is then in its start position, and is available for repeating the cycle upon receipt of the next incoming call. When it is desired to listen to the messages which have been recorded, 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. . Thus, on the initial playback of the telephone answering device according to this embodiment, there is a fifteen second delay as the drive means rotates the take-up reel and the multi-track recording tape is wound

OMPI ^' thereon. This corresponds to the initial broadcast message time. At this time, if desired, the pre-recorded broadcast message may be monitored by the user to pro- vide a check thereof. At the end of the thirty seconds of record time, 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. However, 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. It will be appreciated that, in some instances of operation, 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. Thus, according to the principles of the pre- sent invention, 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. According to another aspect of the present

^{• r}, v I

C^'": invention, 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. Thus, 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. In another embodiment of the present invention, 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. In this embodiment, the broadcast head is selectively positionable adjacent each of the tracks utilized for the broadcast messages.

-12-

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The above and other objects and aspects of the present invention may be more fully understood from the following description taken together with the accora- panying drawings, wherein similar reference numbers are used to refer to similar elements throughout, and in which: 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; and Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.

- DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawing, and, in particular, to Figure 1, there is shown one embodiment generally designated 10 of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is utilized as an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and many variations and adaptations thereof may be incorporated. Consequently, the present invention is limited only by the claims appended hereto. As shown in Figure 1, 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. It will be appre- ciated that 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. Movably, for example, pivotally, 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. Thus, as shown on Figure 1, 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

^*- first section 34 of the supply reel 14 is free of any winding of the- multi-track recording tape 30. The pawl means 46 may, if desired, be mounted on the supply reel 14 for movement other than pivotal. Figure 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. Lip 207 of walls 204 engages shoulder 208 at pawl 46' to limit the outward movement thereof. 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. After the arm means 56 has been moved in the direction of the arrow 54 by engage- ment with the pawl means 46. Thus, in Figure 1, the arm means 56 is shown in a first position, and the pawl means 46 moves the arm means 56 from its first position as illustrated in Figure 1 to a second position as described below in greater detail. 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. As shown on Figure 1, 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. As noted above, the second end 40 of the multi-track recording tape 30 is coupled at 42 to the take-up reel 44. Thus, as the take-up reel 44 rotates in the direction of the arrow 88, the multi- track recording tape 30'is wound onto the rim 94 of take-up reel 44 and unwound from the rim 29 of the supply reel 14. In other embodiments of the present invention, the supply reel and take-up reel may be coaxially mounted for rotation about a common axis, though at dif- ferent rotational rates. Thus, 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. Thus, as the drive wheel 98, on the drive means 96 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow 102, the take-up reel 44 is rotated in the direc- tion of the arrow 88. 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. Instead of a solenoid, 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, generally designated 114, 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

- J

O the force exerted on the supply reel 14 by the multi- track recording tape 30 when the multi-track recording tape 30 is being rotated by the drive means 96. Thus, 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. However, when the drive means 96 is moved out of the drive condition thereof by the spring 110, the spring means 116 causes the rotation of the supply reel 14 in the direction of the arrow 22. In order to insure that the multi-track recording tape 30 is properly wound onto the supply reel 14 during the rewind operation thereof, under the influence of spring 116, a light resistance pad 132 is positioned adjacent the take-up reel 44 and applies a light resistance against rotation thereof. This insures that there is tension on the multi-track recording tape 30 while it is being wound onto the supply reel 14, as well as when it is being wound on the take-up reel 44. 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. As noted above, 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. Such greater torque tends to minimize overrun and damps out oscilla- tion when the tape 30 is rewound on the reel 14. Alternatively, in other embodiments, 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, as described below in greater detail, 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. It will be appreciated that as noted above, more than the first track may be utilized to allow recording of a plurality of broadcast messages, one on each track so utilized. In such an embodiment, 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. Thus, for example, if three tracks of the multi-track recording tape 30 are utilized for recordation of different broadcast messages, the broadcast head 134 is selectively positionable, for example, manually, adjacent each of the three tracks. In some applications, it may be desired to provide a "tape full" broadcast message which is broadcast to each incoming caller when all tracks on the multi-track recording tape 30, available for reσor- dation of incoming messages, have been utilized. In such an application, the br.oadcast head 134 is automatically moved from the original broadcast message track to the track having the "tape full" message when all available tracks have been utilized for recorded incoming messages . 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. In these embodiments of the present invention, wherein more than the first track is utilized for the recordation of a plurality of broadcast messages, 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. As shown in Figure 2, 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. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, 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. This allows manual positioning of the record head 136 adjacent to any of the desired record tracks on the multi-track recording tape 30. The knob means 172 may provide appropriate indicia thereon (not shown) for indicating which par- ticular track is adjacent the record head 136. In other embodiments of the present invention, the record head is selectively positionable, for example, manually, adja- cent each track utilized for recordation of a broadcast message. In such embodiments, the record head 136 is

OMP utilized to record the broadcast message or messages in the appropriate track or tracks . Such an embodiment eliminates the requirement that the broadcast head 134 also have record and erase capabilities. It will be appreciated that both the record head 136 and the broadcast head 134, are of conventional design. 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, as noted above, 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. Thus, for example, with 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. Consequently, movement of the arm means 56 in the direction of the arrow 58, rotates the body means 146 30° of arc and thus causes the next cam level of the multi-level cam 148, to be positioned beneath the cam follower 154 of the bracket means 150 When the arm means 56 moves in the direction of the arrow 60, the ratchet engaging portion 170, engages the ratchet teeth 160, but, because of the larger dimension of the slot 66 in comparison with the size of the pin 70, is allowed to move outwardly to the position shown in Figures 1 and 2 without rotation of the body means 146. 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. Thus, 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. By way of illustration, 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. Thus, 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. Similarly, it is pre- ferred that 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. As noted above, in other embodiments, 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}ι_ti-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. According to the principles of the present invention, 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. Similarly, according to the principles of the present invention, 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. Alternatively, if desired, 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. For example, 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. As the drive means 96 rotates the take-up reel 44, 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. At the end of first portion 184, 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. After the sensing means 188 has passed the detector, 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. This causes the second walls 170 of the arm means 56 in enga- gement with one of the plurality of ratchet teeth 160 to rotate the body means 146 of the first motion producing mean^'s 142 in the direction indicated by the arrow 194 30° for the particular embodiment described above. Continued movement of the arm means 56 in the direction of the arrow 58 if the body means 146 have been so rotated causes the end 56a of the arm means 56 to engage the switchmeans 198 and switch means 198 is opened and sends an appropriate signal to the control 190. Upon receipt of the signal from the switch means 198 by the control 190, the solenoid 112 is deenergized. This allows the bracket 104, upon which the drive means 96 is mounted, to move out of the drive engagement condition with the take-up reel 44. With the drive means 196 no longer driving the take-up reel 44, the spring means 116, which had been stretched during the winding of the tape 30 on the take-up reel 44, to rotate the supply

- TBTBAfr

3 PI -26-

reel 14 in the direction of the arrow 22 to rewind the multi-track recording tape 30 on the supply reel 14. 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. Upon receipt of 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. 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. However, since the broadcast head 134 has been deenergized, during the first time period t¹, there is no broadcast of the pre-recorded message. When the record head 136, which is now in playback mode, has been placed in the position corresponding to track 2 by manual rotation of the knob 172, in a direction opposite to the arrow 194, which is permitted by manual operation of the tab 180 on arm 56 to move the arm 56 out of ratchet engaging condition, and then released after the rotation of the knob 172 has been completed, the record head 136 commenres playing back the messages recorded on track 2 until the end of time t²• The above described cycle of operation then repeats itself, associated with the recording of incoming messages, then is repeated, except that, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the detection means utilized to sense the presence of the foil strip 188, is controlled to detect the presence of the sensing means 188 during the rewind operation of the tape 30 on the supply reel 14 under the influence of spring 116. When the detection means thus detects the sending means 188, 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. If the above described automatic operation is not desired during the playback, for example, if the message left is short or no message has been left at all, manual actuation of the arm 56 by the tab 80, causes both activation of the switch 198 as well as rotation of the body member 146, tbe first motion pro- ducing means 142, and the above described playback cycle, commencing with the foil strip 188 at the beginning of the time period P is initiated with the record head 136, still in the playback mode, now posi- tioned at the next track. If a particular message or a particular track

_ Il£Λ_T.^; ^~ is desired to be heard again, 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. It will be appreciated, of course, that the above described operations of embodiment 10, 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. When the drive means 96 is not in the drive posi- tion thereof, the drive means 96 may be deenergized. In other embodiments of the present invention, variations from the structure illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and- 3 may be made. For example, the take-up reel 44 may be coaxially mounted with the supply reel 14. Such a configuration, of course, may allow a reduction in the size of the case means 12. Further, if desired, in another embodiment of the present invention, 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. In such an embodiment, the pawl means 46 may directly engage the ratchet teeth 160 as well as the switch 198, thereby eliminating the arm 56. From the above, it can be seen that there has been provided an improved telephone answering machine. Those skilled in the art may find many variations and adaptations thereof, and all such variations and adap- tations falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims are intended to be covered thereby.

Claims

1. In an improved telephone answering device of the type having a supply reel, a take-up reel, and a tape selectively wound and unwound from the supply reel and take-up reel, the improvement comprising, in combination: an end of tape sensor on said supply reel, and said end of tape sensor comprising: a pawl means movably mounted on said supply reel for pivotal motion between a retracted posi- tion and an engagement position, and said pawl means restrained by said tape in said retracted position and said pawl means extending outwardly from said supply reel to said engagement position thereof for the con- dition of said pawl means free of contact with said tape means; and resilient means between said supply reel and said pawl means for yieldingly urging said pawl means into said engagement position thereof.

2. The arrangement defined in claim 1, and further comprising: a drive means operatively engaging said take-up reel in a drive condition for rotating said take-up reel to unwind said tape from said supply reel and wind said tape on said take-up reel, and said drive means free of operative engagement with said take-up reel for said drive means in a disengaged condition; and rewind means coupled to said supply reel and said rewind means comprising a resilient means for yieldingly resisting rotation of said supply reel as said tape is unwound therefrom and rotating said supply reel to rewind said tape means thereon for said drive means in said disengaged condition.

3. The arrangement defined in claim 2, wherein said rewind means further comprises: a flexible member having: a first end coupled to said supply reel, and said flexible member wound onto said supply reel during the unwinding of said tape therefrom; and a second end; and a spring means cnupled to said second end of said flexible member.

4. The arrangement defined in claim 1 wherein: said tape is a multi-track recording tape and each track thereof has a first portion extending from one end of said tape to a sensor and a second por- tion extending from said sensor to the other end of said tape; a broadcast message recordable on said first portion of at least a first track of said multi- track tape; and incoming messages recordable^{^}oh said second portions of other tracks of said multi-track recording tape.

5. The arrangement defined in claim 4, and further comprising: a record head selectively and sequen- tially positionable adjacent said second portions of said other tracks for sequentially recording incoming messages thereon; and a broadcast head positionable adjacent said first portion of at least said first track for broadcasting said broadcast message to incoming callers.

6. The arrangement defined in claim 5, wherein: said record head is selectively posi- tionable adjacent said first portion of at least said first track for recording said broadcast message thereon.

7. The arrangement defined in claim 5, and further comprising: a drive means operatively engaging said take-up reel in a drive condition for rotating said take-up reel to unwind said tape from said supply reel and wind said tape on said take-up reel, and said drive means free of operative engagement with said take-up reel for said drive means in a disengaged condition; and rewind means coupled to said supply reel and said rewind means comprising a resilient means for yieldingly resisting rotation of said supply reel as said tape is unwound therefrom and rotating said supply reel to rewind said tape means thereon for said drive means in said disengaged condition.

8. The arrangement defined in claim 7, wherein said rewind means further comprises: a flexible member having: a first end coupled to said supply reel, and said flexible member wound onto a spindle con- centric with said supply reel during the unwinding of said tape therefrom; and a second end; a spring means coupled to said second end of said flexible member.

9. In an improved telephone answering device of the type having a rotatably mounted supply reel, a rota- tably mounted take-up reel, and a tape having a first end coupled to said supply reel and a second end coupled to said take-up reel, and said tape wound on said supply reel at a start condition and wound on said take-up reel at an end condition, the improvement comprising, in combination: a drive means operatively engaging said take-up reel in a drive condition for rotating said take-up reel to unwind said tape from said supply reel and wind said tape on said take-up reel, and said drive means free of operative engagement with said take-up reel for said drive means in a disengaged condition; and rewind means coupled to said supply reel and said rewind means comprising a resilient means for yieldingly resisting rotation of said supply reel as said tape is unwound therefrom and rotating said supply reel to rewind said tape means thereon for said drive means in said disengaged condition.

10. The arrangement defined in claim 9, wherein said rewind means further comprises: a flexible member having: a first end coupled to said supply reel, and said flexible member wound onto said supply reel during the unwinding of said tape therefrom; and a second end; a spring means coupled to said second end of said flexible member.

/ JRE^" ( -33-

11. The arrangement defined in claim 10, wherein: said tape is a multi-track recording tape and each track thereof has a first portion extending from one end of said tape to a sensor and a second por- tion extending from said sensor to the other end of said tape; a broadcast message recordable on said first portion of at least a first track of said multi- track tape; and incoming messages recordable on said second portions of other tracks of said multi-track recording tape.

12. The arrangement defined in claim 11, and further comprising: a record head selectively and sequen- tially positionable adjacent -said second portions of said other tracks for sequentially recording incoming messages thereon; and . ■ a broadcast head positionable adjacent said first portion of at least said, first track for broadcasting saidbroadcast message to incoming callers

13. The arrangement defined in claim 12, wherein: said record head is selectively posi- tionable adjacent said first portion of at least said first track for recording said broadcast message thereon .

14. An improved telephone answering device of the type transmitting a pre-recorded broadcast message in response to an incoming call, and recording incoming messages after the broadcast message has been completed, comprising, in combination: a case means; a recording tape supply reel, rotatably mounted on said case means for rotation about a first axis; a recording tape take-up reel rotatable mounted on said case means for rotation about a second axis; a multi-track recording tape, having a first end coupled to said supply reel and a second end coupled to said take-up reel, and said multi-track ' recording tape having a plurality of tracks thereon, and said multi-track recording tape having a first section thereof wound on said supply reel in a start condition, and a second section thereof wound on said take-up reel in an end condition; at least a first section of said supply reel having said first section of said multi-track recording tape wound thereon in said start condition and free of said multi-track recording tape wound thereon in said end condition; a pawl means, movably mounted on said supply reel in regions adjacent said first section thereof, and restrained in a first, retracted,position thereon, by said first section of said multitrack recording tape, insaid start condition, and said pawl movable from said retracted position to a second, engagement, position, for said first section free of said first section of said multi-track recording tape; arm means, movably mounted on said case means and having first walls for engaging said pawl means for said pawl means in said angagement position thereof, and said first walls of said arm means free of engagement with said pawl means for said pawl means in said retracted position thereof, and said arm means moved by said pawl means from a first position to a second position; first resilient means for resiliently urging said arm means into said first position thereof; rewind means for rotating said supply reel to wind said multi-track recording tape thereon from said end condition of said tape to said start con- dition of said tape: drive means, mounted on said case means, and operatively engaging said take-up reel in a drive condition for rotating said take-up reel to move said tape from said start condition thereof to said end con- dition thereof, and free of said operative engagement for said drive means in a disengaged condition; at least one pre-recorded broadcast message recordable on at least said first track of said multi-track recording tape, and other tracks of said multi-track recording tape for recording said incoming messages thereon; a broadcast head, mounted on said case means and positionable adjacent at least said first track of said multi-track recording tape to transmit said at least one pre-recorded broadcast message to incoming callers; a record head, movably mounted on said case means for sequential positioning adjacent at least said other tracks of said multi-track recording tape to sequentially record incoming messages selectively on each of said other tracks of said multi-track recording tape; and first motion producing means, movably mounted on said case means and operatively engaging said record head for sequentially positioning said record head adjacent said other tracks of said multi-track recording tape.

15. The arrangement defined in claim 14, wherein: said rewind means comprises a second resilient means.

16. The arrangement defined in claim 14, and further comprising: means for selectively moving said drive means between said drive condition thereof and said engaged condition thereof.

17. The arrangement defined in claim 14, and further comprising: third resilient means operatively con- nected between said supply reel and said pawl means for resiliently urging said pawl means into said engagement position thereof.

OMPI

18. The arrangement defined in claim 14, wherein: said first motion producing means comprises: a body member having a multi-level cam surface; fourth resilient means for urging said recording head into engagement with said multi- level cam surface; and said arm means having second walls for engaging said ratchet teeth of said body member, to move said body member a predetermined distance during each movement of said arm means from said first position to said second position thereof.

19. The arrangement defined in claim 18, wherein: said body means is a cylindrical annulus, having a first end, a second end axially spaced from said first end, and peripheral walls; said multi-level cam surface is on said first end of said body member; said ratchet teeth are on said peripheral walls adjacent said second, end of said body member, and extend radially outwardly therefrom; and said body means rotatably mounted on said case means for rotational movement about a predetermined axis.

20. The arrangement defined in claim 19, and further comprising: manually operable means coupled to said body member for manually rotating said body member for selec- tively positioning said recording head. -38-

21. The arrangement defined in claim 14, wherein: each track of said multi-track recording tape has a first postion and a second portion; a sensing means on said multi-track recording tape between said first portion and said second portion thereof; said pre-recorded broadcast message on said first portion of at least said first track; and said incoming messages on said second portion of other tracks.

22. The arrangement defined in claim 14, wherein said first axis of said supply reel and said second axi of said take-up reel are parallel and in a spaced apart location.

23. The arrangement defined in claim 14, wherein: said arm means is movably mbunted for linear, reciprocating movement.

24. The arrangement defined in cLaim 23, and further comprising: said rewind means comprises a second resilient means; third resilient means operatively con- nected between said supply reel and said pawl means for resiliently urging said pawl means into said engagement position thereof.

25. The arrangement defined in claim 24 and further comprising; said first axis of said supply reel and said second axis of said take-up reel are parallel and in a spaced apart location.

26. The arrangement defined in claim 25, and further comprising: said first motion producing means comprising: a body member having a multi-level cam surface; fourth resilient means for urging said recording head into engagement with said multi- level cam surface; and a plurality of ratchet teeth on said body member; said arm means having second walls for engaging said ratchet teeth of said body member, to move said body member a predetermined distance during each movement of said arm means from said first position to said second position thereof; said body means is a cylindrical annulus, having a first end, a second end avially spaced from said first end, and peripheral walls; said multi-level cam surface is on said first end of said body member; said ratchet teeth are on said peripheral walls adjacent said second end of said body member and extend radially outwardly therefrom; and said body means rotatably mounted on said case means for rotational movement about a predetermined axis.

D -IΈJ -40-

27. The arrangement defined in claim 26 and further comprising: manually operable means coupled to said body member for manually rotating said body member for selectively positioning said recording head; each track of said multi-track recording tape has a first portion and a second portion; a sensing means on said multi-track recording tape between said first portion and said second portion thereof; said pre-recorded broadcast message on said first portion of at least said first track; and said incoming messages on said second portion of said other tracks.

28. The arrangement defined in claim 27 and further comprising: means for selectively moving said drive means between said drive condition thereof and said engaged condition thereof.

29. The arrangement defined in claim 14, wherein: said first axis of said supply reel and said second axis of said take-up reel are colinear.

30. An improved telephone answering device of the type transmitting a pre-recorded broadcast message in response to an incoming call, and recording incoming messages after the broadcast message has been completed, comprising, in combination: a case means; a recording tape supply reel, rotatably mounted on said case means for rotation about a first axis; a recording tape take-up reel rotatable mounted on said case means for rotation about a second axis; a multi-track recording tape, having a first end coupled to said supply reel and a second end coupled to said take-up reel, and said multi-track recording tape having a plurality of tracks thereon, and said multi-track recording tape having a first section thereof wound on said supply reel in a start condition, and a second section thereof wound on said take-up reel in an end condition; at least a first section of said supply reel having said first section of said multi-track recording tape wound thereon in said start condition and free of said multi-track recording tape wound thereon in said end condition; a pawl means, movably mounted on said supply reel in regions adjacent said first section thereof, and restrained in a first, retracted, position thereon, by said first section of said multi-track recording tape, in said start condition, and said pawl movable from said retracted position to a second, engagement, position, for said first section free of said first section of said multi-track recording tape; a record head selectively positionable adjacent a preselected number of said plurality of tracks of said multi-track tape;

?ι means operatively connected to said record head and moved by said pawl means for said pawl means in said engagement condition thereof for selec- tively positioning said record head.

31. The arrangement defined in claim 30, and further comprising: rewind means for winding said multi-track recording tape in said supply reel,, and said rewind means comprising: resilient means for yieldingly resisting rotation of said supply reel in a first direc- tion as said tape is unwound therefrom and rotating said supply reel in a second direction to rewind said tape thereon.

32. The arrangement defined in claim 1, wherein said pawl means is pivotally mounted on said supply reel.

33. The arrangement defined in claim 1, wherein said pawl means is mounted for reciprocating movement on said supply reel.

34. The arrangement defined in claim 2, wherein said rewind means comprises a coiled spring connected to said supply reel.

"BURE

OMP

35. ' The arrangement defined in claim 18 and further comprising: a manually operable knob means, operatively coupled to said first motion producing means to allow selective manual rotation thereof.