Abstract: Magnetic recording/playback apparatus for playing back pre-recorded messages and for recording replies to such messages, finding particular application as an unattended telephone message recording device. Successive ones of the pre-recorded messages are separated by detectable indicia. A playback transducer is provided to reproduce the pre-recorded messages and a recording transducer is provided to record the replies to such pre-recorded messages. A detector coupled to the playback transducer detects the indicia and a sensor in communication with the recording transducer senses when a reply to a pre-recorded message has terminated. Switching devices are provided to switch the apparatus from a playback mode to a recording mode when the indicia are detected and for switching the apparatus from the recording mode to the playback mode when the end of a reply is sensed.

Abstract: A cassette changer apparatus for use in a multiple cassette record and/or playback system. An input magazine stores a stack of cassettes, preferably in a vertical stack, each cassette housing magnetic tape therein. An output magazine is spaced from the input magazine and stores a stack of cassettes; and a record/playback station is disposed intermediate the input and output magazines. A fresh cassette is conveyed by an endless conveyor from the input magazine to the record/playback station, and thence to the output magazine whereat an elevator loads the cassette into the stack in the output magazine. A record/playback deck is pivotally driven at the record/playback station from a first position that is spaced from a cassette conveyed to the station to a second position that is in operative relation with respect to such a cassette so that a record and/or playback operation can be performed.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively imparting rotary motion to two spaced apart rotary members which may be used in a web or tape transport mechanism to bi-directionally transport a web or tape. In a preferred embodiment, this apparatus is used as a tape transport in a magnetic recording and/or playback machine. A drive roll in the tape transport mechanism selectively contacts one of the rotary members. The drive roll is coupled to a bi-directional drive motor and includes an extending shaft segment. A string member, tensioned at each end, has an intermediate portion thereof deployed about the extending shaft segment of the drive roll. Upon rotation of the drive motor in one direction, the drive roll and shaft segment rotate and the frictional forces between the string member and the shaft segment cause the shaft segment to traverse the string in a corresponding direction so as to bring the drive roll into contact with one of the rotary members.

Abstract: The rotor of an electric direct current rotating machine has at least one winding which cooperates with a stationary magnetic circuit. The winding is formed of several sections connected in series. The respective opposite ends of each section are connected to adjacent segments of a commutator associated with the winding. The sections are arranged on the rotor in such a manner that portions of different adjacent sections are disposed concurrently in the commutation zone so that currents flow through these portions in opposite directions. The invention finds application in particular to direct current motors and to motor-generators.

Abstract: Head support apparatus for a recording and/or playback apparatus including a pivotable support member upon which the head is mounted. The support member is pivotally coupled to a pivot rod and pivots in a plane substantially normal to the movement of tape past the record and/or playback head with the pivotal movement of the support member controlled to selectively place the head in contact with the tape. In one embodiment, the tape is stored in a housing which is supported within the recording/playback apparatus, the tape and tape housing being loaded and unloaded with the assistance of a tray. A second support member adjacent the first-mentioned support member is pivotally coupled to the same pivot rod. A spring is coupled between the tray and the second support member to bias the tray toward a receiving position for receiving a tape housing and to bias the second support member toward the tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the location of particular information, such as instructions, represented by predetermined signals previously recorded on a record medium. An array of light emitting sources is selectively energized to indicate the position of the particular information relative to the length of the record medium while the array is scanned in synchronism with the scanning of the record medium to detect the presence of such predetermined signals. Indexing means sequentially conditions each of the light emitting sources to be energized during scanning; and a temporary storage circuit stores a representation of a detected predetermined signal, until a light emitting source is conditioned.

Abstract: A telephone call-diverter system for interconnecting an incoming telephone line to an outgoing telephone line so that an incoming telephone call can be transferred to a predetermined remote telephone station. A DC conducting channel is established between the call-diverter system and the incoming telephone line subsequent to the detection of the incoming telephone call, the transmission of dialing signals from the call-diverter system over the outgoing telephone line and a remote station answer condition provided on the outgoing telephone line. In one embodiment, a voice frequency transmission channel is provided in the incoming telephone line connection so that voice frequency communication between the incoming and outgoing telephone lines is provided independent of the completion of the DC connection. Hence, voice frequency signals can be communicated even before the DC connection is established.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for measuring the amplitude of oscillation of the balance of a timepiece movement having an escapement adapted for disengagement and engagement, successively, the balance having a predetermined angle of lift. The time intervals between successive disengagement and engagement are measured, as are the durations of vibration of the balance. The number of pulses of a first frequency which are produced during at least one of the measured time intervals is counted. The number of pulses of a second frequency produced during at least one of the vibration durations also is counted. The first and second frequencies have a predetermined relationship with respect to each other. The number of counted pulses of the second frequency is divided by the number of counted pulses of the first frequency to thereby attain a quotient which is equal to the amplitude of oscillation.

Abstract: A composite sheet for use in membrane type roof constructions or the like comprises a foraminous web formed of a plurality of fibers coated or impregnated with a heat sealable plastic material and being heat sealed to a compatible thin film of plastic sheet material. The thin film sheet material is preferably transparent, so that the composite sheet is transparent through the openings in the foraminous web.

Abstract: A sterile disposable bacteriological transfer and inocculating loop has a base and a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers extending generally in a common axial direction from the base and diverging from one another to free ends spaced further from one another than the portions of the fingers adjacent the base, whereby said fingers are adapted to be used successively to plate or streak a bacteriological specimen on a growth medium. Prior to use said fingers are enclosed in a cylindrical container which affords a sterile environment.

Abstract: A central dictation system including a plurality of remote dictate stations, a plurality of record/reproduce stations and a plurality of transcribing stations operatively connected to respective ones of the record/reproduce stations. Any one of the remote dictate stations is capable of communicating with any one of the record/reproduce stations so as to execute a dictate and/or playback operation. A transcribing operation is capable of being performed substantially independent of the dictate and/or playback operation and, therefore, may be performed simultaneously therewith. Apparatus is provided for each record/reproduce station to provide an indication of the cumulative amount of record medium upon which dictated information has been recorded which is awaiting transcription. This indication is affected in a first direction when dictation proceeds and is affected in a opposite direction when the dictated information is transcribed.

Abstract: An improved electric motor having bridge-type magnetic circuits and including a magnetically permeable armature having first and second sets of salient rotor poles that are axially spaced apart and a permanent magnet stator structure. The stator structure includes a first pair of parallel magnetically permeable plates that are symmetrically disposed with respect to a first plane of symmetry and between which is interposed a first permanent magnet, the first plane of symmetry including the rotor axis. A second pair of parallel magnetically permeable plates is provided in symmetrical relation with respect to the first pair of plates and a second permanent magnet is interposed between the second pair of plates. The symmetry exhibited by the first and second pairs of plates is referenced to a second plane of symmetry that includes the rotor axis.

Abstract: A shock absorber bearing assembly is disclosed which includes a shaft having a pivot end portion with a pivot end, a bearing housing having an opening therein through which the pivot end portion of the shaft extends; and a bearing mounted on the housing and having an aperture formed therein for receiving the end pivot section of the shaft. An enlargement is formed on the shaft below the end pivot section and is located in the housing opening. The latter has a first cylindrical section and a second tapered section between the cylindrical section and the bearing so that side play of the shaft between the enlargement and the housing opening decreases as the end pivot section moves out of the bearing during a shock load in order to automatically keep the shaft end centered with the bearing.