Abstract: Digital apparatus for storing and playing out a recorded announcement selectively over a plurality of telephone lines. The announcement is stored in a memory array, and for each telephone line there is an independently controllable pointer which tracks through the array to read out the announcement. With closely successively received telephone calls, playing out of the announcement over each line does not require the completion of such playing out over any other line.

Abstract: Binary-coded message communication for accessing, over a telephone line, a unit such as a telephone-answering device. Communication takes place through the use of time-space-assigned bursts of two different audio frequencies. One frequency is used in a single burst to define the beginning of a message, and the other frequency is used in one or more bursts to define a selected binary-code--the code being determined in accordance with the time-locations of such burst(s).

Abstract: A tape drive shifting apparatus designed for remote controlled shifting among positions effecting forward, rapid-forward, and rapid-rewind movement of a length of recording tape. A first drive mechanism is shiftable into and out of a position effecting forward tape movement. A second drive mechanism is shiftable from a neutral position into and out of positions effecting rapid-forward and rapid-rewind tape movement. A pivot arm operatively interposed between the two drive mechanisms causes the first mechanism to shift away from its position effecting tape movement upon shifting of the second mechanism from its neutral position toward one of its positions effecting rapid tape movement.

Abstract: A telephone system employing centrally located telephone answering devices, each assigned to a different subscriber's telephone line. Also centrally located, and intended to be shared, one at a time, by all of the answering devices, is a single electrical tone generator which is used for enabling selective addressing of the different answering devices by their respective subscribers, for the purpose of listening to recorded messages, changing outgoing messages, etc. The tone generator is connected to its own associated telephone line, and is placed in operation through a subscriber's call to the particular telephone number assigned to such line.

Abstract: A tape drive apparatus in which a pair of support mechanisms for two different recording tapes are mounted on amain deck, with drive for supported tapes being provided by a pair of rotary drive spindles that are carried on a floating subdeck which is mounted for limited pivoting and translating relative to the main deck. Mechanism is provided for shifting the subdeck to several different positions wherein the drive spindles which it carries are caused selectively to engage tires on rotary elements which form parts of the tape support mechanisms.