Abstract: A dictating and transcribing system includes a cartridge carrying a plurality of individual recording media, such as tape cassettes, and a means for selectively positioning the cartridge with respect to a record/listen transducer to place any one of the recording media in a recording position. Automatic access and re-access to any of the recording media may be obtained during dictation or transcription without manual handling of individual recording media. The cartridge is preferably rotatably driven about its center and slidably receives the recording media in locations radially disposed about the center of the cartridge.

Abstract: Apparatus for interfacing a plurality of telephone trunks with a record playback apparatus carrying a plurality of recording media which may be selectively engaged with a transport. The particular recording medium engaged with the transport is determined by the particular one of the plurality of trunks upon which an incoming call is received. One embodiment provides to the calling party a particular recording medium for the remote recording of dictation. A second embodiment provides a particular prerecorded message in response to the particular trunk upon which the incoming call is received and records incoming messages on a common recording medium.

Abstract: A cassette, apparatus, and method for obtaining selected segments of magnetic tape for storage or other purposes from a length of magnetic tape upon which information is recorded by a conventional cassette recorder. The cassette has means for removing a take-up reel and a selected segment of the magnetic tape attached to the take-up reel from the cassette while at the same time retaining the supply reel in operational position within the cassette. The apparatus includes means for positioning a second take-up reel relative to the cassette; tape positioning means for positioning a selected segment of the tape in a clamping position between the second take-up reel and a finger extending from the take-up reel, and means for clamping the segment of tape to the second take-up reel.

Abstract: A system for recording or transcribing dictation including means for selectively placing any one of a plurality of recording media, such as tape cassettes, in a position for recording or transcribing dictation on the media, a means for displaying parameters of the dictation recorded on the particular medium in the recording or transcribing position, a means for storing the parameters of dictation on said medium when it is removed from the recording or transcribing position, and a means for again displaying the stored parameters when said medium is returned to the recording or transcribing position. Disclosed embodiments of the storage and display means include a mechanical means, an electrical means utilizing a separate memory for each recording medium, and an electrical means utilizing an addressable memory having particular memory locations for each recording medium.

Abstract: A cassette, apparatus, and method for obtaining selected segments of magnetic tape for storage or other purposes from a length of magnetic tape upon which information is recorded by a conventional cassette recorder. The cassette has means for removing a take-up reel and a selected segment of the magnetic tape attached to the take-up reel from the casette while at the same time retaining the supply reel in operational position within the cassette. The apparatus includes means for positioning a second take-up reel relative to the cassette; tape positioning means for positioning a selected segment of the tape in a clamping position between the second take-up reel and a finger extending from the take-up reel, and means for clamping the segment of tape to the second take-up reel.

Abstract: A dictating and transcribing system includes a cartridge carrying a plurality of individual recording media, such as tape cassettes, and a means for selectively positioning the cartridge with respect to a record/listen transducer to place any one of the recording media in a recording position. Automatic access and re-access to any of the recording media may be obtained during dictation or transcription without manual handling of individual recording media. The cartridge is preferably rotatably driven about its center and slidably receives the recording media in locations radially disposed about the center of the cartridge.

Abstract: A cassette substitution apparatus for use with a cassette central dictation recording system. Messages are recorded on interchangeable record members such as conventional tape cassettes. Apparatus is provided for detecting a condition of only a predetermined amount of recording time remaining on a cassette. Substitution of a second cassette for the first cassette then takes place a predetermined amount of time after detection of this condition independently of whether the dictator attempts to operate the recorder subsequent to detection of the predetermined amount of remaining tape.

Abstract: A central dictation system for recording dictation or other messages. The messages are recorded on interchangeable record members such as conventional recording tape cassettes, and the present system is operable to substitute a new cassette for a cassette containing one or more recorded messages, either upon receipt of a signal indicating termination of message recording or upon the occurrence of certain other events. A signal is provided when only a predetermined amount of recording time remains on a cassette, notifying the user that substitution of a new cassette will occur after a predetermined amount of time elapses. Another signal is provided during the cassette substitution cycle to prevent message dictation until the new cassette is positioned to receive dictation.

Abstract: Dictation system including a dictation recording and transcribing unit which utilizes two discrete recording media for recording a first dictated message on one recording medium at the same time that a previously recorded second message can be transcribed from the other recording medium. Each of the two recording media, which are tape cassettes in the disclosed embodiment, is manipulated by separate and independent medium-handling devices within the dictation unit. The dictation unit, which is intended to be located at a transcribing location and interconnected with one or more remotely-located dictate stations, includes the audio and control functions necessary for recording dictation and for transcribing previously-recorded dictation, and these audio and control functions can be interchanged between either of the two recording media.

Abstract: A central dictation system for recording dictation or other messages. The messages are recorded on interchangeable record members such as conventional recording tape cassettes, and the present system is operable to substitute a new cassette for a cassette containing one or more recorded messages, either upon receipt of a signal indicating termination of message recording or upon the occurrence of certain other events. A signal is provided when only a predetermined amount of recording time remains on a cassette, notifying the user that substitution of a new cassette will occur after a predetermined amount of time elapses. Another signal is provided during the cassette substitution cycle to prevent message dictation until the new cassette is positioned to receive dictation.

Abstract: A central dictation system for recording dictation or other messages. The messages are recorded on interchangeable record members such as conventional recording tape cassettes, and the present system is operable to substitute a new cassette for a cassette containing one or more recorded messages, either upon receipt of a signal indicating termination of message recording or upon the occurrence of certain other events. A signal is provided when only a predetermined amount of recording time remains on a cassette, notifying the user that substitution of a new cassette will occur after a predetermined amount of time elapses. Another signal is provided during the cassette substitution cycle to prevent message dictation until the new cassette is positioned to receive dictation.

Abstract: A dictation-transcription method and system in which dictated material and indexing signals are simultaneously or alternately recorded on the same recording medium and in which the indexing signals are subsequently used for providing indexing information for use in the transcribing of the dictated material. The system includes a dictate control by which dictated material and indexing signals are simultaneously or alternately recorded on the same recording medium during the dictating of the dictated material, a recording medium having recorded thereon both dictated material and indexing signals, and a transcribe control which provides an indexing mode of operation of the system during which the indexing signals are used to provide indexing information in visible, audible or some other form and a transcribing mode of operation of the system during which the dictated material is transcribed utilizing the indexing information.

Abstract: Dictate station apparatus for use with a multiple number of remotely situated dictation recording machines. The dictate station apparatus is selectively manually switchable for connection with any of the recording machines, so that a dictated message can be transmitted to a selected recording machine from the dictate station. When a control member at the dictate station is operated by termination of desired message dictation, the previously actuated recorder switch is automatically released so that a manual selection of a recording machine must again be made before a subsequent dictation operation can be initiated. Release of a previously actuated recorder selection switch may be accomplished in response to hang-up of a hook switch associated with the dictate station.

Abstract: Adapter apparatus to be received within the cassette holder of a conventional cassette record-playback apparatus to permit miniature tape cassettes to be used in the record-playback apparatus, and record-playback apparatus useful with said adapter apparatus. The adapter apparatus is configured to be received within the location normally occupied by a tape cassette of standard size and configuration, and includes a receptacle into which a miniature tape cassette may be placed. The adapter includes drive apparatus which is selectively engaged to be driven by the capstan and pressure roller of the record-playback apparatus and which drives the forward takeup reel of the miniature tape cassette. One or more magnetic heads are provided in the adapter apparatus for engagement with the tape carried in the miniature cassette.