Abstract: A display device for use in a dictation transcription station comprising a plurality of selectively actuatable lighted segments (10). A pair of shift registers (25, 26) are used to retain information as to the location of recorded signals denoting ends of dictation segments and location of instructions. As rewound tape is transcribed a third shift register (27) creates a shutter comprising contiguous lighted segments which moves to the right during a transcription operation. Control circuitry (67, 62) allow shifting of the registers containing the end of segment and instruction marks to occur only when the tape is rewound past the farthest point reached during a previous rewinding operation. A display for a dictation recorder is also shown wherein a pair of up down counters (130, 145) control numerical displays representing the total length of tape used (20) and the length of the present dictation segment (21).

Abstract: A display for a record playback apparatus where the record medium includes end and instruction indicia signals recorded thereon, of which the end signals delimit segments of dictation on the medium, including displays for the time remaining in the present segment (15), the number of segments yet to be reached going in the forward direction (11), the number of instruction indicia signals within the present segment (12) and the playback time remaining until the next instruction signal is reached (16). A counter (31) counts the end signals and also provides an address to an addressable memory (30) in which the number of instruction signals counted by a second counter (29) is stored. During movement of the record medium in a forward direction, the number stored in the addressable memory (30) are loaded back into the counter (29).

Abstract: A time independent controller for a novel cassette changer is shown. A cassette changer including a plurality of limit switch inputs (210) and means for detecting occurrence of a failure during a change cycle. The total angular displacement of a driving motor is detected (422) and upon reaching a predetermined angle of displacement (437) a test for an appropriate input (418) is provided. In one disclosed embodiment a read only memory (465) determines the controller state (461-463). Apparatus (426, 427, 450) which is responsive only to the limit switch inputs closing in a pair wise proper sequence is also shown.

Abstract: A cassette changing mechanism including a plurality of followers with friction clutches thereon for moving cassettes. Limit switches serve a duel function as mechanical stops for the followers and for signaling a controller. Cassettes are moved to a record/playback position and to output stores simultaneously with positive drive to the output stores and spring linked drive the record/playback position to eliminate hard jams. The controller detects the failure of the changer to complete a subcycle of a complete change cycle and repeats an appropriate subcycle to attempt to correct a jammed condition.

Abstract: A display device for use in a dictation transcription station comprising a plurality of selectively actuatable lighted segments (10). A pair of shift registers (25, 26) are used to retain information as to the location of recorded signals denoting ends of dictation segments and location of instructions. As rewound tape is transcribed a third shift register (27) creates a shutter comprising contiguous lighted segments which moves to the right during a transcription operation. Control circuitry (67, 62) allow shifting of the registers containing the end of segment and instruction marks to occur only when the tape is rewound past the farthest point reached during a previous rewinding operation. A display for a dictation recorder is also shown wherein a pair of up down counters (130, 145) control numerical displays representing the total length of tape used (20) and the length of the present dictation segment (21).

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 system for providing input electrical signals, for processing the electrical signals to provide digital information, and for recording the processed electrical signals so that they may be retrieved from the system and the information recorded digitally visually presented by the system. The system is particularly well adapted for use with a multiple station dictation system in which the digital information embodied in the processed electrical signals includes the station from which a particular piece of dictation originated and the identification of the person who dictated it, the recorder upon which the dictation was recorded, information relating to the chronological order in which the dictation has been completed, and the length of the dictation. The system further provides means for recording this information on the tape at the end of each piece of dictation and for storing this information in a central storage.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically printing visible information on the body of a cassette used in a central dictation system is disclosed. The central dictation system includes means for assigning a serial or index number to each cassette upon which dictation has been recorded. Apparatus disclosed herein prints visible indicia of the code on the body of the cassette as it is ejected from the recorder. Another embodiment records a code corresponding to the serial number on the recording medium of each cassette. The second embodiment is associated with a playback apparatus at a central control unit and prints a visible indication of the serial number on a label provided on the cassette in response to the playback head transducing the recorded code.

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 system for providing input electrical ;signals, for processing the electrical signals to provide digital information, and for recording the processed electrical signals so that they may be retrieved from the system and the information recorded digitally visually presented by the system. The system is particularly well adapted for use with a multiple station dictation system in which the digital information embodied in the processed electrical signals includes the station from which a particular piece of dictation originated and the identification of the person who dictated it, the recorder upon which the dictation was recorded, information relating to the chronological order in which the dictation has been completed, and the length of the dictation. The system further provides means for recording this information on the tape at the end of each piece of dictation and for storing this information in a central storage.

Abstract: A remote control dictation system is disclosed. The control of the system is implemented via a single transmission line tapped at various points to interface with recorders and dictate stations. A plurality of channels are defined in the system, each channel having two transmit-receive frequencies associated therewith. An embodiment of the invention includes a controller with decision making capability. Control signals from the dictate stations and the controller as well as audio signals are multiplexed onto the transmission line. Means for selectively or automatically changing channels for the recorders or the dictate stations are disclosed so that any dictate station may be operatively connected with any recorder in the system.

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.