Abstract: An audio adapter for an electric or electronic sewing machine is disclosed. The adapter may have a holder sized to accept a typical DC powered microcassette tape player, an AC-DC power converter and leads for attachment to the on-off switch of the sewing machine and to the microcassette player.

Abstract: A programmed conversation recording system utilizes distinctive control signals to condition voice actuated circuitry to respond to silence intervals, pause intervals, and speech length intervals to select and start the appropriate prerecorded message for creating a facsimile of a live conversation with an unrehearsed and untrained respondent.

Abstract: A cross having a recess therein to accommodate and position a tape playing machine with a speaker so that a user can play messages while looking at the cross.

Abstract: Maps from a starting point to a destination are automatically, successively renewed and indicated on CRT each time a predetermined distance is covered. The map to be indicated are divided into a plurality of map contents and stored in a memory medium, and further, checkpoints for correcting accumulated errors of the running distance each predetermined distance are stored in the memory medium. Additionally, a notice by voice is given everytime map is renewed, immediately before the renewal.

Abstract: A plurality of sections of drive route charts from a start point to a destination point of a car are sequentially switched for display on a CRT as the car travels by a predetermined distance. The drive route charts are stored in a memory as image information, together with distance information of distances from a predetermined reference point to distance correction points in the respective drive route charts. At the distance correction points of the respective drive route sections, the distance stored in the memory are updated by the actual travel distances of the car.

Abstract: Electronic apparatus for voice output of stored information includes input keys for entering information into the apparatus, a microphone for receiving voice messages, a first memory for storing the information, a second memory for storing signals representative of the voice messages, and a memory control for causing the first memory to store the information and causing the second memory to store a signal representative of a voice message which is entered from the microphone to be associated with the information stored in the first memory.

Abstract: For switching over from playback of the owner's announcement text to recording a message from a caller, a pause of defined length is present on the announcement tape between the first and second (or end) parts thereof. This pause is recorded and on every run of the announcement tape through the apparatus the reading, recorded for the length, undergoes comparison with the pause of the announcement tape being transported. When the two values are the same, switch over takes place. In this way, it is possible to make certain of switch over without being dependent on the tape speed, and the circuit system may be made very much less complex.

Abstract: A record merchandising device is provided having a plurality of display racks for displaying recorded works for sale, a selection switch associated with each display rack and operable by a prospective customer, a recording medium on which is recorded portions of the recorded works displayed for sale, an electronic control having a microprocessor for locating the recorded portion of the work corresponding to the selection switch operated by a prospective customer, and a playback device for playing the recorded work portion located by the electronic control. The device also has indicator lights operable by the microprocessor for indicating which of the recorded works have been selected for playback by a customer and which recorded work is presently being played back.

Abstract: A message delivery system is described which includes a plurality of announce units, each of which includes means for storing a respective message segment. A controller activates selected ones of the announce units in sequence in order to broadcast a message made up of a plurality of message segments to a number of line interface units. Each of the line interface units is connected to a respective telephone line and acts to transmit the message to the associated telephone line. The controller activates selected ones of the announce units which store selected message segments in a predetermined sequence such that a total message made up of a number of separate segments is broadcast to the line interface units. Each message segment is recorded with an end of segment signal which is detected by the announce unit at the end of the respective segment. Each announce unit generates an end of segment signal which is used by the controller in order automatically to sequence the announce units in the proper order.

Abstract: A voice warning device has a record disc as a recording medium storing warning and a repeat mechanism for repeatedly reproducing the warnings. The record disc contains a plurality of warning messages respectively corresponding to preselected abnormal conditions of vehicle devices. The repeat mechanism includes a means for detecting the most recently reproduced warning.

Abstract: A language information system in which a patron in a given location, such as at a play, on a train, or bus, or in a hotel room, is provided with information, or a running commentary, or summary of an event taking place in a language of his choice. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the patron can select any one of a number of languages which are pre-recorded on a magnetic tape. The starting and stopping of the tape is cued by action taking place during the event.

Abstract: A magnetic drum/head system for selectively reproducing voice information recorded on the magnetic drum. The magnetic drum has a recording zone in which predetermined voice information is recorded in each track thereof and a non-recording zone between a starting end of the recording zone and a terminating end of the same. In case of a track selection, the magnetic drum is held still so that the non-recording zone is in a confronting relation to the magnetic head, and the magnetic head is driven to move along the non-recording zone to the selected track. The magnetic drum is then rotated to reproduce the selected voice information.

Abstract: A self service terminal for dispensing voice and video information, printed documents, and goods; and for accepting service orders and payments therefor by currency or credit card. The terminal comprises a cathode ray tube display with mass storage for presenting information about the product or service sold, a keyboard for entry of customer requests, a printer for delivering coupons and tickets, a vending machine for dispensing small items, a coinbox and credit card reader for accepting payments for goods and services, and a telephone interface for communicating with the staff of a command center. The operation of the terminal is controlled by a microprocessor linked to an automated reservation system. The preferred embodiment of the invention is dedicated to the promotion and sale of travel services. The terminal is operated from three memory devices. A non-volatile memory is used to store the operating program for the terminal.

Abstract: A telephone network having a public announcement system is disclosed. Announcements are divided into message segments each of which is stored in a sector of a disc memory. When an announcement is activated, the message segments are loaded into a corresponding number of buffers for transmittal to calling customers. Each buffer will transmit the entire message, but in real time the buffers contain different message segments. Upon request for an announcement, the buffer containing the beginning message segment is selected to minimize holding time and customer waiting.

Abstract: A series of beat signals (e.g. sixteen) corresponding to a desired rhythm or tempo are recorded on one track of a multi-track magnetic tape, which is then cut and spliced into a loop just long enough to contain the entire series of recorded beats. During a performance the loop is used in a recorder designed to cause the recorded beat signals repeatedly to be played back by a first head at a first terminal, which can be connected through an amplifier to an ear-piece and/or lamp so that the reproduced beat signals can be heard and/or seen only by the performer. A second, combination record-playback-erase head in the recorder is mounted adjacent a second track on the tape and is connected by, for example, a foot-operated switch to a circuit which enables the second head instantaneously to be switched from a record to a playback mode, and vice versa.

Abstract: System for pre-recording a series of travel instructions, each comprising a verbal direction segment and a sound signal representative of a mileage location along the travel route, onto a magnetic recording medium and for synchronizing the intermittent play-back of said recording medium with an automobile odometer and a play-back device to intermittently activate the play-back device for brief time periods at predetermined mileage distances signalled by the odometer, corresponding to the mileage location sound signals on the recording medium.

Abstract: A radio paging receiver operates upon receipt of a predetermined, sequential paging signal having at least first and second code signals. The receiver receives and decodes the first predetermined code signal to produce a first decoded signal indicating the nature of a desired page. A second decoded signal is produced when the second predetermined code signal is decoded, which must occur within a predetermined time period after the first predetermined code signal is decoded. Responsive to the first decoded signal, an alert signal generator sounds a paging alert tone. A predetermined number of digitized voice signals, representing various pre-recorded vocal comments, are prestored in a memory in the receiver. One of the digitized voice signals, stored in the memory is selected in response to the first and second decoded signals and read-out thereby playing back as sound the digitized voice signal of the selected recoded vocal comments.

Abstract: An automatic message announcement system for trains in the railroad station premises, including a train tracking circuit which tracks the location of approaching train, a trains information memory which stores information concerning each train, an edition circuit which combines the train information read out from said train information memory and a series of message patterns which include portions to be completed and which edits the message patterns to produce a series of short messages arranged sequentially according of their priority order to the content, an announcement message selection circuit which determines up to which short message among those arranged sequentially according to said priority order should be announced, in accordance with the location of the train at the time the announcement starts, and an automatic announcement system which includes a voice memory containing addressable voice segments for annoucing the message determined above.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a load-sharing type magnetic head, comprising a plurality of mutually independent arrayed magnetic head cores and a plurality of drive lines formed of coils each wound successively on the magnetic head cores in such a manner that the sequence of winding directions of the plurality of coils on each magnetic head core is different from that on all other magnetic head cores in the whole system, whereby the sum of the magnetomotive forces produced by the plurality of coils in the magnetic head cores is amply increased in the selected head core and amply decreased in the remaining cores by properly controlling the direction and/or magnitude of the electric current passed through the drive lines.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a housing with an upper arm portion, a standard and a cloth holder arm and a sound player such as a transcriber recorder associated with the sewing machine with a sound producing device for explaining the operation thereof. The device may be associated with the machine itself, for example by being incorporated in the upper arm or it may be included as a portion of a cabinet for the sewing machine.

Abstract: In combination, a mailbox, a portable cassette recorder-player positioned within the mailbox, and means for turning the cassette recorder-player on and off in response to opening and closing of the mailbox to play a changeable prerecorded message, and the corresponding method of providing a prerecorded message.

Abstract: An oral warning system for monitoring mining operations, or the like, comprising a plurality of first sensors each providing a signal representative of an abnormal condition being sensed, at least one additional sensor providing a signal representing an emergency condition being sensed, an oscillator and modulator for generating an emergency warning tone energized upon detection of the emergency condition, a plurality of speakers at selected locations for broadcasting the emergency warning tone, a multi-track tape player with playback head selectively movable to any one of the track positions and having an audio output connected to local and remote speakers, and circuit means effective to energize the tape player and move its head to an appropriate track containing a prerecorded oral message upon detection of an abnormal condition by one of said first sensors.

Abstract: An automatic message announcement system for announcing the approach, arrival, and departure of vehicles such as trains at a train station. An addressable voice memory is provided for storing sequences of voice segments which are read out upon receipt of announcement command input signals to form messages for announcing that a vehicle is approaching or has arrived or is departing, with specific information such as the vehicle's destination being included in the announcement by inserting the appropriate voice segments at the proper points in the sequence. The messages are composed in such a manner that the sequences of voice segments can be altered to form shorter, but still intelligible, messages if vehicles traffic is so heavy that one message is due for announcement before the previous announcement is completed.

Abstract: An audio-visual communicating system which comprises an illuminated sign containing printed information and including a plurality of recorded messages on a recording device, and which recording device is selectively activated by one or more detectors each monitoring a specific condition whereby an audio message corresponding to the sensed circuit is sounded. The system includes a circuit containing a primary source of electrical power and a secondary source of electrical power, the latter being in the form of a rechargeable battery and a charging circuit for maintaining a charge on the battery. The arrangement is such that the system is rendered operative whether or not there has been a failure of the primary power source.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine utilizing either a single magnetic tape containing alternating announcement and message sections, or separate announcement and message tapes. The tape or tapes have permanently affixed magnetic foil sections which are set to provide control signals for the various timing functions performed within the machine. The foil sections on the tape(s) switch the machine between record and playback functions, control the tape transport(s), and control the commencement and duration of the "beep" tone which follows the outgoing announcement.

Abstract: An electronic reminder system is described for recording a plurality of different spoken messages on a record medium, which messages are to be played-back at a specific point-of-time for each message. The system comprises a microphone for recording the spoken messages, a keyboard for inputting data representing the specified point-of-time at which the respective spoken message is to be played-back, a real-time clock for measuring time in a real-time manner and for producing an output corresponding to such real-time measurement, control means controlled by the clock for signaling automatically the arrival of each specified point-of-time at which a recorded spoken message is to be played back, and a speaker for effecting the play-back of the spoken message.

Abstract: A mechanism for aurally instructing a patient whose circulatory system is coupled to an infusion or exchanging machine and which includes a comparing means for discriminating between various malfunctions of the machine and reporting serially those of higher priority, with the objective of instituting a corrective feedback through specific directions to operator.

Abstract: A system is described for selecting and replaying desired tape segments of a recorded tape, a video tape for example, in any predetermined sequence. The system accepts an operator's designation of which segments of the tape are desired for replay and in which sequence those segments are to be replayed, irrespective of the location of the selected segments on the tape. An electronic controller, responsive to the operator's designations, causes the playback machine to replay each selected tape segment in the proper sequence.

Abstract: A system is described for replaying, in any selected sequence, programs recorded on a tape. The system is adapted to read a tape having tape location information and program location information thereon. In a preferred embodiment, a keyboard is included for selecting desired programs for replay in any sequence. In response to that selection, a controller determines from the program location information where the selected programs begin and end on the tape and causes those programs to be replayed in the sequence selected.Preferably, the system also permits replay of any tape segment or part of a recorded program by operator input of tape location information corresponding to the starting and stopping tape locations of the selected tape segments.

Abstract: A magnetic tape strip for the reproduction of bell sounds is set to play one or more of a multiple number of different melodies or programs wherein the programs are arranged on tape segments in parallel groups with each group separated from each adjacent group by an appropriate divider or "window". Half of the groups of programs are recorded or encoded on one end of the tape and play during tape travel in one direction and the other half recorded or encoded at the other end of the tape and play during travel in the opposite direction.Mechanism acts to physically stop tape travel after completion of each program and when two or more programs are to be played, rewind the tape in the direction opposite the direction of travel needed to play the next selected program. In the event an end of play sensor fails to stop tape travel at the end of a program, an optical sensor will stop tape travel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle information system having a programmable automotive tape recorder that can automatically deliver sequential prerecorded messages concerning road information and the like at predetermined intervals. An electromechanical adaptor connected to the odometer system of the vehicle provides pulses that are proportional to the distance traveled and these pulses are fed into a microprocessor which performs arithmetic and logic functions to drive a tape recorder with prerecorded messages. The system permits the distance data for programming the microprocessor and the related sequential messages to be stored directly on the tape such as a prerecorded casesette or for the distance data to be stored in the memory of the microprocessor with the sequential messages on the tape only.

Abstract: An audio reproduction system is provided for use in conjunction with a tombstone for the repeated playback, upon activation, of a prerecorded message. The system comprises a housing which is secured within the tombstone. A prerecorded message on an endless magnetic tape is operatively mounted within a tape playback device which in turn is contained within the interior of the housing. A Hall effect switch wholly contained within the housing activates, upon closure, a time module to operatively connect a self-contained source of electrical power to the tape playback device for the predetermined period of time. A solar cell is also operatively coupled with the electrical power source to supplement the same.

Abstract: A bell instrument for providing a true sound of cast bells, comprising a plurality of bell record modules, each such module being programmable by both automatic means and manual means and having a continuous tape, or other types of magnetic material (floppy disc or drum), encoding of bell music and control means for operating same, the control means for each tape comprising means for playing a predetermined programmed portion of such music and returning the tape to a start position. In a preferred embodiment, a tape module is employed having a multi-track continuous tape, each track having a respective predetermined portion thereof containing encoded signals representing bell music and a respective other portion thereof containing no encoded music, with accompanying means for selecting and playing the music from any one of said tracks and controlling the tape transport from sensed control information or the lack thereof on a given predetermined one of said tracks.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system whereby a recorded magnetic tape is played on a tape recorder presenting information in audio format to the driver and passengers of vehicles. The tape recorder may be automatically controlled so that particular descriptive, informative, or instructional passages are played at appropriate locations along a determined route. The recording is correlated to distance traveled by a device which senses the operation of the cable which drives the vehicle odometer, and by corrective information regarding tire diameter and cable to wheel rotation ratio. The correlation is correctable to correspond to an external reference system, specifically mileage markers along interstate or other highways which have standard mileage markers, thus insuring a high degree of continuous synchronization between the location of the vehicle and the particular passage played.

Abstract: A process timer, particularly suitable for photographic processing, provides a pre-recorded continuous spoken indication of elapsed time, thereby permitting an operator to remain aware of the progress of the process without the requirement for visual monitoring of elapsed time. The spoken elapsed time indications are at selectable intervals and may be chosen so that longer intervals (e.g. minutes) are signalled during some portions of the timing cycle and shorter intervals (e.g. seconds) are signalled during other portions of the cycle. Automatic timed operation of external equipment is also possible as is the automatic resetting of the timer upon completion of a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: There is disclosed an annunciator for verbalizing altitude-related messages during the descent of an aircraft. Announcements such as "nine hundred," "eight hundred," etc. are made as the aircraft descends through respective "hundreds" levels; such announcements are not made during an ascent. In addition, the word "terrain" is heard when the aircraft descends through the 2,000-foot and 1,000-foot levels, and the word "minimum" is heard when the aircraft drops below a "decision height" selected by the pilot. Lastly, the word "glideslope" is out-putted in response to the detection of a glideslope deviation, the frequency of this announcement as well as its volume being a function of the magnitude of the deviation.

Abstract: A selectable-fraction of revolution tape recorder for reproducing short recorded sounds such as brief words or greetings like "thank you". The recorded sound is recorded in a magnetic sound recording tape or material provided on an outside peripheral surface of a cylindrical part which extends downwardly from the edge of a rotating disc. A pair of switches is provided, one of which is responsive to means carried by the disc and the other of which is physically actuable whereby to initiate and for a predetermined period of time to continue the rotation of the disc. A plurality of switching paths is provided on the disc with recesses extending for different fractional portions of the perimeter of the respective switching path so that appropriate fractions of a revolution of the tape recorder can be selected by selecting an appropriate switching path.

Abstract: A plurality of audio message units are each comprised of a control circuit which receives intervaled timing pulses from a clock. The control circuit sends a start signal to a tape player. An audio detect circuit is connected to the audio output of the tape player and supplies a run and stop signal to the player through the control circuit upon the detection of an audio signal at the tape player output and its subsequent termination, respectively. Speakers are connected to the audio output of the tape player of each respective message unit to broadcast audio messages preprogrammed on the tapes of each tape player. A programmer for programming the tapes has a tape recorder with a microphone and a digital clock with means to set and incrementally advance displayed time to the time a particular message is to be broadcast by a particular audio message unit. The system may include a security message unit to broadcast audio messages reflecting the existence of a security violation.

Abstract: A door actuated message device includes a quick attach-detach mounting bracket for installation of a self-contained message unit adjacent a door of a business establishment or the like for actuation of an adjustable lever arm connected to a microswitch unit. The microswitch unit is mounted on a rotatable disc set into the bottom of the integral unit. This permits the position of the trigger arm of the microswitch to be adjusted relative to the door by which it is actuated. The switch will initiate a cycle of the tape containing the recorded message thereon for broadcast to desired persons coming through the door. A notch provided on the magnet record tape together with a second microswitch having a feeler arm thereon stops the action of the player mechanism after a single cycle of the tape.

Abstract: A tape recorded system especially advantageous for reproducing a melody played on bells and a striking of the hour at the appropriate interval makes use of clock controlled electronic logic operable at the conclusion of the melody. A pulse generated by the bell sound on the tape trips the mechanism to sound the proper hour and by providing sufficient time for decay produces a realistic bell tone.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved annunciator for verbalizing altitude-related messages during the descent of an aircraft. In the past, announcements such as "nine hundred," "eight hundred," etc. were made when the aircraft crossed a respective "hundreds" level. During circle-to-land maneuvers multiple announcements of the same level sometimes occurred, primarily due to small terrain variations which in effect caused the aircraft altitude to vary above and below a "hundreds" level. In accordance with the invention, the annunciator is enabled following a previous announcement only if the aircraft first passes through a mid-"hundreds" level, e.g., 750 feet. Terrain variations are usually no more than twenty feet or so; thus multiple announcements of the same level are inhibited.

Abstract: A device for synthetizing a message in response to an interrogation signal, the message consisting of a number of separate digits, terms, etc. indicating the value and possibly other features of a quantity. The device has a recorder with a number of endless tracks with individual recordings of digits, terms, etc., which can be used to constitute the desired message, and read-out devices, with a program device and logic circuits for controlling the delivery of the message and to repeat that same message a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A multi-track tape player having at least one program or commercial message recorded on each of a plurality of the tracks thereof is connected to a source of background music by a control system which, periodically, in response to a control signal from a timing mechanism, activates successive ones of the tracks of the tape player. As the commercial message or program commences, the background material is caused to fade out until the completion of the program, whereupon the background returns. A separate volume control for the tape player and background material allows the commercial message to be played at a higher volume than the background material. Further the control system includes various special selection circuits and overrides which adapt the control system to skip tracks, cancel a program being played, or start a program regardless of the timing sequence of the timing means.

Abstract: An alarm clock which may be embodied in a clock radio includes an audio recording system and apparatus permitting its user at various times to record information regarding future appointments or other scheduling information, the input information being designated with a particular month and day to which it applies. The clock mechanism provides a playback of the various scheduling information provided at different times for a specific date when the alarm rings on that specific date so that the user is notified of his schedule on awakening.

Abstract: An automatic cassette reproducing apparatus and the method for its use with a cassette tape with an audio program and a control signal thereon. The apparatus includes a housing adapted to receive a cassette and cassette tape transport structure within the housing for engagement with and transportation of the tape. The transport structure in a first mode is adapted to advance the tape at a normal speed at which the audio program thereon can be transmitted to a listener. The transport structure is adapted to be shifted to a second mode to advance the tape at a faster speed to a later portion of the audio program. A lock is in the housing to automatically retain the transport structure in one of the modes for a predetermined length of time. Finally, controls are provided in the housing to automatically activate and deactivate the lock in response to the control signal on the tape.

Abstract: An entertainment and public address system especially suited for mass transit vehicles, including a tape recorder on which is recorded information such as music, news bulletins, announcements, and the like, connected through appropriate amplification circuits to speakers for playback within the listening range of the vehicle passengers. A separate public address circuit is provided for the vehicle operator or conductor and includes a switch which, when actuated, connects a microphone of the public address system through the amplification and speaker network and also energizes a time delay network to rewind the tape recorder a preselected amount regardless of the length of time the public address system is in use. Release of the switch returns the system to normal operation whereupon the rewound tape recorder plays back the last portion of the interrupted recording so as to: preserve continuity of the information being perceived by the passengers.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing information, for example, tourist information, comprising a sound reproducing device which can receive a prerecorded tape, such as a cassette, having informative touring information for a specific location, the apparatus being manually energizable and being shut off at predetermined points by the tape. The tape can have numbers thereon viewable by the operator and for indicating the road exit or location.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a plurality of modes of operation, for example, at least recording and reproducing modes of operation, includes a main operating mode selecting device of the non-locked push-button type having push-button actuated switches which are selectively closed momentarily for applying a respective trigger signal to a self-holding operation controlling circuit which thereby assumes a condition corresponding to the selected mode of operation and maintains such condition until another trigger signal is received from the main operating mode selecting device, an auxiliary trigger signal generating circuit operative upon the supplying of electric power therethrough, for example, through a timer-controlled switch, to produce an auxiliary trigger signal, an auxiliary operating mode selecting device, for example, in the form of a manually actuable change-over switch, which is selectively disposable in an inoperative position and in one or more operative positions, for example, co

Abstract: An announcing system including a message drum with a plurality of listening-recording heads radially spaced around the message drum, each of the listening-recording heads being adapted to traverse a portion of the surface of the message drum, and each of the listening-recording heads having an erase head associated therewith. A master timer is provided, and synchronizing means associated with the message drum provides a synchronizing pulse to maintain proper relationship between the master timer and rotation of the message drum. A control circuit allows a recording station to be selectively connected to the listening-recording heads for recording a message on a message track of the message drum and a subscriber station to be selectively connected to the listening-recording heads for listening to a message that has been recorded on the message drum.

Abstract: A continuous primary audio program is periodically interrupted and a programmable source having a secondary program is periodically operated by an automatic electrical control in response to a control signal having a frequency outside of the audio frequency range and supplied by the secondary source. A sensing circuit selectively operates as a resonant amplifier and responds to the control signal to de-activate the secondary program and reinstate the primary program while further initiating a timing sequence by a timing circuit. Cyclic operation is provided by the timing circuit which functions to operatively attenuate the primary program and operate the secondary program after a predetermined duration of time following the control signal.