Patent GB-1150229-A (GB)
Title: Teaching Machines.
Inventor: BENDER MARTIN LEWIS
IPC: G09B17/00
Filed: 1966-05-11
Abstract: 1,150,229. Teaching machines; audiovisual apparatus. M. L. BENDER. 11 May, 1966, No. 20852/66. Headings G5G and G5R. A teaching machine which includes a tape having thereon a series of visual information containing areas or frames, each area containing a plurality of possible answers to a question posed, one of the possible answers being the correct answer, and code means associated with each correct answer, comprises means for indexing the tape, and manually operable response means including a plurality of selectors each corresponding to an answer, the response means being so coupled to the indexing means that the tape is indexed only in response to one or more correct actions including actuation of the selector corresponding to the correct answer at the first attempt after indexing of the tape to present an area to view. If the initial selection is incorrect, the machine cannot be operated to index the tape until a reset switch has been depressed. The question posed may be contained in the area containing the answers. As illustrated the machine comprises a tape viewing window (14), (Fig. 1, not shown) and the code means is in the form of apertures, e.g. aperture 20. Each area or frame also has associated therewith an aperture 31 which permits a contact 32 to make with conductive sleeve 51<SP>1</SP> thus to complete the circuit of relay 34. Relay contact 34A breaks the circuit for motor 22 and the tape stops. Simultaneously solenoid 21, which holds a pinch roller 23 in contact with the tape and lights 13 are deenergized. Upon selection of a correct answer by depressing one of buttons 15, 35, 36 a circuit is made via one of switches 17A-17C, one of contacts 16, 37, 37<SP>1</SP> corresponding to the correct answer via an aperture in the tape, brush 51A, and relay 19. Switch 41 is also closed by depression of buttons 15, 35, 36 but after closure of one of switches 17A-17C. Relay contact 19B makes the circuit for the motor 22, solenoid 21 and lights 13, and the tape is advanced. Selection of an incorrect answer effects closing of switch 41 and relay 12 is energized. Light 10 illuminating the window (14) is extinguished and relay 12 is held energized through switch 42. Reset button 43 must then be depressed to open this switch, whereupon subsequent depression of the correct answer switch will be effective to restart the tape drive. The machine includes means for disabling the circuit of relay 34 and for rewinding the tape. In a second embodiment (Figs. 8-15, not shown) selection of correct and incorrect answers are automatically recorded on correct and incorrect answer counters. A timer is also included. Upon being halted by presence of an aperture the tape may be restarted in response to actuation of a voice operated relay or by actuation of manually operable response means. In a third embodiment (Fig. 16, not shown) upon an incorrect answer selection, movement of a forward-reverse lever, having a timer associated therewith, into its reverse position will cause rewinding of the tape for predetermined time. Energization of a forward clutch solenoid is dependent upon selection of a correct answer and actuation of a voice operated relay. The circuits of the last two embodiments are such that depression of two buttons simultaneously causes energization of an incorrect answer relay. The tape may include one or more magnetic recording tracks carrying audio information. The machine may include a stationary magnetic head or a head which is movable when the tape is stationary. Sound tracks which are parallel to each other and diagonal to the length of the tape may be used. Alternatively two tracks, one longitudinal and the other diagonal with respect to the tape may be employed. Also the tape track may be curved or zig-zag.