Patent GB-1050156-A (GB)
IPC: H04N7/16
Abstract: 1,050,156. Coin freed distribution systems. R. & R. RESEARCH Ltd. Sept. 10, 1963 [Sept. 21, 1962], No. 35983/62. Heading H4R. [Also in Division G4] In a subscription entertainment system a control signal is distributed to the subscribers which includes two events which are separated by a time indicative of the price of the programme and a synchronous or constant speed motor is provided at each subscriber's position which is responsive to said interval to register the price and a control means is provided which inhibits the reproduction of a programme until a manual acceptance control has been operated which also provides for the registered price to be debited. Fig. 1 shows one embodiment in which signals from a central station C are received by a subscriber at S. A control signal, which may be a pulse of D.C. or A.C. of the appropriate length or a pair of pulses separated by an appropriate time, from unit 2 is received at 3 and switch 4 is operated to connect the three-phase supply to synchronous motor 5 for a period of time corresponding to the duration of the control signal and hence the price of the programme. Motor 5 rotates, via gearing 6, shaft 7 so that pointer 9 indicates the price of the programme. A one-way drive coupler 8 prevents the initial direction of rotation of motor 5 driving the differential 13. If the subscriber decides to receive the programme he operates switch 10 which initiates the operation of switch 11 which drives motor 5 in the reverse direction back towards its original rest position. This direction of rotation is coupled by coupler 8 to drive the differential 13 the other input of which is connected to coinbox 16 and registers the total amount of credit in the box. If the credit is sufficient the motor drives back to its original position and switch 19 is operated to connect the programme to the receiver R. If the credit is insufficient, the motor drives the differential until the credit is exhausted when the output gear 17 operates a cam switch to cut off the supply to motor 5 at switch 11, and pointer 9 will then indicate the unpaid portion of the programme price. Fig. 2 shows a modified form of the device in which the signal from the line causes motor 5 to drive via gear-box 6 the shaft 7 and pointer 9 the direction of drive being such that pawl 22 engages ratchet 21 and rotates click device 23, 24 to a stable position such that pointer 9 indicates a price which is an integral multiple of a minimum price, a resilient coupling 20 being provided between the motor and shaft 7. When the proffered programme is accepted motor 5 is driven in a reverse direction back to its original position, defined by cam switch 42, and in this direction of rotation pawl 30 engages ratchet 29 and, via gear wheel 31, drives one input of the differential device 14. The other input of the differential device is taken from the coin box 17 while the position of the output wheel 18 is transmitted, via shaft 35 and gears 36 and 37, to sleeve 38 and positions pointer 39 in accordance with the state of credit, and also operates cam switch 41 to prevent the programme's reception when the credit is exhausted. A further modification is described in which the control signal transmitted by the central station comprises a mains frequency signal which may be used direct or via an amplifier to cause the initial displacement of the motor, Fig. 4 (not shown). Also described is an arrangement for zeroing the motor if the programme is not accepted by the subscriber comprising a switch which is operated either by a control signal from the transmitter, or when the subscriber's apparatus is switched off and on, or when the programme selector switch is operated, to make a circuit for a self-holding relay which connects power to the motor causing it to " home " to its zero position, Fig. 5 (not shown).