Patent GB-1458762-A (GB)
Title: Recording apparatus and information recording systems including  such apparatus
IPC: G11B15/02
Filed: 1974-01-23
Abstract: 1458762 Recording and playback LANIER BUSINESS PRODUCTS Inc 23 Jan 1974 [29 Jan 1973] 03063/74 Heading G5R In a dictation arrangement including a dictation station and a recording station with a cassette changer recorder, a signalling arrangement for informing the dictation station when only a predetermined amount of tape is left on the cassette supply spool in use and when the cassette has been replaced from the changer magazine. The cassette changer recorder apparatus includes a receptacle having a floor 64 with a slot 65 dimensioned to permit the passage of a cassette 63 and a cassette carrier including a pair of opposed side members joined by end members (69 only shown) which is driven by an indexing mechanism along the length of the receptacle to position the cassettes 63 in turn over the slot 66. The changer mechanism includes a cassette transporting member 74 having cassette support portions 75a, 75b which is rotated about shaft 77 by crank linkage 78, coupled via disc 79, shaft 80 and clutch 88 to an actuating device 94, to lower a cassette over the slot 65 into an operating position in which the cassette tape is engaged by heads 86 and pinch roller 96. In this operating position a cam member 95 operates to advance a tape transport mechanism including drive spindles 90, 91 and a capstan (not shown) into corresponding apertures in the cassette. Switches B1-B3 are connected in the recorder control circuitry and are operated at different times Fig. 9, (not shown), in the change sequence. At the end of record play the cassette in use is raised above the slot and the cassette carrier is indexed to bring a fresh cassette over the slot. When the last cassette has been played switch 103 at the end of the receptacle is actuated. When the dictation station is connected to the cassette changing recorder and whilst dictation is being recorded on a first track of the tape a time line signal is recorded on a second track. If the dictation station is disconnected immediately dictation is completed the end of the time line signal is detected and an end of message signal is recorded on the second track and the tape stopped. If the dictation station requires playback and is then disconnected before this is completed the tape is advanced to the end of the time line signal before the end of message is recorded and the tape drive is stopped. A remaining tape sensor (not described) provides a signal as the tape end approaches which is applied to the dictation station and after a delay to apparatus for controlling cassette substitution. During this latter operation a different signal is applied to the dictation station which ceases when dictation can recontinue. The cassette substitution apparatus is also triggered if tape motion is not detected by a sensor when tape forward drive is signalled, and a cassette reload signal is given when the last cassette has been recorded. Change of cassette can also be initiated from the dictation station. In a central recording station using endless loop tape recorders the apparatus described can be used for recording priority messages.