Patent GB-1183242-A (GB)
Title: Record Selector Assemblies for Automatic Phonographs
Inventor: LUMNEY FRANK BENJAMIN
IPC: G11B27/00
Filed: 1968-02-28
Abstract: 1,183,242. Record selectors for automatic phonographs. WURLITZER CO. 28 Feb., 1968 [1 March, 1967], No. 9643/68. Heading G5R. A record selector assembly for use with the record storage magazine of an automatic phonograph comprises a base, a plurality of magnetically-susceptible members supported by the base and individually movable relatively to the base from a first position to a second position, and a common magnetic actuator which is supported by the base and which is selectively movable to a position adjacent to any one of the magnetically susceptible members, where when energized, it moves that member by magnetic influence from the first position to the second position in which the member is capable of causing the selection of corresponding record. The present Specification describes in detail, and claims, a record selector assembly or unit for an automatic phonograph. This assembly, together with the counter assembly described in Specification 1,183,244 and the record changer assembly described in Specification 1,183,243 preferably constitute a complete apparatus. (Figs. 1 and 2, not shown, which are general views, are common to all three Specifications). Sequence of operations.-By depositing coins of appropriate denomination in coin-receiving apparatus (not described), one or more " credit switches " are closed to provide any of the following choices, according to the coin(s) used: one or more sides of standard records, one side of an L.P. record (with or without one side of a standard record), a predetermined series of sides (" top tunes ", two optional series being available). For " singles " the customer selects each required record side by operating a letter selector switch and a number selector switch (each side being uniquely determined by a letter and number combination), and for a series he operates a " top tunes " switch and an option switch. An accumulator 74, Fig. 4, includes an annular array of magnetically-susceptible pin members 204, 206, which are movable from a lower (normal) position to an upper (signalling) position. Set 204 is associated with one side of all the records, and set 206 with the other side. When a record selection is made by a customer, rotation of an actuator assembly 82, Fig. 4, begins automatically, and during its rotation one or other of two electromagnets 90, 92 is energized momentarily when it is opposite a pin appropriate to a selected record; the pin is attracted and thereby raised. There being two electromagnets, a half rotation of actuator assembly 82 copes with all selections. When the half rotation of the actuator assembly 82 is nearly completed, a " counter assembly " reset magnet is automatically energized (see Specification 1,183,244) and as a consequence a solenoid 250, Fig. 13, is energized to withdraw a latch bar 244 from engagement with one of a complete set of notches 248 in the edge of the rotatable base-plate 172 of the record magazine. The latch bar thereupon closes a switch 254 in the circuit of a motor 166, which then begins to rotate the base-plate 172. A " sensor assembly " (not shown) is linked with plate 172 and rotates with it. The sensor assembly rotates above the now-stationary actuator assembly 82 and the sets of pin members 204, 206. The sensor assembly includes two switches each with a switch arm, each arm co-operating with one of the sets. When a switch arm encounters a raised pin member, the switch is operated: such operation initiates (a) stopping of the sensor assembly, (b) stopping of baseplate 172 with the appropriate record in the correct position, (c) record removal by " record transfer mechanism" " to turntable, playing, and return to stack (see Specification 1,183,243), and (d) resumption of rotation of the sensor assembly and plate 172. The sensor assembly eventually completes one ravolution, stopping on the way to initiate playing of any other records already selected. The counter assembly previously referred to (see Specification 1,183,244) ensures that the sensor assembly makes at least one more complete revolution to sense any belated record selections: such sensing re-initiates the whole cycle. When no further selections are made the sensor assembly finally comes to rest in a " home " position. The sensor assembly includes devices for restoring the pin members to their normal positions after sensing. The initial movement of the actuator assembly also energizes circuitry to cancel the credit registered by the insertion of the coin, or one or more elements of such credit where greater value coin(s) have been inserted; a credit counter, which totals the number of credits cancelled, is also energized. Other features.-When credits are registered, the circuitry causes one or more lamps to be energized which indicate to the customer what choice(s) are available to him. The circuitry incorporates an "anti-cheat" feature including a signal lamp to prevent an L.P. record being selected when either the coin deposited, or the credit remaining, is sufficient only to pay for a standard record.