Patent GB-1372110-A (GB)
Title: Remotely controllable automatic telephone answering apparatus
IPC: H04M1/652
Filed: 1971-12-30
Abstract: 1372110 Telephone answering machines PIONEER ELECTRONIC CORP 30 Dec 1971 [30 Dec 1970] 60830/71 Heading H4K In a remote control device which enables an absent subscriber to interrogate a telephone answering machine, the reception by the device of a specific frequency remote control signal over a telephone line causes a tape length counter to set itself to a predetermined position, e.g. position "0000", in which a switch is operated by the counter; the tape on which previously received messages are recorded is then rewound until either the frequency signal is terminated or a metal foil on the tape indicates that the beginning of the tape has been reached. The tape is then driven to playback the recorded messages to the absent subscriber until the tape length indicator returns to the predetermined "0000" position causing actuation of the associated switch which stops the machine. Recording of messages.-Calling (ringing) signal is detected by circuit 1 thereby triggering a timer circuit 2, 3-10 seconds later, which causes energization of relay Y1. A motor M1 driving a tape T1 on which is recorded an answering message is operated and the message transmitted to the caller. A foil C1 situated at the end of the one revolution of the continuous tape causes relay Y2 to be energized via bridging contacts P1. Motor M1 stops and a motor 72 is started, driving the incoming message tape T2 in the normal recording direction due to the energization of solenoid SD1. An incoming message is then recorded until timer circuit 2 causes de-energization of relay Y1 and hence relay Y2 via contact y12. During this time the tape length counter is wound in a positive direction. The apparatus now awaits the next calling (ringing) signal. Interrogation, of answering device.-Reception of the calling (ringing) signal causes the transmission of the answering message and energization of relays Yl, Y2 and solenoid coil SD1 as before. If now a specific frequency signal is received as determined by detecting circuit 4 a relay Y3 is energized which energizes solenoid coil SD2 via contact y 35  to reset counter Tc to the "0000" position thereby operating contact yc. Relay Y3 holds via contact yc which is now connected to earth. Energization of relay Y3 causes relay Y4 to be energized, via contacts y 34 , by the detecting circuit 4. Relay Y4 causes solenoid coil SD1 to be de-energized and the machine is switched to rewind the tape T2 and drive the tape length counter from "0000" in the decreasing direction. When the frequency signal is terminated the output from the detecting circuit 4 ceases, and relay Y4 de-energizes thereby energizing solenoid SD1. The machine then transmits the previously recorded messages to the absent subscriber. When the "0000" position is again reached, contact y c  switches back and providing the frequency signal is not present all relays are reset and the machine returns to the idle condition. To prevent rewind of tape T2 beyond the beginning a metal foil C2 (not shown) is provided which, on passing bridging contacts P2, causes a relay Y5 to energize and switch off motor M2 via contact y 51 . When the frequency signal ceases the machine plays back the recorded calls as before.