US2362244A - Automatic phonograph control - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 7, 1944. F. J. cHoJNowsKl AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH CONTROL Filed Sept. 2, 1941 Patented Nov. 7, 1944 AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH CONTROL Francis J. Chojnowski, Chicago, Ill., assignor to The `.lohn Gabel Manufacturing Company, a corporation of Illinois Application September 2, 1941, Serial No. 409,215

Claims. (Cl. 179-63) lThis invention relates `to automatic phonograph control and it has particular reference to the control of an automatic phonograph `from so-called booth or wall'boxes. The present invention also contemplates inconnection with the remote control of the automatic phonograph a communication system whereby a patron in a booth or the like may employ the wall box speaker as a microphone to communicate with a counter attendantfor ordering oi such service as may be desired. VThe communication system further contemplates. an arrangement in which the counter attendant may also talk to the patron, A typical installation may be in a restaurant where a number of booths are provided. Each booth willv be equipped with a wall box or unit and all of the wall units will, of course, be connected to an automatic phonograph and also to a counter speaker-microphone unit. The latter is not, however, connected to the automatic phonograph. It may therefore be said that the object of the present invention is to provide an automatic phonograph control embodying an ar- A rangement wherebyQ-the-speaker unit through which the phonograph'music is received may also be employed as'a microphone to transmit orders to an attendantwho will receive them through a` speaker-microphone located at a convenient place.

'I'he invention herein contemplated involves no new mechanisms per se but has to do primarily with electrical circuits and connections employed.

A typical installation circuit is diagrammatically illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein certain elements of mechanism are also diagrammatically illustrated.

In the diagram, two booth or wall units are represented at A and B. A counter speakermicrophone units is represented at C. Each wall unit such as A and B embodies a coin slot mechanism 28, a switch 32, and a star wheel mechanism including the star wheel and an escapement 34. The Istar wheel controls a multi-unit switch embodying switch units indicated at I il, v2li, 23, and 21. A speaker-microphone 2| preferably of the permanent magnet dynamic type is also emboded in the wall unit.

Each wall unit is also preferably provided with a pair of multi-contact sockets represented at 46 and 41 to facilitate connection of the unit to an automatic phonograph and also to another wall unit.

In the diagram the phonograph mechanism is represented at D, the same including a phonograph motor I5, an electric pick-up I6, a phonograph amplifying unit II, a transformer I2, l. volume control I8 and an electric switch 22 controlled by the phonograph mechanism. There is also mounted in the phonograph unit an auxillary amplifying unit 36 which is employed for amplifying the current developed when the wall unit speaker 2i is employed as a microphone.

As shown, the various electrical lines from the phonograph mechanism are carried to a multicontact plug 48 which is designed to be insertable in either of the sockets 48 and 41 of the wall unit to thereby connect the latter to the phonograph.

The counter unit C embodies a speaker-microphone 39 similar to the speaker-microphone 2l and it also includes a manually actuatable multiple switch indicated in its entirety at 49.

In the wall units A and B, the sockets 46 and 41 are connected in parallel. Assuming that the phonograph plug 48 is inserted inthe socket 41 of unit A, the socket 46 of unit A mayreceive a multi-contact plug 50 of an extension cord 5I, the other end of which may be equipped with a similar plug 52 i'or engagement with eitherk of the sockets 46 or 41 ci the wall unit B. In this way-thel wall unit B may be connected to the phonograph without providing a separate set of connections from the wall unit B to the phonograph. It will, of course, be understood that it is not essential that the sockets 46 and 41 actually be in the form of sockets and that the plugs 48, 50 and 52 be in the vform of plugs since these may be reversed or alternated-as may be found most practicable. Furthermore, itis not essential that disengageable plug connections be employed and it will be readily understood that these connections may be made in any desirable manner. In the diagram the phonograph plug 48 is shown separated from the sockets 46 and 41 but the connections established are indicated by reference numerals which identify the lines or points which are inter-connected.

The main power line is represented ,as an input of volts alternating current at 4. Assuming that the current flows in the direction indicated by the arrow along the line 1, it will be seen that,

the current passes through the switch the line 8 and a branch 8a into a amplifier unit II, then out of the I0, through phonograph amplifier I I into a branch 8b and into the line 8c of the mainl power supply. Current also flows from the main -,returning through the line i to the transformer Current flowing from 4the power line l' through y the switch i@ and line 3 as above explained also flows through an extension @e of the line d through a phonograph motor litil and baci; through a line of to the line tic of the power supply.

ri'he motor i5 serves, of course, to actuate the phonograph turn-table and an electrical pickup it acts on the record and develops an output current in a line il which conducts it to the amplitying unit il. A suitable volume control it? is incorporated in the circuit lli, the volume control being a part of the automatic phonograph mechanism.

The phonograph current output leaves the ainpliiying unit il in line ii and passes through a switch i9 and a switch 23, through the loudspeaker 2i of the booth unit and thence back through the ground to the amphi-ler unit ii. Upon completion of the playing of a record, a switch 22 is actuated by a' crank pin 23 or other suitable means constituting part of the phonograph mechanism. The switch 22 is closed upon completion of the playing of a record so as to establish a circuit in a line ii from .the transformer i2 through the switch 22 and through a switch 23 and a solenoid 24 and the grounded line i to the transformer i2.

When the solenoid 24 is energized, itv operates to turn the star wheel 25 back one step. Assuming that the star wheel 25 had been advanced only one step, its return of one step will serve through a crank pin or other suitable means indicated at 26 to open the switches i0, 23 and 23 so as to thereby interrupt the circuits controlled thereby. Another switch 21 is closed when the star wheel 25 is returned to its starting position. The condition of the switches when the star wheel 25 is in starting position is represented in the diagram of unit B.

To initiate the reproduction of a record, from a wall unit in the condition in which the unit A is illustrated, a coin is deposited in the coin slot 28. During the descent of the coin, it engages an arm 29, which depends from a pivoted member 30 in such position that the. member 3U will incidentally be rocked to cause its lower corner 3| to engage one of the contacts of a switch 32 to move it into engagement with the other conthrough ground connections back to the amplifier il. The magnet 3l acts on the escapement arm 33 to permit the star wheel 25 of unit B to move one step under the influence of its spring. When the coin deposited in unit B next engages the escapement lever 33, it will for the second time rock the escapement 34 and thereby permit the star wheel 2B of unit B to move a second step.

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tact thereof. Closing of the switch 32 by the coin will not in this instance, however, result in the t passage of an electric circuit since the switch 32 is in series with the switch 2'! which is at that time onen. In its descent, the coin, after leaving the arm 29, engages an arm 33 which is secured to an escapement member 34. Downward rocking of the arm 33 by the coin results in rocking of the escapement 34 to thereby permit the star wheel 25 to move one step (in a clockwise direction as herein shown) under the influence of a suitable spring provided `for that purpose.

Looking for the moment at unit B and assuming that unit A is in the position illustrated incident to the previous deposit of a coin. it will be seen that the dropping of a coin in unit B will first close its switch 32 and complete ya. circuit through its switch 21 and a magnet 35. The current for the magnet 35 is preferably a low voltage, direct current delivered by the rectiiying section of the ampliiier i i, through `the line 4, the switch 21 and the switch 32 to the magnet 35, and

The purpose of the described double action oi the coin is to insure that the user of a. second booth unit will secure the reproduction of a complete phonograph number in the event that a coin is deposited in such second'booth unit while a number is being reproduced as a result of a coin previously deposited in another booth unit. it will be observed that a coin is operative to cause two steps of advancement of the phonograph control element 25 only from the initial or starting position in which the unit B is illustrated, and that when coins are deposited in a unit in' which the element 26 is already in an advanced 'position as shown for the unit A, the control element 25 will be advanced only one step.

When the switch 22 is closed upon completion of the playing of a record, the circuit to the solenoid 24 is completed and all of the solenoids 24 in all of the booth units which have coins deposited in them will be energized and result in one step of return movement of the star wheel 25.

'The star wheel 25 of unit B having previously been advanced two steps will therefore (after one step of return movement), be in the position i1- lustrated for unit A, with the result that a complete phonograph selection will be reproduced in unit B. It may be noted that unit B will receive thereproductlon .of that portion of the record paid for by unit A which remains to be played after a coin is deposited in unit B.

The star wheel 25 of each booth unit is an element of a known coin control mechanism whereby a number oi' coins may be deposited at one time so as to secure substantially continuous operation of the phonograph for a corresponding number of selections.

The intercommunicating system, that is the two-way communication provision between the wall speaker or booth unit and the counter unit employs an independent amplifying unit designated 3B, which is supplied with energizing current by suitable cable connections indicated at 33a to the ampliner unit I.

The circuit for employing the speaker 2| in the booth unit as a microphone is completed by moving the switch i3 so that a circuit will ow through the line 3 starting at the speaker-microphone 2|, through the switch 20, the switch i9 and into the amplier unit 3 6. The circuit is completed from the ampliiier 36 to the ground and back to the speaker-microphone 2|. The amplified output of the amplier '36 is through a line 31 through a switch 38, and branch 38a to the speaker 39 and back to the amplier 36 v through a line 43. When the counter attendant wishes to answer, he presses a button indicated at 4| to open switches 38 and 42 and close switches 43 and 44. The attendant may then speak into his speaker-microphone and thereby sets up a. current owing through the branch 38a, the switch 44, the line 45 into the amplifier 36 and through the ground back to the speakermicrophone 39. The amplied output then flows through the line 31, the switch 43 and line 3, through the switches I9 and 20 to the speakermicrophone 2| and back through the ground to When two or more booth units are energized and are receiving music from the phonograph, each unit may establish communication with the counter speaker by actuating the switch i9. It is thus possible for two or more customers to at tempt a conversation with the counter 'attendant at the same time. However, this presents no serious problem because of the fact that in the usual installation of around 20 booth or wall units, there is, as a practical matter, but little, ifany, conflict in respect of the timing of orders. In order that the counter attendant may deliver the order to the .proper booth, each unit will, of urse, be numbered or otherwise identified and such identiication will or course be transmitted to the counter attendant.

In the present amplifying (and rectifying) 4umts il and 3s, radio tubes identified commercially by the numbers 41, 42, 46, 76 and 83 are employed as indicated, in a known manner but amplifying units employing other tubes may, of course. be substituted.

The described arrangement is desirable,` ilrst in that it places the control of the phonograph directly available to patrons in a booth so that they need not' leave the booth to operate the phonograph.

Secondly, it is desirable in that the volume of music reproduced in each booth or wall unit may be such that it will not disturb, the occupants of an adjacent booth or table.

From the viewpoint of the proprietor of theV establishment in which lthe installation is made, it is desirable in that it enables the patrons to transmit their orders without waiting to secure the attendance of a waiter or waitress, at the occupied table or booth.

Other advantages of the invention will also be apparent to those skilled in this art, and changes in the described arrangement may be made without departing from the spirit or the invention, the scope of winch should be determined by reference to the i'ollo'wing claims, which should be construed as broadly as possible consistent with the state of the art.

I claim:

" 1. In apparatus of the class described a wall unit comprising a loud speaker, an electric 'Y switch, coin-actuated mechanism i'or mechanically actuating said switch, a coin actuated switch in series with said ilrst mentioned switch, and electrical means controlled by said switches for also actuating said coin-actuated mechanism.

2. In apparatus oi the class described, the combination of an automatic phonograph, a remote speaker-microphone connected to said phonograph and normally serving as a phonograph 'normally serving as phonograph speaker, a counter speaker remote from both said phonograph and said phonograph speaker-mij crophone, and electrical connections including switches betweensaid phonograph speaker-microphone and said counter speaker for permit? ting temporary use `oi said phonograph speaker as a microphone connected to said counter speaker.

3. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of an automatic phonograph, a plurality of speaker-microphone units remote from and electrically connected to said phonograph and speakers, a counter speaker, and means whereby said remote phonograph speaker-microphones are independently connectable to said counter speaker, said means including electrical circuits and switches for permitting temporary use of said phonograph speakers as microphones connected to said counter speaker.

4. In apparatus of the class described, the combination of an automatic phonograph, a remote speaker-microphone connected to said phonograph, a counter speaker-microphone remote i independently converting both ot said speakers into transmitters iorl permitting two-way communication between the same.

5. In apparatus of the class described, a control unit comprising an element which is adjustable'from an initial or starting position to progressively advanced positions in accordance with the number ot coins deposited -in the unit, a pair oi' electric switches connected in series, one of said switches being normally open and adapted -to be momentarily closed incident to the deposit of a coin, and the other of said switchesbeing operatively connected to said movable element so as to be held closed when the latter is in starting position, the last'mentioned switch being opened when said element is adjusted to an advanced position, means for enacting a preliminary unit oi movement of said element from starting position upon closing o! said normally open switch, and additional means for eecting a supplementary unit of movement of said element incident to the deposit of the coin which initiated such preliminary movement` and also incident to the deposit of each additional coin,

the open position of said initially closed switch. serving to prevent advancement oi' said element incident to the closing oi' said normally open switch by such additional coins. y

FRANCIS J. CHOJNOWSKI.

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