Abstract Talking clock apparatus for indicating the passage of the hour and for also announcing the hour by reproduction of the human voice, the apparatus having a clock, a timer and a tape player including a loudspeaker, which timer produces periodic signals at selected time intervals to start the tape player, the tape being preprogrammed to announce the time sequentially by reproduction of the human voice through the loudspeaker and being synchronized with the actual local standard time so as to repeat itself with appropriate time announcements throughout the desired operating cycle. Displacement of the tape itself through the tape player is used to stop the tape player at the end of each announcement and before the next announcement is due to start, so that the time announcement will always remain in phase with the local standard time indefinitely. If desired, the tape player may be concurrently used for entertainment, or other purposes, instead of as a talking clock, at the choice of the owner.
Talking clock apparatus comprising, in combination: a tape player including a loudspeaker, for use with tape having time announcements sequentially prerecorded thereon at timed periodic intervals, said tape player having a power input circuit for connection to a power source of constant frequency alternating current; and, timer means keyed to said frequency, for starting said player, said timer means comprising time-responsive start switch means in said input circuit for closing said circuit to start said player at timed periodic intervals at which said prerecorded time announcements will be reproduced by said player in synchronism with the local standard time, and said timer means also comprising stop switch means responsive to displacement of said tape through said player, for opening said circuit at the completion of each said announcement, in which said power input circuit comprises a pair of power input leads and in which said stop switch means comprises a relay having a solenoid coil in circuit between said power input leads and having closed relay contacts in said power input circuit for opening said circuit in response to a signal generated by said tape, solenoid actuated switch means having normally open contacts in said solenoid coil circuit, for closing said circuit upon signal, and amplifier means associated with said tape player for supplying subaudible actuating signal generated by displacement of said tape through said tape player to activate said solenoid actuated switch means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
234 words
Talking clock apparatus comprising, in combination: a tape player including a loudspeaker, for use with tape having time announcements sequentially prerecorded thereon at timed periodic intervals, said tape player having a power input circuit for connection to a power source of constant frequency alternating current; and, timer means keyed to said frequency, for starting said player, said timer means comprising time-responsive start switch means in said input circuit for closing said circuit to start said player at timed periodic intervals at which said prerecorded time announcements will be reproduced by said player in synchronism with the local standard time, and said timer means also comprising stop switch means responsive to displacement of said tape through said player, for opening said circuit at the completion of each said announcement, in which said power input circuit comprises a pair of power input leads and in which said stop switch means comprises a relay having a solenoid coil in circuit between said power input leads and having closed relay contacts in said power input circuit for opening said circuit in response to a signal generated by said tape, solenoid actuated switch means having normally open contacts in said solenoid coil circuit, for closing said circuit upon signal, and amplifier means associated with said tape player for supplying subaudible actuating signal generated by displacement of said tape through said tape player to activate said solenoid actuated switch means.