Method of recording incoming telephone messages in an automatic telephone call answering machine and an automatic telephone call answering machine for carrying out the method

摘要

An automatic telephone call answering machine has two tape transport mechanisms, i.e. a first one for a magnetic tape for recording incoming messages, and a second one for a magnetic tape bearing a call answering announcement and a marking signal for initiating recording of an incoming message and interrupting operation of the second transport mechanism. A speech detector is provided for terminating recording and reactivating the second mechanism only after a delay in which no incoming speech signals appear, to allow a terminating announcement and a further marking signal on the tape on said second transport mechanism to be played. The further marking signal causes the tape on the first transport mechanism to rewind until speech signals are detected by a playback head engaging the tape on the first mechanism, whereafter the machine is returned to its standby condition. The arrangement reduces the amount of blank tape left between successive recorded messages. IMAGE