Abstract: A small, high performance magnetic tape transport system for use in recording and reproducing data is adapted to receive a cartridge in which a single supply reel for the magnetic tape medium and the magnetic tape are carried. The cartridge is capable of being easily loaded into the transport system for recording (writing) and reproducing (reading), and is also easily ejected from the system for storage or replacement. A driving mechanism for the reel in the cartridge and a permanent take-up reel or hub are carried by the transport. The separate cartridge driving mechanism and take-up hub are each driven by their own separate motor system. In the embodiment disclosed, means are taught for automatic threading of the tape using a semi-rigid leader having a coupling portion attached to the take-up hub, the to-be-threaded tape including a complimentary coupling portion.

Abstract: A small, high performance magnetic tape transport system for use in recording and reproducing data is adapted to receive a cartridge in which a single supply reel for the magnetic tape medium and the magnetic tape are carried. The cartridge is capable of being easily loaded into the transport system for recording (writing) and reproducing (reading), and is also easily ejected from the system for storage or replacement. A driving mechanism for the reel in the cartridge and a permanent take-up reel or hub are carried by the transport. The separate cartridge driving mechanism and take-up hub are each driven by their own separate motor system. In the embodiment disclosed, means are taught for loading the cartridge into the transport system, positioning and seating the cartridge in contact with the driving mechanism in the transport system, and for ejecting the cartridge from the transport system.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge is disclosed, which cartridge includes a single rotatably mounted reel. The reel is mounted within the cartridge in a manner which prevents it from rotating until the cartridge is loaded into a tape transport device. Additionally, the reel is mounted within the cartridge so that it is substantially self-centering when loaded into a tape transport device. The cartridge includes a door which is normally closed, but which is automatically opened when the cartridge is inserted into the tape transport device. When the door of the cartridge is opened it provides access to the tape in the cartridge.

Abstract: A method and system provide for the compensation of peak shift of digital data recorded on D.C. premagnetized (erased) magnetic media. D.C. erasure results in the entire magnetic medium being aligned (polarized) in a single direction. The subsequent magnetic recording of data on such premagnetized medium normally results in a peak shift whenever the subsequently recorded signal traverses in the same direction of polarization as the single polarized direction of the D.C. erased medium. Such peak shift is compensated for in the present invention by utilization of a compensation circuit which, upon the receipt of an encoding signal which would cause data to be recorded which would traverse (be polarized) in the same direction as the premagnetized medium, is activated to provide a modified encoding signal to vary the placement of the magnetic boundaries of the recorded signal to compensate for its anticipated peak shift.