Abstract: A magnetic tape storage and drive apparatus in which the tape stored in the cartridge has a ferrule means attached to the lead end of the tape. The associated drive means includes a leader and threading apparatus for the tape and is used with a pair of spherical recording heads and pressure pads to eliminate the need for accurate tape tension control means.

Abstract: Means and method for securing, in a predetermined location within a housing of a substantially stationary safe or the like and controlling access to the interior of, a portable currency or document depository having a slidable door that is normally locked closed. After insertion of the depository at said location, a barrier arm is rotated down to block removal of the depository and rotate a member into operative engagement with the door. A key irremovably carried by said arm is then insertable to unlock the door. The door is now opened by moving the member translationally one way, allowing access to the interior of the depository. The member must be moved the opposite way to close the door, and the door must be relocked by the key before the key can be withdrawn and the barrier arm rotated up to permit removal of the now relocked depository.

Abstract: Increased reliability is afforded with this simplified apparatus for assembling and transporting a loose stack of documents. The documents are stacked on edge upon a pair of pinch rolls, normally stationary. A back plate is provided for supporting the documents in a loose stack, and preferably a foot plate is included for reliability in accepting documents and in forming the stack. Documents from a plurality of asynchronous sources as well as a single source of documents are readily assembled in the desired stack, for example, with the use of a conventional tined stacking or loading mechanism. The apparatus is readily adaptive to operation by computer for determining the particular documents to be stacked and, upon completion of the stacking, for applying a driving force to the rolls for transporting the assembled loose stack of documents between the rolls to the desired destination.

Abstract: A disk file employs a fixed magnetic head and a rotary magnetic disk that precesses about the axis of a drive motor. An escapement mechanism, that is coupled to the rotary spindle which supports the disk, is free to rotate about the motor axis, causing the disk to precess while the disk is rotating. Thus, there is relative radial movement between the precessing disk and the fixed head, enabling accessing to different data tracks.