Abstract: The front-facing planar surfaces of a videotape cassette is provided with a series of parallel triangular or semi-elliptical ribs spaced from each other a maximum distance of about 4 mm so that an air barrier is produced between the tape and the ribs and the tape is thus prevented from contacting the planar surface or the ribs when the tape is in motion past the ribs.

Abstract: A tape leader is fastened to a reel hub by a spring clip fitting across a slot in the hub rim. The clip has a "J"-shaped portion which slides against a support in a camming action to force an end part of the portion against the leader and an inner surface of the rim. The sprung clip crosses the slot and is held in position at the other edge of the slot by a spring catch.

Abstract: A closed, molded box for storing a videocassette includes an open sleeve, a cover and a living hinge connecting the sleeve and the cover, the hinge, the sleeve and the covering being molded simultaneously and integrally. The videocassette box may further include raised ridges on the cover and raised detents on the sleeve which engage to maintain the cover in its closed position. The cover may also include an inwardly directed protrusion adapted to contact a videocassette within the sleeve and prevent movement of the videocassette when the cover is closed.

Abstract: A slack limiter device for magnetic recording tape in a videocassette which has a slotted metal plate forcefully slidaby fitting over an elongated stem on a cassette housing and bonded to a springy film having a low-friction edge covering which presses against moving tape.

Abstract: A method is described for forming a novel bowed shim for a cassette which includes impacting one surface of a sheet of polymeric material with particles until layer-like portions adjacent its surfaces are differentially expanded and the material is bowed, and then cutting the shim from the material.

Abstract: A method is described for forming a novel bowed shim for a cassette which includes impacting one surface of a sheet of polymeric material with particles until layer-like portions adjacent its surfaces are differentially expanded and the material is bowed, and then cutting the shim from the material.

Abstract: An improved magnetic tape roller guide assembly rotatably mounted between spaced sidewalls of a magnetic tape cassette. The guide includes a central hub having an integral biasing projection formed on an end surface by partially slicing the material comprising the hub. The projection bears against one sidewall to produce a biasing force locating the guide assembly between the sidewalls, thus preventing guide oscillation.

Abstract: A weight assembly adapted for use with a polymeric reel to approximately match the moment of inertia of the polymeric reel to that of a similar metal reel. The weight assembly includes attachment assemblies adapted to enter apertures in a side wall of the reel, which attachment assemblies include pendulums automatically moved by gravity or centrifugal forces to releasably attach the weight assembly to the side wall of the reel.

Abstract: A locating and loading mechanism for a magazine used in a recording and/or playback machine. The magazine includes a generally cylindrical hub portion; an endless length of strip material wound in a coil about the hub portion and extending from the innermost wrap of the coil partially across a central opening in the hub and around the side surface of the coil to the outermost wrap of the coil; and a case enclosing the hub portion and endless length of strip material having three spaced openings. The machine includes three spaced support pins adapted to enter the openings in the case and accurately support the magazine at a station on the machine with respect to drive members, a guide, and transducers in the central opening of the hub. A movable frame portion is adopted to receive the magazine and guide the magazine onto and off of the support pins at the station.

Abstract: Recording tape reel having a plastic hub of I-beam construction and a pair of plastic flanges interconnected by an annular array of radially-elongated lugs through slots in the central web of the hub. Clearances permit the hub to be compressed under forces applied by a wound tape without substantially transmitting those forces to the flanges.

Abstract: A tape cartridge is formed with a rotatable tape transport roller having a cylindrical exterior surface and a central bore into which protrudes a node from each inner sidewall of the cartridge to serve as trunnion axes for supporting the roller therein. In a preferred embodiment, the trunnion axes have an inward slant away from the central bore of the roller so that axial movement of the roller will produce a canting thereof to compensate for misalignment between the cartridge and components of a record/reproduce player in which the cartridge may be inserted.