Abstract: Digital television apparatus comprises a field store arrangement comprising first, second and third field stores each capable of storing digital signals relating to one field of a television signal, circuit to supply a digital television signal at a variable rate to the field store arrangement, a write control device to supply the digital television signal to one or to two of the field stores for writing therein, depending on the rate of supply of the digital television signal, and a read control device to read the stored digital television signal from one or from two of the field stores, depending on the rate of supply of the television signal, no field store being written into at the same time that it is read from, and the write control device rotating the writing and reading around the field stores cyclically.

Abstract: To provide for reproduction of video signals from a magnetic recording tape in which the video signals have been recorded at a speed different from the reproduction speed, so that, upon passage of the tape about a reproducing drum, in a spiral path, the recording angle of the inclined tracks differs from the reproducing scan track (compare tracks 3-7 and 11, 12 of FIG. 1b), a further magnetic head is provided and so positioned that the signals which are not scanned by one head are, effectively, scanned by another head; by use of a programmed memory, the signals can be stored in proper sequence for reproduction as essentially complete TV signals, for read-out in accordance with a desired TV scanning standard, in analog or digital signal form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for recording and reproducing television or other broad band signals with an altered time base effect so as to provide, for example, in the case of television signals, slow motion, faster than normal motion, stop motion or reverse motion. To provide slow motion replay of television signals, successive fields of the signal are recorded separately on a plurality of magnetic mediums, and at predetermined head-to-medium writing speeds, and are played back at substantially the same head-to-medium writing speeds. On playback, each field is repeated a number of times depending upon the time base effect desired. Reverse motion is provided by reversing the order of replay of the fields.

Abstract: A video signal recording apparatus has a motor for rotating a magnetic disc at low or high speed, a recording/playback head for recording audio signals on a single first track while the magnetic disc is rotated at the low speed, and a recording head for recording audio signals reproduced from the first track and video signals of one frame. The audio signals are time-base compressed and are reproduced while the magnetic disc is rotated at the high speed. The audio signals are superposed on the video signals to produce a composite signal, thereby recording the composite signal on a single second track.

Abstract: A hand-held transducing device for magnetically recording upon and playing from stationary records of a type adapted to be carried on back of a photograph or the like employs a rotating head for transducing information with respect to the record and means apart from the record for guiding the transducer to travel in a record trace while progressively varying the pitch of the head with respect to the track so as to vary the track density across the surface of the record, thereby extending the playing time of a record.

Abstract: A video signal reproducing device includes a magnetic head for reproducing the video signal recorded in slant tracks on a magnetic tape, a transport mechanism for driving the tape at a controllably varied speed, and a tracking control circuit for supplying tracking control signals to the magnetic head whereby the head tracks the recorded video signal. The device further includes a system control circuit for controlling the transport mechanism to drive the tape at a selected playback speed, and a display connected to the system control circuit for indicating a relationship between the predetermined duration and a duration of the reproduced video signal as played back with the tape driven at the selected playback speed.

Abstract: Sound associated with a scene which a still camera shot is picked up over a desired period of time starting from the instant which is a given time before the instant of depression of a release button of the camera. A shift register serves as a delay element for delaying an input time-serial digitized audio signal by the desired period of time, before the audio signal is written into an audio track of a magnetic disc which also has a video track for storing a video signal associated with the audio signal. During reproduction, one may hear the sound through a loudspeaker while watching the still picture displayed on a CRT or the like. The same sound may be reproduced repeatedly over a desired period of time.

Abstract: A rotary recording medium to be reproduced by a reproducing apparatus having a reproducing element, has a spiral track consisting of plural track turns on which a video signal and an audio signal have been recorded, and a plurality of same units of the video signal are recorded in each of the track turns, and an instruction signal having an information for instructing a shift of the reproducing element from a track to another track turn is recorded in a vertical blanking interval of the video signal with a predetermined field period according to a kind of the video signal program source, where the audio signal consists of divided audio signals in which a continuous audio signal is divided in every interval of field period of the video signal to be reproduced.

Abstract: When in the high or low speed editing or "moviola" mode, a VTR switches the inputs of Y and C demodulators between the Y and C heads or switches the demodulator outputs as the heads cross tracks. Thus, the Y and C demodulators always receive or provide at least some Y and C signals respectively, thereby making color display during the moviola mode possible.

Abstract: A rotary recording medium reproducing apparatus for reproducing a rotary recording medium in which a plurality of fields of video signals are recorded for each track turn on a spiral track comprises a reproducing transducer having a reproducing element for scanning over tracks on the rotary recording medium to reproduce recorded signals, and shifting device responsive to a signal applied thereto for shifting the reproducing element towards the outer side or the inner side on the rotary recording medium, and a circuit for producing shifting a signal in order to shift the reproducing element by one track pitch towards the outer side on the rotary recording medium every time the reproducing element reaches one predetermined position on the rotary recording medium, and capable of producing a shifting signal for shifting the reproducing element towards the outer side or the inner side on the rotary recording medium according to the slow-motion ratio and the direction of the slow-motion reproduction when the reprod

Abstract: In an optical video disc player, a still picture mode reproduction is effected by returning a light spot on an optical video disc by one track pitch in its radial direction after each revolution of the disc. The displacement of the light spot is carried out by supplying a returning pulse to a moving coil coupled with an objective lens to move the objective lens in a disc radial direction. In order to cause the light spot to trace a track precisely, a tracking error due to an eccentricity of the disc is detected and the objective lens is moved in the disc radial direction in accordance with the detected tracking error. An amplitude of the returning pulse is modulated in accordance with a velocity component of the displacement of the objective lens under the tracking condition, so that the light spot is returned accurately by one track pitch.

Abstract: In a mass storage system, a method for controlling the stepping feed of an information medium (T) on which recording tracks are formed by stripes (T.sub.n) which run diagonally or vertically across the information medium is disclosed. According to this method, the feed of the information medium (T) begins after the completion of the recording or reading operation of data (DATA) upon a first recording track (T.sub.n) and prior to the completion of the checking of the content of the data (DATA). After that, it is determined whether the feed of the information medium is continued or reversed should be in accordance with the result of checking the content of the data (DATA). That is, when no error is detected as a result of the checking, the feed is continued so as to perform the recording or reading operation of data (DATA') upon a second recording track (T.sub.n+1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a four-head image reproduction system for performing a slow motion video reproduction in the forward and reverse directions by intermittently repeating stoppage and normal speed operation of a magnetic tape on which images are recorded in accordance with the azimuth technique. In response to a reproduction control signal which has reference pulses of a predetermined polarity generated from a detecting section including a control head, a control section first receives the reference pulse regardless of the forward or reverse slow reproduction mode and then stops a capstan when a period of time corresponding to half the period of the reference pulse elapses. In this condition, the level of a pair of heads for special reproduction mounted on a rotating drum is set to have a predetermined difference from that of a pair of heads for normal recording/reproducing.

Abstract: A video disc player is described for use with a video disc having frequency modulated video information recorded thereon in the form of a plurality of concentric circles or a single spiral. The information track comprises successively positioned light reflective and light non-reflective regions. A focused light beam is caused to be positioned over the center of an information track and the light reflected from the information track is gathered by an objective lens for application to electronic circuitry for recovering the recorded frequency modulated video signals. Radial tracking means are described for maintaining the focused light spot to impinge upon the center of an information track. Lens focusing means are described for positioning the objective lens at the optimum focused position above the information track for gathering the maximum amount of reflected light from the information track.

Abstract: A still image playback apparatus which has a single playback head which is mounted on a head positioning means adjacent a magnetic disc which is rotated at the field frequency and wherein the disc has a plurality of concentric tracks each of which carry video signals of one field. The playback head is moved by the head positioning means from one of the tracks to an adjacent track so that video signals of one still image corresponding to two field periods of standard television signals are obtained during playback from the playback head when the disc has been rotated twice.

Abstract: Apparatus reproduces a normally recorded video signal in a special mode, such as slow motion and stop motion; for example, a plurality of successive TV fields are recorded in each complete revolution of a rotary medium having a spiral track. One field is selected from the revolution and is re-recorded or stored in a memory. That one field may then be played back repeatedly to give the special mode reproduction. A signal processing means processes the repeated playback.

Abstract: A control circuit causes a reproducing transducer feeding motor to move the transducer radially across a disc having a video signal recorded thereon. The video signal is recorded along a spiral track, together with first, second, and third reference signals which control the transducer tracking. A feed pulse forming circuit forms a number of feed pulses according to the number of switching pulses which are generated due to the reproduction of the third reference signal. A number of kick pulses are required for shifting the reproducing transducer element from one track turn to another track turn as it moves toward a center of the rotary recording medium, with the movement occurring at a position where the third reference signal is recorded. The control circuit causes a rotation of the motor for moving the reproducing transducer along the radial direction of the disc, according to the number of feed pulses that are obtained from the feed pulse forming circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus reproduces signals which are recorded on a rotary medium having a main information signal recorded on a spiral main track, with first and second tracking control reference signals which are recorded on sub-tracks positioned between adjacent main tracks. A third tracking control reference signal is recorded on the main or sub-track, on each track turn, during an interval corresponding to the vertical synchronizing signal, within a vertical blanking period of the main information signal. The first and second reference signals are recorded within an interval excluding the interval corresponding to that of the vertical synchronizing signal. A kick pulse is generated for shifting the reproducing element to an adjacent track during a special reproduction mode so that the reproducing element is shifted at an interval other than the interval in which the reproducing element reproduces the vertical synchronizing signal.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for recording and playing back a video signal on a video disc, such that selected video frames can be played back in a stop-motion fashion, with accompanying audio. Each stop-motion video frame is recorded on a single recording track on the disc, and an associated digitized stop-motion audio signal is combined with a continuous-play video signal and recorded on a plurality of preceding tracks. During playback, the tracks recording the continuous-play video signal are first scanned, to recover and display the continuous-play video frames, and to recover and enter into a memory the digitized stop-motion audio signal. The track recording the corresponding stop-motion video signal is then scanned, in a repeated fashion, to provide a stop-motion display of the video frame, while the stop-motion audio signal is extracted from the memory and converted back to its original analog format, for playback along with the stop-motion video frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical reading of a track in a spiral or concentric circles, carried by an information substrate, usually a disc, television signals being recorded along the track. The reading device includes a device for generating track jump pulses in which bits written at the top of pairs of adjacent fields in order to determine whether the fields being read belongs or does not belong to the same frame so that jump control pulses are generated when the bits are found to be identical. The invention is of use inter alia for reading television signals recorded on video-disc and obtained by analyzing film frames particularly to bring about a stop at a frame by jumping a track, either when frames are analyzed in two tracks or in the case of analysis in the sequence 2, 3, 2, 3 etc. . . .

Abstract: A single field or picture of a PAL color television signal is stored in a store and provides a signal at an input (52). The stored signal consists of 2f.sub.sc samples taken at 45.degree. to the U-axis. The signal is separated by a filter (56) and subtractor (58) into a high frequency or chrominance signal and a low frequency or luminance signal. The chrominance signal is delayed by delay means (62) such that the chrominance components of two lines which are an odd number of lines apart are made available simultaneously. These signals are combined by switches (S1, S2) and/or combining circuits (68) to provide a signal at 4f.sub.sc which is combined with the luminance signal in a combining circuit (70) to provide a 4f.sub.sc PAL output (72). The manner of the combination of the chrominance components is changed on an 8-field cycle.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for recording and playing back a video signal on a video disc, such that selected video frames can be played back in a stop-motion fashion, with accompanying audio. Each stop-motion video frame is recorded on a single recording track on the disc, and an associated digitized stop-motion audio signal is combined with a continuous-play video signal and recorded on a plurality of preceding tracks. During playback, the tracks recording the continuous-play video signal are first scanned, to recover and display the continuous-play video frames, and to recover and enter into a memory the digitized stop-motion audio signal. The track recording the corresponding stop-motion video signal is then scanned, in a repeated fashion, to provide a stop-motion display of the video frame, while the stop-motion audio signal is extracted from the memory and converted back to its original analog format, for playback along with the stop-motion video frame.

Abstract: A still vision recording and reproducing system for use in video tape recorder includes a field memory constituted by RAMs and recording device constituted by a floppy-disc recorder, and operates in recording mode and playing mode. During the recording mode, television signal converted into digital form is memorized in the field memory, and in turn, read out at slow speed and converted into analogue form for being recorded in the floppy-disc recorder. During the playing mode, the television signal which has been recorded in the floppy-disc recorder is reproduced and supplied to the field memory in digital form, and in turn, it is read out at high speed and converted into digital form for being used to establish a still picture.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus is capable of performing special reproduction of information signals recorded on a rotary recording medium. The information signals are recorded in either spiral track turns or concentric tracks. The reproducing apparatus comprises a detector for generating a rotation detection signal having a frequency which varies proportionally to the rotational speed of the rotary recording medium. A special signal generator generates a special reproduction synchronizing signal and a generator generates an external control signal based on a signal which is obtained by variably controlling the frequency of the special reproduction synchronizing signal. A manual switch varies the frequency of the special reproduction synchronizing signal by controlling the control signal generator responsive to an output code signal corresponding to a position of the manual switch.

Abstract: A videodisc playback system is disclosed which enables repeated reproduction of signals recorded on a videodisc. The system comprises the usual means to mount and rotate the videodisc to be played back and a shifting device that shifts the scanning position of a read-out device in a radial direction of the videodisc. A tracking control device controls the shifting device so that the scanning position of the read-out device is on the track. Further, the system includes fast playback circuitry which causes fast playback of the videodisc by shifting playback tracks N multiple number of times, one track at a time to the next adjacent track, during one revolution of the videodisc. Repeated reproduction of signals is accomplished by circuitry connected to the fast playback circuitry that causes a predetermined number of tracks to be repeatedly played back, the predetermined number being an integral number of N.

Abstract: Prerecorded video discs will generally be provided with a program which has originally been recorded on film, which program is transformed into a television signal by scanning the film frames. Owing to the difference between the standards for film and television employed in the United States consecutive film frames always result in sets of unequal numbers of fields on the record carrier. Preferably an indication signal is added to each set of fields on the record carrier. The read apparatus comprises detection means for detecting said indication signal. This signal is used to ensure that in the still-picture mode, during which the same two fields on a track circumference of the record carrier are repeatedly read, two fields are read which belong to the same set and consequently stem from the same film frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for encoding magnetic data and printing on a plurality of closely spaced labels releasably mounted on a supply roll of carrier strip, includes a magnetic head for encoding the labels and a printer for printing on the labels. The carrier strip extends from the supply roll past the magnetic head and to the printer, and forms a variably sized loop between the head and the printer. The variably sized loop has a gap, across which an encoded label may be transferred so that movement of a label past the printer is independent of movement of the supply roll. The magnetic head is movable parallel to the carrier strip so that the plurality of labels may be encoded and printed without reversing the supply roll, thus increasing the speed at which labels may be encoded and printed. The speed of the movable head may be precisely controlled to ensure accurate encoded. The encoded data is verified when the magnetic head moves over the label back to its original position.

Abstract: A processing system for manipulating data prior to a recording process so that subsequent picture stop mode reproduction can be a achieved on replay from a recording medium such as a video disc gives optimum resolution. The processing system includes a frame store 15 for holding incoming video data and a movement detector 23 for detecting picture movement during any portion of the incoming video frame which movement information is held in a movement data store 24. A selector 18 controls the information from the frame store whereby the data read out is from a single field of the frame during those portions of the picture where movement has occurred, and from both fields in the frame when no picture movement has occurred in that portion of the picture. This outgoing information can be recorded on the video disc 22 and will appear as normal moving video information unless the stop mode is selected. When the stop mode is selected the information appears with full vertical resolution.

Abstract: In a video tape recorder, luminance and chrominance signals are recorded respectively by first and second transducer heads along separate tracks skewed to the direction of tape motion. The transducer heads are rotated during particular modes such as slow-motion or still picture reproduction, in a tape-head speed relationship different from the normal tape-head speed relationship, causing the transducer heads to traverse several tracks. A switching circuit is coupled to the transducer heads to selectively connect the outputs of the heads to an output circuit in response to a point of transition of amplitude of the output signal from the second head to cancel unwanted signal components detected by the heads during traversal across the tracks.

Abstract: Selected fields of a redundant field slow motion video tape reproduced video signal are stored in a memory at a given clock rate and recovered from the memory at a clock rate inversely proportional to the number of times each field is repeated so as to produce a non-redundant video output signal of reduced bandwidth yet processing the full informational content of the original video signal. The original signal normally exhibits an ordered color field sequence but is subject to anomalous variations from time to time which causes anomalous variation of the chrominance-burst phase relationship of the video output signal. A detector, responsive to a change of a parameter of the video input signal, detects the anomalous variations of the chrominance-burst phase relationship and produces a control signal that is applied to a circuit which effectively reverses the phase relationship of the chrominance and color burst components of the video output signal of the memory when the control signal is present.

Abstract: A "freeze frame" video disc player is described for playback of records having an integral number of TV signal frames per circular information track or per convolution of a spiral information track. The player includes a stripe of magnetic material secured to the periphery of the player turntable and magnetic transducer apparatus for repeated recording and recovery of the frozen frame to and from the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A device which provides a video playback apparatus that plays a video disc having different video information and special purpose information tracks. A multi-line video information storage circuit, a special purpose information storage circuit and a radial tracking mirror are controlled by a timing circuit in such a manner that the special purpose information track is sampled for a predetermined period and stored video information is displayed such that continuous video information and special purpose information recorded on the video disc is presented contemporaneously to a monitoring means.

Abstract: Selected fields of a redundant field slow motion video tape reproduced video signal are stored in a memory at a given clock rate and recovered from the memory at a clock rate inversely proportional to the number of times each field is repeated so as to produce a non-redundant video output signal of reduced bandwidth yet processing the full informational content of the original video signal. The original signal normally exhibits an ordered color field sequence but is subject to anomalous variations from time to time which causes anomalous variation of the chrominance-burst phase relationship of the video output signal.

Abstract: A video disc player has two fields of buffer storage for implementing special effects. Video signal recovered from a disc record is directed into respective ones of the buffer stores for subsequent replay in particular sequences. A fixed memory device, containing a plurality of sequences of preprogrammed data words, each sequence defining a particular player function, controls the operable mode of the respective buffer storage devices. The preprogrammed sequences are addressed by a binary counter responsive to the vertical synchronization components of signal recovered from the disc record. Particular variable speed display options are effectuated by the repeated playback of selected TV fields and the omission of intervening fields.

Abstract: A facsimile signal converter for mutually converting to each other one of a facsimile signal of one-way scanning and a facsimile signal of two-way scanning for each scanning line, in which a first read head and a second read head are reciprocated for scanning in opposite directions along two spaced but parallel travel paths, respectively, while a write head travels together with the first read head along a travel path developed at the midway between the two travel paths and to be positioned on the same line perpendicular to each of the two parallel travel lines. A recording medium is shifted by a certain length in a direction perpendicular to the travel paths for each scanning of the first read head and the second read head. In case of using an endless recording medium, it is alternately shifted by a first length and a second length twice the first length. Each of the certain length and the first length is equal to half the space between the two travel paths.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for transducing information with respect to record cards such as oblong cards containing magnetic recording material. In one form, a magnetic record card is made to conform or extend parallel to the cylindrical surface of a drum supporting a magnetic transducer which rotates to scan one or more selected tracks of the card. The card may extend in a circular or helical path while scanning occurs or may be driven in such a path during scanning.

Abstract: A video signal reproducing system having a normal signal reproducing mode and a still signal reproducing mode includes a control signal generating means for reproducing a still mode control signal. A support means for supporting a signal reproducing means is responsive to the still mode control signal, whereby the signal reproducing means is maintained in substantial alignment with a recorded track of a recorded medium. Accordingly, the mis-tracking of the signal reproducing means relative to a predetermined recorded track is prevented, when the still signal reproducing mode is selected.

Abstract: A reader/writer credit card modular assembly wherein a T-shaped vertically disposed rail member provides accurate positioning of a credit card relative to a read/write transducer and to a timing track transducer through a reference plane established by means of horizontally disposed pins carried by the rail member. The credit card is vertically supported on the pins which in conjunction with a built-in tool or gauge member adjustable parallel to the card enables accurate preadjustment for a plurality of electromagnetic transducer heads arranged to be moved across the front surface of the credit card effective thereby to read from or write upon the credit card in synchronism with a prerecorded timing track disposed adjacent and parallel to the credit card.

Abstract: A magnetic card transport system for use with an electronic typewriter includes a magnetic head assembly mountable on a bridge frame having a lead screw and a guide shaft mounted thereon. The magnetic head assembly includes a magnetic head attached to a head support. The head support is connected by leaf springs to a thread receiving structure having threads and adjacent guideways formed along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the magnetic head. A clamp member is attached to the head support for engaging the threads against the lead screw and the guideways against the guide shaft whereby the magnetic head is automatically aligned relative to the lead screw and the guide shaft. The magnetic head is adjustable relative to the head support about the roll, pitch and skew or azimuth axes. The leaf spring attachment between the head support and the thread receiving structure permits resistive movement of the magnetic head relative to the lead screw and guideway.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing magnetically encoded articles such as credit cards. Data from a master or other source is recorded on an elongated web carrying magnetically encodable material which is secured to a card blank or other article. Data from the master tape is stored in a memory and held for comparison with recorded data to verify correct recording. In the absence of a proper comparison the data is inserted from memory and recorded on the next card blank, which is then placed in the proper sequential position in the output stack.

Abstract: Recording-reproducing apparatus utilizing as the recording medium a rectangular sheet of paper or the like having a spiral magnetic track on one surface and printed material on the opposite surface for audiovisual educational purposes. For electrically controlling the operation of the apparatus, switches for playback, recording, stop and backspacing operations are connected to a reversible drive motor via a control circuit comprising a relay with a plurality of relay contact sets. The control circuit includes means for automatically suspending the rotation of the drive motor in response to a stop signal generated when, during playback, the magnetic head reaches a specific zone or zones on the track.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for transducing information with respect to record cards such as oblong cards containing magnetic recording material. In one form, a magnetic record card is made to conform or extend parallel to the cylindrical surface of a drum supporting a magnetic transducer which rotates to scan one or more selected tracks of the card. The card may extend in a circular or helical path while scanning occurs or may be driven in such a path during scanning.

Abstract: In an illustrated embodiment a magnetic transducing system utilizes a short length of magnetic tape as an electronic image store. The magnetic tape is held in an arcuate loop configuration by means of an air cushion at the periphery of a rapidly rotating cylinder. The magnetic head or heads may rotate at the same rotational rate as the cylinder and scan along the inner side of the tape loop with essentially zero contact pressure, the tape being free of guiding means at its outer side except at its entrance point to the loop, and having a trailing free end slightly spaced from the entrance point. A cartridge may supply a length of magnetic tape approximately equal to the circumference of the cylinder to the system for a transducing operation and then rewind the tape for protected storage.

Abstract: A device for the accurate placement of a record sheet having a plurality of positioning holes, and recording area on a recorder-player having a recording-playing head and placement pins engageable with the placement holes of the record sheet, comprises a bottom placement plate having an indented area substantially corresponding to the shape of the record sheet, an opening in the indented area corresponding to the shape of the recording surface of the record sheet, and a plurality of apertures corresponding to the placement holes of the record sheet and a covering retainer plate having a plurality of apertures corresponding to the holes of the record sheet and the apertures of the placement plate. The placement plate and retainer plate form a pocket into which a record sheet is insertable for coarse alignment with the placement pins of the recorder-player.

Abstract: A magnetic sheet or a magnetic slip with a magnetic tape or a magnetic coating on its back is driven intermittently by a sprocket wheel or a long roller. A rotating follower gives tension to the magnetic sheet. Between the follower and the drive roller, a magnetic head comes into sliding contact with the magnetic sheet when it stops for magnetic recording.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic card reader having a motor driven magnetic head sliding on a stationary magnetic card. An error-checking function for the inserted magnetic card is provided. A control means is provided for setting the start of recording and reading out by the magnetic head at a specific distance from the end of said magnetic card. A position control precisely controls movement of the magnetic head along the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card. The magnetic head is supported by two mutually parallel leaf springs, which hold the head always perpendicular to the magnetic card. A motor governor circuit makes the magnetic head move at constant speed.

Abstract: A device having a slot in which removable-insertable flash cards or flexible tape are placed. On the face of the cards or flexible tape are placed, singly or in any combination, braille letters, braille words, printed matter and pictures. On the same face of the cards or flexible tape are placed lengthwise strips of magnetic tape, flexibly held to facilitate maximum utilization of the wavelength "reading" ability of a magnetic head. In alignment with the magnetic tape on an inserted card or flexible tape is a record-reproduce magnetic head. The cards and flexible tape are disposed horizontally in the preferred embodiment to facilitae learning braille. Said head is mechanically driven with uniform and reciprocal motion over the length of magnetic tape, on rods. Amplifier and control means allow the same head to record potential audio messages and also to reproduce said audio messages.

Abstract: A magnetic recording system using a magnetic tape, in which information codes are recorded on a wider magnetic tape, block by block, in its transverse width dimension by reciprocating a magnetic head along the magnetic tape widthwise thereof so as to correspond with the shift direction of a secondary memory of the information codes. Indication bits are added to each block of the information codes to indicate the sweep direction of the magnetic tape by said magnetic head. Input codes are applied to the secondary memory through a primary memory. Each block of readout information codes is temporarily stored in the primary memory in accordance with states of the indication bits added to the block of readout information codes in the right or left direction so as to meet with the readout sweep direction of the magnetic head. The readout information codes are obtained from the secondary memory. A line printer may be provided to couple with the secondary memory.

Abstract: A teaching machine on which is replaceably mounted a rectangular sheet of paper or the like with a spiral magnetic track on one surface, which is directed downwardly, and with printed material on the other surface for visual presentation of the subject of audio information prerecorded on the track. A movable magnetic head under the sheet follows its track for playback or recording. To afford closer contact between head and sheet and hence to improve the playback quality, a hinged holder frame secures the sheet to the machine casing at its marginal edges only, and the head is spring biased into abutting contact with the yieldably supported sheet. The head itself is supported out of the perpendicular to the plane of the sheet so as to remain in intimate contact therewith throughout its travel along the complete track on the sheet.

Abstract: A video disc player is described for use with a video disc having frequency modulated video information recorded thereon in the form of a plurality of concentric circles or a single spiral. The information track comprises successively positioned light reflective and light non-reflective regions. A focused light beam is caused to be positioned over the center of an information track and the light reflected from the information track is gathered by an objective lens for application to electronic circuitry for recovering the recorded frequency modulated video signals. Radial tracking means are described for maintaining the focused light spot to impinge upon the center of an information track. Lens focusing means are described for positioning the objective lens at the optimum focused position above the information track for gathering the maximum amount of reflected light from the information track.