Abstract: According to an embodiment, a teller cash recycler may comprise: a handling unit including a deposit section in which banknotes are deposited and a withdrawal section in which banknotes are withdrawn; a safe having at least one storage unit in the inside thereof where banknotes are stored; a door for selectively opening and closing the safe; a first transfer unit for transferring banknotes between the handling unit and the storage unit; a cassette mounting unit provided in the outer of the door; and a second transfer unit for transferring banknotes between a cassette mounted on the cassette mounting unit and the handling unit, or the cassette mounted on the cassette mounting unit and the first transfer unit.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a medium cartridge including a recording medium roll with a long recording medium wound around an axis, a support member, and at least one of first protruding parts and second protruding parts. The support member rotatably supports the recording medium roll. The first protruding parts are disposed on the recording medium roll so as to respectively protrude to one side and another side in an axial direction and face the support member. The second protruding parts are disposed on the support member so as to respectively protrude to the one side and the another side in the axial direction and face the recording medium roll.

Abstract: Arrangements relate to a data storage system. The data storage system can include a data storage tape. The data storage tape can be arranged in a concertina format. In such a format, the data storage tape can include a plurality of tape segments. Each tape segment can be separated from a neighboring tape segment by a fold. In some arrangements, the data storage tape arranged in a concertina format can be received within a housing.

Abstract: A magnetic tape driving apparatus of the present invention includes a support member for separating a magnetic tape from a magnetic head on at least one of a tape input side and a tape output side of the magnetic head. The support member separates the magnetic tape from the magnetic head at least when a tape driving portion causes the magnetic tape to start running and/or to stop running. With this configuration, the magnetic tape driving apparatus does not suffer from damage to the magnetic head and the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape makes a transition from the stopped state to the running state and vice versa or changes in the running direction.

Abstract: A tape mounting apparatus for a magnetic tape data storage device which includes a movable structure movably attached to a base. The movable structure moves partially within the base and is powered by a motor unit. The moveable structure has at least a load position and a transport position. A tape guide device is positioned within the movable structure such that a tape passes over the tape guide device and between a tape reading head and the tape guide device. The base is attached to a body of a magnetic tape data storage drive.

Abstract: A magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that selectively loads a first tape cassette accommodating a first magnetic tape or a second tape cassette accommodating a second magnetic tape having a width greater than the width of the first tape. The apparatus includes a rotating drum unit including a lower stationary drum and an upper rotating drum, and a loading mechanism that, if the first tape cassette is loaded, pulls the first magnetic tape out of the first tape cassette and winds it onto the rotating drum unit through a first winding angle so as to form a first tape path and, if the second tape cassette is loaded, pulls the second magnetic tape out of the second tape cassette and winds it onto the rotating drum unit through a second winding angle greater than the first winding angle so as to form a second tape path.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, a recording and reproduction unit configured to record a serial moving image signal generated by the imaging unit as one cut on a recording medium during a period from an instruction to start photographing to an instruction to stop photographing, and to reproduce a moving image signal recorded on the recording medium, a mode setting unit configured to selectively setting one of a reproduction mode for reproducing a moving image signal recorded on the recording medium and a recording mode for recording a moving image signal on the recording medium, and a control unit configured to, responsive to an instruction to start reproduction in the reproduction mode, control the recording and reproduction unit to reproduce a moving image signal starting with a cut recorded first among a plurality of cuts recorded within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A tape guiding mechanism for guiding a traveling tape is provided including a guide roller for guiding the traveling tape and a regulator which rubs against at least one edge of the traveling tape in its width direction, in which the guide roller includes a circumferential surface with which the tape is in contact, a spiral groove is formed on the circumferential surface around an axis of the guide roller, and the traveling tape shifts to one side in a width direction on the circumferential surface of the guide roller.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus in which a special motor for driving the head cleaning mechanism is eliminated, and space can be saved with low cost. An end of a tape accommodated in a tape cassette 2 has a coupling element 8, the coupling element 8 is pulled out by a tape-pulling-out element 40 and taken up around a drive reel 20, the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a head cleaning mechanism 90 for cleaning a magnetic head 7, the head cleaning mechanism 90 includes a head brush portion for holding a brush portion, and a cam mechanism for changing a position of the head brush portion, the cam mechanism is operated by a tape-pulling-out element moving member 50 and a loading lever 30.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus and a tape threading method thereof capable of preventing cut or slip of a leader tape, and capable of effectively preventing the fixing force from being deteriorated due to variation with time. In a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, an end of a tape accommodated in a tape cassette 2 has a coupling element 8, and the coupling element 8 is pulled out by a tape-pulling-out element 40 and the tape is taken up around a drive reel 20. The magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a leader tape 41 having one end connected to a drive shaft 24 of the drive reel 20 and the other end connected to the tape-pulling-out element 40, a reel hub 21 which is located on an outer periphery of the drive shaft 24 and which takes up the tape around an outer peripheral surface of the reel hub 21, and a lock member 70 which connects the drive shaft 24 and the reel hub 21 with each other.

Abstract: A tape recording system is provided for coupling the angular velocities of a pair of roller guides disposed one on either side of a head assembly. In one embodiment, the roller guides each comprise cylindrical first and second surfaces wherein the first surfaces guide a tape over the head assembly. An idler bearing comprising a cylindrical ring having an inside diameter surface engages in rolling contact the second surfaces of the pair of roller guides, thereby coupling the angular velocities of the pair of roller guides. In another embodiment, an idler bearing comprises a roller having an outside diameter surface that engages the surfaces of a pair of roller guides on each side of the head to couple the angular velocities of the pair of roller guides.

Abstract: A tape drive having a single reel data storage cartridge disposed therein is provided. The single reel data storage cartridge includes a housing having an access window and a reel rotatably disposed within the housing and having storage tape wound on the reel. A guide surface is further disposed within the housing such that the tape extends from the reel to the guide surface before extending to the access window. The tape drive includes at least a first guiding element, a data transducer, and a take-up reel, wherein the storage tape extends from the supply reel to the guide surface before extending through the access window to the first guiding element, and the storage tape is guided within the tape drive adjacent a data transducer, and wound on the take-up reel.

Abstract: A retaining member for retaining a grabber has a positioning arrangement for fixing the grabber in place. The grabber has a rear surface having a pair of hollows at upper and lower end portions. The positioning arrangement has a retainer opposed to a front surface of the grabber on retaining the grabber and a pair of leaf springs opposed to the retainer with a space shorter than a thickness of the grabber. The pair of leaf springs is disposed apart from each other up and down. The pair of leaf springs has a pair of projections engaged with the pair of hollows. The pair of hollows is disposed the outside of a tape winding portion where a magnetic tape is wound.

Abstract: A brush driving mechanism, which drives a cleaning brush from a retracted position to an operation position opposed to a magnetic head, has a main arm having a tip coupled to the cleaning brush through a shaft. A chassis has a chassis slit, in which the shaft is inserted, for allowing to move the cleaning brush from the retracted position to the operation position by operating the main arm. The chassis slit has a tip portion stops the shaft when the cleaning brush is put into the operation position to position the cleaning brush with respect to the magnetic head.

Abstract: A tape guide system for supporting magnetic tape about a rotary scan drum of a data transfer apparatus is disclosed. The tape guide system comprises a tape guide and a guide ramp. The tape guide has a supporting surface for supporting the magnetic tape in the tape guide's deployed position and has a non-deployed position in which the supporting surface is spaced from and non-aligned with a surface of the tape to be supported. The tape guide is arranged to be driven relative to the guide ramp towards the deployed position with a horizontal movement component, thereby causing the guide ramp to impart a vertical movement to the tape guide and, in the deployed position, substantially align at least part of the supporting surface of the tape guide with the surface of the tape to be supported. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A driving mechanism, which drives a pull-out assembly up to an interior of a reel hub of a take-up reel, has a shaft which is inserted in a through hole bored in a grabber with a clearance. A shutter fixes the pull-out assembly in a receiving portion at a predetermined position on receiving the pull-out assembly in the receiving portion. A positioning member positions the shaft with a center of the shaft substantially coincided with a central axis of the take-up reel and with the clearance held between the shaft and an inner wall of the through hole when the pull-out assembly is received in the receiving portion.

Abstract: A dual hub reel for a tape drive comprises an inner hub operatively connectable to a motor and a flexible leader connected at a first to the inner hub so as to be wound on to the inner hub when driven, to rotate by the motor. An outer hub is disposed about the inner hub and has an opening through which the flexible leader extends. The outer hub is arranged on the inner hub and is selectively freely rotatable about the inner hub or locked against the inner hub to rotate with the inner hub. A locking element is responsive to pressure supplied by a tape wrap to press against the inner hub and lock the outer hub to the inner hub by interaction of an engagement surface against the inner hub.

Abstract: A tape drive for use with a tape cartridge having a cartridge leader includes a drive body, a take-up reel supported by the drive body, and a drive leader connected to the take-up reel. The tape drive further includes a leader connecting mechanism for connecting the drive leader to the cartridge leader, and an elevator assembly configured to receive the tape cartridge and to position the tape cartridge with respect to the drive body. The elevator assembly is also configured to actuate the leader connecting mechanism.

Abstract: A magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that selectively loads a first tape cassette accommodating a first magnetic tape or a second tape cassette accommodating a second magnetic tape having a width greater than the width of the first tape. The apparatus includes a rotating drum unit including a lower stationary drum and an upper rotating drum, and a loading mechanism that, if the first tape cassette is loaded, pulls the first magnetic tape out of the first tape cassette and winds it onto the rotating drum unit through a first winding angle so as to form a first tape path and, if the second tape cassette is loaded, pulls the second magnetic tape out of the second tape cassette and winds it onto the rotating drum unit through a second winding angle greater than the first winding angle so as to form a second tape path.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a main chassis on which a rotatable head cylinder is mounted; a sub chassis movable relative to the main chassis; a cassette holder for holding the cassette and mounting the cassette on the sub chassis; a cassette holder elevating section for moving the cassette holder up and down with respect to the sub chassis; a holder engaging section provided on the main chassis; and a main chassis engaging section provided on the cassette holder. The sub chassis is movable relative to the main chassis from a cassette mountable position at which the cassette is mountable on the sub chassis to a tape pull-out position at which the magnetic tape has been pulled out from the cassette and wound around the rotatable head cylinder. The holder engaging section and the main chassis engaging section are engaged with each other at the tape pull-out position.

Abstract: The hub of a take-up reel (20) has a notch (20b) which is formed so as to correspond to the moving paths of guide posts (33, 34, 35) passing between a rotating drum type magnetic head (10) and the take-up reel (20). With this configuration, the magnetic head (10) and the take-up reel (20) can be disposed close to each other, thereby reducing the plane installation area of a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge providing robust interactions with leadering mechanisms of data storage tape drives. In one relevant aspect, a data storage tape cartridge includes improved leader member access area features, such as a docking ramp configured to transition from a first height, to a second height greater than the first.

Abstract: A pole base assembly for a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus for guiding a tape drawn from a reel through a predetermined path in parallel or substantially in parallel toward a lead surface of a head drum. The pole base assembly comprises a pole base disposed to approach and retreat from a side of the head drum when the tape is loaded and unloaded, respectively, a sloping pole disposed to be sloped on the pole base, to be parallel or substantially parallel to the lead surface of the head drum, for guiding the tape fed to the head drum at a predetermined angle, to be parallel to the lead surface, and a supporting holder disposed on the pole base, and having a sloping part to support the sloping pole to be inclined at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a cylinder; a chassis section having the cylinder provided thereon; a tape pull-out member pulling out the magnetic tape; a positioning member having a ramp surface; and an urging section for urging the tape pull-out member. The first position is a position at which information recording to, and information reproduction from, the magnetic tape is possible. The tape pull-out member has a second surface facing the first surface. The tape pull-out member includes a projection provided on the second surface. The tape pull-out member is urged by the urging section such that the projection presses the ramp surface at the first position. A force received by the projection from the ramp surface, by the projection pressing the ramp surface, acts on the projection in a direction from the ramp surface toward the first surface.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a main chassis having a cylinder provided thereon; a sub chassis on which a tape cassette is mountable; a plurality of tape pull-out members acting to pull out a tape from the tape cassette; and at least one arm for driving at least one tape pull-out member. The sub chassis is movable relative to the main chassis between a tape cassette mountable position and a tape pull-out completion positions. The main chassis includes at least one guide member for guiding the at least one tape pull-out member while the sub chassis moves between the above-mentioned two positions. The at least one arm is provided in the sub chassis, and drives the at least one tape pull-out member such that the member pulls out the tape while the sub chassis moves from the tape cassette mountable position to the tape pull-out completion position.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a cylinder; a first chassis section; a second chassis section; and at least first, second and third tape guide members. The second chassis section is movable between a first position and a second position. When the second chassis section is in the first position, a supply reel, the first tape guide member, the second tape guide member, the third tape guide member and the cylinder are arranged in this order, such that only the first, second and third tape guide members guide the magnetic tape between the supply reel and the cylinder. When the second chassis section is in the first position, the first tape guide member is in contact with a magnetic surface of the magnetic tape, and the second and third tape guide members are in contact with the non-magnetic surface of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for receiving and streaming storage tape by a tape head from storage tape cartridges of varying formats in a single tape drive. In one example, an exemplary tape drive system includes a receiver, a reel driver system configured to selectively drive at least two cartridges having different cartridge formats, and a drive leader system configured to selectively couple with at least two different cartridge leader formats associated with the at least two different cartridge formats.

Abstract: A deck mechanism for a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a main deck provided with a head drum, a capstan motor, and a sub-deck installed on the main deck to be loaded/unloaded. The sub-deck is provided with a pair of reel discs, onto which tape reels of a tape cassette are seated; a pole base loading unit; a pinch roller unit for compressing the tape against a spindle of the capstan motor when the sub-deck is loaded; a brake unit; a main sliding member mounted on the main deck to be capable of reciprocatingly sliding, the main sliding member controlling the driving of the pinch roller unit; and a main cam gear mounted on the main deck. The main cam gear causes the sub-deck, the pole base loading unit, the brake unit, and the main sliding member to perform linked movements while the main cam gear is rotationally driven.

Abstract: An improved magnetic tape guiding device for use with a magnetic tape transport system of a tape recorder and the like, and a method for using the same. The magnetic tape guiding system of the tape recorder transport system has a supply reel pole base assembly having a slant pole with a first guide unit having portions formed at both ends of the slant pole to function as a conventional roller for regulating upward and downward movement of the upper and lower edges of a moving magnetic tape, and a tension pole assembly having a tension pole with a second guide unit having portions formed at both ends of the tension pole to function as a conventional impedance roller for regulating upward and downward movement of the upper and lower edges of the moving magnetic tape. This arrangement can thus achieve 2-dimensional plane-traveling of the magnetic tape while also reducing the number of the parts of the guiding system.

Abstract: A tape drive apparatus with an arrangement for capturing, retaining and releasing a leader pin from the tape cartridge provides a leader pin holding assembly having a body and a swing pivotally coupled to the body. Upon movement into the tape cartridge, the swing is controllably pivoted against the force of a spring into an open position to capture the leader pin within the tape cartridge. Closing the swing retains the leader pin between the swing and the body of the leader pin holding assembly. A minimum number of external actuators is achieved by employing a hub leader that controls the opening and closing of the swing with relation to the body.

Abstract: A tape drive is provided having a pair of stationary guide assemblies disposed symmetrically about the magnetic read/write head. Each of the stationary guide assemblies has a mounting portion and a separate guide surface portion mounted on the mounting portion. The mounting portion may be made of a plastic and the guide surface portion of a ceramic, for example. A spring arrangement with pressure pads is mounted directly on the mounting portion, and applies pressure to a top edge of a tape during guiding of the tape.

Abstract: A magnetic tape loading device for a tape recorder comprising a pole base assembly which moves along a deck chassis and takes a magnetic tape from a tape cassette during a loading of the magnetic tape, a guide rail which is mounted on the deck chassis to guide a movement of the pole base assembly during loading/unloading of the magnetic tape, and a movement prevention unit which prevents a movement of the pole base assembly during loading/unloading of the magnetic tape, and when the loading of the magnetic tape is completed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to quickly and correctly re-initialize a tape drive mechanism after power loss employs a non-volatile memory to store functional state data during normal operation of the tape drive mechanism. After a power loss, the functional state data is read from the non-volatile memory so that the tape drive mechanism can be properly re-initialized based on the recovered functional state data.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing device of the present invention records information on or reproduces information from a tape provided in a cassette by winding the tape around a rotary head cylinder at a prescribed angle after the tape is drawn out from the cassette including a supply reel and a take-up reel by tape guide members. The device is characterized in that: a first tape guide member is located downstream in the tape running direction with respect to the supply reel; the first tape guide member is followed by a second tape guide member, a third tape guide member and the rotary head cylinder; and only the first tape guide member, the second tape guide member and the third tape guide member are provided between the supply reel and the rotary head cylinder.

Abstract: Deck mechanism assembly comprises deck base, head guide assembly which is disposed on the deck base and which reads and writes data from/to a magnetic tape, cartridge reel motor which drives a reel on which the magnetic tape is wound, clutch which transmits a drive force of the cartridge reel motor to the reel enclosed in the cartridge, loader which conveys the loaded cartridge and mounts the cartridge in the state of the magnetic tape being able to be pulled out, loader motor which drives the loader, threader which pulls out a leader block placed at an edge portion of the magnetic tape and conveys the leader block, and head brush mechanism which functions corresponding to the leader block which is conveyed. Since the loader motor is disposed in the rear of the loader on the deck base, the width of apparatus can be decreased.

Abstract: A pinch roller unit of a magnetic recording/reading apparatus disposed on a main deck on which a head drum and a capstan are disposed to move in association with a sub-deck which is disposed to slide on the main deck. The pinch roller unit operates to bring a tape into close contact with the capstan, and comprises a pivoting lever rotatably disposed on the main deck to pivot towards the capstan in relation to movement of the sub-deck being loaded, a pinch roller rotatably disposed at an end of the pivoting lever and brought into contact with the capstan at the time of loading process, and a torsion spring stressed by being pushed by the sliding member sliding along the left and right directions of the main deck for pushing the pivoting lever towards the capstan.

Abstract: A sensing assembly for use in determining if magnetic tape within a single reel tape cartridge properly disconnects from a takeup reel within a tape drive during unloading of the tape cartridge, so that the tape cartridge can be removed from the tape drive without damaging the tape media and rendering the tape drive inoperable. The sensing assembly may be electrical or electomechanical and comprises at least one sensing apparatus for providing feedback on the position of the takeup leader. The position of the takeup leader is used to determine if the tape cartridge leader disconnects from the takeup leader. The sensing assembly may be utilized within a tape drive or with a test fixture for testing a plurality of disconnect operations.

Abstract: A tape guide post mechanism for guiding running of a tape includes: a post arm, the post arm including a tape guide post, around which the tape is looped at a predetermined angular distance, and which guides running of the tape, and a hole; an arm shaft which engages with the hole and rotatably supports the post arm, wherein an external side surface of the arm shaft is in contact with the hole at at least two points in the vicinity of an upper opening of the hole and at at least two points in the vicinity of a lower opening of the hole.

Abstract: A take-up mechanism for a read/write recording apparatus includes a hub with an outer surface about which a tape medium is to be wound. A recess is formed in the outer surface, and a receiver block is reciprocally movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When retracted, an end surface of the receiver block registers with the outer surface of the hub to form a smooth winding surface for the tape. The receiver block has a bay sized to engage the leader block on the tape such that the leader block is enclosed within the hub when the receiver block is retracted. A rotatable drive rotates the hub to wind the tape thereon. This mechanism may be incorporated into a read/write apparatus including a read/write recording head, bearing members to support the tape during transport and a threading assembly to thread the tape through the device.

Abstract: A tape drive with a tape guiding assembly guides tape past the read/write head along a tape path. First and second inner guide rollers are disposed along the tape path on opposite sides of the read/write head and adjacent to the read/write head. First and second outer guides are disposed along the tape path on opposite sides of the read/write head. The inner guides are positioned off-centered with respect to the nominal tape path, while the outer guides are centered on the nominal tape path. The inner guides are adjustable in height and in radial direction to adjust the off-center position of the inner guides, as well as the tape wrap and penetration of the read/write head into the tape.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a tape loading mechanism including a driving ring gear member, first and second ring gear members for shifting first and second tape guide posts, respectively, and first, second, and third gear members engaging the driving ring gear member and the first and second ring gear members, respectively. Each of the first through third gear members includes a gear part and a cam part in the same plane. The cam part of the first gear member has an arcuate shape. The cam part of the second gear member engages the cam part of the third gear member so as to transmit rotation during the operation of the tape loading mechanism, and is pressed against the circumferential surface of the arcuate cam part of the first gear member in a state where the operation of the tape loading mechanism is completed.

Abstract: There is provided a recording and/or reproducing apparatus including: a cartridge loading member into which is loaded a tape cartridge having a magnetic tape provided with a leader block on one end; a take-up mechanism for winding the magnetic tape; a carrying mechanism for carrying a tape pulling member, which engages with the leader block and pulls the magnetic tape from the tape cartridge, between the tape cartridge and the take-up mechanism; and a magnetic head mechanism for recording or reproducing signals. An area in which the cartridge loading member is formed, and an area in which the take-up mechanism, the carrying mechanism and the magnetic head mechanism are formed are divided by a partition, and the partition has an opening, and a shutter mechanism for shutting the opening. Thus, a recording and/or reproducing apparatus capable of preventing dust and the like from entering into the drive area is provided.

Abstract: A leader block in a read/write recording apparatus includes a body member and a latch member that move relative to each other to receive, engage and retain the leader pin on a tape medium. The leader block may include finger-like engagement structures. The catch piece can be biased toward a closed position and can include a ramp to facilitate initial engagement of the leader pin. The catch piece can include an actuator tab. A threading assembly is disclosed to incorporate the leader block and includes an actuator that selective operates the catch piece via the actuator tab to permit disengagement of the leader pin therefrom. A cam assembly may control the actuator. This assembly is disclosed in conjunction with a threading assembly that includes a flexible conveyor member received in a guide track. A method utilizing this structure is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to quickly and correctly re-initialize a tape drive mechanism after power loss employs a non-volatile memory to store functional state data during normal operation of the tape drive mechanism. After a power loss, the functional state data is read from the non-volatile memory so that the tape drive mechanism can be properly re-initialized based on the recovered functional state data.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a tape guide element guiding member for guiding a tape guide element; a bendable chain-like driving member having a first end and a second end, the chain-like driving member being connected to the tape guide element guiding member at the first end, and the second end of the chain-like driving member being pulled or pushed so as to produce a reciprocating movement of the tape guide element guiding member; and a chain guiding member for guiding the chain-like driving member. The chain-like driving member includes a plurality of flexures for facilitating a bending movement of the chain-like driving member. The chain-like driving member causes a reciprocating movement of the tape guide element while being bent during a loading operation and an unloading operation.

Abstract: A tape guide post mechanism for guiding running of a tape is provided. The tape guide post mechanism includes a post arm, the post arm including a tape guide post, around which the tape is looped, and which guides running of the tape, and a hole. The tape guide post mechanism further includes an arm shaft which engages with the hole and rotatably supports the post arm. The arm shaft has an elastic portion which presses a portion of the post arm. As a result a small sized, inexpensive tape guide post mechanism, which has a simple structure, in which the slant of each element is accurately controlled, and which achieves decreases in size and cost of the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, can be obtained.

Abstract: A tape drive having a cartridge receiving area for receiving a cartridge containing a recording medium on a supply reel is disclosed. The tape drive has a take-up reel. The take-up reel includes a take-up rotatably mounted to the tape drive and a pair of flanges mounted on either side of the take-up hub. A magnetic read/write head is disposed between the cartridge receiving area and the take-up reel. A pair of fixed guide assemblies is disposed symmetrically about the magnetic read/write head. Each of the fixed guide assemblies has a fixed guide mount fixed to the tape drive, a fixed guide attached to a top of the fixed guide mount, and a spring/pressure pad having at least one pressure pad mounted to the fixed guide, wherein the pressure pad applies pressure to a top edge of the recording medium when the tape drive is operational. The tape drive also has a forward guide roller and a rearward guide roller disposed symmetrically about the magnetic read/write head.

Abstract: To detect alignment and/or absence of a tape leader pin in an opening of a tape cartridge, a light source scans the opening. Detection logic analyzes the detected reflection waveform signal for deviation from a cylindrical surface reflection of the tape leader pin, if any, such as elliptical or conical, representing tilt angle misalignment of the pin. Further, both ends of the pin are scanned for difference in displacement and for difference in amplitude, displacement representing tilt in the direction of scan, and amplitude representing that one end or the other is likely to have been pulled into the cartridge. Low amplitude of both represents absence of the pin.

Abstract: A tape guide device for a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus includes a pole base assembly to guide a tape supplied from a supply reel and passed through a predetermined path to be moved horizontally to a read surface of a head drum. The pole base assembly includes a pole base installed adjacently to or separately from one side of the head drum during a loading/unloading operation of the tape. The pole base assembly also includes a pole unit including a spiral flange inclined to the pole base to be in a horizontal direction to the read surface of the head drum, to guide the tape entering the head drum to be inclined at a predetermined angle and positioned in the horizontal direction to the read surface.

Abstract: A motor installed on a wall of a cassette housing operates a placement gear and a rotating member for safely placing a cassette holder on a deck and then also operates a ring gear, which is installed on the deck, in order to load video tape for reproduction, thereby making it possible that both the action of placing the cassette holder on the deck and the action of loading the tape for reproduction can be achieved by using only one motor. A combination of a sector gear and a cam or a disc with a built-in spring can also be used in order to lock the cassette holder properly after the cassette holder, with the cassette held therein, is placed on the deck.