Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette is provided with shielding means for the guide posts thereof, including a clip member of electrically-conducting material, for preventing build-up of static electrical charges and resultant clinging of the tape to the guide posts, when it is desired to pull the tape from the guide posts by vacuum pressure-differential apparatus, as for threading into a tape transport.

Abstract: A mount for holding and varying the position of a magnetic transducing head assembly comprises a pair of stiff but flexibly-hinged leaves arranged in a parallel-motion linkage. In application to a rotating head-mounting drum, the axis of each hinge is arranged to be parallel to the line of effective action of centrifugal force upon the movable portion of the mount, so as to neutralize the centrifugal force effect upon the movement of the linked leaves.

Abstract: A rotating transducing head drum that mounts a number of transducer heads for sweeping rotation across the surface of a record medium. The head mounts are either of the bimorph, i.e., laterally displaceable leaf type, or of a non-displaceable leaf type simulating the displaceable type; in either case the mounts are factory secured in substantially identical shoes and in precise predetermined dimensional relation to radially, axially and circumferentially facing gauge surfaces of the shoes. Mating gauge surfaces are factory formed on the drum. Thus, the heads with their shoes are interchangeable in the field without the need for field adjustments.

Abstract: A tape reel container of the flat-walled box type holding a reel-supporting tray. The periphery of the tray is formed with a downward and outwardly facing step confronting the side walls of the container, and the side walls are formed with inward and downwardly folding flaps engaging the tray step, so as to both retain and be retained by the tray.

Abstract: A tape reel container of the carton type having one open side for the insertion and withdrawal of a reel-holding insert. The insert has a first spine and two flaps bracketing the reel and holding it by means of two opposed spindles extending respectively from the flaps and into the reel hub openings; and a second spine and smaller flap is provided to close the open side of the carton, the smaller flap being easily withdrawn to identify the contents.

Abstract: In a system mounting a magnetic transducer on the end of a thin leaf for sweeping motion displacement laterally to a track on a record surface, the present invention utilizes elements arranged as reversely deflectable leaf portions so as to maintain the transducer in substantially undeviating (normal) orientation with respect to the record surface. In one embodiment, the cantilevered leaf is composed of inner and outer (inboard and outboard) piezoelectric ("bimorph") bender elements having opposite polarizations and being cross-wired to produce the reverse deflections desired. The electrodes of the elements may also be divided longitudinally and coupled to bias voltage sources to provide controlled correction of azimuth error.

Abstract: A highly compact and functional professional audio magnetic tape transport provides a simple, symmetrical tape path including a pair of reels positioned in side-by-side relationship, a pair of large, equal diameter rollers positioned in side-by-side relationship below the reels, a pair of buffer loop tape tension arms positioned between the rollers and reels to receive tape directly from the reels along a straight tape line and without any intervening guide, and a transducer assembly positioned in frictional engagement with the tape along the tape path between the rollers. A capstan drive system is coupled to energize one of the rollers as a capstan to control tape motion along the tape path while reel servo systems energize the reels to maintain the tension arms at nominal central positions of rotation. Variations in tape tension with reel pack diameter are minimized and made self-equalizing by orienting the nominal arm positions perpendicular to tape direction for intermediate reel pack diameters.

Abstract: A dynamic brake for the supply reel motor of a tape transport. Upon power failure, the motor is coupled as a generator to supply current to a lamp, which functions as a substantially constant current load, and produces a substantially constant braking torque upon the supply reel.

Abstract: Body-carried equipment, such as a television camera, is supported on a mount that engages the body at a first level, such as the shoulder; and the mount has a forwardly extending "panning" arm for directional control. From the forward end of the arm, an adjustable brace assembly extends (e.g., downwardly) to engage the body at a second level (e.g., waist level) spaced vertically from the first level. Adjustments are provided for elevational angle, tilt and forward-rearward balance of the equipment (camera).

Abstract: A magnetic tape reel container, of the type having centered cover and bottom arbor means loosely impaling the hub of the reel, is provided with a manually rotatable locking key member mounted on the cover and projecting into keyhole and ward openings in the bottom arbor portion, the bits of the key member being arranged to engage cam ramps within the wards upon rotation to the closed and locked positions, where notches are provided in the cam ramps to secure the key bits; and a resiliently deformable ring is mounted between the arbor portions to load the bits against removal from the notches.

Abstract: A tape drive that includes a capstan and tachometer mounted on the same shaft with a printed circuit motor. The capstan and tachometer are mounted to be accurately concentric with one another and the tachometer is sensed at the same angular position as the point of tangential engagement of tape and capstan and at the same radius, and controls the peripheral velocity of the capstan there so that even though the capstan may be eccentric relative to the true motor turning center, the tape speed is constant. The armature disc of the motor is accurately mounted in a plane normal to the shaft, and upon a cushioning element, to reduce brush contact errors.

Abstract: To slow down the action of a solenoid for use in moving delicate mechanisms, or other time-delay uses, the solenoid frame is provided with a closed end, vented only by a restricted orifice, and the solenoid plunger is fitted with a pressure seal to ensure venting of trapped air only through the restricted orifice.

Abstract: A spiral-groove self-pressurizing bearing structure is provided with a magnetic lubricant and magnetic means to retain the lubricant in the bearing at rest. During operation, the spiral grooves pressurize and distribute the lubricant within the bearing structure, and the magnetic retention means prevents entrainment of air into the bearing, and consequent loss of lubricating action.

Abstract: For guiding tape between a reference planar path and a helical path that is axially tilted with respect to the reference plane, there is provided a single right-cylindrical guide having normal flanges that engage the tape edges with uniform pressure throughout the zone of contact.