Abstract: A splicing block assembly and a splicing tape dispenser applicator for a cassette-loading machine.

Abstract: A new and improved splicing block assembly and a novel splicing tape dispenser applicator for a cassette-loading machine are disclosed.

Abstract: A new and improved splicing block assembly and a novel splicing tape dispenser applicator for a cassette-loading machine are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved form of shift block assembly for a cassette tape loading machine. The shift block assembly is of the type that comprises first, second and third shift blocks mounted for sliding and rotating motion on a common axis. Each of the shift blocks has a guideway for aligning tape to be spliced and also is provided with means for applying suction to hold a tape in position in the guideway. The three blocks are disposed in tandem along the common axis, and the first and second shift blocks are used to hold the two leaders, while the third shift block is used to hold the tape to be loaded. Means are provided for shifting each block axially along and additional means are provided for rotating each block relative to the other on the axis.

Abstract: A novel shift block assembly is provided for a cassette tape loading machine. The shift block assembly essentially comprises first, second and third shift blocks that are mounted for sliding and rotating motion on a common axis. Each of the shift blocks has a guideway for aligning tape to be spliced and also is provided with means for applying suction to hold a tape in position in the guideway. The three blocks are disposed in tandem along the common axis, and the first and third shift blocks are used to hold the two leaders, while the second shift block is used to hold the tape to be loaded. Means are provided for shifting each block axially along the axis and additional means are provided for rotating each block relative to the other on the axis. Also associated with the shift block assembly is a cutter mechanism which includes a knife having a knife edge disposed in a given cutting plane extending at a right angle to the aforementioned axis.

Abstract: An improved takeup spindle for automatic cassette loading machines is provided. The takeup spindle comprises a shaft having at least a pair of slots therein, a pair of dogs in the slots, means pivotally connecting the dogs to the shaft, and ring means establishing an outer limit position for the dogs.

Abstract: There is disclosed in the present application an apparatus and method for initiating the winding of a magnetic tape cartridge or cassette which is largely closed except for a relatively small opening which is closed at the end of the winding operation by a leader block secured to the trailing end of the tape and snapped into the opening. The present apparatus includes a vertically reciprocable finger having two sets of perforations to which a vacuum source is connected for attracting the tape temporarily and holding a leading end of the tape to be wound. The upper set of perforations is switchable between a connection with a vacuum source and one with a source of pressurized air. The leading end of the tape is first adhered to the finger by vacuum and a small quantity of water, as small as a single drop, is deposited on the leading end portion of the tape while the finger lies outside the cassette.

Abstract: There is disclosed in the present application an apparatus for staking to a leader block the trailing end of a length of magnetic tape wound on a reel of a substantially closed cartridge. The leader block is sized and shaped to fit into and close an opening in the wall of the cartridge and later when the cartridge is in use to provide a means by which the tape may be grasped to be withdrawn from the cartridge. The present apparatus is mounted on a movable platform which permits its withdrawal to a retracted loading position out of the way of a cartridge loading or winding operation. In its retracted position, the apparatus is provided with a short length of rod to be used later for securing the trailing end to the block by staking the rod length with the tape end into an appropriately sized slot in the leader block.

Abstract: A novel winding or takeup mechanism is disclosed for use in a machine for automatically loading tape into empty cassettes containing leaders, i.e., C-zero cassettes. The novel winding or takeup mechanism, which provides extended machine life and faster machine operation, comprises an arrangement whereby an electric motor drive operates to rotate a takeup spindle adapted to drivingly engage a hub or spool of an empty cassette in loading position. The spindle is coupled to the output shaft of the takeup motor by a telescoping coupling arrangement whereby the spindle can be reciprocated axially into and out of driving engagement with a hub or spool of a cassette disposed in loading position without interfering with rotation of the spindle by the motor output shaft. A pneumatically operated yoke is employed to accomplish axial reciprocation of the spindle while a separate member transfers the rotational force of the electric motor output shaft to the spindle.

Abstract: A novel splicing tape dispenser-applicator comprises an actuator assembly, an applicator assembly, and a pawl assembly. The actuator assembly includes an operating member which is adapted to reciprocate along a selected path, and the applicator assembly is mounted to the operating member of the actuator assembly whereby it can reciprocate between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The applicator assembly comprises a rotatable pentagonal applicator wheel coupled to a rotatable pentagonal ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A novel cassette storage and feeder mechanism for a tape winding machine, comprising (a) storage chute for storing a plurality of empty cassettes randomly disposed in one or the other of first and second predetermined orientations, (b) a gate for discharging cassettes one at a time from said storage chute, (c) cassette orienter for causing each discharged cassette disposed in said first orientation to be shifted to said second orientation, and (d) a feeder for carrying cassettes away from said cassette orienter and supplying them one at a time to a tape loading station on the tape winding machine with the uniform desired orientation.

Abstract: A machine for loading magnetic tape into cassettes is provided which comprises a splicing block assembly mounted on a pivotally mounted support and comprising two splicing blocks, one fixed to the support and the second pivotally mounted to the support, means for rotating the second block relative to the first block so that either of two tape-receiving tracks on the first block may be aligned with a single tape receiving track on the first block, means for rotating the support between a first tape winding position and a second tape splicing position, and a splicer for splicing abutting tape ends on the splicing block assembly when the support is in the second tape splicing position.

Abstract: An improved plunger assembly is provided for use in a splicing tape dispenser-applicator of the type which comprises a plunger and a guide channel in which the plunger reciprocates. The improved plunger assembly comprises a plurality of low-friction bearing devices carried by the plunger and arranged so as to slidably engage at least one member which defines the guide channel. The low-friction bearing devices reduce friction wearing of the plunger and the at least one channel-defining member.

Abstract: An improved cassette loading machine is provided which has means for rotatably supporting two supply reels of magnetic tape, means for loading cassettes with tape from either supply reel, and means for automatically (1) terminating the loading of cassettes when the tape supply on a first supply reel is nearly exhausted, (2) splicing the tape from the second supply reel to the tape from the first supply reel, and (3) resuming the loading of cassettes with tape from the second supply reel.

Abstract: An improved cassette storing, feeding and handling mechanism is provided for a machine for loading magnetic tape into C-Zero video tape cassettes. The machine is of the type having a tape loading cycle which includes cutting the cassette leader into two sections, splicing one leader section to the end of a supply of magnetic tape, winding the one leader section and a predetermined length of magnetic tape into the cassette, severing the magnetic tape, and splicing the trailing end of the tape wound into the cassette to the second leader section.

Abstract: An improved splicer for use with an automatic cassette loading machine. The splicer is characterized by a feed means which includes a reciprocating splicing tape feed block, and a feed block housing which slidably supports the feed block.

Abstract: A tape winding guide and centering apparatus engages the outside face of each of the flanges of the reel being wound by one of a pair of variably spaced apart, coaxial, similarly sized confronting annuli which rotate with the reel during the winding operation. The variable spacing of the annuli is controlled to distort the reel to close the peripheries of the flanges to a predetermined spacing. An adjustable stop is also provided to position the reel hub to a predefined axial location relative to the distorted flange rims.

Abstract: Apparatus for winding a preselected, programmable amount of tape under a predetermined level of tension is described. The tape is automatically placed under the predetermined level of tension prior to actually winding the tape onto the hub. The tape is fed at a variable speed according to a look-up table, while it is wound onto a hub, and is servoloop controlled so as to maintain constant tension on the tape as the speed at which the tape is fed changes.

Abstract: An improved pressure pad attached to a plunger mechanism of a splicer utilized on an automatic cassette tape loading machine. The pad has a multiplicity of intersecting slots in its bottom surface and at least one aperture penetrating its thickness. The aperture is connected to a vacuum passageway so as to provide communication between the slots and a vacuum source. The slots provide even distribution of a suction force to the splicing tape as it is applied to the tapes to be spliced.

Abstract: A splicing block for use in splicing tapes and the like comprises a rotating block in which a plurality of moveable tape guideways are disposed equidistant from and parallel to a shaft which is similarly positioned with regard to a fixed tape guideway. Rotation about the shaft, limited by a pair of fixed stops, alternately positions each of the movable guideways opposite the fixed guideway.