Abstract: An improved high speed process for thermomagnetic duplications of color video tapes employing, as the copy tape, tape having a chromium dioxide loading of approximately 10 to 60 mg/dm.sup.2. Also a prerecorded tape made by the improved process.

Abstract: A loop bin for an endless tape having long length contained in a zigzag fashion comprising a tape inlet from which the endless tape can be put in, a tape outlet from which the endless tape can be drawn out, and at least one tape transport mechanism provided substantially horizontal so as to divide an inside of the loop bin into cascading levels and for continuously feeding the zigzag endless tape on each level from the tape inlet to the tape outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape winding method comprising the steps of inspecting an elongated tape for one or a plurality of positions for defects contained in the tape in a state where the tape is wound onto a tape supply reel prior to being wound into a cartridge; and winding the inspected tape into a cartridge wherein when a part of the tape corresponding to the next reel has any defect, its part is cut out and removed or discarded, and on the other hand when a part of the tape corresponding to the next reel does not have any defect its part is wound into the cartridge, all of such processing being performed by means of a machine or apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: An improved contact printing process is disclosed whereby better contact is achieved between magnetic master and copy tapes through use of fluid pressure. Slippage between copy and master tapes is prevented by applying fluid pressure to the tapes in an area defined by the width of the tapes at the point where replication is initiated, and extending upstream along the length of the tapes prior to replication.Slippage between copy and master tapes is prevented by applying fluid pressure to the tapes in an area defined by the width of the tapes at the point where replication is initiated, and extending upstream along the length of the tapes prior to replication.

Abstract: In a tape transporting device of the present invention, a long and winding endless loop master tape is partially stored in a loop bin, and a copy tape which has been obtained from a feeding reel is transported and wound by a winding reel. Moreover, a rail along which the master tape is transported and an air outlet which is established at one end of the rail are established in the vicinity of the outlet of the loop bin used for storing the master tape. A tension application roller, which is used for impressing tension on the master tape, is established behind the air outlet. The aforementioned air outlet ejects air toward the master tape, and the master tape is forced toward the rail by the pressure of the ejected air. Accordingly, when the master tape is retrieved from the outlet of the loop bin, the master tape is pressed toward the rail, and as a result, tension is produced.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a tape transporting device wherein mechanisms which can partially switch the master tape traveling direction have been established, and wherein a loop bin used for storing a master tape is established on a horizontal plane. As a result, the master tape exhibits no deformation attributable to gravity within said loop bin, and a since the copy tape can have a constant perpendicular or other angular orientation with respect to the master tape in the loop bin, the floor space needed for the tape transporting device can be minimized.

Abstract: A tape transport for driving a continuous master tape and a copy tape through a tape contact printing station at a very high speed. The master tape has a prerecorded signal the reverse image of which is transferred onto the copy tape by the tape contact printing station. The tape transport enables the master and copy tapes to maintain contact and registration with the required degree of accuracy to produce an acceptable signal transfer which generates a high quality video signal for use in home video cassette recorders and viewing equipment.

Abstract: An endless tape recording and playback apparatus is provided with a splicing tape detection system which is capable of reliably detecting the presence of splicing tape secured to the endless recording tape. The system includes a capstan which is rotatable at a predetermined angular velocity, and a pinch roller which is capable of pivoting between capstan-engaged and capstan-disengaged positions. An optical detection system including a light emitter and a light detector implemented within a single body, and a support base mounted upon the pinch roller for directing the optical axis of the detection system toward the endless tape surface at an acute angle with respect to the tape surface, can detect the presence of the splicing tape. Due to the angular disposition of the detection system, the presence of the splicing tape can even be detected in conjunction with worn endless recording tape. The light emitter and light detector are mounted upon the pinch roller.

Abstract: A tape winding apparatus for winding tape supplied from a tape reel mounted upon a supply reel base onto at least one empty takeup reel contained in a cartridge case having an opening at a part thereof, comprises a cartridge holder for holding and positioning the cartridge case, a winding shaft for revolving the takeup reel of the cartridge case, a tape retainer capable of retaining a beginning portion of the tape, the tape retainer bringing the beginning portion of the tape from within the vicinity of the opening provided on the cartridge case to the interior of the cartridge case close to the takeup reel, while holding the beginning portion of the tape, and a coating arrangement for applying an adhesive to the beginning portion of the tape retained on the tape retainer, whereby securing of the tape to the takeup reel can be achieved.