Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically loading a plurality of cassettes of the type having two rotatable spools and a leader tape connecting said spools with a predetermined length of magnetic tape or the like from a supply reel. The apparatus includes a magazine for storing a plurality of empty cassettes, means for advancing said cassettes, one at a time, from the magazine to a loading station, means for withdrawing the leader from the cassette, cutting it into two sections, and splicing the free end of one section to the leading end of a length of supply tape, means for automatically rotating one of the spools of said cassette to wind the spliced leader section and a predetermined length of said supply tape into said cassette, and means for cutting the supply tape after said predetermined amount has been wound into the cassette and splicing the trailing end thereof to the free end of the other leader section.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically loading a plurality of cassettes of the type having two rotatable spools and a leader tape connecting said spools with a predetermined length of magnetic tape or the like from a supply reel. The apparatus includes a magazine for storing a plurality of empty cassettes, means for advancing said cassettes, one at a time, from the magazine to a loading station, means for withdrawing the leader from the cassette, cutting it into two sections, and splicing the free end of one section to the leading end of a length of supply tape, means for feeding supply tape at a controlled rate, means for automatically rotating one of the spools of said cassette to wind the spliced leader section and a predetermined length of said supply tape into said cassette, and means for cutting the supply tape after said predetermined amount has been wound into the cassette and splicing the trailing end thereof to the free end of the other leader section.