Abstract: In a method and apparatus for qualifying peaks in a signal as representing data bits, the signal containing data bits superimposed with background signals, a peak is qualified as representing a data bit when a first derivative of the peak exceeds a threshold value simultaneously with the original signal exceeding a positive or negative threshold of a hysteresis comparator. The respective positive and negative thresholds of the hysteresis comparator are alternatingly and continually adjusted by setting the negative hysteresis threshold dependent on the amplitude of a most recent positive peak in the incoming signal, and setting the positive hysteresis threshold dependent on the amplitude of a most recent negative peak in the incoming signal.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly, for use in a tape drive wherein a tape is moved past the head assembly in a longitudinal direction and the tape exhibits transverse tape movement cross-correlated by obtaining repeated measurements at the same longitudinal position of the tape, and wherein a minimum longitudinal distance exists for which the cross-correlation is maintained, has a carrier with first and second gap and coil arrangements disposed on the carrier. The respective gaps in the first and second gap and coil arrangements are disposed on the carrier separated by a spacing which is less than the aforementioned minimum longitudinal distance.

Abstract: The invention pertains to developments for manipulating and referencing a magnetic tape cassette in a magnetic tape device involving loading, read/write and tape drive operation, and unloading. To load and unload the tape cassette, a tape drive bridge on which the magnetic head is mounted is disposed in a standby position out of the way of the path of movement of the tape cassette into and out of the recorder housing. A gripper disposed for longitudinal movement on a gear rack in the recorder housing, is arranged to bite the cassette to automatically carry the cassette inwardly to its fully loaded position and then again move the cassette outwardly to its unloaded position. A lever arm arrangement is provided to appropriately open the dust cover door on the tape cassette, to expose the cassette tape for operational engagement by the magnetic head, as the tape cassette approaches its fully loaded position within the recorder housing. The gear rack serves to activate this lever arm for opening the dust cover.

Abstract: The invention pertains to developments for manipulating and referencing a magnetic tape cassette in a magnetic tape device involving loading, read/write and tape drive operation, and unloading. To load and unload the tape cassette, a tape drive bridge on which the magnetic head is mounted is disposed in a standby position out of the way of the path of movement of the tape cassette into and out of the recorder housing. A gripper disposed for longitudinal movement on a gear rack in the recorder housing, is arranged to bite the cassette to automatically carry the cassette inwardly to its fully loaded position and then again move the cassette outwardly to its unloaded position. A lever arm arrangement is provided to appropriately open the dust cover door on the tape cassette, to expose the cassette tape for operational engagement by the magnetic head, as the tape cassette approaches its fully loaded position within the recorder housing. The gear rack serves to activate this lever arm for opening the dust cover.

Abstract: A hinged door is provided for covering the slot opening in a magnetic recorder housing through which tape cassettes are loaded and unloaded. The door rotates inwardly of the recorder housing when opened. A specially configured fulcrum device is disposed within the recorder housing and connected to the door to normally bias the door closed. For loading a cassette into the recorder housing, the biasing force exerted by the fulcrum device on the door is overcome by the force of the operator pressing the inwardly facing, leading edge of the cassette against the door. Upon unloading of a cassette from the recorder housing, the bottom surfaces of the cassette engage a cam surface connected on the fulcrum device and the cassette is pressed down on the cam surface so as to again overcome the biasing force on the fulcrum, such that the door is swung open in advance of the cassette being ejected from the recorder housing.

Abstract: A head positioning assembly having a magnet housing and fixed suspension vertically positionable by a worm gear/screw shaft arrangement and further positionable for fine tuning by a magnet mounted within the magnet housing and an electrical coil surrounding the magnet and attached to a head mount structure holding the magnetic head. The head mount structure is fine-tuned, vertically positionable with respect to the magnet housing by magnetic force on the coil induced by select and varying electrical current through the coil.

Abstract: A belt system is disclosed for transferring a data carrier between a magazine and a data reader for use in a data carrier loader of the type wherein the data reader is moved, within the loader housing, over the stationary magazine in the housing to transfer a data carrier therebetween. The belt system includes two belt assemblies, which are carried on the data reader and which are disposed for engaging opposite lateral sides of a data carrier in the magazine. A mechanical linkage is provided for moving the assemblies toward and away from the lateral sides of the data carrier, the linkage being a reciprocating linkage which can be moved in either direction by means of an internally threaded element, which engages a pivotable element of the linkage, the internally threaded element being moved by a rotating threaded rod received therein.

Abstract: A loader data carriers, such as magnetic tape cartridges, of the type having a housing with a data reader therein which is movable over a magazine containing a number of data carriers, so as to be positionable above a selected data carrier for transfer between the magazine and the data reader, has a drawer which carries the magazine and which is slidable into and out of the loader housing. A drive motor is contained in the housing for moving the data reader over the drawer, and the reader carries transfer assemblies, such as roller-driven belts, to effect the transfer of the data carriers between the magazine and the reader. The drawer has engagement elements mounted thereon which can engage the transfer assemblies, so that the same motor which is used to move the data reader over the drawer can be used to slide the drawer into and out of the loader housing, when the transfer assemblies are engaged with the engagement elements.