Abstract: A tape transport which is sized to fit within an 8 inch form factor or footprint, to accommodate prevailing mini/micro computer applications, and including operative components which are capable of automatically receiving IBM Corporation's 3480-type tape cartridge and the web of tape which it contains for appropriate introduction to the transport for presentation to a high performance magnetic recording head. This permits a use of the 3480 tape cartridge in a transport apparatus which is capable of fitting within an 8 inch form factor or footprint, and which is therfore acceptable for use in connection with many mini/micro computer applications, yet which is capable of providing high performance (parallel track, high transfer rate) storage and retrieval due to its compatability (and interchangeability) with the format used by the IBM Corporation in connection with its 3480 tape cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading a tape cartridge, particularly an IBM 3480 tape cartridge, has a loading rack for receiving the tape cartridge along one of its side edges, so that what is normally considered to be the rear edge of the tape cartridge is laterally received within the loading/unloading mechanism, and equipment for properly interacting with the tape cartridge in this modified orientation for engagement of the leader block of the tape cartridge so that the tape cartridge is then ready for loading into the transport apparatus and for detection of the condition of the tape cartridge within the apparatus.

Abstract: A low-cost printer is provided for use with data processing equipment. A light-shielding retainer provides a substantially continuous sheet supply of printing medium including a conductive-resistant coating formed in strips which is light sensitive and heat developed. The medium is moved past a processing station. A first portion of the station includes an array of light emitting elements and a second portion includes an element for heating the medium sufficient for developing the medium thus visibly exposing and fixing the characters on the medium.

Abstract: There is disclosed a closely arranged file of flexible rotating disk memory elements in which a disk may be randomly accessed with minimum error and relatively rapid access time. This disk system utilizes different diameter disks which are arranged in an ascending order in a sub-stack, are rotated at a relatively slow speed. A plurality of the sub-stacks, wherein there is a correspondence between the same diameter disk of each stack, are utilized to provide for a large memory capacity. Microprocessing techniques are utilized for sub-stack and disk selection.

Abstract: A duplexing apparatus for printing data or information on both sides of a sheet of paper to be used with laser printers or paper copiers is disclosed. Sheets of paper are fed from a paper feeding station for presentation to an image transfer station. The image transfer station transfers toned images, present on a photosensitive member, to the sheet of paper. After the transfer, the paper is moved along a discharge path to a duplex device which is disposed in close proximity to the paper feeding station. The duplex device engages the sheet of paper leaving the transfer station and either discharges the paper if printing is done thereon to a discharge station or returns the sheet of paper to the paper feeding station for a second presentation to the transfer station for duplex printing. Coded pagination information is sensed and sent to a microcontroller which checks the data to confirm that the pages of data on each of the sheets are being printed in the proper order.

Abstract: A duplex copying machine having a simple and automatic method and apparatus for handling paper at a duplex feeding station in a duplex copier is disclosed. A container for holding a stack of paper is removably connected to the duplex copier at a paper feeding station. The stack of paper is aligned and partially confined within the container by vertically extending surfaces which align the edges of the paper sheets within the stack. Top portions connected to the vertical surfaces extend horizontally over a portion of the top sheet of the stack. The stack of paper rests on an intermediate support plate within a container which is biased against the top portions. Extension members connected to opposite sides of the intermediate support plate are disposed to move within slots in opposite sides of the container. A pair of solenoids are connected to contact members and fixed to the duplex copier. When the container is mounted on the duplex copier the contact members come in close proximity to the extension members.

Abstract: A graphic forms overlay apparatus to be used with non-impact printers requiring the use of a movable light sensitive medium such as laser printers is disclosed. Laser printers use a sweeping laser beam and a movable light sensitive medium to image data from a data processing source for printing. A graphic forms pattern is overlayed on the data imaged on the light sensitive medium for simultaneous printing of the data and pattern. To accomplish this a negative of the pattern is mounted on a hollow rotatable forms drum, and inside the drum a fluorescent tube is fixedly mounted for illuminating the negative. A linear portion of the light image of the negative formed thereby is reflected by an optical system of lenses and mirrors onto adjacent linear portions of the light sensitive medium being swept by the laser beam for imaging of data.