Abstract: A tape handling apparatus for storing an endless loop of tape in a bin and moving the tape from the bin exit past a reproduce head assembly to the bin entrance for use in duplication of the tape. A tape handling apparatus with a tape injection assembly at the bin entrance for injecting tape into the bin and a tape removal assembly at the bin exit for removing tape from the bin, with the tape being driven through the tape injection assembly to reduce the tape forward speed as it enters the bin, and with the tape being pulled from the bin by the reproduce head assembly through the tape removal assembly for establishing tension in the tape.

Abstract: A control system for operating two magnetic tape loop bins in series with a continuous tape having an end of tape marker, including guides and drive rollers or capstans for guiding a tape from the first bin to the second bin and from the second bin past a magnetic head station to the first bin. End of tape sensors are positioned between the first and second bins and between the second and first bins to provide signals when tape markers pass the respective sensors. Each bin is provided with a tape drive motor and a motor control, with one motor being driven to provide about a constant tape tension and with the other motor being driven at a controlled speed which varies as a function of an error signal determined from the tape marker sensors.

Abstract: A bias system for high speed tape recorders, typically comprising a master reproducer and several slave recorders with each slave recorder having four recording amplifiers for driving the four heads of a four-track recorder. The master reproducer includes a high frequency oscillator with an amplitude control, a stable dc source with an amplitude control, and a summing network for combining the ac and dc signals to produce a master control signal for each of the slave recorders. Each slave recorder includes a separator for receiving the master control signal and producing a dc signal and a high frequency ac signal. The dc signal is connected to each recorder amplifier for controlling the amplitude of the ac bias to the head. The ac signal is used to synchronize the high frequency bias ac from the bias generator, which is combined with the audio information signal at each recorder amplifier and then connected to the record head.

Abstract: A mechanism for centering and locking a tape reel or a tape hub on a drive shaft in a tape drive. A mechanism which can be actuated manually to lock a reel or hub in place and to unlock the reel or hub and also which will automatically lock the reel or hub in place by centrifugal force. A housing with radial passages for balls, with the housing and a subplate mounted on a drive shaft, and a plunger in the housing spring loaded to a non-locking position and manually movable to a locking position, with a latching mechanism for holding the plunger in the locking position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the speed of a tape drive having an ingoing capstan and an outgoing capstan with a magnetic head therebetween. First and second phase lock loop servo-circuits for driving first and second dc motors which drive the ingoing and outgoing capstans, respectively. A stable reference oscillator providing the reference frequency to one of the phase lock loop servo-circuits and to another phase lock loop circuit which provides the reference frequency to the other phase lock loop servo-circuit. The feedback frequency in the third phase lock loop circuit is adjustable to control the difference in the two reference frequencies to the two servo-circuits for the purpose of controlling the difference in speeds of the ingoing and outgoing capstans.