Abstract: An automatic tape threading device transfers a tape leader and its associated tape from a supply reel, past a transducer head, to a take-up reel. It is comprised of a threader arm having a perpendicular threader pin which follows an arcuate path defined by an overhead cam. The overhead cam guides the threader pin from a first predetermined position, which relates to a leader block associated with the supply reel, to a second predetermined position, which relates to a receiver mechanism within the take-up reel.

Abstract: A tape leader block can be restored to and removed from its housing in a tape cassette by a device which comprises a threader arm having a leader block carrier which supports a threader pin. The leader block carrier also is provided with a gear system which engages with a compatible gear system of a rotatable yoke. The yoke terminates in a cam follower which is forced into certain distinct operating positions by powered movements of a camming device. Attainment of these operating positions serves to restore or remove the leader block to and from the tape cassette's leader block housing.

Abstract: A device for positioning a threader pin of a magnetic tape threading mechanism in a tape take-up reel comprises a plate having an axial receiver slot for receiving the threader pin and a biasing means such as a raised leaf spring which protrudes into the receiver slot from a mounting position within a contiguous slot.

Abstract: A tape cartridge drive having a movable read/write head has a fail-safe locking mechanism for preventing removal of the cartridge when the head is in contact with the tape. The tape cartridge has a door on the cartridge housing for opening to expose a portion of the tape prior to moving the head into contact with the tape. The cartridge door has a tripping arm which is rotated for opening the cartridge door. The door of the tape drive has a cam that contacts an interposer latch inside the tape drive housing for rotating the tripping arm to open the cartridge door when the door of the tape drive is closed. A pawl latch locks the door of the tape drive and a head moving mechanism moves the head to its operative position. During the first portion of the head movement, a locking pin is placed behind the interposer latch. This locks the latch in position to prevent the possible ejection of the cartridge while the head is in contact with the tape.

Abstract: A tape drive has a movable read/write head. A tape cartridge is inserted endwise into a receptacle in the tape drive housing. The read/write head is moved to a retracted position away from the envelope of the cartridge so the read/write head avoids interference with the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle. The cartridge includes a magnetic tape and a door on the cartridge housing for opening to expose a portion of the tape once the tape is locked in the tape drive receptacle. The read/write head is then moved to an operative position in contact with the tape. The head-moving mechanism includes a support on which the head is carried, an elongated swing arm on which the head support slides vertically toward and away from the elevation of the tape, a rotatable cam, and a cam follower on the head support in contact with the rotatable cam for causing the head support to slide along the swing arm when the cam is rotated.

Abstract: A door opening mechanism in a tape drive opens a door on a tape cartridge to expose a portion of the tape for contact with a movable read/write head. The cartridge is inserted endwise into a receptacle in the tape drive housing. The head is moved to a retracted position away from the cartridge so the head avoids interference with the cartridge being inserted into the receptacle. The door opening mechanism includes a rotating lever having outwardly projecting door sensing and cartridge door opening fingers. The two fingers project from the lever at different elevations and angles. A pivot mounts the lever to rotate about an axis essentially normal to the plane of travel of the cartridge into the receptacle. The lever is retained in an inoperative position with the cartridge sensing finger positioned for contact with a portion of the cartridge housing as the cartridge is inserted toward an operating position in the tape drive.

Abstract: A rotatable cleaning element having a resilient, porous material disposed on the outer surface thereof is mounted in a foil bearing so that the surface of the porous material protrudes above the bearing surface. The interior of the bearing is maintained at a negative pressure, and a jet of pressurized air disposed within the rotatable element. When magnetic tape is transported over the bearing surface, the tape makes contact with and slightly compresses the porous material. As the cleaning element rotates successive areas of the porous material is brought into contact with the tape. Compression of the material causes the pores thereof to expand slightly, and engage foreign material on the tape surface. The pores contract as the material breaks contact with the tape to encapture the foreign material. The foreign matter thus accumulated is subsequently blown free of the porous material by a jet of air directed from within the rotatable body.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus for removing foreign material from the front or oxide-covered surface of a magnetic recording tape. A sharp edged blade is mounted near a pad of open-cell reticulated foam material, and in close proximity to the front surface of a magnetic tape. A source of negative pressure is coupled to the region of the blade and cell and when actuated serves to draw the tape against the blade and foam material. Foreign material removed from the surface of the tape is embedded in the foam pad, and collected upon the blade. Air flow effected by the negative pressure area serves to transport some of the contaminants away from the region about the blade and foam pad.