Abstract: A recorder/reproducer having two capstans which engage a magnetic tape passing from a delivering coil holder to a receiving coil holder of a cartridge is disclosed. At the time of loading the tape, the capstans are shifted from a rest position along a path toward the scanner which has an upper, rotatable drum. In this working position, the capstans are in close proximity to the scanner which eliminates the great lengths of the tape which generate undesired longitudinal vibrations in the tape.

Abstract: A tachometer assembly comprises two toothed rings (68, 70) in approximate axial register. The rings have similar peripheries of which the teeth (69, 71) are closely spaced in the axial direction of the rings. Magnetic flux in a path extending axially of the teeth varies as the rings rotate and is sensed by a coil (74) disposed coaxially of the rings.

Abstract: A self-contained reel hub assembly for a tape transport. The hub assembly comprises a housing including a base and a side wall which upstands from and extends around the periphery of the base. Within the housing defined by the side wall is the rotor and the stator winding of a motor. The rotor drives a sun wheel which engages a plurality of planet wheels each of which protrudes laterally from the side wall of the housing. A rotatable hub is mounted on a central post extending upwardly from a frame member forming a top cover for the housing. The hub member includes a peripheral part which extends around the side wall of the housing and carries a ring of inwardly directed gear teeth engaged by the planets. The planets are linked by a carrier which permits limited movement of the planets relative to the carrier.

Abstract: A tape driving capstan comprises a hollow post (39) a capstan member (36) and a rotor (57,58) which extends radially of the capstan member within a housing (49). The rotor carries permanent magnets (59) and a stator winding (66) is disposed within the confines of the rotor.