Abstract: A mechanism for use with a video recorder/reproducer of the type which receives a standard video cassette for withdrawing the video tape from the cassette to prepare the tape for threading around a video scanner, for sensing tape position to provide inputs to the reel drive servo motors of independent, closed loop servo systems, and for adjusting the level of tension in the video tape during operation of the recorder/reproducer. The mechanism withdraws the tape in two diverging directions, equally from both reels. The tension level is controlled accurately and is selectively changed for different operating modes.

Abstract: A turntable assembly for helically threading tape from a video cassette around a video scanner, for simultaneously threading the tape past a plurality of longitudinal magnetic heads, and for engaging the tape to a capstan drive assembly. The turntable comprises an annular ring that surrounds the scanner and longitudinal heads and provides a platform for rigidly supporting a plurality of guide posts and a pinch roller, the guide posts threading the tape around the scanner and the pinch roller engaging the tape to the capstan drive assembly. The rotational axis of the scanner is tilted relative to the cassette so that the plane of the cassette is coplanar with the entry angle of the scanner and the rotational axis of the turntable ring is tilted relative to the rotational axis of the scanner so that the plane of the ring is coplanar with the exit angle of the scanner. The turntable rotates through an angle which is greater than 360.degree.

Abstract: A loading mechanism for delivering a standard video cassette onto a pair of reel drive hubs of a video recorder/reproducer including an open shelf having a bottom, opposed side walls, and opposed top sections, the shelf being horizontally translatable under control of the cassette itself between a forward, cassette receiving position and a rearward position; means for sensing that both rear corners of the cassette have reached the rearward position and that the operator has released the cassette; means for lowering the shelf and the video cassette therein onto the reel drive hubs, the hubs extending through a pair of holes in the shelf bottom; a plurality of posts extending through holes in the shelf bottom, adjacent the four corners thereof, for contacting the bottom of the cassette in the lowered position of the shelf; means including the top shelf sections for clamping the side edges of the cassette onto the posts; and means operative when the shelf reaches the lowered position for momentarily applying a f

Abstract: A dual reel drive system for a video recorder/reproducer comprising first and second identical reel drive assemblies, each of the assemblies including a drive shaft; a motor connected to the drive shaft; a first clamping ring connected to one end of the drive shaft; a push rod mounted coaxially with the drive shaft; a second clamping ring connected to one end of the push rod, adjacent the first clamping ring; an expandable gripping ring mounted between the first and second clamping rings, the gripping ring and the second clamping ring being adapted to extend into a reel for engaging same, movement of the first and second clamping rings towards each other longitudinally compressing and laterally expanding the gripping ring into engagement with a reel mounted thereon; a spring connected between the other ends of the drive shaft and the push rod for applying a force therebetween to maintain the gripping ring in the expanded condition; and an actuating shaft and a cam member for selectably separating the clamping