Abstract: To guide magnetic tape, particularly tape used in video tape recording, and especially for digital video signals for self-centering of the tape with respect to a datum (41) of a roller system, two coaxially journalled frusto-conical rollers are provided, which are independently rotatable with respect to a shaft (4) having a shaft axis (40) and, further, tiltable about tilt axes (13, 14) which extend at right angles to the shaft axis (40) and intersect the intersection point of the then existing axes of rotation (7, 8) of the respective rollers with the shaft. Upon drift or creep of the tape (1) from symmetrical positioning with respect to the rollers, return forces will be applied to the tape tending to return the tape to centered, symmetrical position, independently of the running direction of the tape.

Abstract: To prevent external acceleration or deceleration forces from affecting the linear speed of a tape of a tape transport mechanism, counter-rotating masses are formed by the counter or pressure roller (13) engaging the tape and pressing the tape against the capstan (4'), the respective moments of inertia about the respective axes of rotation, and the respective radii being selected in accordance with the relationship ##EQU1## wherein j.sub.1 is the moment of inertia of the drive system about the axis of rotation of the drive capstan (4');r.sub.1 is the radius of the drive capstan (4');j.sub.2 is the moment of inertia of the counter or pressure roller (13) about its axis of rotation (14); andr.sub.2 is the radius of the counter or pressure roller (13).

Abstract: To provide for positive guidance of magnetic tape, particularly for video tape recording (VTR) apparatus, in which the tape can move in either direction of rotation, tape is guided tangentially over a capstan (14) and pressed thereagainst by a pressure roller (15) which is so positioned that a line connecting the axes of the capstan (14) and the pressure roller is perpendicular to the tangential engagement of the tape (2) with the capstan (14); the pressure roller (15) is supported in this position by a support or counter roller (18) located adjacent the pressure roller in at least part-surface contact therewith, preferably at the edge zones where magnetic tape does not contact the pressure roller, and in a line parallel to the tangential engagement of the tape, resilient spring force means (114, 114'; 118, 118') being provided to press the pressure roller against the capstan and against the counter or support roller, tangential engagement of the tape permitting operation of the transport arrangement in eithe

Abstract: The supply and take up reels for reel-to-reel operations are mounted on a base plate, one higher than the other, the base surface having a step. The equipment accepts the loading in of a cassette having its spools located one above the other in an axial direction, which is equipped with a front cover that opens out readily when the cassette is inserted and allows the tape to go into engagement with the transport mechanism. The insertion of a cassette operates a switch that disables the portion of the mechanism not used in operating with a cassette. A drive for at least one spool of the cassette is preferably provided.

Abstract: To decrease forces acting on the edge of magnetic tape, typically wide tape (25.4 mm-1"), and thus prevent damage to the edge, the surface of deflection guide rollers is formed to be resilient and permitting axial deflection, but returning to the nominal radial position when not deflected or deformed by axial forces applied thereto by the magnetic tape. The surface may be formed by bristles extending radially, ring-shaped foam strips, ball bearing-supported rings in which the bearings have slight axial play, or resiliently deflectable sheet metal rings, the axial restoring forces of ball bearing-supported rings being provided by centrifugal forces tending to align the bearing in a plane exactly transversely to the axis of rotation. The forces then acting between the magnetic tape and diametrically projecting guide flanges are reduced since slight axial deflection, in the order of about 0.001 mm, in permitted.

Abstract: A device for recording and reproducing signals with a tape-like carrier by the inclined track method includes a support structure having a cavity defined therein, two substantially co-axial guide cylinders disposed in the cavity and a head wheel supporting recording and reproducing heads and disposed between the cylinders. The device is improved by disposing in the cavity circular supports engaging the cylinders.

Abstract: A support for use in connection with a tape deck wherein the tape scanning, tape guidance, and tape transport devices are mounted on a plate separate from the plate on which the storage/delivery spools and associated driving motors are mounted. The interconnection of the plates is accomplished by means which restrain the transfer of torsional forces from the plate containing the spools to the plate containing the scanning, guidance, and transport devices.

Abstract: In a recording and reproduction device for a tape-like carrier having at least one scanning device and two spools for the carrier, first and second tape-tension adjusting levers, and first and second guidance devices disposed on the levers, respectively, for guiding and maintaining the carrier thereon, spring devices exerting a force against the levers, and where the levers may be displaced from a rest position to one of a plurality of operating positions against the force of the spring devices, the improvement includes a regulating mechanism for the spring device where the force of the latter has first, second and third regions, which may be controlled by the regulating mechanism.

Abstract: Matching reference surfaces which are provided on the head wheel and the shaft of a driving motor to allow easy interchangeability and alignment of the head wheel in a scanning device for a magnetic tape instrument.