Abstract: Bidirectional tape drive systems have first and second tape drive capstans and first and second tape drives for rotating, respectively, the first and second tape drive capstans. The first capstan is angularly movable relative to the first capstan drive and a first elastic coupling restrains relative angular movement between the first capstan and the first capstan drive. Similarly, the second capstan is angularly movable relative to the second capstan drive and a second elastic coupling restrains relative angular movement between the second capstan and the second capstan drive. In this manner, tape tension is maintained above zero when the bidirectional tape drive changes directions, and excessive tension upon application of the tape assembly to the tape drive is avoided, while tape slack upon removal of the tape assembly from the tape drive is automatically taken up.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing torsional fluid dampening in the kHz region with an inertial mass located in a rotary fluid container, and with a viscous fluid friction boundary layer located between that mass and a circumferential wall of the container. A supply of viscous liquid having a volume equal to the combined volumes of the boundary layer and inertial mass is provided. Both the inertial mass and the boundary layer are formed with that supply of viscous liquid in the fluid container which may then be rotated.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a web from a first reel to a second reel and cartridges for housing a web and distinct first and second web reels have a pair of distinct turntable structures for individually receiving, supporting and rotating the two reels. The turntable structures preferably are rotatably mounted on a base which may be the base portion of a web cartridge. In the latter case, the web cartridge has a cover complementing the base portion for housing the first and second reels when placed on the turntable structures.

Abstract: An article of manufacture has a web wound on a cylindrical hub and a web leader wound between the hub and the web. The web leader is stiffer than the web and has a first end at the hub. A first leader portion has a uniform thickness greater than the thickness of the web and extends from the first end to a second leader portion. The second leader portion tapers from the uniform thickness at the first leader portion to a reduced thickness at a second end which is attached to the web. The tapering second leader portion overlays the first end of the web leader, whereby the web leader between the hub and the web constitutes a cylindrical support for the wound web.The disclosure extends to methods and articles for facilitating the winding of the web on a cylindrical hub, employing the above mentioned web leader.

Abstract: A tape reel adapted for use with a tape recorder/reproducer having control means operable to inhibit destruction of information on the tape by recording over previous information, includes a flange defining a tape cavity of the reel and a retaining wall extending axially of the flange. A lockout ring having portions defining an L-shaped cross section is configured to be removably retained by the retaining wall in a first position and a second position. A plunger assembly associated with the recorder/reproducer detects the position of the lockout ring to inhibit the record/erase electronics when the ring is in the first position. A detent assembly maintains the plunger in spaced relationship with the lockout ring in both the first and second positions to reduce the noise associated with the recording and the reproducing of the tape.

Abstract: An advancing tape is subjected to a first fluid pressure at one of its edge regions, and to a second fluid pressure at the other of its edge regions. The first fluid pressure is increased in response to movement of the mentioned one edge region away from a desired tape advance path. The tape is then returned to that desired tape advance path with the aid of the increased first fluid pressure. The second fluid pressure is increased in response to movement of the other edge region away from the desired tape advance path. The tape is thereupon returned onto the desired tape advance path with the latter increased second fluid pressure.

Abstract: An information recording tape transport comprises equipment for selectively winding and unwinding information recording tape, two distinct and spaced tape drive capstans, separate transducing equipment associated with each tape drive capstan, and at least three distinct tension equalizing means located, respectively, between the two capstans, to one side of one of the capstans and to one side of the other of the capstans.