Abstract: A duplicator system is provided which transfers information signals such as video signals recorded on a mother tape to a copy tape. This duplicator includes a counting system to manage the life of a mother tape. The counting system is operable to count the number of traveling cycles of the mother tape traveling through a preselected tape path and records data indicative thereof on a preselected section of the mother tape. Thus, an operator can easily read out the data indicative of the total number of traveling cycles from the mother tape to confirm the remainder of the working life thereof.

Abstract: An endless tape storage apparatus has a casing defining a chamber for storing the endless tape. The casing defines an inlet through which the tape is introduced and an outlet through which the tape is withdrawn. A movable section is associated with the inlet, storing the tape in folded form and transferring the tape toward the outlet. A stationary section is provided downstream of the movable section for decelerating the transfer speed of the tape and for adjusting accumulation of the transferred tape and feeding the tape toward the outlet in unfolded form.

Abstract: A scale arrangement is designed for monitoring relative displacement between first and second members. The scale arrangement comprises an elongated scale having end portions at both ends thereof, a pair of receptacles respectively receiving the end portions, a hollow member receiving the scale therein, the hollow member being formed into essentially quadrate cross section, a head slidingly mounted on the scale for axial movement therealong for reading scale to generate a read scale indicative signal, a head slider associated with the head for axial movement with the head, the end portions, the receptacles and the head sliders being positioned on respectively associated one of first and second members with respect to the end portions, position of the head slider being determined with respect to a reference plane set on the outer peripheral plane on the hollow member in relation to the end portion.

Abstract: A magnetic linear scale unit comprises a magnetic scale and mounting blocks which are designed to be rigidly fixed to one of relatively displaceable mechanical components, about which magnitude or stroke of the relative thrusting displacement is to be measured. The magnetic scale has end sections to be mounted on the mounting blocks. The end sections have round peripheral portion mating with the mounting block. At least one of the end section also includes a structural component which allows pivotal movement of the magnetic scale relative to the mounting block for fine adjustment of the axis of the magnetic scale relative to the axis of relative movement of the mechanical components. A scale channel is free from the mounting block and simply serves as the magnetic shield. Therefore, the scale channel of the invention is substantially free from the accuracy requirement and production error of the scale channel and will never affect measurement of the displacement magnitude.

Abstract: An endless elongated strip storage apparatus includes a casing which defines a strip storage space. The casing has at least one peripheral wall which is oscillatable. Oscillation of the oscillatable wall contains a component in a tape feeding direction. The storage means includes means for exerting a force on the elongated strip including a component direction to the tape feeding direction for transferring the elongated strip, such as tape. The oscillatable wall is cooperative with the force exerting means to smoothly feed the tape from the inlet of the casing to the outlet of the casing.

Abstract: A magnetic linear scale unit comprises a magnetic scale and mounting blocks which are designed to be rigidly fixed to one of relatively displaceable mechanical components, about which magnitude or stroke of the relative thrusting displacement is to be measured. The magnetic scale has end sections to be mounted on the mounting blocks. The end sections have round peripheral portion mating with the mounting block. At least one of the end section also includes a structural component which allows pivotal movement of the magnetic scale relative to the mounting block for fine adjustment of the axis of the magnetic scale relative to the axis of relative movement of the mechanical components. A scale channel is free from the mounting block and simply serves as the magnetic shield. Therefore, the scale channel of the invention is substantially free from the accuracy requirement and production error of the scale channel and will never affect measurement of the displacement magnitude.

Abstract: A magnetic reading head assembly for a magnetic scale comprises a magnetic scale member and a magnetic reading head. The magnetic reading head has a through opening through which the magnetic scale member extends. The assembly is also provided with an elastic or resilient member which exerts a biasing force on the magnetic reading head member holding the magnetic reading head in a predetermined position relative to the magnetic scale member.

Abstract: A linear scale features a removable scale channel and adjustable head assembly for easy, accurate, permanent positioning on a machine tool bed or other mobile device. The scale channel, and a matching positioning tool, has balls at opposite ends engaging a socketed mounting bracket. When in use, the flexible socket coupling is clamped into immobility by removable covers over open faces of the mounting brackets. During installation, the mounting brackets engage the positioning tool rather than the scale channel and with the flexible-socket couplings free to gimbal. The mounting brackets are fixed to the machine tool at a fixed axial spacing determined by the length of the positioning tool but at whatever angular attitude best suits the supporting surface of the machine tool. The positioning tool is then removed and replaced by the scale channel. The head assembly is fixed to a stationary stand opposite the scale channel.