Abstract: A strip-like recording medium, in particular a magnetic tape, is provided with at least one self-threading leader which wraps smoothly onto the periphery of a cylindrical body, the recording medium and the leader being joined to one another, over their butt joint, by a piece of splicing tape. The leader and the piece of splicing tape have a predetermined length which approximately corresponds to the circumference of the cylindrical body. A reel comprises a hub and a roll of recording medium with a leader at the beginning and/or end of the medium, the leader being attached to the medium by a piece of splicing tape of said predetermined length.

Abstract: A positioning device for a magnetic head of a magnetic tape recorder, comprising a head carrier which can be moved transversely of the magnetic tape by means of a threaded spindle and a follower, the head carrier being provided with a signal transducer for controlling the drive motor for the threaded spindle.

Abstract: A tape guide, especially a tape guide of large surface area for high-speed tape transport apparatus, having at least on the tape guide surface a mixture of plastics material and lubricant exhibiting a specific surface roughness and a specific coefficient of friction, the said mixture consisting of 10 to 70 percent by weight of lubricant, e.g. natural graphite, molybdenum disulfide and/or tungsten disulfide, and 90 to 30 percent by weight of plastics material, e.g. polyoxymethylene, polyethylene and polypropylene. The plastic/lubricant mixture may also be in the form of a strip-like element fastened to a backing member. The tape guide can be used for any type of tape transport apparatus, especially in video recording equipment employing magnetic tape on which the signals are recorded in longitudinal tracks.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the treatment of the recording surface of magnetic recording media using consecutively arranged units for burnishing, cleaning and calendering the web of plastics film provided with a magnetic coating. The process and apparatus of the invention are particularly suitable for the manufacture of magnetic tapes for the recording and playback of video signals.

Abstract: A tape guide, especially a guide for thin magnetic tapes which are subjected to strong acceleration forces in the longitudinal direction, and a tape transport apparatus with a central capstan, comprising such a tape guide. The tape guide includes one or two rotatable, but fixedly arranged guide rollers having flanges arranged around part of the periphery thereof, which flanges each have an ingress and an egress chamfer for the tape. When one guide roller is used, the magnetic head is positioned between a tape reel and the guide roller and, when two guide rollers are used, it is positioned between the said two rollers, the magnetic head bearing against the unsupported span of tape in each case. The tape guide may be provided with means for producing cushions of air for stabilizing the roller as it rotates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tape transport mechanism, particularly an improved contact winding tape transport system modified to protect it against tape transport disturbances occasioned by mechanical impacts. A shock-resisting coupling means is provided which is allocated to the reel carriers and which allows slow movements of the carriers toward and away from a drive capstan during normal working of the mechanism but prevents sudden movements of the carriers induced by mechanical shocks for instance. Piston/cylinder assemblies and magnetic rope/drum arrangements are disclosed as such shock-resisting means. The transport mechanism can be used advantageously in portable apparatus, preferably in magnetic tape recorders and especially in video cameras.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously cleaning the surface of a web of plastics film provided with a magnetic coating, especially the surface of a magnetic tape, the surface to be cleaned being continuously kept in close contact with a tape of nonwoven fabric by virtue of the configuration of the path of travel of the web, wherein the poles of a magnet, which define an air gap, are located in the region of the contact area, behind the tape of nonwoven fabric, on the side facing away from the web.

Abstract: A transport apparatus for tape-like recording media in which a central capstan having a resilient peripheral portion simultaneously drives two tape reels. According to the invention, this peripheral portion has regions of different resilience produced, for example, by an elastically deformable annular insert which may be helical in shape. The tape transport apparatus of the invention can be advantageously used with all kinds of tape-like recording media, especially magnetic tapes for the recording/playback of high frequency signals, especially color video signals.

Abstract: A device for ejecting a loop of leader tape from a magnetic tape cassette, in which a portion of the leader tape is blown out of the cassette so as to form a loop, by means of a stream of air issuing from at least one nozzle which is connected to a source of pressurized air and projects into one of the apertures in the front wall of the cassette which is located in a holder.

Abstract: The cartridge arrangement of the present invention enables recording and/or playback apparatus to be used with cartridges of various sizes, the cartridges being provided with releasable locking means and, after the release of such means, being able to be opened to permit the tape roll(s) to be rotated on the recording and/or playback apparatus.The cartridge arrangement is applicable to every type of recording medium in tape or strip form in systems employing cartridges in which there is a need for using cartridges of various sizes, especially in the case of the recording and playback of magnetic signals.

Abstract: A winding shaft having a plurality of winding sleeves which are mounted next to one another on the winding shaft in such a way that they can rotate independently of one another, and which can be frictionally connected thereto, the frictional connections between the winding sleeves and the winding shaft being independently adjustable, and the parts exposed to friction being slow-wearing and the device being producible at low cost.

Abstract: Apparatus for the simultaneous loading of a plurality of otherwise finished magnetic tape cassettes, provided with leader tape, with magnetic tape, comprising a device for cutting a web of base film, provided with a magnetic coating, into a plurality of magnetic tapes; a downstream splicing station for joining the magnetic tapes to the leader tapes; a holder for the magnetic tape cassettes; and a device for winding the tapes into the cassettes.

Abstract: A mechanical method of manufacturing magnetic tape cassettes, wherein the magnetic tape is loaded into the cassette during assembly of the cassette parts, and a support controllable by a mechanical conveyor system and having an intermittently rotatable winding disc for the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A magnetic head positioning device for multi-track tape recorders consisting essentially of a pivotally mounted head carrier which pivots in a plane at right angles to the plane of the tape. In every position of the head carrier, the head is substantially at right angles to the surface of the tape to be scanned, and the distance between the head and the pivotal axis of the carrier is many times greater than the width of the magnetic tape. In one embodiment, the head carrier is in the form of a lever having an offset portion and is pivotally mounted opposite the capstan. In another embodiment a straight lever is provided which is pivotally mounted on the capstan side of the recorder. In a further embodiment of the invention, the end of the lever which carries the magnetic head can be pivoted in a slot in a tape guide in a plane substantially at right angles to the guide surface. The device is used preferentially for transports for very flexible tapes and extremely high track densities.

Abstract: A mechanical method of manufacturing magnetic tape cassettes, wherein the magnetic tape is loaded into the cassette during assembly of the cassette parts, and a support controllable by a mechanical conveyor system and having an intermittently rotatable winding disc for the magnetic tape.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tape transport mechanism for recording and playing back video signals comprising a contact winding mechanism with tape-guiding means at the capstan and a magnetic tape in which the substrate is a polyethylene terephthalate film. The coated side of the tape, during transport, is in contact with the guide surface of the guide means, and no part of the transport mechanism at which slip could occur during the tape transport is allowed to be in contact with the tape substrate. The tape is wound with its substrate on the inside and its coated side is preferably abrasive with respect to the guide surface, which latter may advantageously consist either of steel or a ceramic material. The bonding agent of the magnetic dispersion -- preferably a chromium dioxide dispersion -- may be prepared from a polyurethane/polyvinyl chloride mixture which imparts the desired hardness to the tape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a tape guide of large surface area for tape transport apparatus and to the tape guide manufactured thereby. In manufacturing the guide, a strip of material is elastically deformed, after which the deformation is maintained. One of the sides of the strip of material serves as guide surface for the magnetic tape. The strip can be located on the periphery of one or more bodies, if appropriate in a groove provided therein, and can be attached to the said bodies by suitable means, for example with the aid of integral hooks provided at the ends of the strip.The guide may be used for all types of tape transport apparatus. Since the guide of the invention offers extremely accurate tape guidance, it can be used particularly advantageously for magnetic tapes having a plurality of tracks and transported at a high speed, such as is usual, e.g., in video recording or in the recording of digital data.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge consisting essentially of two hollow boxes which are connected together, by means of a closing spring, with their single open sides facing each other so as to be pivotable in one plane, a closing force being exerted upon said hollow boxes by said spring. This magnetic tape cartridge is suitable for all applications where cartridge halves must be frequently pivoted relative to one another, while being economical to manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic tape cassette and a tape recorder for use with such a cassette. More specifically, the invention relates to the provision of movable holding means within the cassette, which means -- in a first position -- prevent unwinding of the packs of tape and thus hold the magnetic tape taut and -- in a second position -- release the packs and the magnetic tape for operation in conjunction with guide, scanning and driving means on the recorder. The said holding means are in the form of spring elements which engage teeth in the hubs to prevent the packs from unwinding. In a special embodiment, the holding means are in the form of flat members, one on each side of the packs between the side surfaces thereof and the upper and lower walls of the cassette, individual springs being provided which resiliently support said members relative to the wall of the cassette and permit movement of said members from a first, pack-locking position to a second, pack-releasing position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge for a recording medium in tape or strip form and a transport apparatus for use with such a cartridge, both being favorably matched to one another according to the invention. The cartridge consists essentially of a housing which is composed of parts pivotally connected to one another and, in the closed position, completely encloses a roll of tape wound on a hub. In the open position of the cartridge, at least part of the roll of tape is so exposed that the roll can be rotated and the tape or strip scanned on the apparatus. The transport apparatus is provided with appropriately designed means for receiving the cartridge which, when some of its components are pivoted, swings apart the parts of the cartridge, which is placed upon the apparatus in the closed position, and thus opens the cartridge.