Abstract: Tape flutter, caused by head-to-tape stick-slip action, is suppressed in tape transport apparatus of the turnaround type having a single, speed-regulated capstan for metering magnetic tape into and out of a magnetic transducer station. To that end, a low-inertia motor, coupled to a turnaround roller, includes a tachometer for monitoring the instantaneous speed of the roller, and thereby the speed of the capstan tape loop. A phase lock loop, coupled to the tachometer, produces a composite signal including a nominal component corresponding to a desired tape speed, and an error component corresponding to tape flutter in the capstan loop. A bandpass filter, coupling the output of the phase lock loop and the motor, causes the motor to adjust the speed of the turnaround roller in phase opposition to the error component, to thereby suppress flutter in the capstan tape loop.

Abstract: A magneto-optic transducer for providing an optical indication of variations in magnetization in a magnetic storage medium located along a predetermined path. The transducer has a thin film of magneto-optic material with an edge positionable closely adjacent the storage medium path so that the magneto-optic film is magnetized in accordance with the magnetization in the storage medium. The magneto-optic film is supported such that polarized light projected along an incident optical path, convergent with the storage medium path at an acute angle, intercepts the magneto-optic film substantially normally and is reflected back generally along the incident optical path.

Abstract: A Faraday-effect magneto-optic transducer of a rotary form includes first and second optical fibers having adjacent ends aligned with each other for joint rotation along a circular path. Opposing surfaces of a planar element of a magneto-optic material are attached respectively to the adjacent ends of the fibers for rotation therewith. The first fiber is arranged with respect to a light source for scanning an entering beam of polarized light along the circular path, a portion of which is immediately adjacent and substantially parallel to the information-bearing surface of a magnetic storage device, such as magnetic tape. The planar element modulates the entering light according to the magnetization of the region of the storage device adjacent the magneto-optic material.

Abstract: A magnetic tape recorder of the type wherein tape is transported at high speed during recording and at low speed during playback is described. The recorder has separate record and playback heads. To prevent the shallow-gapped playback head from being worn out by, and during, the high speed recording operation, the playback head is disposed to fly the tape at an appreciable distance from the playback head. During low speed playback of the tape, however, tape flight vis-a-vis the playback head is desirably miniscule.

Abstract: A moving web is precision guided by twisting the moving web about an axis extending in a direction of movement of the web to provide a yaw force acting continuously in a predetermined direction transversely of the web, and resisting that yaw force at a predetermined location.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing visible video information has equipment for providing electrical video information including picture signals and picture synchronizing signals affected by flutter, and equipment for processing synchronizing signals. This processing equipment effects a stabilization of synchronizing signals against at least part of the mentioned flutter. Equipment is connected to the video information providing equipment and to the synchronizing signal processing equipment for displaying video information contained in the picture signals. This displaying equipment effects synchronization of the video information with the processed synchronizing signals. Equipment is connected between a video information providing equipment and the synchronizing signal processing equipment for compensating the stabilizing function of the mentioned stabilization, whereby the displayed video information is synchronized with synchronizing signals affected by essentially the same flutter as the picture signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for recording video information include a portable unit containing a video camera. A cartridge is releasably mounted on the portable unit. The cartridge includes a casing containing a pair of cylindrical tape drums. Each tape drum has a cylindrical tape retaining surface and all portions of each tape drum are located within an imaginary cylindrical surface extending through the tape retaining surface of the particular tape drum. A magnetic recording tape is wound on the cylindrical tape retaining surfaces on the tape drums. A mechanical motor is contained within the cartridge casing and is coupled to the tape drums for continuously maintaining the magnetic tape in tensioned condition on and between the tape drums. A magnetic tape drive and recording assembly is supported by the unit in spaced relationship to the cartridge.