Abstract: An improved plunger assembly is provided for use in a splicing tape dispenser-applicator of the type which comprises a plunger and a guide channel in which the plunger reciprocates. The improved plunger assembly comprises a plurality of low-friction bearing devices carried by the plunger and arranged so as to slidably engage at least one member which defines the guide channel. The low-friction bearing devices reduce friction wearing of the plunger and the at least one channel-defining member.

Abstract: An improved splicer for use with an automatic cassette loading machine. The splicer is characterized by a feed means which includes a reciprocating splicing tape feed block, and a feed block housing which slidably supports the feed block.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement of the splicing tape dispenser-applicator shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,753,835 which is designed for applying adhesive-coated splicing tape and is particularly useful in a machine for splicing magnetic tapes and winding magnetic tapes into cassettes. The basic mechanism comprises a carriage that supports a supply spool of splicing tape, feeding means for pulling splicing tape off of the supply spool and advancing it along a predetermined path, means for reciprocating the carriage vertically toward and away from a splicing station, means for indexing the feeding means so as to advance a selected amount of splicing tape when the carriage is moving away from the splicing station, and tape cutting and applying means comprising a cutter for severing a piece from the leading end of the splicing tape and a plunger for pressing the severed piece of splicing tape against tapes to be spliced located at the splicing station.