Abstract: The technology is directed to an energy storage and release system that stores energy and enables a repeatable and accurately timed release of energy. A shaft member supports a drive assembly, a locking assembly and a lever member there between. The lever member and locking assembly are attached to the shaft. The drive assembly rotates freely about the shaft and loads energy into a torsion spring in communication with the lever member. The torsion spring connects at one end to the drive assembly and at the other end to the lever member without contacting the shaft member. The locking assembly provides a triggered release mechanism for selective release of stored energy from the torsion spring that accordingly rotates the lever member. The system can automatically reload the torsion spring once a signal is received from any number of events including, when the rotating lever member contacts a stop member or limit sensor that signals the end of travel for the lever member in either rotational directions.

Abstract: The technology is directed to an energy storage and release system that stores energy and enables a repeatable and accurately timed release of energy. A shaft member supports a drive assembly, a locking assembly and a lever member there between. The lever member and locking assembly are attached to the shaft. The drive assembly rotates freely about the shaft and loads energy into a torsion spring in communication with the lever member. The torsion spring connects at one end to the drive assembly and at the other end to the lever member without contacting the shaft member. The locking assembly provides a triggered release mechanism for selective release of stored energy from the torsion spring that accordingly rotates the lever member. The system can automatically reload the torsion spring once a signal is received from any number of events including, when the rotating lever member contacts a stop member or limit sensor that signals the end of travel for the lever member in either rotational directions.

Abstract: A tape drive (10) adapted for use with a cartridge (22) that includes a storage tape (26) having a cartridge buckle component (56). The tape drive (10) includes a cartridge receiver (18), a take-up reel (16), a drive buckle component (54), and a drive leader (32). The drive buckle component (54) engages the cartridge buckle component (56). The drive leader (32) secures the drive buckle component (54) to the take-up reel (16). Importantly, the drive leader (32) includes a first layer (94), a second layer (96) and a third layer (98) that are secured together. Further, the second layer (96) includes a plurality of interwoven strands (102). The drive leader (32) has improved flexibility characteristics. As a result thereof, the drive leader (32) is better able to flex to conform to the tape path. This reduces the amount of wear between the drive leader (32) and the components along the tape path and reduces the amount of contamination created by the drive leader (32).

Abstract: A splicing block assembly and a splicing tape dispenser applicator for a cassette-loading machine.

Abstract: A new and improved splicing block assembly and a novel splicing tape dispenser applicator for a cassette-loading machine are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved form of shift block assembly for a cassette tape loading machine. The shift block assembly is of the type that comprises first, second and third shift blocks mounted for sliding and rotating motion on a common axis. Each of the shift blocks has a guideway for aligning tape to be spliced and also is provided with means for applying suction to hold a tape in position in the guideway. The three blocks are disposed in tandem along the common axis, and the first and second shift blocks are used to hold the two leaders, while the third shift block is used to hold the tape to be loaded. Means are provided for shifting each block axially along and additional means are provided for rotating each block relative to the other on the axis.