Abstract: A cassette loader for loading a length of magnetic tape into cassette having a relatively short length of leader tape pre-loaded into the cassette and attached by opposite ends to respective first and second cassette hubs. The cassette loader includes a leader equalization position for holding a cassette; a leader equalizer for winding the leader tape substantially completely onto one or the other of the first and second cassette hubs while the cassette is in the leader equalization position and a cassette loading position spaced-apart from the leader equalization position for loading a length of magnetic tape into a cassette which has previously been processed in the leader equalization position. A cassette loading position is provided for loading a length of magnetic tape into the cassette at the cassette loading position simultaneously with the operation of the leader equalizer on the cassette in the leader equalization position.

Abstract: A cassette loader for loading a length of magnetic tape into a cassette having opposing major sides, and opposing top, bottom and first and second opposing side edges, respective first and second through capstan access holes. Positioners are used for referencing the position of the cassette at a processing station during processing. The positioners are carried by the cassette loader for engaging the bottom and the top of the cassette and for engaging the top of the cassette. One of the first or second positioners includes a place bar for urging the other positioner against the cassette under pressure and for ejecting the cassette when winding is complete.

Abstract: A splicing block assembly for splicing a length of leader tape connected to a hub of a cassette to a length of magnetic tape while the cassette is in a cassette load which includes a splice block mounted for reciprocating lateral movement between a first position in tape alignment with a first cassette position and a second position in tape alignment with a second cassette position. The splice block has a planar splicing surface segment having at least one tape receiving elongate track therein. A shift block is mounted on the splice block. The shift block has a planar splicing surface segment flush with the planar splicing surface of the splice block with first and second tape receiving tracks therein. The shift block is mounted on the splice block for reciprocating lateral movement between a first position where the first track is in tape alignment with the track of the splice block and a second position where the second track is in tape alignment with the track of the splice block.

Abstract: A cassette loader for loading a length of magnetic tape into a cassette having a relatively short length of leader tape preloaded into the cassette and attached by opposite ends to respective first and second cassette hubs. The cassette loader has a leader tape extraction position for holding a cassette, a leader tape extractor for extracting the leader tape from the cassette in preparation for splicing the leader tape to a length of magnetic tape and a cassette loading position spaced-apart from the leader tape extraction position for loading a length of magnetic tape into a cassette the leader tape of which has previously been spliced to the magnetic tape in the leader tape extraction position.

Abstract: A cassette loader for loading a length of magnetic tape into a cassette having a relatively short length of leader tape preloaded into the cassette and attached by opposite ends to respective first and second cassette hubs, the cassette loader including a transfer arm for transferring a length of leader tape extracted from the cassette at a leader tape extracting position to a splicing block for splicing to a length of magnetic tape. The transfer arm is mounted for movement on the cassette loader. A leader tape extractor is carried by the transfer arm for holding the leader tape. The transfer arm moves in an arc between the leader tape extracting position and a point past a side of the splicing block remote from the leader tape extracting position to a leader tape delivery position to deliver the leader tape to the splicing block for splicing. The transfer arm then returns to the leader tape extracting position.

Abstract: A closed loop, high-speed tape transporter (10) includes a vacuum supply (11A), a first vacuum column (40) operatively connected to the vacuum supply (11A) and positioned upstream from a pick-up head (100) and downstream from a tape bin (64) for receiving the loop of tape and exerting a vacuum-induced holdback tension thereon, a second vacuum column (50) operatively connected to the vacuum supply (11A) and positioned downstream of head (100) and upstream of the tape bin (64) for exerting a vacuum-induced pull forward tension on the tape in opposition to the holdback tension exerted on the tape by the first vacuum column (40). A motor-driven capstan (60) is positioned intermediate the pick-up head (100) and the second vacuum column (50). Capstan (100) is driven at a constant speed equal to the ideal reference tape duplication speed. Tape drive capstans (62A) and (70A) cooperate with the first and second vacuum columns (40) and (50) for moving the tape.

Abstract: A magnetic storage indicator (40) is disclosed for use on a recording tape processing apparatus, such as a cassette winder (10). Magnetic storage indicator (40) comprises a recording head (50) and a downstream playback head (51). Signals received at the playback head (51) are transmitted to a pre-amplifier (60), an equalization circuit (70) and a record amplifier (80) and then back to the recording head (50) where the amplified signal is recorded onto the moving tape. If the oxide layer is on the side of the tape in contact with the record head (50) and the playback head (51) a feedback loop is completed, causing the circuit to oscillate. This condition is transmitted to a light emitting diode (48) indicating that the tape is properly wound.

Abstract: A vacuum column (34) is used in a closed loop, high-speed tape transporter (10) to maintain constant tension on a moving loop of tape as it is delivered to a pick-up head (20) of the transporter (10). A motor driven capstan (35) intermediate a tape storage bin (23) and the vacuum column (34) pulls the loop of tape from bin (23) and delivers it to the vacuum column (34). A servo-control (39), (40), (41) senses changes in the position of the tape within the vacuum column (34) caused by tension changes of the tape within the bin (23) and sends a signal responsive to the change of position of the tape in the vacuum column (34) to the capstan motor (31), thereby changing its speed sufficient to maintain the position of the tape within capstan (34) at a relatively constant level. Sensing can be by means of a vacuum slot (34), an ultrasonic proximity indicator (42) or a series of photo-optical sensors (44), (45).

Abstract: A magnetic storage indicator (40) is disclosed for use on a recording tape processing apparatus, such as a cassette winder (10). Magnetic storage indicator (40) comprises a recording head (50) and a downstream playback head (51). Signals received at the playback head (51) are transmitted to a pre-amplifier (60), an equalization circuit (70) and a record amplifier (80) and then back to the recording head (50) where the amplified signal is recorded onto the moving tape. If the oxide layer is on the side of the tape in contact with the record head (50) and the playback head (51) a feedback loop is completed, causing the circuit to oscillate. This condition is transmitted to a light emitting diode (48) indicating that the tape is properly wound.

Abstract: An integrally formed ratchet (90) and star wheel (95) is disclosed which rotates in unison with a tape applicator wheel (85). Eccentrically formed fingers (96a-d) cooperate with a downwardly facing wall to align and position applicator wheel (85) into correct position after each reciprocation of the splicer (30). Correct alignment is essential because a cutter blade 127 cuts the tape on the applicator wheel into pre-determined lengths by passing through a notch (104) in applicator wheel (85). Misalignment of the applicator wheel (85) may cause blade (127) to impact the applicator wheel (85) itself, damaging or destroying it.

Abstract: An integrally formed ratchet (90) and star wheel (95) is disclosed which rotates in unison with a tape applicator wheel (85). Eccentrically formed fingers (96a-d) cooperate with a downwardly facing wall to align and position applicator wheel (85) into correct position after each reciprocation of the splicer (30). Correct alignment is essential because a cutter blade 127 cuts the tape on the applicator wheel into pre-determined lengths by passing through a notch (104) in applicator wheel (85). Misalignment of the applicator wheel (85) may cause blade (127) to impact the applicator wheel (85) itself, damaging or destroying it.