Abstract: A magnetic tape recorder includes a rotary head scanner, a cartridge for containing a single reel of magnetic tape having a leader block at its end, a take-up reel and a leader block channel defining a tape path from the cartridge, past the rotary head scanner, to the take-up reel. A tape threading apparatus includes a first rotatably mounted arm segment, a first motor for rotating the first arm segment, a second arm segment rotatably mounted to the first arm segment, a second motor mounted on the first arm segment for rotating the second arm segment and a leader block carrier mounted on the end of the second arm segment for engaging the leader block to move it along the leader block channel.

Abstract: A helical scan magnetic tape recorder includes a rotary magnetic head scanner and a received magnetic tape cassette including spaced coplanar supply and take-up reels having magnetic tape spooled on the reels with a span of magnetic tape extending between the reels. Supply and take-up vacuum cavities are located contiguous to and on respective opposite sides of the scanner. Supply and take-up capstans are spaced from the rotary head scanner located in a tape transport path between the vacuum cavities and the tape cassette. Magnetic tape is initially removed from the cassette and moved to a tape vacuum loading position where it partially contacts the rotary head scanner, by a mechanical threading device. Thereafter, vacuum is applied to the vacuum cavities to draw the tape into contact with the vacuum cavities to substantially wrap the tape around the rotary head scanner. The supply and take-up capstans are rotated during vacuum threading to assist drawing the tape into the vacuum cavities.

Abstract: A web, contained in a cassette, is automatically threaded along an external transport path past a web utilization station, by means of a flexible threading band which pushes the web around the path. In a preferred embodiment, magnetic tape, contained in a cassette, is automatically threaded about a tape transport path past a magnetic head assembly by means of a flexible threading band contained in a threading band. The threading band is positioned behind a segment of the magnetic tape and is ejected from its own cassette, (1) to pull the magnetic tape out of the tape cassette, (2) to wrap the tape around a rotary head scanner of a magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus, and (3) to configure the tape to the tape transport path. After the tape is threaded, the flexible band is withdrawn into its cassette.

Abstract: A separable blade agitator having the impeller blades joined to the drive shaft in an interference fit effected by a hub on one of the separable impellers which embraces both the shaft and the other impeller.

Abstract: A stationary seal seat for a package rotary mechanical seal is formed by compression sealing a ceramic ring within a glass coated metal ring. The ceramic provides the seat for a rotating seal member and the metal ring provides the surfaces which receive the loading forces when mounting the stationary seal seat. The glass coating on the metal functions to fuse the ceramic and metal rings together and provides a gas tight seal at the interface between the two rings. In addition, the ceramic ring has a peripheral groove defining a fluid passage for circulation of a coolant around the ceramic.

Abstract: A quick opening manhole cover including a clamping flange (16) which captures the ears (48) of a locking ring (46) upon rotation of the locking ring with respect to a manhole cover (40). The manhole cover has an O.D. less than the I.D. of the manhole for axial movement into the manhole. A gasket (42) about the manhole cover is clamped between the locking ring (46), manhole cover (40) and against the manhole surface upon axial movement of the manhole cover towards the locking ring.

Abstract: A symmetrical, balanced, glass coated, four bladed impeller for use in closed vessels having blades arranged so that the impeller may fit through a relatively small manhole even though the effective diameter of the impeller is substantially larger than the manhole.