Abstract: A single-reel tape cartridge cooperable with an operatively compatible tape drive including a tape catch member (H) includes a cartridge housing (1) having a tape window (4) defined therein and accommodating therein a single reel (2) with a roll of a length of magnetic recording tape (3) thereon. A leader pin (14) is secured to a free end of the magnetic tape (3) and engageable with the tape catch member (H) when the length of magnetic tape is to be drawn out of the cartridge housing and into the tape drive. A releasable locking mechanism for locking the leader pin (14) in a predetermined posture at a retracted position at which the leader pin is housed within the cartridge housing (1) and positioned adjacent the tape window (4) includes a pair of first locking members (19) and a second locking member (20) cooperable with each other to lock the leader pin (14) at a retracted position.

Abstract: A leader block assembly insertable into a data storage tape cartridge. The leader block assembly includes a leader block and a tape clamp. The leader block defines opposing sides, at least one opposing side forms an engagement surface defining a region of constant slope adapted to selectively engage a cartridge detent. The tape clamp is secured to the leader block.

Abstract: In a tape drive device of the present invention, a window portion, through which a leader pin attached to a distal end of a magnetic tape can pass, is provided in a reel hub for winding the magnetic tape. The leader pin is fed into the reel hub through the window portion and is accommodated and held at an accommodation recess portion of a clamp member. The clamp member holds the leader pin and is rotated a half-turn inside the reel hub. Then, a closing portion is advanced into the window portion. A distal end surface of this closing portion is formed in a circular arc shape in accordance with an outer peripheral surface of the reel hub. Together with the outer peripheral surface of the reel hub, the distal end surface structures a winding surface around which the magnetic tape is wound.

Abstract: A sensing assembly for use in determining if magnetic tape within a single reel tape cartridge properly disconnects from a takeup reel within a tape drive during unloading of the tape cartridge, so that the tape cartridge can be removed from the tape drive without damaging the tape media and rendering the tape drive inoperable. The sensing assembly may be electrical or electomechanical and comprises at least one sensing apparatus for providing feedback on the position of the takeup leader. The position of the takeup leader is used to determine if the tape cartridge leader disconnects from the takeup leader. The sensing assembly may be utilized within a tape drive or with a test fixture for testing a plurality of disconnect operations.

Abstract: The magnetic tape unit comprises a take-up reel for winding a magnetic tape thereon, a threader pin from which a leader block connected to a front end of the magnetic tape housed in a cartridge is suspended, a threader arm to which the threader pin is attached in order to lead the leader block from the tape exit of the cartridge up to the inside of the take-up reel by leading the threader pin from the tape exit of the cartridge up to the rotation center of the take-up reel, and an elastic body for restricting the play of the position of the threader arm by an elastic force so that the threader pin present at the rotation center of the take-up reel does not shift from the rotation center.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge used with a drive device that includes a pull-out member connectable at an end of a recording tape accommodated in the recording tape cartridge to pull out the recording tape. The recording tape cartridge comprises the recording tape, a case for accommodating a single reel wound with the recording tape and a leader member fixed at the end of the recording tape and having claw members that connect to the pull-out member when the recording tape is being pulled out. The claw member engages with a circulating groove formed at the pull-out member by the pull-out member being pressed against the leader member, and the claw member disengages from the circulating groove by a subsequent pressing, thereby allowing the end of the recording tape to be joined to and released from the pull-out member.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge having a recording tape; a leader member attached at the top of the recording tape; a single reel on which the recording tape is wound; a housing holding the reel rotatably and having an opening from which the tape is wound out and a holding portion adjacent to the opening; and an urging member urging and securing the leading member at the holding portion when the recording tape is taken back in the housing; the urging member having a pressing portion formed continuously in the axial direction of the leading member and contacting both ends of the leading member when the leading member is held at the holding portion. Equal force is applied to the both ends of the leading member. Therefore, the leading member does not slant and a chucking member of the tape drive securely chucks the leader member.

Abstract: A sensing assembly for use in determining if magnetic tape within a single reel tape cartridge properly disconnects from a takeup reel within a tape drive during unloading of the tape cartridge, so that the tape cartridge can be removed from the tape drive without damaging the tape media and rendering the tape drive inoperable. The sensing assembly may be electrical or electomechanical and comprises at least one sensing apparatus for providing feedback on the position of the takeup leader. The position of the takeup leader is used to determine if the tape cartridge leader disconnects from the takeup leader. The sensing assembly may be utilized within a tape drive or with a test fixture for testing a plurality of disconnect operations.

Abstract: A sensing assembly for use in determining if magnetic tape within a single reel tape cartridge property disconnects from a takeup reel within a tape drive during unloading of the tape cartridge, so that the tape cartridge can be removed from the tape drive without damaging the tape media and rendering the tape drive inoperable. The sensing assembly may be electrical or electomechanical and comprises at least one sensing apparatus for providing feedback on the position of the takeup leader. The position of the takeup leader is used to determine if the tape cartridge leader disconnects from the takeup leader.

Abstract: A take-up mechanism for a read/write recording apparatus includes a hub with an outer surface about which a tape medium is to be wound. A recess is formed in the outer surface, and a receiver block is reciprocally movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When retracted, an end surface of the receiver block registers with the outer surface of the hub to form a smooth winding surface for the tape. The receiver block has a bay sized to engage the leader block on the tape such that the leader block is enclosed within the hub when the receiver block is retracted. A rotatable drive rotates the hub to wind the tape thereon. This mechanism may be incorporated into a read/write apparatus including a read/write recording head, bearing members to support the tape during transport and a threading assembly to thread the tape through the device.

Abstract: A leader block in a read/write recording apparatus includes a body member and a latch member that move relative to each other to receive, engage and retain the leader pin on a tape medium. The leader block may include finger-like engagement structures. The catch piece can be biased toward a closed position and can include a ramp to facilitate initial engagement of the leader pin. The catch piece can include an actuator tab. A threading assembly is disclosed to incorporate the leader block and includes an actuator that selective operates the catch piece via the actuator tab to permit disengagement of the leader pin therefrom. A cam assembly may control the actuator. This assembly is disclosed in conjunction with a threading assembly that includes a flexible conveyor member received in a guide track. A method utilizing this structure is described.

Abstract: There is provided a leader tape which is capable of preventing breakage of a tape body when the tape body is pulled out, and a tape cartridge incorporating the leader tape. A leader tape includes a tape body having one end fixed to a tape, for enabling the tape to be pulled out of a cartridge body, and a pin attached to the tape body, for pulling out the tape therewith. The tape body has a portion on a side of another end opposite to the one end, the portion being folded such that the folded portion surrounds the periphery of the pin and that the folded portion has a leading end portion thereof welded to a tape surface of the tape body opposed to the folded portion. The welding is effected non-densely in at least one of a pin-side boundary portion of a welded area where the leading end portion and the tape surface opposed thereto are welded to each other and a one end-side boundary portion of the welded area.

Abstract: A control mechanism for loading/unloading data storage tape is provided. The control mechanism is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions of the leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions of the leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive prevents a flange spacer from being stripped off. The drive holds a leader pin provided on a head end of a magnetic tape stored in a medium. The drive includes an arm arranged to be rotatable about an axis and positioned so that the arm can draw out said magnetic tape from the medium by engaging the leader pin and rotating, a base to which the arm is rotatably attached, and the flange spacer arranged between the arm and the base. The flange surrounds the axis about which the arm is rotatable.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge has a cartridge casing, a single reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is contained in the cartridge casing for rotation and a leader pin fixed to the leading end portion of the magnetic tape. The leader pin is provided at its opposite ends with engagement portions which are brought into engagement with a tape drawing mechanism of a recording and reproducing system when the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in the recording and reproducing system. The end face of each engagement portion is provided with a recess at which the tape drawing mechanism chucks the leader pin.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge has a cartridge casing, a single reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is contained in the cartridge casing for rotation and a leader pin fixed to the leading end portion of the magnetic tape. The leader pin is provided at its opposite ends with engagement portions which are brought into engagement with a tape drawing mechanism of a recording and reproducing system when the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in the recording and reproducing system. The end face of each engagement portion is provided with a recess at which the tape drawing mechanism chucks the leader pin.

Abstract: An arrangement for sensing the position of a leader pin on a tape which is located within a cartridge shell. The arrangement senses the position of a pin in a tape cartridge through the intermediary of either electromagnetic sensors or electrostatic detection circuitry. Additionally, provided is a method for sensing the position of a pin on a tape inside a cartridge shell by employing either electrostatic detection structure or electromagnetic sensors.

Abstract: An arrangement for loading a tape from a removable tape cartridge into a take-up reel has a hub filler that is frictionlessly guided from a removable tape cartridge to a take-up reel utilizing a roller element attached to the bottom of the hub filler. The roller element prevents the wearing down of the guide pin and allows for accurate and reliable picking up and dropping off of tape at the tape cartridge.

Abstract: A pinch quill has a shank and a core and sheath apparatus. The core is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The core has a recess sector and an adjoining recess sector. The chock sector has a greater radial dimension than the recess sector. The sheath is mounted coaxially over the core. The sheath is rotatable with the core about the axis. The sheath has an outer face, an inner face, and a longitudinal slot extending between the faces. The slot narrows to a throat at the inner face. The inner face includes a grip surface spaced apart from the throat. The grip surface is longitudinally aligned with the sectors. The sheath is pivotable about the axis between first and second angular orientations relative to the core. The slot is radially aligned with the chock sector at the first angular orientation. The grip surface is radially aligned with the chock sector at an intermediate angular orientation relative to the core. The intermediate angular orientation is between the first and second angular orientations.

Abstract: A method of loading a tape from a single reel tape cartridge into a take-up reel. Position sensors detect position of a guide arm as a tape loading mechanism loads and unloads tapes from a single reel tape cartridge. The position sensors are accurate and eliminate problems that occur from small misalignments of hub filler access with the access of the take-up reel. Further, the position sensors enable the hub filler to consistently attach to a leader pin at the end of the tape of the single reel tape cartridge without frequent malfunctions.

Abstract: The invention proposes a tape drive apparatus, tape extraction apparatus and tape cartridge that enable a reliable chucking and chucking release, and a stable carrying of a tape being extracted from a cartridge.

Abstract: A material web to be printed is drawn into a rotary printing press by securing a reinforcement element to a leading end of the material web. The reinforcement element can be enwrapped in the material web or held to the web by suitable catches. An openable and closable loop is formed in the reinforcement element and is used to connect the element to the web draw-in device of the printing press.

Abstract: In a recording and/or reproducing device (1) for a cassette (2) having a coupling element (6) connected to its magnetic tape (5) a pull-out element (24) has been provided, which is constructed to be coupled to the coupling element (6) and to pull the coupling element (6) out of the cassette (2) in a pull-out direction (10), and which is retained with the aid of a retaining member (35), which is movable between a standby position and an operating position, namely in a nominal position with respect to the retaining member (35) when it is not coupled to the coupling element (6), and after it has been coupled to the coupling element (6) is movable to a take-up reel (19) with the aid of a pull-out tape (60) and, when the retaining member (35) is situated in the area of its operating position, is retained so as to be movable with respect to the retaining member (35) against the pull-out direction (10) and which, when the retaining member (35) is moved from its operating position into its standby position, is movabl

Abstract: In a tape drive device of the present invention, a large number of through-holes (an sucking portion) are formed in an outer peripheral portion of a reel hub onto which a recording tape, at a free end of which a leader tape is connected, is to be wound. The leader tape is held and guided by guiding means. When the leader tape reaches the sucking portion, a suction device operates and air is sucked through the through-holes. Consequently, the leader tape is suckingly retained at the outer peripheral surface of the reel hub. With the present invention, there is no need to form depressions or projections for accommodating and anchoring the leader tape at the reel hub. Therefore, the reel hub can have a smooth structure without any steps.

Abstract: A method of confirming that chucking between a supply leader tape (20) and a take-up leader tape (10A) is properly carried out comprises a step of confirming whether or not the chucking is properly carried out and a step of reconfirming whether or not the chucking is properly carried out. The reconfirming step is carried out at least once.

Abstract: A tape drive (10) and cartridge (22) combination is provided herein. The tape drive (10) and cartridge (22) include an improved buckle (30) that securely couples a drive leader (32) of the tape drive (10) to a cartridge leader (28) of the cartridge (22) and inhibits half-ear situations. As provided herein, the buckle (30) includes a first buckle component (54) and a second buckle component (56) that securely couple the leaders (28) (32). More specifically, the first buckle component (54) includes a receiver (60) and the second buckle component (56) includes a tab (58) that engages the receiver (60) to securely couple the leaders (28) (32). The tab (58) has a nose (62) and a neck (64). The nose (62) includes a pair of opposed proximal edges (69) that cantilever away from the neck (64) and engage the receiver (60) to couple buckle components (54) (56). Importantly, the opposed proximal edges (69) of the nose (62) are curved.

Abstract: A loading mechanism is for use in a tape drive having a supply reel motor for driving a supply reel in a tape cartridge and a chassis supporting the supply reel motor fixed thereto. For engaging a rotor of the supply reel motor with the supply reel, the loading mechanism is provided a drive gear which is arranged coaxially with the rotor and movable in an axial direction. When the drive gear is moved towards one direction in the axial direction, the drive gear is engaged with a drive hub fixed to the rotor and with the supply reel in a rotating direction. The drive gear is urged by a spring towards the one direction in the axial direction. For controlling the movement of the drive gear in the axial direction, a control mechanism has a ring cum, a cylindrical member, and a drive ring. The ring cam is arranged coaxially with the rotor to be rotatable and has a plurality of cam grooves, N in number, formed on its peripheral surface.

Abstract: A helical scan transport apparatus for reading and writing data on to a magnetic recording tape which is wound on a supply reel rotatably mounted within a removable tape cartridge includes a chassis having a front end portion and rear end portion. An elevator assembly is mounted on the chassis at the front end. The elevator assembly is configured to receive the tape cartridge and to position the tape cartridge in a loaded position. A take-up reel assembly is coupled to the chassis at the rear end position. A helical deck is mounted on a central portion of the chassis between the elevator assembly and the take-up reel assembly. The helical deck includes a rotary read/write head, a substantially linear tape loading path between the elevator assembly and the take-up reel assembly, and a movable guide for the seizing the tape from the tape loading path and for at least partially wrapping the tape around the rotary head.

Abstract: A leader for use with a tape reel including a first end, a second end spaced from the first end, and an elongated section extending between the first end and the second end. The second end has a connection feature configured to be selectively coupled with a second leader. The elongated section defines a smoothing indenture that does not extend through the thickness of the leader. The smoothing indenture is positioned to receive the connection feature as the leader tape is wound about a tape reel and is configured to limit embossment of a storage tape otherwise associated with the leader in the wound state.

Abstract: A control mechanism that loads/unloads data storage tape is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions of the leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions of the leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.

Abstract: A leader block of a single-reel tape cartridge and a take-up reel disposed inside a drive apparatus are provided with retaining members so that the leader block is positioned and rattling thereof is prevented.

Abstract: Deck mechanism assembly comprises deck base, head guide assembly which is disposed on the deck base and which reads and writes data from/to a magnetic tape, cartridge reel motor which drives a reel on which the magnetic tape is wound, clutch which transmits a drive force of the cartridge reel motor to the reel enclosed in the cartridge, loader which conveys the loaded cartridge and mounts the cartridge in the state of the magnetic tape being able to be pulled out, loader motor which drives the loader, threader which pulls out a leader block placed at an edge portion of the magnetic tape and conveys the leader block, and head brush mechanism which functions corresponding to the leader block which is conveyed. Since the loader motor is disposed in the rear of the loader on the deck base, the width of apparatus can be decreased.

Abstract: The present tape cartridge leader includes a flex relief aperture, located in the body of the tape cartridge leader between the guide wings. This flex relief aperture enables the tape cartridge leader to bend in a tight radius as the tape cartridge leader is pulled around the tape guide rollers in the tape drive, thereby ensuring that the tape cartridge leader is properly seated on the tape guide rollers as it traverses the tape path in the tape drive. The flex relief aperture also reduces the possibility of cracks forming in the tape cartridge leader where the guide wings meet the body of the tape cartridge leader, which is a problem in existing tape cartridge leaders. The guide wings are also shaped with a lead in radius to reduce to possibility of damage to the guide wings. In addition, the trailing edge of the guide wings includes a lead in chamfer to aid in the guide wings engaging the guide track in the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes a cartridge casing formed by upper and lower casing halves and a single reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is contained in the cartridge casing for rotation. A slide door for opening and closing a tape outlet opening is mounted on the cartridge casing to be linearly slidable along a door passage between a closing position where it closes the tape outlet opening and an opening position where it opens the tape outlet opening. A door spring for urging the slide door toward the closing position and holding the same in the closing position is disposed on the door passage.

Abstract: A method of confirming that chucking between a supply leader tape (20) and a take-up leader tape (10A) is properly carried out comprises a step of confirming whether or not the chucking is properly carried out and a step of reconfirming whether or not the chucking is properly carried out. The reconfirming step is carried out at least once.

Abstract: A control mechanism for loading/unloading data storage tape is provided. The control mechanism is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions of the leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions of the leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.

Abstract: A threading mechanism for a magnetic tape machine is contrived so as to obtain sufficient driving power when the threading arm is latched with a leader block at a position where the leader block is stopped in a cartridge or a machine reel, and is also contrived so as to avoid impact force based on a driving motor even when the threading arm stops suddenly at the stop position. The positions where the leader block is stopped in the cartridge and the machine reel are inside a track of the threading arm which swings around its pivoting point and the leader block is threaded therebetween. A driving arm for swinging the threading arm is motor-driven around a pivoting point of the driving arm itself. The driving arm causes the threading arm to work together between the positions where the leader block is stopped, and cancels the working with the threading arm in the direction of the trace over the disengaging positions, so as to be swung.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge used with a drive device that includes a pull-out member connectable at an end of a recording tape accommodated in the recording tape cartridge to pull out the recording tape. The recording tape cartridge comprises the recording tape, a case for accommodating a single reel wound with the recording tape and a leader member fixed at the end of the recording tape and having claw members that connect to the pull-out member when the recording tape is being pulled out. The claw member engages with a circulating groove formed at the pull-out member by the pull-out member being pressed against the leader member, and the claw member disengages from the circulating groove by a subsequent pressing, thereby allowing the end of the recording tape to be joined to and released from the pull-out member.

Abstract: A magnetic tape apparatus according to the present invention has a reel and a motor. A tape is wound on the reel. The motor rotates the reel. A drive arm is disposed on the reel. A follower arm is disposed on the drive arm. The follower arm has a rotatable leader block. The leader block also has a notch for hooking a pin of the tape. As a load motor is rotated, a loader is moved. The loader places a tape cartridge that is inserted from the outside at a predetermined position of a base. At that point, a motive power of the load motor is transferred to a capture gear. A capture that rotates the leader block is connected to the capture gear.

Abstract: The magnetic tape unit comprises a take-up reel for winding a magnetic tape thereon, a threader pin from which a leader block connected to a front end of the magnetic tape housed in a cartridge is suspended, a threader arm to which the threader pin is attached in order to lead the leader block from the tape exit of the cartridge up to the inside of the take-up reel by leading the threader pin from the tape exit of the cartridge up to the rotation center of the take-up reel, and an elastic body for restricting the play of the position of the threader arm by an elastic force so that the threader pin present at the rotation center of the take-up reel does not shift from the rotation center.

Abstract: The present tape cartridge leader is provided with a flex relief aperture, located in the body of the tape cartridge leader between the guide wings. This flex relief aperture enables the tape cartridge leader to bend in a tight radius as the tape cartridge leader is pulled around the tape guide rollers in the tape drive, thereby ensuring that the tape cartridge leader is properly seated on the tape guide rollers as it traverses the tape path in the tape drive. The flex relief aperture also reduces the possibility of cracks forming in the tape cartridge leader where the guide wings meet the body of the tape cartridge leader, which is a problem in existing tape cartridge leaders. The guide wings are also shaped with a lead in radius to reduce to possibility of damage to the guide wings. In addition, the trailing edge of the guide wings includes a lead in chamfer to aid in the guide wings engaging the guide track in the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A single-reel tape cartridge cooperable with an operatively compatible tape drive including a tape catch member (50) includes a cartridge housing (1) having a tape window (4) defined therein and accommodating therein a single reel (2) with a roll of a length of magnetic recording tape (3) thereon. A leader member (13) includes a metallic leader pin (14) extending in a direction orthogonal to a lengthwise direction of the magnetic tape and first and second hooking arms (15). The leader pin has opposite ends thereof insert-molded into the first and second hooking arms (15) to thereby connect the leader pin with the first and second hooking arms (15) so as to represent a generally U-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A leader pin assembly for attachment to tape as a generic and space-efficient interface between tape and equipment which manipulates the tape, and a method for making the same. The leader pin assembly preferably includes a leader pin, an elastomer element, and a clip. The leader pin is barbell-shaped, having enlarged ends and at least one pair of flanges each spaced a distance from a respective enlarged end to define a pair of recesses and a center section of the leader pin. The center section of the leader pin is sized to permit tape to be wound around the center section, with the elastomer element surrounding the tape and with the clip snugly surrounding the elastomer element to keep the tape securely in place around the center section of the leader pin. The end surfaces of the leader pin may have an outward curve to ensure smooth movement across equipment surfaces during leader pin assembly manipulation. Also the edges of the leader pin may be radiused.

Abstract: A tape cartridge includes a single tape reel around which a length of magnetic tape is wound and which is turnably held within a housing. The beginning of the tape is drawn out through an opening formed in the housing by a tape drawing-out member of a recorder. The drawing-out member has an engaging member at the outer end. The housing has a cell in which a hook member to catch an engaging end of a leader tape, when the leader tape holding the beginning of the magnetic tape is used, is detachably fitted and a cell in which a leader member to hold the beginning of the magnetic tape, when the leader member is used, is contained. The housing is made using a mold which forms a cell having a leader member holding the beginning of the magnetic tape or which forms the cell without the leader member.

Abstract: There is provided a leader tape which is capable of preventing breakage of a tape body when the tape body is pulled out, and a tape cartridge incorporating the leader tape. A leader tape includes a tape body having one end fixed to a tape, for enabling the tape to be pulled out of a cartridge body, and a pin attached to the tape body, for pulling out the tape therewith. The tape body has a portion on a side of another end opposite to the one end, the portion being folded such that the folded portion surrounds the periphery of the pin and that the folded portion has a leading end portion thereof welded to a tape surface of the tape body opposed to the folded portion. The welding is effected non-densely in at least one of a pin-side boundary portion of a welded area where the leading end portion and the tape surface opposed thereto are welded to each other and a one end-side boundary portion of the welded area.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly (14). The tape reel assembly (14) includes three discrete components. The components include a top flange (40), bottom flange (50) and hub (60). Teeth (65) are operatively connected to the hub (65). The flanges (40, 50) are preferably made from metal.

Abstract: In a threading mechanism for taking out a leader pin secured to one end of a magnetic recording tape from a single reel cartridge, moving the leader pin to a predetermined guide path and threading the magnetic recording tape around a reel in a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, when a cartridge loader holding the cartridge is moved to the cartridge loading position of a deck base by a loader guide mounted on the deck base, a threader drive for holding the leader pin and guiding the leader pin to the reel through the guide path rotates the leader block in cooperation of a retractor cam provided to the cartridge loader and a retractor provided to the deck base, engages a hook provided to the leader block with the leader pin from the rear side thereof along the loading direction of the cartridge loader to clamp the leader pin to the leader block, and guides the leader pin to the guide path.

Abstract: In a tape threading mechanism having a threading arm for moving a leader block from a tape cartridge to a take-up reel, the take-up reel is provided with a guide groove having an intrusion port in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the take-up reel so as to guide a leader block toward the take-up center of the take-up reel. One of side walls of the guide groove, against which the tip of the leader block abuts when the leader block intrudes into the guide groove, is formed in such a manner that the leader block can smoothly move into the take-up-center of the take-up reel.

Abstract: In a recording and/or reproducing device (1) for a cassette (2) having a coupling element (6) connected to the magnetic tape (5) a pull-out element (24) has been provided, which is constructed to be coupled to the coupling element (6) and to pull the coupling element (6) out of the cassette (2) in a pull-out direction (10), and which has a rotationally drivable take-up reel (19) having a reel hub (20), and which has a pull-out element (24) constructed to be coupled to the coupling element (6) and to pull the coupling element (6) out of the cassette (2), which pull-out element is retained with the aid of a retaining member (35), which is movable between a standby position and an operating position, namely in a nominal position with respect to the retaining member (35) when it is not coupled to the coupling element (6), and after it has been coupled to the coupling element (6) is movable to a take-up reel (19) with the aid of a pull-out tape (60) and, when the retaining member (35) is situated in the area of it

Abstract: A tape cartridge including a single tape reel around which a length of magnetic tape is wound and which is turnably held within a housing, the beginning of the tape being fixed to a leader so that it can be drawn out through an opening formed in the housing by a tape drawing-out member of a recorder which has a pin-like or hooked end capable of engaging the tape end, said leader comprising a center part (pin-like member) on which the beginning of the tape is wound and a pair of engaging members joined to the upper and lower ends of the member so as to engage the tape drawing-out member of the recorder, said engaging members having a plurality of recesses each for engaging the drawing-out member. Thus the engaging members can consist of members identical in structure. In another embodiment the center member has position-confining portions formed close to its both ends to confine the positions of the engaging members.