Abstract: A magnetic recording cartridge includes a magnetic recording medium of which an average thickness tT is tT?5.6 ?m, a dimensional change amount ?w in a width direction with respect to a tension change in a longitudinal direction is 660 ppm/N??w, and a squareness ratio in a vertical direction is 65% or more, in which the magnetic recording medium is accommodated in a state of being wound around a reel and (a servo track width on an inner side of winding of the magnetic recording medium)?(a servo track width on an outer side of winding of the magnetic recording medium)>0 is satisfied.

Abstract: A magnetic recording cartridge is provided and including a magnetic recording medium, wherein an average thickness of the magnetic recording medium tT is 3.5 ?m?tT?5.6 ?m, a dimensional change amount ?w in a width direction of the magnetic recording medium with respect to a tension change in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic recording medium is 700 ppm/N??w?20000 ppm, and the magnetic recording medium is accommodated in a state of being wound around the reel in the cartridge case and (a servo track width on an inner side of winding of the magnetic recording medium)?(a servo track width on an outer side of winding of the magnetic recording medium)>0 is satisfied.

Abstract: A reel has a spool member on which the linear material is spooled, an electric motor that rotates the spool member, and a controller that controls the operation of the motor. The controller monitors an unwound length of the linear material based on sensed rotation of the spool member by one or more sensors. The controller causes the motor to wind the linear material at a drag speed when the linear material is on a ground, at a crawl speed lower than the drag speed when the length of linear material on the ground is shorter than a first threshold amount and through a second predetermined amount once the linear material lifts off the ground to inhibit swing of the linear material as it comes off the ground, and at a docking speed greater than the crawl speed when the unwound linear material is shorter than the second threshold amount.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a thermal transfer printer comprises a ribbon feeding roller configured to feed an ink ribbon including an ink layer on a base film; a ribbon winding roller configured to wind the ink ribbon fed from the ribbon feeding roller; a print head configured to heat the ink ribbon from a surface provided with no ink layer to selectively transfer the ink layer to paper; and a control section configured to control to apply an appropriate tension to the ink ribbon between the ribbon feeding roller and the ribbon winding roller according to the type of the ink ribbon.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer incorporating a tape drive comprising a first torque-controlled motor and a second position-controlled motor, two tape spool supports on which spools of tape may be mounted, each spool being drivable by a respective one of said motors, and a controller for controlling the energization of the motors such that the tape may be transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool supports. The controller is arranged to determine a control signal to be provided to the torque-controlled motor to set the tape tension, and to provide said control signal to the torque-controlled motor, determination of the control signal including determination of a component intended to compensate for the inertia of a spool of tape driven by the torque-controlled motor.

Abstract: A ribbon tension control system for a printing system includes a ribbon tension control apparatus. The ribbon tension control apparatus is configured to engage a print ribbon that extends through the printing system for applying one or more inks in the print ribbon to one or more target objects as the print ribbon is pulled from an unwind spindle to a windup spindle in the printing system. The ribbon tension control apparatus also is configured to control tension in the ribbon in response to change in a torque applied to the windup spindle that is used to pull the ribbon through the printing system.

Abstract: A control device for controlling the transport of a tape within a tape transport system, the tape transport system having a head being operable to read data from and/or write data to the tape, an outboard reel and an inboard reel, wherein the tape is moveable from the outboard reel to the inboard reel in forward direction or from the inboard reel to the outboard reel in reverse direction, wherein the control device is adapted to generate control signals to control the velocity of the outboard reel and the velocity of the inboard reel as a function of a primary velocity of the tape at the head and a secondary velocity of the tape at the inboard reel and/or a secondary velocity of the tape at the outboard reel.

Abstract: A power system comprises a tension harnessing arrangement to harness tension in a tether connected between a tensioning arrangement and storage means. The tension harnessing arrangement of the system comprises at least one first capstan roller arranged in a predetermined configuration. The tether tensioningly abuts at least a portion of the periphery of the first capstan rollers such that there is substantial contact between the tether and the first capstan rollers, thereby engaging the first capstan rollers to generate rotational energy. Alternatively, second capstan rollers engage with the first capstan rollers. At least one converter functionally co-operates with the first capstan rollers, either directly or via the second capstan rollers, for converting the rotational energy to energy in a transmissible form, storage form dissipative form, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer incorporating a tape drive comprising a first torque-controlled motor and a second position-controlled motor, two tape spool supports on which spools of tape may be mounted, each spool being drivable by a respective one of said motors, and a controller for controlling the energization of the motors such that the tape may be transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool supports. The controller is arranged to determine a control signal to be provided to the torque-controlled motor to set the tape tension, and to provide said control signal to the torque-controlled motor, determination of the control signal including determination of a component intended to compensate for the inertia of a spool of tape driven by the torque-controlled motor.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes selecting an initial radius value (Rfull) for an outgoing reel, where Rfull is the initial radius of a tape on the outgoing reel; unwinding the tape from the outgoing reel; computing a radius value of the tape on the outgoing reel during the unwinding; adjusting the computed radius with an offset calculated from a direct measurement of velocity from the tape position; and outputting the adjusted computed radius. A method according to another embodiment includes selecting an initial radius value (R0) for an incoming reel, where R0 is the initial radius of the incoming reel; winding the tape onto the incoming reel; computing a radius value of the tape on the incoming reel during the winding; adjusting the computed radius with an offset calculated from a direct measurement of velocity from the tape position; and outputting the adjusted computed radius.

Abstract: A method of detecting a reduction in tension in a tape, wherein the tape is transferable between a first spool (15) and a second spool (17) by a tape drive (11), the tape drive (11) having a motor control system (25) which includes two DC motors (16, 18) and a controller (24) for controlling the operation of the motors (16, 18), the tape drive (11) also having two spool supports (12, 14), each of which is suitable for supporting a spool (15, 17) of tape, and each of which is driven by a respective one of the motors (16, 18), the method including storing a value relating to the current required to be supplied to each motor (16, 18) to maintain tension in the tape, and comparing a value relating to the current being supplied to each of the motors (16, 18) during tape transfer with the respective stored values.

Abstract: A recording medium after printing which is discharged from a main body of a printer is guided from the main body to a support surface of a discharge support portion extending to a lower anterior side, and is wound as a roll body by a winding unit in a path that passes a tension roller. A tape-shaped elastic member is fixed on an end portion of a downstream side in a transport direction of the discharge support portion so as to extend in a width direction. An elastic friction surface is formed on the end portion of the downstream side in the transport direction of the support surface. A friction coefficient between the elastic friction surface and the recording medium is higher than the friction coefficient between a portion at an upstream side in the transport direction from the elastic friction surface in the support surface and the recording medium.

Abstract: A winding-up method for winding up a magnetic tape, includes: winding up the magnetic tape around a takeup reel by laying turns one on top of another while causing the magnetic tape to run; and performing a tension control of maintaining tension exerted on a wound-up magnetic tape for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A tape drive comprising two motors, two tape spool supports on which spools of tape may be mounted, each spool being drivable by a respective one of the motors, and a controller. The controller controls the energization of the motors such that the tape may be transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool supports. The controller is configured to store a plurality of motor control data items, each data item being associated with a respective tension value. The controller is operative to monitor tension in a tape being transported between spools mounted on the spool supports; read a motor control data item based upon the monitored tension; generate a motor control signal based upon the read motor control data item; and apply the motor control signal to at least one of the motors.

Abstract: A double-sided adhesive tape dispenser available for diverse width includes a main body and a winding mechanism installed inside the main body. The winding mechanism has a driving gear and a recycling gear fitted with a recycling wheel. The driving gear and the recycling gear are respectively mounted with a first adjusting member and a second adjusting member that have a certain height. A tape disk is fitted on the first adjusting member. With or without the first adjusting member and the second adjusting member, adhesive tapes with diverse widths can be applied by the adhesive tape dispenser of the invention without using an additional conventional adhesive tape dispenser.

Abstract: As the result of a tape stick condition of magnetic tape with respect to a tape head, the supply reel and the take-up reel apply a base tension to the magnetic tape therebetween of substantially less than a full tension that occurs when the tape is running, and one reel varies the applied tension greater than and less than the base tension by an amount less than the base tension. The variation of the applied tension comprises first applying the greater tension and in succession, second, applying the less tension, comprising a whip effect. The whip effect may be in accordance with a sine wave. The varied tension is less than the base tension to maintain positive tension.

Abstract: In a roll rotation mechanism (1) for continuously causing a film-rolling roll to rotate at a constant rate, an Oldham coupling (4) is interposed in a transmission path between a wave gear reduction mechanism (3) and a roll (10). The Oldham coupling (4) forms a connection between a gear rotation output shaft (34) and a roll rotation shaft (11) in a state in which latitude of movement ? is present about a central axis line (4a). When a roll (10) is continuously rotated at a constant rate, the Oldham coupling (4) is held in a state in which no latitude of movement is present in a rotation direction R and latitude of movement ? is present in a direction opposite the rotation direction; and rotation torque is transmitted.

Abstract: A double-sided tape dispenser is provided, in which a rolling tape mechanism is axially formed at the inner wall of body. The rolling tape mechanism comprises a driving gear and a drawback gear joggling with the driving gear. A drawback roll wheel pivots onto the drawback gear. A double-sided tape pivots onto the driving gear to wind the tail of tape onto the roll wheel. Double-sided adhesive is formed over the outer circumference of double-sided tape. An adjustment part pivots onto the drawback roll wheel, so when the gear is driven to joggle with the drawback gear to run, a frictional resistance is caused between the drawback roll wheel and the drawback gear to keep the tightness of drawback of the drawback release paper, preventing the release paper from being blocked on the drawback roll wheel and then the double-sided tape from not drawing back completely.

Abstract: A system and method for overcoming adhesion between media and a surface of a storage device in contact with the media. A storage device comprises a media velocity detector and a media drive motor controller. The media velocity detector detects storage media velocity as torque is applied to a storage media. The media drive motor controller causes a media drive motor to apply acceleration torque to the storage media. If the media velocity detector detects no increase in media velocity as acceleration torque is applied to the storage media, then the media drive motor controller causes the media drive motor to apply a torque pulse to the storage media.

Abstract: As the result of a tape stick condition of magnetic tape with respect to a tape head, the supply reel and the take-up reel apply a base tension to the magnetic tape therebetween of substantially less than a full tension that occurs when the tape is running, and one reel varies the applied tension greater than and less than the base tension by an amount less than the base tension. The variation of the applied tension comprises first applying the greater tension and in succession, second, applying the less tension, comprising a whip effect. The whip effect may be in accordance with a sine wave. The varied tension is less than the base tension to maintain positive tension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing occurrences of stick conditions in tape, the method including stopping rotation of a supply reel and take-up reel of a drive that includes a length of tape, a portion of the tape extending between the reels and contacting a head between the reels, wherein the stopping creates a stop condition in the drive, determining if the tape is stuck to the head, dropping tension in the tape between the reels, freeing the tape for movement in a z-direction via the dropping tension, moving the head in y-directions, moving the tape in an x-direction via a rotation of the supply reel a fraction of a rotation, and causing the tape to break contact with the head via the dropping, moving of the tape in the z-direction, moving of the tape in the x-direction, and/or moving of the head in the y-directions.

Abstract: A vacuum system has a cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. The cabinet includes a hose connectable to a vacuum source. The hose is extendible from the cabinet between extended and retracted positions. A rotatable shaft drives the hose and a power source causes the rotatable shaft to rotate. A sensor measures the speed of rotation of the shaft and signals a controller to stop the power source when the speed falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing method and a recording/reproducing apparatus for magnetic tapes are provided as a recording/reproducing technique suitable for recording density enhancement of magnetic tapes. The method and apparatus are capable of correctly recording and reproducing data without causing errors even with occurrence of size changes in the widthwise direction of a magnetic tape. In the recording/reproducing method for magnetic tapes in which data tracks and servo tracks are provided, a tape width is detected and a value of the tape width is stored during data recording, and data reproduction is performed while tape tension is controlled so that the tape width during data reproduction is maintained equal to the tape width during data recording.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relates to an apparatus including a real engagement portion, a first brake, and a second brake. The first brake is configured to be selectively coupled to the first reel engagement portion. The second brake is configured to be selectively configured to the first reel engagement portion.

Abstract: A tape medium running device which can more correctly detect erroneous detection of a winding diameter, prevent an approach from being made to the end of the magnetic recording tape at high running speed and causing a damage on the tape, and can shorten fast forwarding/rewinding time. In this device, a winding diameter change detecting unit detects a change in winding diameter, and a ratio of a detected change in diameter and a maximum value of changes in winding diameter having been detected previously is compared with a predetermined winding diameter change comparison reference to detect abnormality. Thus, it is possible to prevent any approach from being made to the end of the magnetic recording tape at a high running speed based on an erroneous detection to causing a damage on the tape, and to shorten time for fast forwarding and rewinding.

Abstract: The invention is a non-contact optical tape tension sensor for a tape drive. A light source directs an incident beam to the tape in a region of the tape path near where the tape bends. The amount of divergence of the reflected light is related to the curvature of the tape, and thus to the tape tension. The reflected light is passed through an aperture to a photodetector that detects the amount of the divergent beam passing through the aperture. The photodetector output is input to the tape drive controller that controls the currents to the supply and take-up motors to thereby maintain the tape tension within the desired range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reel clutch of a tape recorder. A plate spring is positioned between a reel gear and a reel disc of a reel disc assembly which is mounted on a deck of a tape recorder, and a stopper reel is provided on the reel disc to restrain the engaging height of the plate spring so that a torque is generated by the frictional contact between the reel disc and the plate spring, whereby assembly productivity can be enhanced and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention is a magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus for winding a magnetic tape around a rotary head cylinder, having a rotary head, for a predetermined arc, for recording/reproducing the magnetic tape. The magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus includes: a capstan shaft for driving the magnetic tape; and a pinch roller for pressing the magnetic tape against the capstan shaft. When the magnetic tape is being reproduced, the capstan shaft is rotated in a forward direction with the pinch roller pressing the magnetic tape against the capstan shaft. When a pause operation of pausing the reproduction of the magnetic tape is performed, a tension acting upon the magnetic tape is reduced.

Abstract: A magnetic tape is packed prior to removal from a tape drive. The tape is packed by completely unwinding the tape and then completely rewinding the tape without reading or writing to the tape. Completely unwinding the tape and then completely rewinding the tape reduces air entrainment and thereby reduces the susceptibility of the tape to damage after removal from the tape drive.

Abstract: Commutators on a direct current motor run at low speed for an extended period of time get covered with a coating that makes the interface between the commutator and the brushes unreliable especially with the low speed, low current operation. This is especially true for drive motors in a data processing tape drive unit where speed control is critical. The brush to commutator interface can be cleaned by applying a very high electrical current to the motor and varying the polarity of the current with a variable duty cycle to obtain the maximum cleaning currents in a relatively short time without dismantling the motors.

Abstract: An apparatus performs recording and/or reproduction of signals by a head of a drum with which a tape-like recording medium is brought into contact while being moved under a fixed tension from a reel engaging a supply reel base to a reel engaging a take-up reel base. An arm retains a tension post which presses against the recording medium, forming a predetermined path to detect a tension thereof. One end of the arm is pivotally supported, and the arm is urged by a spring so as to allow the tension post to elastically press against the recording medium. At least one end of a band brake for loading a braking torque on the supply reel base is locked to the arm.

Abstract: A system for providing stable tape-travel in a recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes a tape travel-direction switching mechanism and a tape tension regulating mechanism. The tape travel-direction switching mechanism forces a pendulum gear to engage one of a supply or take-up reel table when the traveling direction of tape is switched between forward and reverse directions while a capstan motor is turned off and a pinch roller presses the tape against the capstan so as to prevent the occurrence of slack in the tape. The tape tension regulating mechanism takes up the slack in the tape before a capstan axle causes the tape to travel in the reverse direction, so as to prevent the tape from being loosened when the traveling direction of the tape is switched from the forward direction to the reverse direction.

Abstract: A roller drive mechanism for an automotive HVAC film valve belt includes a single motor type drive that automatically compensates for continually differing belt wind up and wind off rates, while maintaining at least a minimal belt tension, and without the necessity for precise adjustment. A central motor drive shaft is split between a fixed end and a yieldable, slidable end. The two ends can turn at the same rate from the single motor, but the ability of the second end to slide back and forth allows one roller to match its belt handling rate to the other roller automatically, while the always stretched spring maintains a certain minimum belt tension, while also accommodating adjustment tolerances.

Abstract: A mechanical and finishing and/or signal processing apparatus for tapes, in particular magnetic tapes, includes at least two tape transporting devices, which apply an average tape tension of 2 N per inch (25.4 mm) of tape width and consequently remain below about 20% of the maximum tensile force of the tape material, to avoid permanent material deformations. The processing devices may be smoothing, abrading, polishing and cleaning devices and also signal recording/reproducing devices and/or signal or tape quality control devices.

Abstract: A motion picture film platter assembly having a base, an upright oriented post and at least three vertically spaced support arms. A hub-shaped case is supported on the top surface of each of these support arms. A cylindrical platter having a central bore hole is journaled on an external annular flange of the hub-shaped case and the upper cylindrical wall of the hub-shaped case passes through the bore hole of the circular platter. Each platter has its own drive motor for rotating it. A modular film feed-out unit is removably positioned in the bore hole of one of the circular platters. The film feed-out unit has a top plate and mounted at predetermined positions thereon are a pair of 35 mm or 70 mm film idler rollers and an upright oriented film proximity sensor that is laterally spaced from an upright oriented first keeper roller.

Abstract: A magnetic tape apparatus including, on a chassis, a pair of feed and take-up reel pads for engagement with a tape cassette, a tension lever adapted to be raised at the time of loading of the tape cassette to apply tension to a magnetic tape drawn out of the tape cassette, a brake lever for suddenly braking the feed reel pad at the time of stopping of the magnetic tape in a fast-feed state, a rewinding state, or the like, to prevent the magnetic tape from becoming loose, and a mode switching lever for operating the tension lever and the brake lever. The mode switching lever is operated at the time of unloading of the tape cassette to turn the brake lever to thereby make the brake lever engage with the tension lever so as to forcedly turn the tension lever.

Abstract: A capstanless tape feed control system of a reel-drive type is capable of accurately detecting the respective working radii of a supply reel and a take-up reel and the total length of the tape, of efficiently controlling tape speed and of preventing damage to the tape. The tape feed control system calculates the working radii of the supply reel and the take-up reel and the total length of the tape while the leading end of the tape is moving toward the take-up reel, and detects tape speed on the basis of data representing the total length of the tape and the radius ratio between the supply reel and the take-up reel. The tension of the tape and the reel driving torque are detected while the tape is being fed and the working radii of the supply reel and the take-up reel are calculated on the basis of the tension and the reel driving torque.

Abstract: A magnetic tape apparatus includes a head which reproduces data from or records data onto a magnetic tape, taken out from a cassette, when the tape is running. A supply reel shaft rotates a supply reel to supply the tape from the cassette to the head. A take-up reel shaft rotates a take-up reel to wind the tape from the head around the take-up reel. A back tension applying mechanism has a brake part which presses the supply reel shaft to produce a braking force on the supply reel shaft, the back tension applying mechanism applying a back tension to the tape when the braking force is produced. A pressing force varying mechanism controls a pressing force of the brake part on the supply reel shaft such that the pressing force is maintained at an appropriate level for a type of cassette.

Abstract: A reel servo device employed in a recording and/or reproducing apparatus employing a tape cassette housing a tape as a recording medium includes an unusual running detection circuit for deciding if the tape housed within the tape cassette loaded on the tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus is wound in a slack winding state on a tape reel. If the tape running state is decided to be an unusual tape running state, tape tension data from the supply side tension arm is differentiated. If the differentiation data is positive indicating an increasing tape tension, the rewind side reel motor is controlled in a direction of slackening tape tension at the rewind tape reel side. Conversely, if the differentiation data is negative indicating an decreasing tape tension, the rewind side reel motor is torqued in a direction of tensioning the tape at the rewind tape reel side.

Abstract: A cartridge of a single reel is inserted and information is recorded and reproduced by a helical scan type using a rotary head. A control pulse is reproduced from a recording signal of a control track of a magnetic tape by a fixed head. A repositioning operation and a high speed search are controlled on the basis of the control pulse. A torque ripple of a capstan motor is previously measured. When the tape runs, a motor drive current is corrected so as to reduce a torque change of one rotation on the basis of the measurement result, thereby improving a wow and flutter. A switching timing of motor coils by Hall sensors is set to an early timing, thereby suppressing a torque fluctuation. A regenerative braking circuit is formed by an OFF timing of a PWM control and a tape back tension is formed by a decrease in torque by the regenerative braking circuit. A tape thread and a tape wrap at the time of the insertion of the cartridge are simultaneously executed.

Abstract: A magnetic tape apparatus in which data is recorded on or reproduced from a magnetic tape when the magnetic tape is run on a rotary drum, includes a tension regulating unit which regulates a tension of the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape is run, the tension regulating unit pressing the magnetic tape at a first position in a tension-applying direction. A slack preventing unit exerts a rotating force on the tension regulating unit at a second position such that the rotating force exerted at the second position acts on the tension regulating unit at the first position to further press the magnetic tape in the tension-applying direction, thus preventing a slack of the magnetic tape from being produced when changing a tape winding direction of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A system for providing stable tape-travel in a recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes a tape travel-direction switching mechanism and a tape tension regulating mechanism. The tape travel-direction switching mechanism forces a pendulum gear to engage one of a supply or take-up reel table when the traveling direction of tape is switched between forward and reverse directions while a capstan motor is turned off and a pinch roller presses the tape against the capstan so as to prevent the occurrence of slack in the tape. The tape tension regulating mechanism takes up the slack in the tape before a capstan axle causes the tape to travel in the reverse direction, so as to prevent the tape from being loosened when the traveling direction of the tape is switched from the forward direction to the reverse direction.

Abstract: A drive and tape cartridge provide motor control for the tape tension in a belt-driven tape cartridge. Two different rollers drive the belt, and are controlled by two separate motors. This allows reduction in the friction required in the system and allows optimal sizing of the motors.

Abstract: There are provided the CPU 19, the supply-side reel motor 20 and the D/A convertor and motor driver 22 which drive the supply-side reel in an open-loop fashion with cutting off the supply-side-reel servo drive, the CPU 19 , the supply-side reel motor 20 and the FG counter 21 which set the target tension in the open loop, and the CPU 19 and the nonvolatile storage 24 which compare the target tension and the tape tension detected by the tension sensor 13 and detects abnormality of the tension sensor 13.

Abstract: An apparatus performs recording and/or reproduction of signals by a head of a drum with which a tape-like recording medium is brought into contact while being moved under a fixed tension from a reel engaging a supply reel base to a reel engaging a take-up reel base. An arm retains a tension post which presses against the recording medium, forming a predetermined path to detect a tension thereof. One end of the arm is pivotally supported, and the arm is urged by a spring so as to allow the tension post to elastically press against the recording medium. At least one end of a band brake for loading a braking torque on the supply reel base is locked to the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting tension of a magnetic tape includes a clutch roller, which rotates in contact with one side of the tape and has a friction torque of a predetermined amount, and a low friction roller, which rotates in close contact to the other side of the tape, between a supply reel for feeding the tape and a drum. Accordingly, the tape tension servo apparatus can be more simply constructed. A constant tape tension can be always maintained irrespective of the rotation variation of the supply reel and an amount of the remaining tape.

Abstract: A tape loading device for use in a recording or reproducing apparatus has a first turning member having a tape guide which is kept in contact with a tape during running thereof and being turnable according to the tension of the tape, a second turning member for causing the first turning member to turn by its turning operation and loading the tape guide into a predetermined position, and a driving part for turning the second turning member. An urging member having two end portions is provided on the second turning member with the two end portions supported individually. The urging member is arranged so that only when the first turning member is located within a predetermined turning range, one of the two end portions is brought into engagement with an engagement part fixed to the driving part so that the urging member can generate an urging force for the first turning member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling tension on a sheet material in a reel-to-reel transport system. The sheet material is feed along a defined path from a supply reel to a take-up reel. A motor is operatively connected to the take-up reel for applying a torque to the take-up reel while a sensor is positioned to detect rotation of the supply reel. A microcontroller enables the motor with an initial PWM pwm.sub.o to create torque on the take-up reel and then incrementally increases the PWM. When the sensor indicates that the supply reel has moved, the current PWM is stored in memory as pwm.sub.i. This pwm.sub.i is subsequently used by the apparatus to determine a desired tension on the thermal ribbon.

Abstract: A tape transport is disclosed which is for use with a magnetic tape cassette. Under some specific thermal conditions the tape cassette may develop gaps between the reel hubs and the tape rolls thereon, such gaps being likely to lead to the jamming of the tape through the hunting of a tape speed control servo built into the tape transport. Therefore, for removing the gaps, the reels are successively rotated in a direction for winding up the tape, after the tape cassette has been loaded in the tape transport and before reading or writing. Preferably, the pair of reels are simultaneously rotated in opposite directions for taking up a possible tape slack between the reels prior to gap removal.

Abstract: A tape driving apparatus includes circuits for driving a supply reel and a take-up reel, circuits for detecting tape radii on the reels, a circuit for producing take-up side torque information and controlling the take-up reel, a circuit for setting a determining a coefficient of feed torque for the supply reel in accordance with the tape radius information of the supply or take-up reel, a circuit for determining feed torque information of the supply reel from the take-up side torque information, the tape radius information of the supply and take-up reel and the determining coefficient of the feed torque, a circuit for determining back torque information proportional to the tape radius information of the supply reel, a circuit for outputting a torque information change-over signal on the basis of a mode change-over command, the feed torque information and the back torque information, and a circuit for sending either one of the feed torque information and the back torque information to the supply reel driving c