Abstract: Even if the propagation time interval of a sync signal is not constant, an accurate correction parameter is calculated, so that a corrected time point synchronized with a main clock device is obtained. A main transmission time point storage part stores respective main transmission time points at which a main device has transmitted a plurality of main sync signals and which are measured using a main clock device. A subordinate reception time point storage part stores respective subordinate reception time points at which a subordinate device has received the plurality of main sync signals and which are measured using a subordinate clock device. A speed ratio calculation part calculates a speed ratio of a ticking time speed of the main clock device to a ticking time speed of the subordinate clock device, based on a main transmission mean time point being a mean of the main transmission time points and a subordinate reception mean time point being a mean of the subordinate reception time points.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes computing a radius value of a tape on an outgoing reel during unwinding of the tape from the outgoing reel, 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 computing a radius value of a tape on an incoming reel during winding while the tape is being wound onto the incoming reel, 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 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 tape cartridge includes a case, a magnetic tape stored in the case, and a write protect structure for blocking information recording onto the magnetic tape, in which the write protect structure includes, for example, a slidable write protect member and a retention member (e.g., a guide wall) capable of retaining the write protect member in a specified position, and the retention member is capable of reversibly retaining the write protect member at least in a first position and a second position and irreversibly retaining the write protect member in a third position.

Abstract: A magnetic tape is wound up in a roll on a pate reel without irregular windings in the roll. A rotary shaft with the tape reel coupled thereto is shifted in one direction of tape width is shifted by a predetermined distance until the magnetic tape at its edge is contiguous or subcontiguous to a reel flange to additionally form a predetermined number of turns of the magnetic tape on a magnetic tape roll so as thereby to form an annular peripheral lip portion laterally extending at one side of the magnetic tape roll when the magnetic tape roll grows as large in size as predetermined.

Abstract: A magnetic tape is wound up in a roll on a pate reel without irregular windings in the roll. A rotary shaft with the tape reel coupled thereto is shifted in one direction of tape width is shifted by a predetermined distance until the magnetic tape at its edge is contiguous or subcontiguous to a reel flange to additionally form a predetermined number of turns of the magnetic tape on a magnetic tape roll so as thereby to form an annular peripheral lip portion laterally extending at one side of the magnetic tape roll when the magnetic tape roll grows as large in size as predetermined.

Abstract: A tape printer includes a roll sheet holder storage part of which a bottom is formed with a positioning recess which is rectangular in plan view and long sideways and has a predetermined depth. A discrimination recess rectangular in plan view is provided between the positioning recess and an inner base end of a holder support member). The discrimination recess fittingly receives a sheet discrimination part extending in a predetermined length from a lower end of the positioning holding member inward at substantially right angle thereto. The sheet discrimination part is formed with sensor holes arranged in an L-shaped pattern. In the discrimination recess, there are provided sheet discrimination sensors arranged in an L-shaped pattern.

Abstract: A rolled paper conveying apparatus for conveying paper of a first rolled paper provided on a core. The apparatus includes a holding device configured to rotatably support the first rolled paper. The holding device is configured to enable movement of the first rolled paper from a first position on the holding device to a second position on the holding device. The apparatus further includes a first detector configured to detect whether the first rolled paper has moved from the first position to the second position. The holding device preferably includes a depressed portion configured to store the first rolled paper.

Abstract: A case of a recording tape cartridge, which accommodates a reel on which a recording tape is wound, has a substantially rectangular opening at a rear end wall which is at a rear side in a direction of loading the recording tape cartridge into a drive device. A block, which is equipped with a memory on which various types of information such as a recording capacity and the like are stored, is fit into and mounted to the opening. The memory is mounted to the block so as to be inclined at substantially 45° with respect to a rear surface and a bottom surface of the case. The block can be attached to and removed from the case. Access to the memory in order to read and write information from and onto the memory is possible from the rear and from beneath.

Abstract: A tape printer includes a roll sheet holder storage part of which a bottom is formed with a positioning recess which is rectangular in plan view and long sideways and has a predetermined depth. A discrimination recess rectangular in plan view is provided between the positioning recess and an inner base end of a holder support member). The discrimination recess fittingly receives a sheet discrimination part extending in a predetermined length from a lower end of the positioning holding member inward at substantially right angle thereto. The sheet discrimination part is formed with sensor holes arranged in an L-shaped pattern. In the discrimination recess, there are provided sheet discrimination sensors arranged in an L-shaped pattern.

Abstract: Stackable rotary devices form a multi-position mechanical indicator for a portable data storage cartridge. Each rotary device is a right cylindrical section, and is separately rotatable in a chamber of the cartridge. A peripheral surface of the rotary device has an encoded pattern of 1) at least one cylindrical surface and at least one facet interrupting the cylindrical surface, or of 2) readable indicia, located at various angularly spaced rotational positions. At differing rotational positions of the rotary devices, at least one or none of the facets or readable indicia are positioned at an exterior wall opening of the cartridge chamber.

Abstract: An improved detectable spool for use with a ribbon includes an improved hub which includes a core and an indication member. The indication member is a generally planar metallic member that is substantially embedded in or is otherwise mounted to the core, with the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs. In at least one embodiment the indication member is a monolithically formed single-piece member, while in another embodiment the indication member is a multi-component member.

Abstract: A printer having a hopper without shaft which performs a print operation on a roll of continuous paper. Detection marks are provided in flanges provided in supported members removably attached to the continuous paper, and the presence/absence of the detection mark in a detection position of an optical sensor is determined. A rear end of the continuous paper in the hopper is determined if the result of determination of the presence/absence of the detection mark during conveyance of the continuous paper is the same. A passage length from the position of the determined rear end of the continuous paper to a print unit is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum print size. By this arrangement, the rear end of the continuous paper can be detected without upsizing the apparatus and without complicating the structure, and the continuous paper can be effectively utilized without causing shortage of the continuous paper during execution of print operation.

Abstract: A method to monitor the relative position of a magnetic tape disposed in a tape drive, where that tape drive includes a first tape reel motor and a second tape reel motor. The method provides a magnetic tape disposed on a first tape reel, and releaseably attaches the first tape reel to the first tape reel motor. The method further provides a second tape reel attached to the second tape reel motor. The method operates the first tape reel motor and the second tape reel motor to transfer the tape from the first tape reel onto the second tape reel while maintaining a running second reel rotation count. The method sets a second reel rotation count limit, and determines if the running second reel rotation count exceeds that second reel rotation count limit. If the running second reel rotation count exceeds the second reel rotation count limit, then the method discontinues operation of the tape reel motors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for identifying a single reel tape cartridge format, in a single reel tape handling device, from a plurality of available formats. According to one aspect of the invention, cartridge identification information is provisioned on a single reel tape cartridge leader. The cartridge identification information is detectable by the tape handling device and usable to identify a format of the tape cartridge from a plurality of available formats. The cartridge identification information includes at least one feature on the tape cartridge leader having characteristics indicative to the tape handling device of the format of the tape cartridge presented to the tape handling device.

Abstract: An improved detectable spool for use with a ribbon includes an improved hub which includes a core and an indication member. The indication member is a generally planar metallic member that is substantially embedded in the core, with the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs. In at least one embodiment the indication member is a monolithically formed single-piece member, while in another embodiment the indication member is a multi-component member.

Abstract: A tape cartridge including a repositionable memory element is provided. The tape cartridge includes a cartridge housing that includes a supply reel having a magnetic tape media spooled thereon and a memory element to communicate with a tape cartridge handling device via a wireless connection. In one embodiment of the invention, the memory element is connected to the cartridge housing using an attachment apparatus that provides a detachable connection with the cartridge housing. The attachment apparatus includes a positioning mechanism for repositioning the memory element following attachment to the tape cartridge housing to align the memory element with a mating transceiver in the tape-handling device to facilitate communication exchange therebetween.

Abstract: An inspection device of a tape reel comprises a first inspection device 10 consisting of a light projector 11, a mirror 12, and a light receiver 13, a second inspection device 20 consisting of a light projector 21, a mirror 22, and a light receiver 23, and a rotator 30 that rotates a tape reel 40, and parallel lights R1, R2 irradiated from the light projector 11 are reflected by the mirror 12, to be made incident on inner surfaces of flanges 42, 43 of the tape reel 40, whereas parallel lights R3, R4 irradiated from the light projector 21 are reflected by the mirror 22 to be made incident on the inner surfaces of the flanges 42, 43 of the tape reel 40, and parallel lights R1 to R4 that pass the inner surfaces of the flanges 42, 43 are received by the light receiver 13 or the light receiver 23.

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 winding type flexible printed circuit board tape transferring system includes tape let-off wheel unit, a tape take-up wheel unit, two idle wheel units adapted to guide movement of the flexible printed circuit board tape from the tape let-off wheel unit to the tape take-up wheel unit, a tension control wheel unit adapted to control the tension of the flexible printed circuit board tape being transferred from the tape let-off wheel unit to the tape take-up wheel unit, and at least one work wheel unit adapted to rotate a respective rotary encoder upon movement of the flexible printed circuit board tape, enabling the rotary encoder to output a signal to a control unit indicative of the position of the flexible printed circuit board tape.

Abstract: A method for detecting slippage in a tape path, and re-calibrating a sensing assembly in a tape storage device to account for the slippage. The method includes sensing a position of one of a supply reel and a take-up reel. In response to sensing the position of the supply reel or take-up reel, sensing a position of a guide roller. The position of the guide roller corresponds to the position of the guide roller when the position of the supply reel or the take-up reel is sensed. In response to sensing the position of the guide roller, the tape media is wound through the tape path between the supply reel and the take-up reel. In response to winding the tape media through the tape path, a second position of the one of the supply reel and the take-up reel is sensed. In response to sensing the second position of the one of the supply reel and the take-up reel, a second position of the guide roller is sensed.

Abstract: An automated adjustment system that permits an operator to quickly and accurately adjust the various adjustable components in a tape path. The adjustment system comprises an automated adjustment tool connected to a processing system. The automated adjustment tool comprises a plurality of probes connected to a nest fixture. The nest fixture is configured to receive a tape drive and securely position the tape drive for adjustment of the tape path. The plurality of probes are configured to individually engage the adjustable components in the tape path and provide a computer readable output to the processing system that indicates the vertical position of the individual components. The processing system is configured to receive the computer readable output, convert the computer readable output into a measurement and display the measurement on a display for an operator.

Abstract: In a recording medium cartridge in which a recording medium is housed within a cartridge case, a write protection member is installed in the opening of the cartridge case to inhibit data from being written to the recording medium. The write protection member is provided with a recognition window. Within the cartridge case, identification display is installed so that it is visible through the recognition window.

Abstract: A method for preventing a reverse connection between a takeup leader connected to a single reel tape drive and a tape cartridge leader connected to a magnetic tape media contained in a single reel tape cartridge that is loadable into the tape drive. The method comprises detecting a missed connection between the takeup leader and the tape cartridge leader following a failed load operation. The load operation includes loading the tape cartridge into the tape drive, connecting the takeup leader and tape cartridge leader, and winding the tape media to the read position. In response to detecting the missed connection, a torque is applied to the takeup leader to retain it in a loaded position away from the tape cartridge leader while the tape cartridge is ejected from the tape drive. In response to ejecting the tape cartridge from the tape drive, the takeup leader is reset to the unloaded position for a subsequent loading operation.

Abstract: An automated adjustment system that permits an operator to quickly and accurately adjust the various adjustable components in a tape path. The adjustment system comprises an automated adjustment tool connected to a processing system. The automated adjustment tool comprises a plurality of probes connected to a nest fixture. The nest fixture is configured to receive a tape drive and securely position the tape drive for adjustment of the tape path. The plurality of probes are configured to individually engage the adjustable components in the tape path and provide a computer readable output to the processing system that indicates the vertical position of the individual components. The processing system is configured to receive the computer readable output, convert the computer readable output into a measurement and display the measurement on a display for an operator.

Abstract: A recording paper roll includes a tubular spool shaft having first and second end faces. Thermosensitive recording paper is wound about the tubular spool shaft in a roll form. A code is formed in the first end face. For use with the recording paper roll, a supply magazine includes two roll holders secured to the spool shaft. First and second support plates are arranged in an axial direction of the roll holder, and support the roll holder in a rotatable manner. Guide cutouts are formed in the first and second support plates, receive first and second ends of the roll holder, and move the roll holder in a predetermined direction according to a decrease in a diameter of the recording material roll in use of the recording material. A code sensor reads the code from the first end face. A sensor shifter constituted by a depression portion moves the code sensor in the predetermined direction with the two roll holders.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive (20) employs trolleys (40) for moving magnetic tape between a tape retracted position and a tape extracted position. A trolley position sensor (104, 106) generates a trolley position signal: A processor (100) uses the trolley position signal to control a supply reel motor (30), and thereby prevent slack in tape during a retraction operation. The processor (100) uses the trolley position signal to determine a supply reel motor reference position signal, and then uses a difference between the supply reel motor reference position signal and the supply reel motor position signal to control the supply reel motor (30).

Abstract: A sensing assembly for use in determining if magnetic tape within a single reel tape cartridge properly connects to a takeup reel within a tape drive during loading of the tape cartridge, so that the magnetic tape can be wound between the tape cartridge and the tape drive as data is transferred to or from the magnetic tape. The sensing assembly comprises at least one sensing apparatus for providing feedback on connection status to prevent connection failures from rendering the tape drive inoperable.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus has a supply reel and a take-up reel around which a magnetic tape is to be wound. A first tape guide is provided in the vicinity of a rotary head at the supply reel side and a second tape guide in the vicinity of the rotary head at the take-up reel side. The first and second tape guides are movable in directions of a width of the magnetic tape. A detector detects a height of each of the first and second tape guides. A count value corresponding to the detected height of at least either the first or the second tape guide is obtained by a counter. The height of at least either the first or the second tape guide is adjusted so that the count value becomes equal to a reference value. The count value is set to a specific value when the detected height becomes a reference height corresponding to the reference value after the magnetic tape has been wound around the supply and take-up reels.

Abstract: A casette adapter in which an S-casette (first casette) of the professional digital video format is housed and having a shape identical with an different-sized M-casette (second casette) operates without fail under a simple constitution, without accompanying any fear of damage on a tape. The casette adapter capable of housing an S-casette (2) comprises an adapter (1) whose shape is identical to an different-sized M-casette. Reels (5, 6) and a reel brake releasing member (7) of the S-casette (2) are exposed while the S-casette is mounted in the casette adapter. The adaptor (1) includes a rear door (12) capable of opening and closing. The rear door (12) comprises contacts (14) for reading identification signal by contacting the identification terminal of S-casette, wirings (16) for coupling the contacts (14) with an identification terminal (15) provided in a same location as that of M-casette and a lever (18) for opening/closing an anti-erasing window in linkage with the anti-erasing gear of S-casette (2).

Abstract: A tape system that uses a Kalman filter to produce both an estimate of the tape pack radius and an estimate of the associated estimation error variance. The Kalman filter produces the estimates based on current and prior angular estimation position measurements of the reel, capstan, and tension arm, and the prior estimates of both the tape pack radius and the estimation error variance. The filter gain is based on prior estimation error variance and a calculated measurement error variance, which is a function of the current and prior measurements. Preferably, the system uses two Kalman filters, one to produce the estimates for the supply reel and one to produce the estimates for the take-up reel.

Abstract: A device for positioning the spool of a cartridge for a roll of photographic film. The film is provided with holes, at its end, that interact with catches attached to the spool. Detachment from, or attachment to, the spool, is only possible at a particular orientation of the spool. A shaft is provided which can be interlockingly connected with the spool in a predetermined orientation. A guide block is displaceable, being operative, directly or indirectly, for contacting with the shaft. It reorients the shaft to the desired position during displacement so that the film can be detached from the spool or attached to the spool.

Abstract: The cartridge is a generally cylindrical enclosure with a light seal through which a film web is drawn. The cartridge is closed with two side plates, one of which is removable. A spindle is journaled in the side plate. Film wound on a core is mounted on the spindle. The assembly is placed in an adapter insert. The adapter incorporates a motion multiplication mechanism such as gearing to drive a detectable element to rotate multiple times for each rotation of the core. The detectable element is positioned opposite a magnetic/proximity detector or optical detector on the host machine.

Abstract: A method of and a device for determining the total playing time of a magnetic tape accommodated in a cassette (1) in a magnetic-tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus, for example, a video recorder of the helical-scan type. The tape (4) is moved between a tape spool coupled to a first reel disc (2) and a tape spool coupled to a second reel disc (3), two measurements being carried out. In the first measurement, the tape is moved with a known tape speed. The revolution times (T.sub.l, T.sub.r) of the first and the second reel disc are measured in this first measurement and a parameter is derived which corresponds to the sum of the squares of the revolution times. A cassette-specific constant (.beta.) is derived from this parameter and the known tape speed. In a second measurement, the revolution times of the first and the second reel disc are measured during N revolutions of one of the two reel discs for each revolution of this reel disc.

Abstract: A reloadable film canister includes a light-tight enclosure with an aperture for dispensing film therethrough. A spool of film may be loaded into the enclosure, and may be removed when the film is dispensed. In one embodiment of the invention, an encoder (field modulating) disk is included as part of the canister. In another embodiment the encoder disk is affixable to the film spool and loadable with the film spool into the canister. The spool is mountable in the enclosure for rotation therein and for dispensing, at each step of a stepper motor, a predetermined length of film corresponding to the motor's step size. The encoder disk has a plurality of uniformly-spaced, peripherally-arranged segments (elements) detectable by an external detector (sensor), the detector and the stepper motor operating under control of a microprocessor.

Abstract: A paper winding device for winding up photographic paper after exposure on a take-up spool in a photographic printer. A loop forming portion for storing exposed portion of the photographic paper in the form of a loop is disposed before the take-up spool. The take-up spool is rotated by a DC motor which is activated or inactivated depending on the amount of the loop. A paper guide arm is provided to confine the outermost convolution of the paper roll wound on the take-up spool. An angle detector detects the inclination of the paper guide arm to determine the paper roll diameter. The DC motor is dynamically braked after inactivated, and resistance value or braking time for dynamic braking of the DC motor is changed in accordance with the paper roll diameter, to reduce variation in paper winding amount with paper roll diameter in the delay time from the inactivation to the actual stop of the DC motor.

Abstract: A photo film cassette has photo film (12) contained in a roll form. The photo film is advanced to an outside of a cassette shell (11) when a spool core (26) is rotated in an unwinding direction. Two flexible flanges (27, 28) are secured to the spool core, and render edges of the photo film neat. Bearing holes (27a, 28a) are formed respectively in a middle of the flanges, for insertion of the spool core. The first bearing hole (27a) in the first flange (27) has a first diameter .phi.H. A first stopper ring (67) is associated with the first flange, for preventing the first flange from being moved away from the photo film. The first stopper ring has a second diameter. A receiving region lies between the first stopper ring and a second stopper ring (65), contacted on the edge of the first bearing hole in the first flange supported in the receiving region, for preventing the first flange from being moved toward the photo film. A circumference of the spool core includes at least first and second sections (.theta.

Abstract: A film feeding device for a camera uses first and second electric motors associated with first and second planetary gearing mechanisms, respectively. In one embodiment, the first motor and first planetary gearing mechanism drive a spool shaft of a film cartridge to supply film to a winding spool. The winding spool is driven by the second motor and second planetary gearing mechanism to wind film onto the winding spool, at which time the first motor is stopped and the first planetary gearing mechanism is automatically disconnected from the spool shaft. For rewinding, the second motor is operated in reverse and the second planetary gearing mechanism is automatically disconnected from the winding spool and connected to the spool shaft of the film cartridge.

Abstract: A machine and method of performing a work operation requiring a known or predetermined length of unconsumed web has a cassette containing consumable web material, and the cassette has an indicator for identifying a length of unconsumed web in the cassette. The length of unconsumed web in the cassette is compared to a known or predetermined length of unconsumed web required to perform the work operation, and the operation is performed if the length of unconsumed web in the cassette is at least equal to the required length of unconsumed web. In one embodiment, the indicator takes the form of a potentiometer mounted on an exterior surface of the cassette for electrically indicating the amount of unconsumed web, or a pointer carried by a worm gear rotatably coupled to a spool of the cassette, wherein the pointer moves relative to indicia on the cassette upon rotation of the spool to visually indicate the amount of unconsumed web in the cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting film into a spool including: a magazine with a plurality of cells containing empty spools, an element rotating about a fixed shaft and supporting at its end at least one container arranged to receive by gravity a spool housed in a cell of the magazine, a unit for inserting a negative into the spool, the unit being located in a position different from a region in which the spool is inserted into the container, and a magazine into which spools carrying rewound file are inserted. The container is mounted rotatable relative to the rotary element, an apparatus being provided which for each rotation of the rotary element in one direction cause the container to undergo a similar rotation about its axis in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A rotator moving apparatus has a supporting mechanism for rotatably supporting a rotator. A moving mechanism moves the supporting mechanism to a plurality of positions. A base supports the moving mechanism. An object to be detected is arranged on the rotator. A detecting section is arranged on the base so as to detect the object. A regulation mechanism regulates a plurality of positions to which the supporting mechanism moves so that the rotation path of the object falls within the range which faces the detecting section.

Abstract: A device for measuring tape tension for use in a tape recorder utilizes a guide pole having an external surface portion thereof coated with a piezoelectric material to detect the tape tension.

Abstract: A universal film thrusting cartridge includes a tab connected to a fixed diameter spool core and connectable with a filmstrip of optional length, the tab being sized for use with the shortest filmstrip and trimable to fit longer filmstrips so that when wound within the cartridge the film roll has a prescribed outer diameter at the leading outer end. The trimable tab avoids different core sizes for each filmstrip length in order to obtain the prescribed outer roll diameter needed to match the cartridge wall and allow thrusting of the film out of the cartridge on reverse winding of the spool.

Abstract: A ribbon cassette of which the type of ink ribbon accommodated in the ribbon cassette may be identified by diagonally-arranged detection switches arranged on the carriage of a thermal transfer printer, without using a plurality of types of ribbon cassette case which are different in shape.

Abstract: A film feeding device for a camera uses first and second electric motors associated with first and second planetary gearing mechanisms, respectively. In one embodiment, the first motor and first planetary gearing mechanism drive a spool shaft of a film cartridge to supply film to a winding spool. The winding spool is driven by the second motor and second planetary gearing mechanism to wind film onto the winding spool, at which time the first motor is stopped and the first planetary gearing mechanism is automatically disconnected from the spool shaft. For rewinding, the second motor is operated in reverse and the second planetary gearing mechanism is automatically disconnected from the winding spool and connected to the spool shaft of the film cartridge.

Abstract: Film transport apparatus for a cine-video system in which video signals are produced from film that is driven between supply and take-up reels. The film, which may be wound in A or B configuration on each reel, is threaded automatically about a film drive mechanism which transports the film from the supply reel, through a film gate to the take-up reel. Tensioning apparatus imparts tension to the film at the entry and exit of the film gate which, during the threading operation, causes the respective reels to rotate before film actually is transported therebetween. The direction in which each reel rotates to unwind film therefrom when tension is imparted serves to identify whether the film is wound in A or B configuration. Advantageously, a programmable processor controls the film transport speed in response to a user-actuated knob; and this same processor serves to detect when the film approaches its end on the supply or take-up reel.