Abstract: A slider which has a totally reflective surface that can be used by an optical measuring system to measure the air bearing height of a head gimbal assembly ("HGA"). The slider has a rail with a recess area. The rail is coated with a first film that is thin enough to allow a light beam to transmit through the film and reflect from an interface within the slider. The recess contains a second film that does not transmit light so that a directed light beam is totally reflected from the second film. The outer air bearing surface of the first film is separated from the outer surface of the second film by a height H which is measured before the HGA is tested. The HGA is then placed adjacent to a rotating disk to create an air bearing with a height Hp. The outer surface of the second film is separated from the disk by a height Hv. An optical system directs a light beam into the recess to measure the height Hv between the disk and the outer surface of the second film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for accelerating the wear of gas lubricated surfaces that operate in intermittent contact. The method includes the generation of ultrasonic sound in the gaseous atmosphere surrounding the interface, and the further directing, focusing, or concentrating of said ultrasonic sound to impinge upon the gas bearing inlet. This method is capable of more accurate interface lifetime predictions than conventional methods, since, in contrast with conventional methods, the medial gas bearing properties, environmental parameters, and structural support conditions, present during testing, are unchanged from those present during typical operation. The present invention will also enable the evaluation of the effects of magnetic disk drive component design changes, in terms of head disk interface lifetime, even when a majority of the wear occurs during normal device operation and not during device starting or stopping.

Abstract: A front panel for a magazine-loading DAT drive assembly having a tape cassette drive unit above a magazine receiving area is provided with two hinged doors. By orienting two pairs of abutments in opposite directions and positioning two springs such that they exert opposite torques on their respective pairs of abutments, the door will be biased to its closed position regardless of whether it has been swung in one direction to its loading position, or in the other direction to its unloading position.

Abstract: A cassette tape player includes a cassette carrying mechanism which conveys a cassette tape between the insertion position and the hold position of the player automatically, a mode selection lever which reciprocates depending on various operational modes, and a drive motor which drives the cassette carrying mechanism and the mode selection lever, a lock mechanism which selectively prevents the movement of the mode selection lever or the cassette carrying mechanism, and a planetary gear mechanism coupled between the drive motor and the mode selection lever and the cassette carrying mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear rotated by the drive motor, a ring gear which steadily meshes with one of a first rack provided on the mode selection lever and a second rack provided on the cassette carrying mechanism, and a carrier which steadily meshes with another of the first rack and second rack.

Abstract: A tape having a first portion (preferably a magnetic tape portion for recording video, audio, or computer data), and a cleaning leader attached to the first portion, and a tape cartridge including such a tape. The leader includes one or more cleaning solvent modules, each of which is preferably a thin pouch containing cleaning solvent designed to rupture when squeezed between rollers of a tape player transport mechanism (or in the tape cartridge). Preferably, several cleaning solvent modules are evenly spaced along the leader, to expose tape player heads to periodic bursts of solvent during cleaning. A leader control mechanism prevents translation of the leader through the player's tape transport mechanism following the first play of the leader therethrough (or the first play therethrough in a particular direction). The leader control mechanism can include a nodule mounted to the leader so that during rewinding of the tape, the nodule will lock into depressions in the reel on which the leader is wound.

Abstract: A disc cartridge and corresponding method/system are provided for limiting the number of copies which may be made of software stored on a magnetic disc. According to certain embodiments, only a single copy of the software may be made from the disc, after which the software is erased from the disc by way of an erasing magnetic field. A magnet is provided on or within the disc cartridge so that after copying of the software from the first disc to a second disc, the magnet is energized so as to create an erasing magnetic or electromagnetic field proximate the first disc in order to erase the copied software therefrom, while an anti-copy signal is copied or otherwise sent along with the software from the first disc to the second disc so as to prevent later copying of the software from the second disc.

Abstract: A cleaning member is used for cleaning a magnetic disk by rubbing the cleaning member in a sliding manner against the surface of the magnetic disk. The cleaning member is a sheet-like fibrous member having a density of no more than 0.10 g/cm.sup.3 at a load of 4.4 gf/cm.sup.2 ; with the rate of change of the density over a load range of 0.1-4.4 gf/cm.sup.2 being at least 4.times.10.sup.-3 (g/cm.sup.3)/(gf/cm.sup.2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a lock for diskette drive suitable for inserting into and locking up a disk slot of said diskette drive to prevent any unauthorized data reading, writing, and copying, mainly including a top and a bottom covers closed together to contain a springy plate and a push plate therebetween. The push plate is disposed below the springy plate and is always pushed backward by a first compression spring. The bottom cover has a back recess into which a lock body is positioned. A spindle extends through the lock body for a plurality of lock pins to hang thereon. Front ends of the lock pins project through holes on the lock body to extend into a sliding groove formed on a movable member when a key card is inserted into a card slot on the lock body. The movable member is positioned between the bottom cover and the lock body and over the lock body and is always pushed by a second compression spring to an outward position and has a projection provided to one side thereof.

Abstract: A tape cassette includes a pair of cassette halves and a pair of hubs enclosed between the cassette halves, and about which a recording medium, or tape can be wound. Each cassette half includes a first molded body and a second molded body overlying it. The first molded body has a first principal surface and a first upstanding wall which is perpendicular to the principal surface and forms an integral part thereof and a part of a peripheral surface of the half. The second molded body has a second principal surface which is generally rectangular and overlies the first principal surface, and a second upstanding wall connected to the first upstanding wall to form the peripheral surface of the half therewith, forming an integral part of the second principal surface and surrounding it. The first and second upstanding walls are connected by a junction having a thickness increasing gradually across the thickness of the half.

Abstract: A plug is positionable within the recess of the recorder, The plug has a generally trapezoidal shaped interior section with a small rectangular interior region an enlarged exterior region forming a periphery essentially equal in size to the periphery of the recess of the recorder. The interior region is formed with a smaller height and width than that of the exterior region. The interior section also has trapezoidal upper and lower surfaces and trapezoidal side surfaces therebetween. An exterior section is formed as part of the plug. The exterior section has a generally rectangular configuration. The periphery of the exterior member is semicircular in cross section. The interior and exterior member each have a depth.

Abstract: A display apparatus connected to a recording medium cassette having a recording medium, a cassette case for accommodating the recording medium, a storage device for storing recording information recorded on the recording medium and information about the cassette itself, and a plurality of terminals for connecting the storage device to external equipment. This display apparatus comprises a loading portion for loading the recording medium cassette, a connector provided on the loading portion to be connected with the plurality of terminals, a reading device for reading the information from the storage device through the connector, and a display device for displaying the information read by the reading device.

Abstract: The tape drive unit of the present invention is constructed such that the reverse rotation of a motor (16) causes a mode cam (32) to drive for setting any mode of normal play, reverse play, fast forward and rewinding, and thereafter the forward rotation of the motor (16) causes a reel shaft (3) or a reel shaft (4) to rotationally drive according to said mode and a head base (51) is slid upon FWD/REV to set up a magnetic head and pinch rollers. With such construction, each operation of normal play, reverse play, fast forward and rewinding can be performed without using a plunger or microcomputer, thereby eliminating the fear of troubles due to the plunger malfunction or a microcomputer bug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic recording medium of a disk shape having a magnetic layer containing a magnetic material formed on a non-magnetic support and having, between the non-magnetic support and the magnetic layer, a layer containing a dye, of which the optical property changes by irradiation of energy rays, wherein in the above-mentioned layer containing a dye, continuous servo-signals based on the change of the optical property of the dye by irradiation of energy rays, are recorded on concentric tracks, and a recording/reproducing method therefor as well as an information processing apparatus. The magnetic recording medium of the present invention can be produced at a low production cost, has a large magnetically-recordable area and permits accurate tracking by a single detector.

Abstract: A storage disk module includes a frame, and a disk drive unit having a storage disk. The disk drive unit is accommodated in the frame. A circuit unit controls the disk drive unit, and is accommodated in the frame. A power source supplies the disk drive unit and the circuit unit with energy. The power source is accommodated in the frame. The disk drive unit, the circuit unit and the power source are arranged side by side in the frame in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the storage disk module is inserted into a locker. A back panel is formed in a back portion of the frame. The back panel electrically connects the disk drive unit, the circuit unit and the power source to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting degradation in data storage system spindle motor performance is disclosed. A read/write transducer is oriented over a centerline location of a test track on the data storage disk. A data pattern is read from the test track centerline location and the amplitude of the on-track readback signal is determined. The transducer is oriented over a test track location off-set from the centerline location, and the data pattern is read. The amplitude of the off-track readback signal is determined. A deviation of a predetermined magnitude between the on-track and off-track readback signal amplitudes preferably results in the production of a warn signal indicative of degraded spindle motor performance. The off-track readback signal amplitude may alternatively be compared to a predetermined on-track readback signal amplitude stored in the data storage system.

Abstract: Configuration for implementing a control unit of a disk apparatus having functions of high-precision head positioning control and data read/write control and sophisticated interface function with a small size and a low cost. A driver control microprocessor for embedded digital servo processing has a memory of a relatively small capacity and is suited for high-speed processing and an A/D converter. An interface function control microprocessor for generalized control of an interface function device with respect to a high rank device has a memory of a relatively large capacity and is suited for low-speed processing. The driver control microprocessor and the interface function control microprocessor are mounted within a single IC package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video cassette recorder (VCR). The present invention decides the mode conversion of the VCR by checking the mode switch signal and displays the mode error data in the abnormal mode conversion, Also, the present invention decides the operation state corresponding to each mode by using the reel pulse and drum pulse and displays the error data if in an abnormal state, thereby informing the users whether the VCR is normal or not.

Abstract: A double-cassette-type magnetic recording-reproduction apparatus wherein a cam gear allows the second over-stroke lever to shift in advancing and retracting manners and, following these movements, a mode lever and the second head mount are allowed to move to the first through third positions. When the mode lever is located at the first position, the first over-stroke lever is shifted to an operable position and the second head mount is blocked by the second idler lever from its advancing movement. When the mode lever is located at the second position, the shift-blocking state of the second head mount is released, and the first over-stroke lever is not allowed to shift. When the mode lever is located at the third position, the first over-stroke lever and the second head mount are allowed to shift to the operable positions. This construction makes it possible to reduce the number of driving means and cut the cost of production.

Abstract: A sliding case mounting device including two sliding case mounting rails fixed to two opposite long sides of a rectangular sliding case for permitting it to be installed in two tracks inside a mainframe, each sliding case mounting rail having two horizontal projecting plug rods perpendicularly disposed at two opposite ends at an outer side and respectively plugged into respective mounting holes on one lateral side of the sliding case, a circularly arched tip at one end for insertion into one track of the mainframe, two outward hooks perpendicularly disposed at two opposite ends at an outer side and hooked in respective mounting holes at the bottom side of the sliding case, a front extension strip, an inward hook raised from the front extension strip at an inner side for hooking in a respective retaining hole inside the mainframe, and a press portion at one end of the front extension strip for pressing by hand to release the inward hook from the respective retaining hole on the mainframe for permitting the sli

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method for programing or editing, or both, the order of performance of digitally recorded information tracks, such as an audio recording, stored sequentially in an appropriate medium. The method allows a user to program or edit, via keystrokes, a program or sequence of tracks to be played. An apparatus for playing information tracks queued to be replayed in a predetermined sequence includes a key pad, which is used to enter commands and numeric information to establish a program queue, a display, which is used to display program events, and an interface processor, coupled to the key pad and the display, which is used to control the commands received from and sent to the key pad and to send display messages to the display. The apparatus also includes a control processor, coupled to the interface processor, which establishes from information stored on a medium in a sequential order, an ordered sequence of information tracks.

Abstract: Using a thermoplastic norbornene type plastic as a material for the magnetic disc substrate, a magnetic disc substrate having a small deformation and a high modulus of elasticity is prepared. By optimizing the thickness of the substrate, the resonance frequency of the magnetic disc can be elevated to a level higher than the servo band. As a result, a magnetic disc substrate can form a servo mark having a high positional precision, and can carry out tracking with high precision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting device of a flexible printed circuit (FPC) in a hard disk drive and more particularly to a connecting device of a flexible printed circuit, which is connected between a head installed at an actuator of the hard disk drive and a printed circuit substrate and removes a bias force generated in the flexible printed circuit, thus transmitting a signal between the head and the flexible printed circuit.

Abstract: A playback/recording apparatus, which operates with a recording tape medium, having a playback/recording head and tape driving capstan/pinch rollers mounted in cooperative relation, a loading/unloading mechanism which loads and unloads the tape medium between a loading/unloading position and an operative position associated with the playback/recording head and tape driving capstan/pinch rollers, a single power source, a mobile element which is driven by the power source along a linear path in forward and return stroke movements, the power source being controlled to shift the mobile element to different locations along its linear path responsive to a function change instruction to the power source, a selectively operated ratchet for connecting the mobile element to operate the loading/unloading mechanism in the course of a loading and unloading phase of the forward and return stroke movements to load and unload a tape medium, and a connection from the mobile element to set the reversal mechanism which is opera

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for changing modes of a cassette tape recorder, which facilitates reduction of power consumption as well as reduction of noise. A selection gear, hinged on a selection lever, is disengaged from the main gear during which play, record, reverse play, or reverse record mode is selected, during which the selection gear has been engaged with the main gear in stop condition. This prevents movement of the selection lever, unnecessary rotation of the selection gear, and accordingly, prevents the motor driving the main gear from being overloaded.The device for changing over of modes of a cassette tape recorder includes a transmission lever fixed on a pinch gear shaft for being primarily rotated by a solenoid lever and for being secondarily rotated by a cam gear when play, record, reverse play, and reverse record mode is selected. A selection lever is movably fixed on the same shaft with a main gear, and is movable in an up and down direction.

Abstract: A foot-controlled mechanical device to greatly enhance the convenience and efficacy of specialized cassette players; specifically, a compatible accessory which allows hands-free operations of cassette players designed as song learning devices for instrumentalists. The carriage (22) contains the cassette player, holding it secure and shielding it against damage during operations. Pivoting foot-pedal (34) and mobile pivoting foot-pedal (40) are supported above the cassette player in an operative mode. The resistance/stop mechanisms (26L) and (26R) support the foot-pedals (34) and (40), provide adjustable resistance for customized tension, provide immediate reset after each use, and serve as stop mechanisms to avoid damage to the cassette player. Pivot-shaft (32) is secured in the bushings (30) to provide a strong support and pivot-axis for foot-pedals (34) and (40). A center support (38) reinforces pivot-shaft (32) and provides a lateral guide for foot-pedal (34).

Abstract: A non-rotational, air filtering, head cleaning, and head cushioning device for a disk drive comprising a member and rigid support structure adapted to allow insertion of the device into a disk drive. The member, preferably comprising urethane-impregnated felt cloth, has a central aperture to avoid contact with a drive spindle of the disk drive when seated within the disk drive. When left in the disk drive, the device filters air entering the drive, cleans the heads whenever the drive checks if a disk is present, and cushions the heads whenever the drive is moved.

Abstract: An arrangement comprises a disk drive, an electromagnetic shield cover disposed over the disk drive, and a dust shield cover interposed between the disk drive and the electromagnetic shield cover.

Abstract: A new mode detecting apparatus for video cassette recorder which is capable of linearly directly controlling the mode position is disclosed. A light emitting diode is installed under a main deck. A mode driving plate is provided with a plurality of holes for selectively passing the light from the light emitting diode. The light which have passed through the holes of the mode driving plate are sensed by photo transistors which then generates electrical signals. The signals are sent to a microcomputer which then detects the mode of the deck. The constitution of the gears is simplified, and the mode can be recognized and controlled by the mode driving plate directly and linearly.

Abstract: A cassette loading mechanism in a recording and/or reproducing apparatus, including a stationary chassis supporting a rotary head drum thereon, and a movable chassis disposed movably with respect to the stationary chassis and supporting a tape cassette. The movable chassis has an unloading position where a magnetic tape is unloaded from the rotary head drum, and a loading position where the magnetic tape is loaded on the rotary head drum. The movable chassis is formed with a recessed portion which receives the rotary head drum when the movable chassis is in the loading position. The recessed portion is bridged by a reinforcing arm to which a flexible circuit board is secured. The reinforcing arm is electrically connected with photosensors for detecting the magnetic tape cassette when the movable chassis shifts into the loading position.

Abstract: A disk drive employing a voice coil actuator to position a read/write head over a magnetic disk retracts the read/write head from the magnetic disk surface and passes an audio frequency alternating current through the voice coil to produce a corresponding movement in the read/write head support structure which generates an audible tone indicating the disk drive status. The alternating current waveform has a positive phase and a negative phase, with the read/write head moving toward the disk in response to one phase of the current and the read/write head moving away from the disk in response to the other phase. Audible tones of different frequencies are produced by varying the frequency of the alternating current waveform. In this fashion the disk drive generates a predetermined sequence of tones separated by silent pauses which identifies a particular disk drive status condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for switching a write-protect tab of a computer disk includes a supply hopper for storing a plurality of disks and includes a mechanism for delivering the disks in a one-by-one manner to a switching area. At the switching area, a tungsten carbide tip is caused to move vertically into contact with a major surface of the tab, and then horizontally to slide the tab into the desired position. The tungsten carbide tip includes teeth that are arranged in mirror-imaged first and second sets, so that the apparatus operates equally well in either switching direction. After the tab has been moved to the desired position, the disk is delivered to the disk-receiving hopper and elevated to accommodate delivery of the next disk.

Abstract: A reduced height disk drive includes a suspension-actuator assembly in which a head suspension (10) is attached to an actuator (9) on the same side of the head suspension as a transducer head (8) is attached to the head suspension for writing and reading information on and from a disk (7). A spin motor cable (17) is located on the outside of a housing (2) and connected to pins (14) extending from the housing through pins (18) extending from the housing and lines (16) contained in the housing. A printed circuit board (3) having a through hole (3e) in which a connector (13) is provided connects to pins (14) extending from the housing. A flexible printed circuit inside the housing has a connector (11k) for connecting to the pins (14) and (18) at one end and a fixing member for mechanically attaching to the pins at the other end. The flexible printed circuit is attached to the pins in a folded condition.

Abstract: An operation mode change-over device for a tape recorder has a detection mechanism including a detection member comprised of a fine wire made of a spring material for detecting a stoppage of a reel rotation. The detection member is disposed in elastic contact at its intermediate curved portion and a tip end portion of a V-shaped outer half with the reel shaft. As the reel shaft rotates, the detection member receives rotary torque from the reel shaft to be angularly deviated, so that an end of an inner half of the detection member is engaged with a lever of the change-over device, to thereby apply an acting force to the lever. When the reel shaft stops rotating and the acting force disappears, the lever is brought into engagement with a projection of an idle gear shaft and is urged by the projection with subsequent rotation of the idle gear shaft, to thereby move a slide plate for changeover between forward and reverse modes of the tape recorder.

Abstract: A method for mode changing of a deck mechanism suitable for use in a compact cassette tape recorder employs a single cam gear and a single electrically operated solenoid and does not cause overrunning of the tape out of the tape cassette in a mode changing operation. Mode changing is accomplished by moving a mode changing assembly along an outer cam and selectively engaging locking shoulders on the cam to change between a stop mode, play mode, reverse play mode, or reverse record mode.

Abstract: A method is shown for testing a magnetic disk to be used in a disk drive. The method includes the steps of measuring a height profile of an outer radial edge of the disk, using the profile to determine a slope value for each of a pair of radial segments of the disk, calculating a difference value between the slope values of the pair, comparing the difference value to a preselected threshold difference value and indicating when the difference value is equal to or less than the threshold difference value. The threshold value indicates an outer most diameter of the disk where fly height operation for a head is still stable.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing device and a magnetic tape library device are provided for properly recovering a function and issuing a warning when a failure of a magnetic head of the device takes place because of wear and dirt of the magnetic head. Further, a method for maintaining the magnetic head is provided. A wear sensor and a dirt sensor are prepared for sensing a wear amount of a state of dirt of the magnetic head. A head check controller operates to determine the wear amount of the magnetic head and the state of dirt based on the sensed result. In accordance with the determined result, the warning device is started for taking a precaution of preventing a head failure. As one aspect, the tape library device instructs to load the cleaning tape using a robot.

Abstract: A media lockout device and associated method for a combined media drive. The combined media drive permits the insertion of storage media into two separate insertion openings of the combined media drive to be received therein. The media lockout device permits reception within the media drive of storage media inserted through one of the insertion openings of the combined drive. Once a storage media is inserted through an insertion opening of the combined drive, the media lockout device prevents the insertion of another storage media through the other of the insertion openings while the first storage media is received within the combined drive.

Abstract: A disk drive that is the product of modifying a standard computer disk drive to read and write data in parallel with all of its transducer heads at once, rather than serially with only one head at a time. A method and apparatus are disclosed for protecting the disk drive's platters from damage and contamination while working on the interior of the disk drive case. The apparatus includes a hinged cover that replaces a conventional disk drive cover while work is being performed on circuitry within the disk drive case. The hinged cover seals off the platters and the inside of the disk drive case except for the circuitry being worked on.

Abstract: An automatic deck adjusting apparatus having a tape running system adjusting mechanism for adjusting a VCR deck automatically and control means for controlling the adjusting mechanism to adjust the tape running system automatically. The tape running system adjusting mechanism comprises a plurality of screw driver tip assemblies for screwing adjustment screws and/or nuts in the system, a motor assembly for rotating the screw driver tip assemblies by a predetermined angle, a driver housing for fixedly supporting the screw driver tip assembly and the motor assembly in place, moving means attached to the driver housing for reciprocating the housing, a positioning means aligning the deck mechanism and the screw driver housing to be coincided in position with each other when they are coupled together and, a video camera for monitoring the position of the tape passing through guide posts and an audio/control head assembly or head drum.

Abstract: A mode selector mechanism for use in a cassette tape recorder includes a mode selector lever, a cam gear, an operating mechanism, a motor, a selecting mechanism, and a tape transport assembly. The tape transport assembly transports the cassette tape in a selected one of at least three operating modes including a forward playback mode, a fast-forward mode, and a rewinding mode. The cam gear moves the mode selector lever in a direction to a position corresponding to the selected operating mode where the mode selector lever is stopped. The operating mechanism is angularly movable in response to movement of the mode selector lever, for switching between different force transmitting paths of the tape transport assembly depending on the selected operating mode, and preventing the mode selector lever from moving in directions perpendicular to the direction in which the mode selector lever moves.

Abstract: A tape cleaner for a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus includes a plurality of blades disposed so that their tip portions are simultaneously in contact with a magnetic tape in the transportation path of the magnetic tape to remove dust and magnetic powder attached to the magnetic tape, whereby dropout can be prevented and a highly demanding error rate can be satisfied.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive for magnetic tape housed within a cartridge is provided which includes a rectangular access through which the cartridge is inserted into the drive and a wiping member operatively positioned at an edge of the access such that the cartridge is contacted during insertion into the drive. The wiping member is so constructed and coupled to electrical ground that electrostatic charge on the cartridge is bled to electrical ground, the wiping member being made of a conductive polymer or plastic material.

Abstract: A flywheel in a magnetic tape apparatus includes preferably identical, flat discs (3a, 3b) which are joined to one another and each have a bevelled portion (11a, 11b) at their circumferences (9a, 9b). The bevelled portions (11a, 11b) define a circumferential groove (17) for a belt (19) and the two discs (3a, 3b) are joined to one another in mirror-inverted relationship.

Abstract: A data storage system includes a data read/write device which can be incorporated in electronic data processing (EDP) devices with the external shape of an 88.9 mm (31/2 inch) diskette drive, which contains a read/write head and a controller, which transacts the protocol to write and read and is connected with a processor of the EDP device, and further includes a data carrier constructed as a smart-diskette in the shape and the dimensions of a 88.9 mm (31/2 inch) diskette which can be inserted into the data read/write device. The data carrier has electronic components, including controller, microprocessor and memory as well as a stationary magnetic transducer which is firmly connected with the data carrier. Data transfers are carried out through and between the read/write head and the stationary magnetic transducer. The data read/write device has no moving parts at all, i.e.

Abstract: A computer-based system, such as a value printing system, has a host data processor having at least one disk drive that includes a first read/write head for reading data from and for writing data to a removable data recording disk. The system further includes a printer, coupled to the host data processor and responsive thereto, for printing indicia indicative of a monetary value. The system further includes a removable data recording disk having an integral data processor including a memory for storing data expressive of a monetary value associated with printed indicia. The integral data processor further includes a second read/write head coupled to the recording medium for communicating with the host data processor through the first read/write head.

Abstract: An insertable element for the diskette or cassette station of a piece of electronic data processing equipment having an interface. The arrangement is such that data transmission between the EDP equipment and the element can be carried out through write/read devices which already exist in the EDP equipment. The element has a component which, in the inserted condition, is outside of the EDP equipment and itself is comprised of the EDP components and/or of the EDP devices and/or is constructed as a device to connect further EDP devices. According to another feature, a process for operating the EDP device with this insertable element is carried in such a way that the entire PC operating system and further programs are stored and at the commencement are loaded from there.

Abstract: A tape cleaning apparatus for a tape recorder includes a cleaning member fixed on one side of the tape running path and a cleaning roller for pressing the tape toward the cleaning member. The tape recorder adopting such cleaning apparatus can remove foreign matter attached to the tape, so as to improve the running performance of the tape and prevent damage to the tape.

Abstract: A pinch roller apparatus for a recording/reproduction device which prevents the contamination of a head, resulting from foreign objects settled on the recording medium, by providing a cleaning roller for removing foreign objects from a pinch roller. The invention allows cleaning of a pinch roller without utilizing a separate dedicated cassette for cleaning.

Abstract: End faces of the opposite ends of an FPC for connecting a movable magnetic head and a stationary electric circuit to each other are supported parallel to the plane of a recording medium and in the substantially same plane. The height of the FPC when it is flexed and twisted can be further reduced by forming a slot or slots longitudinally in the FPC and/or by forming a repeat or repeats of an S shape on the FPC. The height of the FPC upon flexing and twisting can be further reduced by bending the opposite side portions of an intermediate portion of the FPC between the end faces longitudinally. If the vertical spacing of the FPC which is flexed by movement of the magnetic head is reduced in this manner, a device of miniaturized thickness and volume can be constructed.

Abstract: A head drum ground system for use with a VCR comprises an electrical coupler which is located and arranged in an inner space of the head drum assembly so that a rotary drum is electrically connected with a stationary drum within the VCR. As a result, static electricity occurring on the surface of the rotary drum is transmitted to a deck supporting the stationary drum, through a boss member, the electrical coupler, an outer ring of a bearing, and the stationary drum, in that order.