Abstract: A multiple audio signal processing system is disclosed which comprises: a composite system combining a digital audio tape recorder and a compact disc player; a system controller for controlling the operation of the composite system in accordance with the data inputted into a data input of the composite system; and a signal path control circuit for deciding the signal paths in accordance with a series of control signals outputted from the system control circuit. The device of the present invention makes it possible that the output signals of the compact disc player and input signals from the external can be selectively recorded on a tape loaded in the deck of the digital audio tape recorder, and the output signals of the digital audio tape recorder and the compact disc player can be outputted to the outside in accordance with the desire of the user.

Abstract: A process for copying frequency modulated video signals stored on a magnetic tape includes playing back a frequency modulated carrier signal by a reproduction device having a frequency limiting characteristic which is outside the frequency modulation range of the carrier signal. The envelope of the played back FM carrier signal is monitored and if an amplitude drop-out is detected, a dummy signal of a constant frequency which is above or below the frequency modulation range, is inserted at the location of the amplitude drop-out. The processed FM signal is transmitted to a magnetic recording device, limited to a constant amplitude and re-recorded on a magnetic tape.

Abstract: A synchronizing circuit for a dubbing apparatus which is capable of a dubbing a signal played back from a playback unit to a recording unit in accordance with the operation of a dubbing command key. The synchronizing circuit essentially includes a circuit for checking the recording unit to determine if the recording unit has been brought into a stable recording condition and for producing a synchronous recording request signal, a device for driving the playback unit in response to the synchronous recording request signal, a circuit for checking the playback unit to determine if the playback unit is ready to playback and for producing a synchronous recording start signal, and a device for driving the recording unit into a recording mode in response to the synchronous recording start signal.

Abstract: A digital signal recording and playback apparatus having a rotary heads mounted on a rotary drum capable of recording/reproducing a digital signal onto/from a magnetic tape at a tape speed which is N times as much as the standard speed while conforming to the standard track angle and length. The number of the rotary heads are increased from the standard two heads whereas the drum speed is made one half of N times standard speed and the drum diameter is made slightly larger from the standard so that the relative speed between the running tape and the rotating heads becomes equal to the standard in the double tape speed mode, and becomes twice that in the quadruple tape speed mode.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for transmitting information from producer to end viewers, the information is provided on a first recording medium recorded at a standard speed and in a standard format in a series of tracks slanted relative to a direction of movement of that medium. The information is reproduced from the series of tracks on the first recording medium in the form of electric signals seriatim at increased speed on the order of a multiple of the standard speed. The reproduced information is simultaneously rerecorded from the electric signals seriatim in a standard format with series of tracks on several second recording media at the increased speed, for replay of that recorded information by several end users at different times from the several recording media at standard speed.

Abstract: The invention provides a FM signal transfer-recording system of VTR including; a RF output signal through the low pass filter of the reproduction set is applied to the pre-amp through the high frequency compensation part of the record set, and a synchronization signal separated at the synchronization-separating part of the reproduction set generates a switching pulse of 30 Hz through 1 switch, horizontal synchronization-separating part and monostable multivibrator of the record set in order to synchronize control pulse part and the drum servo. Recording directly the reproduced RF signal without FM demodulation and modulation and applying the synchronization signal of the reproduction set to the record set so as to synchronize control pulse and the drum servo with the synchronization signal of the reproduction set may be possible and removing the screen blazing generated due to FM demodulation and modulation may be attained according to the present invention.

Abstract: Program editing method and apparatus for an information recording medium playing apparatus for playing an information recording medium carrying a plurality of music pieces and playing time information representing a playing time required for playing each of the plurality of music pieces. The plurality of music pieces are selected in order and a computing process is executed for adding up the playing time of each of the selected music pieces. Then, a provisional combination is produced by editing the selected music pieces excluding one of the selected musical programs when the total playing time obtained by the computing process exceeds a time period previously designated. Furthermore, a combination whose total playing time is the nearest to but shorter than the designated time period is derived by alternately replacing each of the music pieces in the provisional combination with each of music pieces other than the music pieces in the provisional combination.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for assembling, editing and producing a production video cassette from a source video cassette without timing signal recorded thereon is disclosed. The source video cassette is initially dubbed onto a dub cassette with timing signals recorded thereon. The dub cassette is edited and assembled, using the timing signals recorded thereon. Using the sync count of the original source cassette, the timing signal of the desired video scene is correlated with the sync field count of the source video cassette. A production cassette is made from the source cassette without the timing signal. The present invention also discloses assembling, editing and viewing a video cassette having timing signals associate recorded thereon. The cassette recorder is operated on based upon the performance characteristics which were predetermined. The assembling and editing of each of the video cassettes is done to form the video production.

Abstract: A video tape recorder is associated with a monitor to provide sub-picture images at portions of the monitor screen for use in editing a recorded tape by inserting an input video signal. First and second memories are provided with respective capacities sufficient to store a field or frame of a video signal reproduced from the tape or of an input video signal, and writing and reading of the memories are controlled to provide sub-picture signals for display at the respective portions of the monitor screen. When playback or playback-pause modes are selected, one of the sub-picture screen portions displays the reproduced video signal as a moving picture or as a still picture, respectively.

Abstract: Dual video recording/reproducing apparatus includes a video playback unit, a video recording unit having recording circuitry for recording a video output signal from the video playback unit, as well reproducing circuitry for reproducing a video signal, and a sub-picture signal former responsive to a video signal supplied thereto for providing a sub-picture signal adapted to be displayed as a sub-picture insert of a main picture. A switch couples either the video output from the video playback unit or the video output from the reproducing circuitry included in the video recording unit to the sub-picture signal former. The video signal which is not coupled to the sub-picture signal former constitutes the main picture signal; and the sub-picture and main picture signals are combined to form a display signal which, when displayed, produces a main picture and a sub-picture insert.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus having a first tape drive mechanism capable of carrying out at least reproducing transport in one direction and the reverse direction of a first magnetic tape and a second tape drive mechanism capable of carrying out at least recording transport in one direction and the reverse direction of a second magnetic tape, such that during a so-called dubbing operation until reproducing transport in one direction of the first magnetic tape by the first tape drive mechanism and the recording transport in one direction of the second magnetic tape by the second tape drive mechanism are both ended, the tape drive mechanism whose operation is ended first is stopped and is not reversed, so that when the other tape drive mechanism finishes its operation the first and second tape drive mechanisms both start the respective reproducing and recording transports in the reverse direction of the first and second magnetic tapes simultaneously.

Abstract: An analog type magnetic recording and reproducing device such as a tape recorder includes a digital input terminal to which a digital signal is applied, a digital-to-analog converter for converting the digital signal applied to the digital input terminal to an analog signal, an analog magnetic recording and reproducing unit for recording and reproducing an output analog signal of the digital-to-analog converter, an analog-to-digital converter for converting a reproduced analog signal of the analog magnetic recording and reproducing unit to a digital signal; and a digital output terminal from which an output digital signal of the analog-to-digital converter is delivered out. This device is capable of transmitting a signal in digital between an audio source apparatus and this device and between this device and an audio amplifier.

Abstract: In an audio/video information recording/playback apparatus with repeating monitor function which includes an endless type recording medium T-1 of about twenty seconds for one cycle and a main recording medium T-2 with tape ends, while both media are driven simultaneously in a recording mode to record broadcasting or other external information, if a viewer wants to repeatedly monitor a part of this information, he can set the T-1 to a repeating playback mode by pushing a playback button of a remote control box and the desired part can be repeatedly played back for repeated monitoring by a TV set. During this playback of T-1, T-2 is continuously driven in the recording mode to continuously keep recording the information.

Abstract: A duplicate recording system uses video cassettes for storing master library recordings. On both the recording and the duplicating ends of the system, all signals are buffer stored in an electronic memory while the signals are in a digital form. This buffer storage completely isolates the recording/reproducing steps so that the usual parameter of restraints disappear. For example, the duplication ratio may be any value within the capabilities of the recording/reproducing machines. This isolation eliminates expensive setup procedures heretofore required to switch from one to another duplicating ratio. The buffer storage also provides a more precise transfer with greater fidelity of the recorded signals. A computer calculates a smoother analog curve when the digital-to-analog conversion is made.

Abstract: A device for duplicating magnetic disks and the like includes an inlet bin for holding magnetic disks, a motorized picker for selecting a disk from the bin along a substantially straight line pathm, a pressure roller for receiving the disk as it exits the bin and positioning the disk in a processing device, and a leaf spring for redirecting the path of the disk as it exits the processing device.

Abstract: A tape running device for storing and running an endless magnetic tape for mass-producing copies of the endless magnetic tape. The tape running device comprises a tape storage mechanism for storing a long, endless magnetic tape along a zigzag path formed by a plurality of movable guide rollers, a tension control mechanism for maintaining tension in the endless magnetic tape stored in the tape storage mechanism at a predetermined tension level, and tape driving apparatus for driving the endless magnetic tape stored in the tape storage mechanism. The total length of the zigzag path along which the endless magnetic tape is extended in the tape storage mechanism can be varied by properly shifting the plurality of guide rollers so that the tension in the endless magnetic tape is maintained on a predetermined tension level while the endless magnetic tape is being driven.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for providing an automated edit procedure between film and video formats is provided wherein a video edit becomes within one video field the exact replica of a film edit. Film frames (1/24th of a second) are read by video scans (1st and 2nd fields in 1/30th of a second) in a 3:2 pull down wherein successive movie frame scans are provided with four classes of video scans. These classes of video scans include (Class A) odd/even scans; (Class B) odd/even/odd scans; (Class C) even/odd/scans; and, finally (Class D) even/odd/even scans. All edits are limited to film frame edits. Each time a film frame edit is converted to a video edit decision, the system looks at the edit out frame type and/or the edit in frame type and the cumulative current overall time differential between the video run time and the film run time for the edit. Frames are added or subtracted to keep the total error within + or - one field and a new cumulative error calculated for the next sequential edit.

Abstract: A video communications system is provided that makes it possible for home viewers to download a movie in digital format from a large archive library, store the digital movie file locally, and view the movie at any convenient time. The system may limit access to particular movies and provides an accounting system that is used to bill downloads to the viewer's account as well as to post royalty payments to movie providers. Frequently viewed movies are quickly accessible via random access mass storage while infrequently viewed movies may be called up from a streaming tape archive. The digitalization of the program source allows for playback at various speeds, as well as pause, with no distortion or loss in picture quality.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for assembling, editing and producing a production video cassette from a source video cassette without timing signal recorded thereon is disclosed. The source video cassette is initially dubbed onto a dub cassette with timing signals recorded thereon. The dub cassette is edited and assembled, using the timing signals recorded thereon. Using the sync count of the original source cassette, the timing signal of the desired video scence is correlated with the sync field count of the source video cassette. A production cassette is made from the source cassette without the timing signal. The present invention also discloses assembling, editing and viewing a video cassette having timing signals associate recorded thereon. The cassette recorder is operated on based upon the performance characteristics which were predetermined. The assembling and editing of each of the video cassettes is done to form the video production.

Abstract: A multi-spindle synchronization control system for a magnetic disk apparatus includes a plurality of magnetic disk units each for receiving a reference clock pulse to control rotation of a spindle motor and detecting rotation of the spindle motor to generate an index pulse, a crystal oscillator for generating a master clock having a predetermined frequency, a counter for converting the master clock into a master index pulse generated upon each rotation of the spindle motor, and a plurality of spindle synchronization control circuits, each connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of magnetic disk units, for detecting a timing relationship between the master index pulse and the index pulse from the corresponding magnetic disk unit, omitting some pulses of the master clock in accordance with the detection result, and counting down the partially-omitted pulse train to output the reference clock pulse.

Abstract: A CD system in which position information of different pieces recorded on the CD is used to calculate how many of the pieces can be recorded on one side of a tape. When the maximum number of recordable pieces have been played, the tape is reversed. The invention also allows the pieces to be evenly divided between the two sides of the tape.

Abstract: A device for reproducing a plurality of optical disks previously stores a remaining time obtained by substracting the total playing time of music pieces of an optical disk from the play time corresponding to the length of a recording tape set by a user and sequentially stores the number of music pieces of another optical disk which can be recorded within the remaining time which are obtained by an edition operating section. The remaining time of a recording tape, which occurs when recording a plurality of music pieces recorded on an optical disk by using a magnetic recording/reproducing device such as a tape recorder, can be effectively used to easily set the number of music pieces when reocrding on the tape the music pieces of another optical disk.

Abstract: A data reproducing method in which abrupt sound transitions as the end of a recorded tape is reached are eliminated. A predetermined time period corresponding to the length of the tape is inputted, and a time instant earlier by a predetermined period of time than the end of the time period at which the end of the tape is encountered is calculated. While plural pieces of music are being reproduced in a specified order for recording on the tape, a sum of the total time from the start of reproduction is iteratively calculated. When the sum reaches the calculated period of time, the total output level is gradually reduced to zero.

Abstract: A loop bin for an endless tape having long length contained in a zigzag fashion comprising a tape inlet from which the endless tape can be put in, a tape outlet from which the endless tape can be drawn out, and at least one tape transport mechanism provided substantially horizontal so as to divide an inside of the loop bin into cascading levels and for continuously feeding the zigzag endless tape on each level from the tape inlet to the tape outlet.

Abstract: Taped data copying is disclosed having the capability of high speed simultaneous generation of multiple data copies. Storage media, for example magnetic tape, having data, normally in digital form, recorded thereon is read at a master unit and electrical signals indicative of the data is generated and broadcast over a computer bus to a plurality of addressable memory units where data-indicative information is simultaneously written into the plurality of memory units. Each memory unit is connected with a different associated one of a plurality of magnetic tape-containing data copying units so that data-indicative information stored in each memory unit is read and reliably copied onto the tape at the associated data copying unit. A processing unit is included to control writing information into the memory units, reading information stored in the memory units, and verifying the integrity and content of data copies.

Abstract: A video tape duplicator for duplicating a video signal simultaneously on a plurality of video tapes at high speed. The duplicator includes a source for providing a high frequency video signal and a record head for simultaneously recording the high frequency video signal on a plurality of duplicate magnetic tapes. The record head rotates at a speed which is related to the frequency of the high frequency signal so that the duplicate tape may be played back at normal head and tape speeds.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus for transferring both information signals and address signals from one tape to another. A first tape is reproduced while monitoring the reproduced signal for the presence of address signals. When an address signal is detected, recording of the reproduced signal on the second tape is halted, and a new address signal corresponding to the detected address signal is generated and recorded on the second tape.

Abstract: A system and method for high speed video tape reproduction wherein an optical disc player having two read heads located on opposite sides of the master disc is used to scan the individual tracks of the disc and develop electrical signals representing the data stored thereon. The two read heads are configured so that one head scans and reads even numbered tracks of the disc while the second head simultaneously scans and reads odd numbered tracks of the disc, which is being rotated at twice the standard rotational speed. The output electrical signals are then mixed and separated so that all data stored in a first portion of each track is formed into a first stream of electrical signals and all data stored in a second portion of each track is formed into a second stream of electrical signals. The two streams of electrical signals are then processed and delayed, as is necessary, so that the signals can be recorded by a video tape recorder having four write heads located around the circumference of its head drum.

Abstract: A multiple slave video tape reproduction system comprising: a master, including an optical disc player having two read heads located on opposite sides of the master disc for scanning the individual tracks of the disc and developing electrical signals representing the data stored, a timing means for coordinating the output sequence of the developed signals, and a processing means for configuring the developed signals so that they may be recorded onto a video tape; and a plurality of slave recorders, including a head drum, having four write heads located at 90 degree angles to each other around the circumference of the head drum whereby oppositely located heads form an electrically connected head pair, and mechanical and electrical components for moving and controlling the guide drum and tape.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape recording system having a single master tape player and a plurality of slave recording devices each including at least one rotary magnetic head for repeatedly scanning a respective magnetic recording tape, and each receiving, from the single master tape player, a signal to be recorded along with an external sync or reference signal; each of the slave recording devices is provided with a respective time base adjusting memory in which the signal to be recorded is written in synchronism .with the external reference signal, and from which the signal to be recorded is read-out in synchronism with a reference pulse generated in timed relation to a predetermined rotational position of the respective rotary magnetic head.

Abstract: At least two direct access storage devices (DASDs), which are predetermined to record the same data from a central processing unit (CPU), are normally kept synchronzied with each other except during the power up phase. The DASD synchronization is controlled and maintained by synchronization control means independent of any commands from the CPU. When one or more commands such as SEEK and SET SECTOR or LOCATE commands are transferred from the CPU to a control unit over a single data transfer path between them, desired identical records on the synchronized DASDs are concurrently located while the DASDs are disconnected from the data transfer path. Upon locating the desired identical records, the DASDs are reconnected to the data transfer path. Then, a WRITE command is transferred from the CPU to the control unit for concurrently recording the same data onto the synchronized DASDs at the desired record locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for taking an analog audio signal, converting the signal into a digital audio signal, and thereafter converting the digital audio signal into a standard bandwidth video signal and thereby substantially compressing it. In this format, it can be placed onto a master video tape from which it can be transferred to a video disk. The present invention further comprises a method and apparatus from which a selected number of recordings on the video disk can be retrieved by playing the video disc in still frame mode to create an analog video signal, converting the analog video signal into a string of digital values, converting the digital audio stream into an analog audio signal and thereafter recording the audio signal onto an audio tape at high speed.

Abstract: The present invention intends to record the information which was divisionally recorded on a disk onto a recording medium without a loss of information. The operation of a disk reproducing apparatus for reproducing the information recorded on the disk and the operation of a recording apparatus for recording the information reproduced by the disk reproducing apparatus are synchronously started. When the recording medium of the recording apparatus has reached an end, the reproducing operation of the disk reproducing apparatus is immediately stopped. The header signal of the music divisionally recorded on the disk is searched for by a searching means of the disk reproducing apparatus. The reproducing operation is temporarily stopped. After the recording medium is reversed, the reproduction of the disk reproducing apparatus is restarted from the searched for header signal.

Abstract: A computer system for preventing copying or duplication of a program which has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an FDD unit, a loader program executed by the CPU for loading the program from the FDD unit to the memory, an address selector switch, and an FM/MFM modulating circuit. The CPU reads the program from the FDD unit to the RAM under the control of a control program stored in the ROM, the program being stored in the FDD unit in the MFM mode which does not allow readout of the program by the loader program. The readout program is modified by the FM/MFM modulating circuit in accordance with a machine number unique to the machine and read from the address selector switch. The modified program is written in the FDD unit by the FM/MFM modulating circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for copying video signals from a first magnetic recording medium to a second magnetic recording medium having a playback section for reading out modulated video signals from the first magnetic recording medium on which the modulated video signals are recorded, and a recording section for recording on the second magnetic recording medium the modulated video signals read out by the playback section. The playback section includes a playback unit for driving the first magnetic recording medium and for reading out the modified video signals therefrom, and a first display for visually displaying a picture represented by the modulated video signals thus read.

Abstract: A digital audio player in which the pieces of music are played according to a program. The program is selected so that the total playing time does not exceed a set period of time. The selection is performed by reading playing times from a disk on which are recorded both the pieces of music and their separate playing times.

Abstract: Data processing system for high-speed reproduction of musical recordings at a point-of-sale terminal utilizes optical CD music ROM banks of master programs prerecorded by a Dolby ADM (adaptive delta modulated) technique to condense their "information" content. Condensation permits higher data throughput during high-speed reproduction. In a "premastering" process to make encoded masters, a special multiplexer board provides interfacing between Dolby ADM digital audio data and a conventional data processing system. The multiplexer board performs computer-like data blocking and also writes a unique sync code directly in the data block. The data processing system also catalogs and edits the blocked digital audio; places encrypted catalog, pricing, and other indicia in the data file representing the music; and sends the data file to convention 16-bit PCM file writer for making the encoded CD music ROMs which contain the ADM data representing the encoded audio program.

Abstract: An information carrier having a surface upon which the information is stored. The surface having a first series of lineal regions and at least a second series of lineal regions with the second series being spaced from the first series of lineal regions. The first and second series of lineal regions are used to provide duplication of the stored information at two locations on the carrier so that even if a defect occurs in one region the information can still be read from another region. When stored on a disc, the different series of lineal regions can be arranged in a banded structure, whereby each series is separated from the next by a prescribed radial spacing. Alternatively the separate series of lineal regions can be arranged in interleaved fashion progressing radially on the disc.

Abstract: In an apparatus for automatically supplying and selectively reproducing a plurality of cassettes, the error rate for each cassette and for each reproduction is automatically generated and stored in a separate area of a memory and, when the error rate exceeds a threshold rate, the deteriorating cassettes are automatically dubbed onto blank cassettes to ensure that deterioration of each tape or other record medium never exceeds a predetermined amount. In addition, the operator may independently cause any cassette to be dubbed when he deems the image produced therefrom to be too highly degraded regardless of the error rate of the signal recorded therein.

Abstract: A synchronizing circuit for a dubbing apparatus which is capable of a dubbing a signal played back from a playback unit to a recording unit in accordance with the operation of a dubbing command key. The synchronizing circuit essentially includes a power source for supplying a driving current, a potential source associated with the dubbing command key for supplying a prescribed potential, first and second devices for setting the playback unit and the recording unit in a playback mode and a recording mode, respectively, first and second circuits for activating the first and second setting device by applying the driving current in response to the reception of the prescribed potential, respectively, and a circuit for delaying the supply of the prescribed potential to one of the first and second activating circuits when the prescribed potential is first applied to the other activating circuit.

Abstract: A system of recording and playing cassettes consisting of a double-track tape, one track on which the musical accompaniment has been recorded being unerasable and the other clean so that the user can record his own voice on it accompanied by the recorded music.

Abstract: A video tape editing technique in which video information recorded on a first magnetic tape is edited and recorded on a second magnetic tape in a selected order. The technique includes playing back video information recorded on a first magnetic tape and displaying the played back information on a video monitor. The start and end fields or frames of edited segments of video information on the first magnetic tape are designated. Upon designating the start field or frame of an edited segment, at least a portion of such field or frame is stored in reduced format in memory and simultaneously the location of such start field or frame is also stored in memory. Upon designating the end field or frame, its location is also stored in memory.

Abstract: A floppy disk drive (FDD) capable of data transfer with a track density of, typically, 96 tracks per inch (TPI) is adapted for rewriting on a floppy disk on which data has been written on concentric data tracks by a 48-TPI FDD. The data tracks, each with a width W1, are arranged with a pitch P1 on the disk. The 96-TPI FDD has a magnetic head assembly comprising a read/write head capable of providing a data track width W2 of 0.4 W1 to 0.6 W1, and a pair of tunnel erase heads each capable of providing an erase width of (W1-W2)/1 to (P1/2-W2). The opposite edge portions of each prewritten data track on the disk are erased by the erase heads of the head assembly, with the latter successively positioned intermediate the data tracks.

Abstract: A video cassette recorder and taping system is disclosed in which two video cassette decks are included within a single housing. Selection switches are provided so that a prerecorded tape may be displayed from a tape located in one video cassette unit deck while one of a plurality of inputs is being recorded on another video tape located in the deck of the second video cassette unit.

Abstract: A PCM signal recording and reproducing apparatus comprises first and second memory circuits, in which PCM signals are read and written using the first memory circuit, while PCM signals stored in the second memory circuit are error-corrected. At the end of writing by the first memory circuit, the first and second memory circuits are interchanged to read the error-corrected PCM signals stored in the second memory circuit. The read-out error-corrected PCM signals are then recorded on another magnetic tape.

Abstract: An automatic disc separating and feeding apparatus for a disc copying machine is disclosed which is capable of effectively preventing the damage to a disc and/or an envelope thereof during the operation. The apparatus includes a disc sucking and sliding device for sucking up an uppermost one of the stacked discs which includes a stationary plate and a sliding plate each provided with through-holes adapted to form together air vents varied in size depending upon the position of the sliding plate to lift the disc up by action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the speed of a multitrack audiotape machine while recording audio from a multitrack audiotape onto a videotape. The speed of the audiotape machine is regulated by correlating a video synchronization signal previously recorded onto the audiotape with a video synchronization signal controlling the videotape recorder during the recording. Highly accurate synchronization between the two machines is achieved. This allows for the transfer of multiple audio tracks from the multitrack audiotape onto the videotape and then onto multiple laser videodiscs, such that during playback of the multiple laser videodiscs, the laser videodisc players can be synchronized with each other.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the mass duplication of flexible diskettes of the type used to store programs and related data for use with word processors, computer systems, etc. A microprocessor-controlled base station, including a Kopy Module and two associated manual modules, is coupled by means of a daisy-chained bidirectional data Way to a plurality of slave stations. The Kopy Module may be used to store a plurality of possible diskette formats as well as operator-introduced copy and duplicating instructions. Blank diskettes are fed into the slaves and the blank diskettes are formatted in accordance with information supplied by the master. An especially designed translator contained within the Kopy Module allows diskettes bearing all of the commonly used data encoding techniques to be replicated. In another mode of operation, diskettes with unknown formats are analyzed, deciphered and stored for later use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reproducing magnetic recordings of digital data information particularly on flexible plastics discs known as "Floppy" discs. Data information is copied from one disc to another regardless of the encoding of information and the format of the disc without data corruption upon track changing by the recording transducer, it being unnecessary for the copier to react in any way to the data information in order to identify the buffer zones at which track changing must take place.

Abstract: An automatic flexible disk loader/copier apparatus includes a disk drive for reading data from and writing data onto flexible disks; an automatic mechanical loader for feeding disks from an input hopper into the disk drive and for discharging disks from the disk drive; a selectable format flexible disk controller which is dynamically reprogrammable to vary the format of the data written to the disks; and a computer which responds to the presence of write-protect indicators on the disks in the disk drive to load format, data and control information from the disks and which responds to the absence of write-protection indicators on the disks in the disk drive to write format and data to the disks.