Abstract: A torque command is applied to a tape running unit. The tape running unit for draws out and drives a tape wound on a first reel and taken up on a second reel. The torque command is modulated by a torque modulator in accordance with a moment of inertia of the first reel, a winding radius of the tape wound on the first reel, a moment of inertia of the second reel and a rotating radius of the second reel, which are detected by a parameter detector. The first motor is responsive to the modulated torque command for rotating the first reel, thereby keeping the tension of the tape constant.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a cassette auto changer selectively takes out a plurality of cassettes accommodated within a predetermined cassette accommodating unit to load the cassette into a recording and/or a reproducing means and is enabled to further easily confirm the state of the cassette auto changer and operate the cassette auto changer. By arranging the configuration in such a manner that the states of the portions of the cassette auto changer are collectively visually illustrated on a display screen of a monitor and the respective portions are controlled on the display screen, the confirmation of the states of the portions of the cassette auto changer can further easily be made and they can be operated further easily.

Abstract: A VISS circuit for preventing image search malfunction occurrence due to variation in the speed of a video tape used in a video cassette recorder makes it possible to carry out a normal VISS operation by utilizing the pulse width of the Schmitt trigger pulse, which is varied in accordance with the change in speed of the video tape. The circuit includes a Schmitt trigger circuit capable of varying the width of the Schmitt trigger pulse in accordance with variation of upper and lower extreme voltage values of a control signal based on the speed signals after detecting the tape speed signals at the time of the recording and the control signals from the control head, the varied width of the Schmitt trigger pulse being supplied to a VISS operation circuit, and a control device for supplying a signal for varying the width of the Schmitt trigger pulse produced by the Schmitt trigger circuit in accordance with the tape speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading information off a document such as a check is herein disclosed. The apparatus includes an apparatus housing defining a specific path through which the document is intended to pass during normal operation of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes an arrangement including a read head positioned at a fixed point on the path and cooperating circuitry for reading specific information off of the document as the document is caused to move through the path and across the read head. And, the apparatus includes an arrangement for moving the document through the path and across the read head along with causing the document to engage against the read head as the document moves across the read head. This document moving arrangement includes an arrangement supporting a freely rotating idler roller which is positioned to engage the document against the read head.

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 magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus compares speed information obtained by speed detecting means for a magnetic tape with a set travelling speed of the magnetic tape in a control circuit, and controls the rotational frequency of a driving motor for a take-up reel, thereby controlling constant-speed travelling of the magnetic tape, with employment of no capstan. According to this system, the overall apparatus can be simplified and miniaturized with reduction in weight and cost. Further, it is possible to improve constant-speed travelling performance of the magnetic tape by adjusting resonance and antiresonance appearing due to total equivalent inertia moment related to the magnetic tape and reels in the transfer characteristic of the control system.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to realize a DTF control in a wide frequency range and a noiseless high-speed replay at several tens of times the normal relay speed without degradation of picture quality. It is also an object to provide an optimum contact between the head and the tape at all times by performing the tension control with high precision and in wide frequency range.A pair of supply side stationary pins 10a.sub.1, 10a.sub.2 and a supply side movable pin 9a driven by a supply side tape actuator 11a are provided on the magnetic tape supply side of the head cylinder that has a rotary head H. By controlling the supply side tape actuator 11a to move the movable pin 9a, the tension of the magnetic tape T at the head cylinder can be controlled. When the tape is replayed at speed different from the recording speed, the supply side tape actuator 11a and a takeup side tape actuator are operated differentially from each other to perform a good tracking.

Abstract: A single deck dual tape path videocassette recorder/playback system enabling near simultaneous multiple functions with respect to a broadcast or cable communicated television signal. The system consists of standard elements which allow the receipt of a videocassette, the extracting and return of video tape from and to the videocassette, and the recording of a broadcast or cable communicated signal. The system also consists of two tape path assemblies and a videotape compartment consisting of a tape feed channel, a storage assembly, and a vacuum system. All elements are included within a single housing utilizing a common power supply, tuner, controls, and switching and control circuitry enabling simultaneous multiple functions using both tape paths, as well as additional function selections.

Abstract: A disk drive system for use in limited power applications is disclosed. The disk drive includes a spindle motor having two or more windings, along with a spindle motor driver which can drive the spindle motor in any of a unipolar, bipolar or tripolar mode. The bipolar or tripolar mode is used to start the disk drive and then the unipolar mode is used to operate the disk drive while data is being retrieved. By combining the three drive modes a large start current reduction and higher rotation velocities are achieved. Current consumption is further minimized by adaptively transitioning from bipolar to unipolar modes of operation. The disclosure also includes a general methodology for optimal motor K.sub.E and K.sub.M parameter selection.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette recording and playback apparatus, particularly for digital audio tapes, capable of performing a variety of controlled playback and recording operations in accordance with a user-inputted program. The cassettes are stored on shelves in a magazine and selectively extracted and transported to a drive unit for playing and recording. In one mode, the apparatus can carry out continuous recording from one cassette to another, and cassettes can be designated for recording, for instance, of only particular types of music. The cassettes are rewound at the completion of a playing program so as to be ready for the start of search operations for a subsequent program.

Abstract: A cassette convey means can carry a plurality of cassettes, and can selectively convey and mount a cassette to a cassette driving section, or can externally feed the mounted cassette. A cassette selection/setting means outputs designation data for selecting and designating one of the cassettes. An operation mode input means outputs an operation signal including cassette subsidiary information such as a timer setting instruction or remaining amount display data for the cassette designated by the cassette selection setting means, or a tape driving instruction. A cassette information storage means stores information of each of the plurality of cassettes. A system controller checks conditions of pieces of input information from the above-mentioned means, selects an optimal cassette according to a purpose, and controls the cassette convey means to mount the selected cassette on the tape driving section.

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

Abstract: A recording or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes a loading member movable between an unloading position at which a tape is accommodated into a cassette and a loading position at which the tape is pulled out from the cassette and wrapped around a rotary head drum to enable recording or reproduction, a detecting circuit for causing the rotary head drum to start rotating when the loading member is located at a predetermined position between the unloading and loading positions and the tape is wrapped around the rotary head drum by a predetermined angle, and detecting a rotational speed which the rotary head drum reaches within a predetermined time, and a control circuit for driving the loading member to the loading position if it is determined that the rotary head drum is not wet with dew condensation from the rotational speed of the rotary head drum detected by the detecting circuit, and if it is determined that the rotary head drum is wet with dew condensation, driving the loadin

Abstract: A cassette autochanger capable of lowering a load on a cassette and a cassette transfer mechanism of a transfer machine when the cassette is supplied to and received from a recording and/or reproducing apparatus, such as a data recorder, by the cassette transfer mechanism. In a normal condition, the cassette is fed from the transfer machine to the data recorder in a low-speed transfer mode. When a power failure takes place after the start of a cassette feeding operation, the cassette is thereafter fed in a high-speed transfer mode.

Abstract: An improved control device for use in an automatic video tape cassette changing apparatus is adaptive to various types of the video cassette recorders. The control device is capable of sequentially changing a plurality of cassettes in a convenient and reliable manner in a video cassette recorder. The control device include the sensors 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, the microprocessor 51 and the drive circuit for actuating the mechanical components. The microprocessor includes a first control mode responsive to the cassette detection signals from the sensor 54 and 56 for sequentially actuating the drive circuits 21, 36 and 39, and a second control mode responsive to the cassette detection signals from the sensors 53 and 56 for sequentially actuating the drive circuits 36, 39 and 41.

Abstract: An automatic cassette changer wherein a plurality of types of cassettes having different recording formats can be used. The automatic cassette changer comprises a plurality of types of cassettes in which different types of record media having different recording formats are accommodated, a cassette storage rack having a plurality of bins for storing the cassettes therein, a plurality of recording and/or reproducing apparatus each provided for selectively recording and/or reproducing a format signal in accordance with a selected one of the recording formats of the plurality of types of cassettes, and a transport mechanism for selectively transporting the cassettes between the bins and the recording and/or reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: Fast formatting of DASD emulating sectors on optical media is provided to reduce initialization time. Rather than format each track media when a new surface of an optical media is mounted in an optical storage library, a table is created on the media containing a set of entries for each track on the media surface. During initialization, a first table entry for each track is set to indicate that the state of the track is reliably KNOWN and a second entry is set to indicate that the track is virgin (unrecorded). Prior to a subsequent data access operation, the track table is copied from the media into a corresponding table in memory and each first entry in the media table is changed to indicate an UNKNOWN state. The memory track table is updated during the data access operations to reflect newly recorded or updated sectors. Upon completion of the data access, the media table is overwritten with the updated memory table.

Abstract: A disk drive in a multi-disk storage system has a spindle synchronizer and a spindle controller that are microprocessor-based. The spindle synchronizer has a counter used to track the phase of a master phase reference signal that is distributed to all the disk drives in the storage system. The counter may also optionally be used to generate the master reference signal. The spindle synchronizer also has programmable registers and a comparator that are used to generate a spindle reference signal having a programmable phase offset relative to the master reference signal, and a register used to sample the phase of the master reference once per revolution of its associated spindle. The spindle controller contains a counter used to measure the actual rotational period of the associated spindle. The spindle phase error is used in a phase correction algorithm that controls a reference voltage supplied to a motor spin controller.

Abstract: A magnetic tape library apparatus having a magnetic tape cartridge entry unit and an automatic cartridge ejection includes a cell unit having a plurality of cells each accommodating a magnetic tape cartridge, a magnetic tape drive unit for writing and reading data to and from any one of the magnetic tape cartridges, and an accessor for automatically switching magnetic tape cartridges between cell unit and magnetic tape drive unit. The magnetic tape cartridge entry unit of the library apparatus includes a stacker for stacking a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges entered externally, and a delivery mechanism for delivering to the accessor each cartridge separated from the stacked cartridges in the stacker. The automatic cartridge ejection unit receives the cartridge from the accessor and transports it to an appropriate position for delivery onto a tray.

Abstract: A double-deck video tape recorder has two tape cassette slots defined in a front panel thereof for inserting and ejecting respective magnetic tape cassettes therethrough. The double-deck video tape recorder also has a pair of drive mechanisms disposed in a housing for recording information on and reproducing information from the magnetic tape cassettes inserted in the respective drive mechanisms through the tape cassette slots. When an edit direction key is pressed, a control system places one of the drive mechanisms in a playback mode and another of the drive mechanisms in a recording mode. When a start/pause key is pressed, the control system starts to operate the one of the drive mechanisms to reproduce recorded information from the magnetic tape cassette inserted therein and also to operate the other drive mechanism to record the reproduced information in the magnetic tape cassette inserted therein.

Abstract: A system (20) for controlling deceleration of a motor (22) during an abrupt power-off condition includes a processor (40), a motor control circuit (50), and a secondary power source (70). During normal power-on operation and based on currently prevailing operation parameters, processor (40) routinely generates a contingent motor-governing deceleration signal for potential use in governing motor (22) should the power-off condition occur. In response to the occurrence of a power-off condition, motor control circuit (50) controls motor (22) in accordance with the contingent motor-governing deceleration signal to achieve orderly deceleration. Secondary power supply circuit (70) provides power to motor control circuit (50) during the power-off condition.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus draws a recording tape out of a cassette and places the tape around a rotary drum having at least one head to perform recording and/or reproducing. The supply-side and take-up-side reels are rotated to wind the tape for a predetermined amount of time after the initiation of the unloading operation. Then, one of the reels is stopped, and the other reel is continuously rotated to further wind the tape.

Abstract: A drum for a rotatable cylinder head includes an opaque disc-shaped member having a plurality of opaque fins affixed thereto and arranged substantially normal to the disc-shaped member. A first plurality of the fins has a first width and a second plurality of the fins has a second width broader than the first width. Every fin has a distal end remote from the disc-shaped member, and an opaque circumferential ring is affixed to the distal end of each fin. The disc-shaped member, the fins and the circumferential ring form a plurality of apertures about the drum.

Abstract: A power saving system for a flexible magnetic disk drive utilizes a power save signal supplied from a host system. When the power save signal indicates that the disk drive is standing by, a power saving circuit holds unpowered desired components of the disk drive such as a disk drive motor circuit, stepper motor circuit, read/write circuit and sensor circuits. The power saving circuit is constructed to permit the transducer to be recalibrated on a reference track on the disk only when the disk drive is turned on, but to inhibit such recalibration when the power save signal indicates the end of standby, thereby avoiding waste of power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for using the remanent noise of a magnetic medium as a fingerprint for benchmark testing of the magnetic medium as it is both manufactured and used. A cross-correlation is made between the fingerprint at various times as the magnetic medium is manipulated and is indicative of the integrity thereof. This cross-correlation media may be used to control manufacturing and recording processes, including tape tensioning and channel equalization. This cross-correlation between fingerprints can be used to control the tension applied to a thin film magnetic medium during record and/or playback.

Abstract: A system is provided which records reproduces signals on/from a magnetic tape in a cassette in longitudinal tracks in two track patterns in two adjacent tape zones which are inscribed/read in opposite directions. The cassettes are non-reversible and comprise one imperforate main wall. Without exception the associated apparatuses comprise, as a standard feature, recording/reproducing signals in the two opposite directions without reversal of the cassette. The system may be constructed as a two-standard system suitable for use with both reversible and non-reversible cassettes in conformity with non-compatible standards on two-standard apparatuses.

Abstract: A generally rectangular outer housing is sized to fit within the full height five and one quarter inch form factor. A drawer is mounted for sliding motion within the housing along a longitudinal axis thereof from a retracted position in which the drawer is substantially fully contained within the housing to an extended position in which a forward portion of the drawer extends beyond a forward transverse end of the housing. A DAT tape drive is mounted within a rear portion of the drawer and has a forwardly opening cassette insertion slot. A cassette magazine is provided that has a plurality of vertically spaced receptacles for holding a plurality of DAT cassettes in a vertically stacked configuration. A magazine loader is mounted in the forward portion of the drawer for receiving and vertically reciprocating the cassette magazine and for selectively transferring cassettes between the magazine and the cassette insertion slot of the DAT tape drive.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic disk drive incorporates a system for reducing the power consumption of a disk sensor according to a power save signal which is supplied from a host system and which indicates whether the disk drive is active or inactive. The disk sensor has a switch connected in series with a resistor, the sensor switch being opened or closed depending upon whether a flexible magnetic disk cartridge is loaded in or unloaded from the disk drive. For powering the disk sensor at least when the disk drive is active, and for unpowering the same when the disk cartridge is unloaded while the disk drive is inactive, an OR gate is provided which has its output grounded via the sensor switch and the resistor, one of its two inputs connected to the power save signal line, and the other input to a circuit point between sensor switch and resistor.

Abstract: A screen encore method capable of displaying again (encore) a block of pictures designated by a user or a last picture with a single key by software control, without adding hardware, so that the inventive system is highly improved both in its function and quality.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus that realizes a DTF control in a wide frequency range and a noiseless high-speed replay at several tens of times the normal replay speed without degradation of picture quality. Optimum contact between the head of the apparatus and the tape is provided at all times by performing tension control with high precision and in a wide frequency range. A pair of supply side stationary pins and a supply side movable pin driven by a supply side tape actuator is provided on the magnetic tape supply side of the head cylinder that has a rotary head. By controlling the supply side tape actuator to move the movable pin, the tension of the magnetic tape at the head cylinder can be controlled by taking into account the acceleration of the deck. When the tape is replayed at a speed different from the recording speed, the supply side tape actuator and a takeup side tape actuator are operated differentially from each other to perform good tracking.

Abstract: A tape travel controlling system in a recording/reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes a tape width detector, a tape traveling path adjuster for changing a set condition(s) for a tape guide(s), and a tape traveling path controller, and is constructed so that the tape traveling path controller controls the amount of change in the set condition(s) for the tape guide(s) in the tape traveling path adjuster in accordance with an output signal provided from the tape width detector.

Abstract: An apparatus is arranged to draw out a tape wound around a pair of reels accommodated in a cassette, bring the tape into abutment with a rotary drum, and record or reproduce information on or from the tape. The apparatus includes a pair of reel mounts for enabling rotational force to be transmitted to the pair of reels, respectively, a rotational driving part for transmitting a rotational driving force to either one of the pair of reel mounts, a detecting part for detecting a rotation of the reel mount to which the rotational driving force is transmitted, and a decision part for determining that the cassette is not inserted in the apparatus, if the reel mount to which the rotational driving force is transmitted is rotating at a rotational speed greater than a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the performance of a DAT drive and a method for self-cleaning the tape heads of a DAT drive pursuant to the occurrence of an error that could not be corrected by re-reads or re-writes. The monitoring method includes the steps of (a) reading a tape, (b) determining for each of successive groups of frames respective A track and B track reference error counts representative of the A track and B track C1 error counts in each group of frames, each group having the same number of frames, and (c) providing a warning signal indicative of degraded performance if (i) either the A track reference counts for a predetermined number of consecutive frame groups exceed a predetermined threshold or the B track reference counts for a predetermined number of consecutive frame groups exceed a predetermined threshold, or (ii) if both the A track and B track reference counts for the predetermined number of consecutive frame groups exceed the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A disc change signal generating circuit which uses an index sensor for generating an index pulse in order to detect a rotation of a floppy disk, a timer to input the output of the index sensor into a clear terminal and to input a clock signal into a clock terminal and thereby generate a value with a predetermined frequency, and a disk change signal generating circuit for generating a disk change signal by input of the output of the timer.

Abstract: A device for fast-forwarding and rewinding a tape includes a base plate supporting a fast-forward and rewind switch. Actuation of the switches rotates a reverse plate. A base plate with forward and reverse operating positions moves the reverse plate between first and second axes of rotation. A switching arm having an idler gear is selectively engageable between a forward and reverse drive system which winds a tape at high speeds. If the device is in a forward mode of operation, the switching arm rotates in the same direction as the reverse plate. If the device is in a reverse mode, the switching arm rotates in a direction opposite the reverse plate.

Abstract: A disk drive control system using a disk controller enables a host processor system to issue a data read/write command to a disk controller before a disk drive is brought into an access-enable state. Since a pseudo-ready signal is fixed at the active level the host processor system issues the data read/write command to the disk controller. Once the data read/write command has been issued the host processor system can perform processes other than disk control.

Abstract: A method for controlling a rotating disk magnetic data storage device employing several reduced power modes which are automatically entered and exited under the control of the rotating disk device microcontroller. Two modes are provided which are fully responsive to host computer commands, and are thereby transparent to the host computer user, all providing significant power savings. An additional full power down mode is provided which can be initiated by a command from the host computer user, wherein the operational state parameters of the rotating disk device are stored in the host computer until the host computer powers on the device. At this time the stored state parameter are restored into the rotating disk device allowing it to resume its operational state immediately prior to the power suspension.

Abstract: A tape loading device is for a cassette type magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus in which a tape is drawn out of a cassette for record or reproduction, and includes movable tape guides for defining a path for running of the tape, a pair of reel driving motors which independently drive two reels of the cassette to apply a back tension to the tape, and a control unit. The reel driving motors are activated to apply the same torque to both the reels, before the tape loading operation. In this state, a tape wind diameter ratio and/or an inertia ratio between the reels is computed based on the speeds and directions of rotations of the reels. The control unit selects a control pattern which would effectively suppress rotations of the reels due to inertia, out of a plurality of control patterns, in accordance with the computed value. In tape loading or unloading operation, the control unit controls operation of the movable tape guides and/or the reel driving motors in accordance with the selected pattern.

Abstract: The present invention purports to provide a tape recording/reproducing apparatus capable of causing a plurality of tapes having different width respectively to travel smoothly and its cassette. The cassette positioning spring 1 gives an appropriate pressing force even in the case that the cassettes have different thicknesses, and the cassettes are respectively fixed at predetermined positions so that the lower edges of the magnetic tape 3a, 3b are positioned at the same height. The flange 9 of the guide post 12 is shifted in an up-and-down direction in response to a magnetic tape width signal detected through the cassette detecting switch 13 or the beginning edge detector 14a, or the ending edge detector 14b, so that even narrow magnetic tape 3a can travel at the predetermined height. Furthermore, by changing the inclined angle and/or the inclined direction of the movable post 10, a downward torsion force is applied to the narrow magnetic tape 3a.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette apparatus having a control device for controlling drive mechanism functions including the drawing in and ejection of a cassette. A control rod is longitudinally displaceable backwards and forwards by a servo motor between end points on its path of movement and, in certain operating positions, controls drive mechanism functions in conjunction with switching transmitters and a logic circuit. A catch rod is movably guided on the control rod in the longitudinal direction of the latter. The catch rod is lockable to the control rod and is mechanically coupled to the loading mechanism of the drive mechanism. The catch rod and the control rod act on a control switch to feed commands imparted by switch actuators on the rods to the logic circuit, which forms switching commands therefrom for apparatus functions.

Abstract: A tape drive controlling device includes a first controlling circuit for driving a take-up reel for a tape on the basis of the result of a comparison between a take-up-side tension measured between the take-up reel and a head and a predetermined tension target value, a second controlling circuit for driving a supply reel for the tape on the basis of the result of a comparison between a supply-side tension measured between the supply reel and the head and a predetermined tension target value, a speed detecting circuit for detecting the travel speed of the tape, and a correcting circuit for correcting at least one of the take-up-side and supply-side tension target values on the basis of the result of a comparison between a detection result provided by the speed detecting circuit and a travel speed target value.

Abstract: A system for recording and/or reading signals on/from information carriers (4) accommodated in cassettes (2) composed of cassettes (2-3A) of a first type and cassettes (2-3B) of a second type, which two types of cassettes have substantially identical dimensions and shapes apart from local identifying distinctive features (22-3A, 26-3A; 22-3B, 26-3B) of a first type and of a second type respectively. Drive apparatus constructed to cooperate with a cassette of the system when inserted in a correct orientation. Drive apparatus of the first type, is constructed for cooperation with cassettes (2-3A) of the first type but not for cooperation with cassettes (2-3B) of the second type, and drive apparatus of a second type, is constructed for cooperation with cassettes (2 3B) of the second type but not for cooperation with cassettes (2 3A) of the first type.

Abstract: In a power-save system for a floppy disk apparatus, a latch circuit which is gate-controlled by a trailing-edge delayed standby signal is introduced, whereby it becomes possible to power off sensor circuits contained in the apparatus.

Abstract: A stand-by mode setting/releasing device is provided for a video cassette recorder (VCR). When the attachment of the video cassette to a video cassette recorder (VCR) is terminated, a microcomputer drives a cylinder motor immediately to execute tape loading. In the stop state, with the tape loading completed, cylinder rotation is continued for 5 minutes without tensioning the tape and cylinder rotation is terminated after a lapse of the 5 minutes. In this manner, other modes in the stop mode can be set quickly, while power consumption is also avoided. When there is no necessity of maintaining channel selection at the VCR tuner, tape loading and power turn-off may be executed after a lapse of the five-minute period to further reduce the power consumption.

Abstract: A magnetic recording or reproducing apparatus for recording or reproducing a signal on or from a magnetic tape while causing the magnetic tape to travel in the state of being wrapped around a rotary head drum provided with a magnetic head. The apparatus includes a speed detecting part for detecting a speed of the magnetic tape, a supply-reel-side tension detecting part for detecting a tension of the magnetic tape between the rotary head drum and a supply reel, a take-up-reel-side tension detecting part for detecting a tension of the magnetic tape between the rotary head drum and a take-up reel, and a control signal switching part for switching control signals in accordance with whether the magnetic tape is made to travel in a forward or rearward direction.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape transport device having supply and take-up reels and tape guide elements, as well as a scanner, there is engaged with the tape on each side of the scanner a tape tension roller on the free extremity of a tape tension lever which is subjected to torque at its pivot by a d.c. motor for maintaining the desired tension of the tape. An angular position indicator is connected to the pivot of the lever and a regulation loop is provided for controlling the tape tension in a manner consistent with the tape speed. A capstan drive of the tape is not necessary.

Abstract: A tape loading device for loading a tape onto a recording drum, comprises, a pair of rotational reel spindles, the reel spindles supporting respective reels on which the tape is wound and between which the tape extends, a spindle drive for applying torque to the reel spindles so that the tape between the reels runs on the recording drum and a tension is applied to the tape between the reels, and tape withdrawing device for withdrawing the tape from the reels so that the tape between the reels moves toward the recording drum and contacts with the recording drum. The spindle drive applies a first tension to the tape between the reels in a first step where the tape withdrawing device move the tape between the reels toward the recording drum, the spindle drive increases the tension of the tape from the first tension to a tension greater than the first tension in a second step where the tape does not contact with the recording drum.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus for receiving recording information and index information with respect to the recording information, and recording the recording information on a recordable disc medium, including memory device for storing the index information as first index information, first recording device for recording the recording information on the disc recording medium in accordance with the first index information, control device for producing second index information on the basis of the first information, and second recording device for recording the second index information on the disc recording medium in parallel with the recording by the first recording device.

Abstract: One end portion of a lug detecting lever or cassette detecting lever is arranged at the position of a safety lug of a cassette loaded on a tray unit or at the position of the cassette. The pivotal position of the other end portion of this detecting lever is varied in accordance with the presence/absence of a safety lug or a cassette. During insertion of the tray unit into a housing, a shutter mechanism is rendered operative or inoperative in accordance with the pivotal position of said detecting lever. The shutter mechanism is associated with a tape end detecting element. Upon receiving a detection signal from this tape end detecting element, a controller can determine the presence/absence of a safety lug or a cassette.

Abstract: This invention is an improved digital data storage magnetic tape transport servo-control system comprising a tape supply reel and supply reel motor, a tension transducer, a head drum having at least one read/write head secured thereto and coupled to a head drum motor, a capstan and a capstan motor, a pinch roller, a take-up reel and a take-up reel motor. A processor provides programmable digital control signals to and responsive to signals from the supply reel, the supply reel motor, the tension transducer, the head drum, the head drum motor, the capstan, the capstan motor, the take-up reel, and the take-up reel motor. The processor controls tape tension in cooperation with the supply reel motor and the tension transducer, controls tape speed in cooperation with the capstan and the capstan motor, controls take-up reel torque in cooperation with the take-up reel and the take-up reel motor, and controls head drum speed in cooperation with the head drum and the head drum motor.