Tape system with an isolated load/unload tape path
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorRobert Biskeborn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tape recording system is provided having an improved load/unload path, the system comprising a first pair of guides and a second pair of guides movable from an unloaded position to a loaded position. In the unloaded position, a gap between the first pair of guides and the second pair of guides provides a path for loading a tape from a supply reel to a take-up reel without contacting any of the first pair of guides, the second pair of guides and the head assembly to prevent contamination and damage of these components. The tape loader path is isolated from the head by the first pair of guides providing protection of the head from possible contact damage by the loader mechanism and tape leader.
Claims15
A tape recorder system, comprising:
- a head assembly;
- a first pair of guides for supporting a tape while the tape is moving across the head assembly;
- a second pair of guides movable from an unloaded position separated by a gap from the first pair of guides to a loaded position engaging the tape into wrapping contact with the first pair of guides and with the tape head assembly, wherein said gap provides a path for loading the tape from a supply reel to a take-up reel without contacting any of the first pair of guides, the second pair of guides and the head assembly.
A tape recorder system, comprising:
- a head assembly;
- a first pair of guides for supporting a tape while the tape is moving across the head assembly;
- a second pair of guides for supporting the tape in contact with the head assembly while the tape is moving across the head assembly;
- moving means for moving the second pair of guides from an unloaded position not in contact with the tape to a loaded position engaging the tape and pressing the tape into contact with the first pair of guides and the head assembly;
- and
- tape loader means for loading the tape from a supply reel to a take-up reel in a path through a gap separating the first pair of guides from the second pair of guides in the unloaded position.
A method of loading a tape in a tape recording system including a first pair of guides, second pair of guides and a head assembly, the method comprising:
- providing an unloaded position for the second pair of guides;
- providing a tape loader path in a gap separating the first pair of guides from the second pair of guides in the unloaded position;
- loading the tape along the tape loader path from a supply reel to a take-up reel;
- moving the second pair of guides from the unloaded position to a loaded position;
- engaging the tape with the second pair of guides and pressing the tape into wrapping contact with the first pair of guides;
- and
- pressing the tape into contact with the head assembly by the second pair of guides.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.