Process and device for generating tape tension in a tape transport apparatus

In a tape transport apparatus having

• two moveable carriers respectively mounting two reels of tape, alternately serving as supply reel and take-up reel, for rotation,
• at least one motor-driven capstan having a resiliently deformable portion and contacting said reels of tape under pressure, and
• means for producing a higher compressive force, and hence a higher degree of deformation for said resiliently deformable peripheral portion, at the point of contact between the take-up reel and the capstan than at the point of contact between the supply reel and the capstan, thereby to generate at said points correspondingly different peripheral speeds and thus create tension in the section of tape between said two points, said means comprising
• a spring-means biased cable or belt system interconnecting said carriers,
• a rotatable member common to, and centrally located between, said two reels over which member said cable or belt system is guided, and
• means for driving said rotatable member in a sense opposite to that of the capstan so as to impart a positive driving torque to said cable or belt system.