Splicer assembly for a tape cassette loader

For use in a high-speed cassette loader, a magnetic tape splicer assembly for splicing a magnetic tape junction with a strip of splicing tape, said splicer assembly comprising in combination:

• a tape applicator slidably mounted relative to a magnetic tape junction to be spliced, said applicator including means for carrying a strip of splicing tape and applying the same across the junction as said applicator is moved into close relationship with the tape junction;
• guideway means for guiding said applicator into relationship with the junction in order to press the strip of splicing tape across the junction;
• a first cutter blade positioned on one side of said applicator and having a first cutting edge, said first cutter blade spaced a distance above the tape junction;
• a second cutter blade including a second cutting edge and a blunt edge at one end thereof;
• means pivotally mounting said second cutter blade to said applicator so that said second cutter blade confronts said first cutter blade and said one end of said blade may be moved away from said applicator;
• means for feeding a length of a web of splicing tape between said first and second cutting edges;
• biasing means maintaining said second cutter blade against said first cutter blade as said applicator is moved along said first cutter blade and rotating said one end of said second cutter blade away from said applicator as said applicator moves subjacent to said first cutter blade so as to (a) move said blunt edge of said second cutter blade into a position wherein said blunt edge may contact said magnetic tape and (b) simultaneously move said second cutting edge of said second cutter blade to a position to prevent contact of said second cutting edge with the magnetic tape when said applicator is moved into close relationship with said tape junction.