Apparatus and method for controlling tape speed and tape pack formation in a high speed tape transporter

In a closed loop, high-speed tape transporter of the type wherein a closed loop of recording tape is passed across a pick-up head where a signal on the loop of tape is conveyed downstream to at least one slaved duplicator, and wherein the loop of tape is conveyed from the pick-up head into a bin for accumulation ad storage while a trailing length of the loop is passed across the pick-up head, and from the bin back across the pick-up heads repeatedly whereby successive replications of the signal from the loop are conveyed from the pick-up head to the slaved duplicator, the improvement which comprises:

• (a) vacuum supply means;
• (b) the tape bin defining a tape deflecting surface opposite and in spaced-apart relation to an entrance through which the tape enters the tape bin and against which said tape is propelled;
• and
• (c) a plurality of vacuum ports in vacuum flow communication with said vacuum supply means and positioned in spaced-apart relation generally along the path of tape movement on said tape deflecting surface to apply a progressive braking force to the tape as it enters the bin and to slow the tape speed and to cause the tape to form loops as it moves along said tape deflecting surface, the loops assisting the tape to accumulate in the bin in a controlled manner.