Loading device for directing a tape-like element from a supply reel to a take-up reel and about a guide drum therebetween

A loading device for loading a tape-like element in an apparatus having supply and take-up reels which are disposed side-by-side with their axes substantially horizontal in a normal operating position of the apparatus, and a guide drum under said supply reel in said normal operating position, said loading device comprising:

• means defining a path for the tape-like element and having an inlet adjacent said supply reel for receiving the tape-like element paid out from the latter and an outlet arranged near to said take-up reel, said path including a peripheral path portion extending around at least part of the periphery of said guide drum, a supply side path portion extending from said inlet to said peripheral path portion and a take-up side path portion extending from said peripheral path portion to said outlet, said supply side, peripheral and take-up path portions having respective lower wall sections facing upwardly in said normal operating position;
• a plurality of air outlets opening at said lower wall sections of said supply side, peripheral and take-up path portions, respectively, for directing air under pressure into said path along the respective lower wall sections;
• an additional air outlet opening at said lower wall section of the supply side path portion near to said peripheral path portion for directing air under pressure into said peripheral path portion;
• and
• blower means operative for supplying air under pressure to said plurality of air outlets and said additional air outlet so that the tape-like element paid out from said supply reel is conveyed by air under pressure issuing from said plurality of air outlets and is wound about said guide drum by air under pressure issuing from said additional air outlet for transporting of the tape-like element from said inlet to said outlet of the path.