Helical scan magnetic tape recorder with capstan assisted vacuum threading

A helical scan magnetic tape recorder comprising:

• a rotary magnetic head scanner;
• supply and take-up vacuum cavities located contiguous to and on respective opposite sides of said scanner;
• means for receiving a magnetic tape cassette including spaced, coplanar, supply and take-up reels having magnetic tape spooled on said reels with a span of magnetic tape extending between said reels;
• supply and take-up capstans, spaced from said rotary head scanner and located in a tape transport path between said vacuum cavities and a received magnetic tape cassette;
• mechanical threading means for removing said tape from said cassette and moving it to a tape vacuum loading position where said tape partially contacts said rotary head scanner;
• vacuum means for applying vacuum to said vacuum cavities, after said tape has been moved to said tape vacuum loading position, to draw said tape into contact with said vacuum cavities on opposite sides of said rotary head scanner to substantially wrap said tape around said rotary head scanner;
• and
• wherein said supply and take-up capstans contact said tape during said vacuum threading and are rotated to assist drawing said tape into said vacuum cavities.