Single deck dual tape path VCR system
OwnerCurtis D. Hainesinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A single deck dual tape path videocassette recorder/playback system enabling near simultaneous multiple functions with respect to a broadcast or cable communicated television signal. The system consists of standard elements which allow the receipt of a videocassette, the extracting and return of video tape from and to the videocassette, and the recording of a broadcast or cable communicated signal. The system also consists of two tape path assemblies and a videotape compartment consisting of a tape feed channel, a storage assembly, and a vacuum system. All elements are included within a single housing utilizing a common power supply, tuner, controls, and switching and control circuitry enabling simultaneous multiple functions using both tape paths, as well as additional function selections.
Claims8
A videocassette recorder/playback system for simultaneous recording of two broadcast or cable communicated television signals on a single videocassette, comprising:
- (a) means for receiving a single videocassette and for extracting videotape therefrom, and returning said videotape thereto;
- (b) means for receiving a first and a second broadcast or cable communicated television signal;
- (c) first tape path assembly for recording said first television signal on said videotape extracted from said videocassette;
- (d) second tape path assembly for recording said second television signal on said videotape extracted from a tape storage compartment;
- and
- (e) videotape storage compartment defined by walls forming an enclosure suitable for receiving and storing a quantity of said extracted videotape after recording in said first tape path and prior to recording in said second tape path.
A method for the simultaneous recording of two broadcast or cable communicated television signals on a single videocassette in a videocassette recorder/playback system having a videotape storage compartment defined by walls forming an enclosure suitable for receiving and storing a quantity of extracted videotape, wherein said videocassette recorder/playback system comprises:
- (a) receiving a videocassette into said videocassette recorder/playback system;
- (b) forwarding quantity of videotape from said videocassette into said tape storage compartment;
- (c) extracting videotape from said videocassette into said videocassette recorder/playback system;
- (d) receiving a first broadcast or cable communicated television signal;
- (e) recording said first television signal on said extracted videotape by way of a first tape path assembly within said videocassette recorder/playback system;
- (f) storing a first quantity of said extracted/recorded videotape in said tape storage compartment;
- (g) receiving a second broadcast or cable communicated television signal;
- (h) recording said second television signal on said forwarded quantity of videotape by way of a second tape path assembly within said videocassette recorder/playback system;
- and
- (i) returning said forwarded quantity of said stored/recorded videotape to said videocassette.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.