Single deck dual tape path VCR system
OwnerCurtis D. Hainesinventor
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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 VCR system for near simultaneous multifunction operations of at least one broadcast or cable communicated television signal, comprising:
- (a) means for receiving a videocassette, for extracting videotape therefrom, and for returning the videotape thereto;
- (b) means for receiving the at least one broadcast or cable communicated television signal;
- (c) first tape path assembly for performing any of a first set of functions including recording the at least one broadcast or cable communicated television signal on a portion of the videotape extracted from the videocassette;
- playing back a prerecorded signal from a portion of the videotape extracted from the videocassette;
- and rewinding, pausing, and fast forwarding a portion of the videotape extracted from the videocassette;
- (d) videotape storage compartment defined by walls forming an enclosure suitable for receiving and storing a quantity of the videotape extracted from the videocassette after performing any of the first set of functions in the first tape path;
- (e) means for storing a portion of the videotape extracted from the videocassette in the videotape storage compartment;
- (f) means for extracting a portion of the videotape stored in the videotape storage compartment;
- and
- (g) second tape path assembly for performing any of a second set of functions including recording a second broadcast or cable communicated television signal on a portion of the videotape extracted from the videotape storage compartment;
- playing back the first or second television signal from a portion of the videotape extracted from the videotape storage compartment;
- and rewinding, pausing, and fast forwarding a portion of the videotape extracted from the videotape storage compartment at substantially the same time that the first tape path assembly is performing any one of the first set of functions.
A method for near simultaneous recording and multifunction operations of a first broadcast or cable communicated television signal by a VCR system having a videotape storage compartment defined by walls forming an enclosure suitable for receiving and storing a quantity of extracted videotape, comprising the steps of:
- (a) receiving a videocassette into the VCR system;
- (b) extracting videotape from the videocassette into the VCR system;
- (c) receiving the first television signal;
- (d) recording the first television signal on a portion of the videotape extracted from the videocassette by way of a first tape path assembly within the VCR system;
- (e) storing a quantity of the extracted and recorded videotape in the videotape storage compartment;
- (f) extracting a quantity of the portion of the videotape stored in the videotape storage compartment into a second path assembly;
- (g) performing any of a set of functions including recording a second broadcast or cable communicated television signal on a portion of the quantity of the videotape extracted from the videotape storage compartment;
- playing back the first or second television signal from a portion of the quantity of the videotape extracted from the videotape storage compartment;
- and rewinding, pausing, and fast forwarding a portion of the quantity of the videotape extracted from the videotape storage compartment by way of the second tape path assembly at substantially the same time that the first tape path assembly is recording the first television signal;
- and
- (h) returning the videotape from the second tape path assembly to the videocassette,
- wherein a time delay, controlled by a user of the VCR system through control of the step of performing any of the set of functions of the videotape, occurs between the step of storing the videotape and the step of performing any of the set of functions of the videotape.
The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of:
- (a) rewinding the extracted and recorded videotape from the videocassette through the second tape path and into the tape storage compartment;
- (b) replaying the first or second television signal from the rewound videotape in the tape storage compartment by way of the second tape path assembly;
- and
- (c) returning the replayed videotape from the second tape path assembly to the videocassette,
- wherein the step of recording the first or second television signal by way of the first tape path and the step of storing the extracted and recorded videotape in the tape storage compartment may occur substantially simultaneous to the step of rewinding the extracted and recorded videotape through the second tape path and may progress independently thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.