U.S. Philips Corporation

Electronic Processors, Inc.

Robert T Heath

Faquir C Mittal

Sanford Platter

Jeffrey M Farina

Arnold Schonfeld

Larry R Gadsby

Ron Permut

Gus Cotey, Deceased

William J Rueger

Platter Sanford

H James Sheaffer

Curtis V Brooks

A tape transport which is sized to fit within an 8 inch form factor or footprint, to accommodate prevailing mini/micro computer applications, and including operative components which are capable of automatically receiving IBM Corporation's 3480-type tape cartridge and the web of tape which it contains for appropriate introduction to the transport for presentation to a high performance magnetic recording head. This permits a use of the 3480 tape cartridge in a transport apparatus which is capable of fitting within an 8 inch form factor or footprint, and which is therfore acceptable for use in connection with many mini/micro computer applications, yet which is capable of providing high performance (parallel track, high transfer rate) storage and retrieval due to its compatability (and interchangeability) with the format used by the IBM Corporation in connection with its 3480 tape cartridge.

Transport apparatus for a single reel tape cartridge

A small, high performance magnetic tape transport system for use in recording and reproducing data is adapted to receive a cartridge in which a single supply reel for the magnetic tape medium and the magnetic tape are carried. The cartridge is capable of being easily loaded into the transport system for recording (writing) and reproducing (reading), and is also easily ejected from the system for storage or replacement. A driving mechanism for the reel in the cartridge and a permanent take-up reel or hub are carried by the transport. The separate cartridge driving mechanism and take-up hub are each driven by their own separate motor system. In the embodiment disclosed, means are taught for automatic threading of the tape using a semi-rigid leader having a coupling portion attached to the take-up hub, the to-be-threaded tape including a complimentary coupling portion. The transport system defines a specific path for the leader to follow from the take-up hub so that it will reach and automatically couple with the tape and then be rewound on the take-up hub. However, a different path is followed by the tape.

Automatic tape threading system for use in a tape transport system

Growing community of inventors

Denver, CO, United States of America

Robert T Heath