Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Thomas J Zohn

Thomas A Turgeon

Lawrence A Flor

John P Tomsyck

A removable tape cartridge (14) for insertion into a carrier (12) in order to form a two-piece videocassette (10) comprises a housing (30) with a tape reel assembly (32) therein. The tape reel assembly (32) includes a length of tape (64) with a connector (68) at one end which, upon insertion of the cartridge (14), mates with an associated connector (16) in the carrier (12) to establish connection with a take-up reel (20). The tape reel assembly (32) is normally biased downwardly by a spring (56) and is normally constrained against rotation by an internal brake assembly (70-74) responsive to insertion of the cartridge (14) into the carrier (12). The tape connector (68) is releasably secured in proper position for mating engagement with the corresponding connector (16) by one end of an arm (78), the other end of which functions to interlock the tape cartridge (14) and carrier (12) against separation upon withdrawal of the tape.

Carrier locator apparatus for use with two piece videocassette

A removable tape cartridge (14) for insertion into a carrier (12) in order to form a two-piece videocassette (10) comprises a housing (30) with a tape reel assembly (32) therein. The tape reel assembly (32) includes a length of tape (64) with a connector (68) at one end which, upon insertion of the cartridge (14), mates with an associated connector (16) in the carrier (12) to establish connection with a take-up reel (20). The tape reel assembly (32) is normally biased downwardly by a spring (56) and is normally constrained against rotation by an internal brake assembly (70-74) responsive to insertion of the cartridge (14) into the carrier (12). The tape connector (68) is releasably secured in proper position for mating engagement with the corresponding connector (16)by one end of an arm (78), the other end of which functions to interlock the tape cartridge (14) and carrier (12) against separation upon withdrawal of the tape.

Carrier with tape connector interlock for videocassette

A time-remaining gauge for use with video cassettes is provided, wherein the gauge includes a substrate having a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side and various indicia on the other side which may be aligned with the radius of tape on a supply or take-up spool on the cassette and viewed through a window in the cassette on which the gauge is affixed.

Growing community of inventors

Woodbury, MN, United States of America

Thomas J Zohn