Abstract:
A data recorder/reproducer device for disc media, particularly limply flexible magnetic disc media, having a pair of door-like structures mounted on opposite sides of a supportive frame, each such structure defining a narrow slit-space for receiving a recording disc and its envelope and mounting the same for recording, with a drive shaft supported on the frame centrally thereof, having a drive hub at either end aligned with the central opening in the recording disc, such that both discs are driven by the same drive train. The device has at least two recording heads, one for each disc, and the heads are articulated for selective control of movement toward or away from their particular disc, into or out of transducing relation thereto; also, the heads are mounted for translational movement across the face of their respective discs, generally radially thereof. In a preferred embodiment, there are four such heads, one for each side of each disc, so that all four sides may be recorded in a selective manner, each such head being movably articulated.
Abstract:
A tape recorder/reproducer apparatus, generally including spindles for mounting recording tape reels and drive means for moving the tape from one reel to the other, and particularly including light sources and light sensors positioned immediately beneath the position of the tape and light guide means for directing the light from such source to that portion of tape positioned between the reels and back to one sensor, and also with light guide means for directing light from such source to the tape wound on one of the reels and back to another such sensor, for extremely accurate, automatic recording and reproducing control functions with respect to tape position.
Abstract:
An optical-mechanical clock for controlling the spacing of data bits recorded on magnetic tape and for controlling the rate at which the tape moves across the recording head. The clock signal is generated by an optical shutter driven by and physically linked to the tape driving source, and positioned between a light source and an optical pick-off. The electrical output of the pick-off is utilized to control either or both the tape speed and the data insertion rate.
Abstract:
A source data entry device having a keyboard for data entry, a cathode ray tube for visual display of key-entered data, and magnetic recorders for storing entered data upon cassette-type magnetic tape cartridges, wherein control logic for the keyboard, visual display, recorders, and other input/output peripheral devices is centralized into a central logic unit, and wherein program-controlled data entry is made possible by a wired readonly memory which, in conjunction with the central logic unit, forms a programmed microprocessor whose functional configuration can be altered by changing the hardwired read-only memory.
Abstract:
A threshold detector is coupled to a ''''write'''' head in a recording apparatus to detect the leading edge of the first transition of previously recorded data and provide a control signal therefrom. A control circuit coupled to the threshold detector switches the recording apparatus to the ''''write'''' or recording mode of operation immediately upon the detection of the predetermined threshold voltage from the write head so that the same head then immediately switches its operation and operates to record new data information directly and accurately over the previously recorded data. By utilizing this method, new records can automatically be inserted accurately in a particular segment of a previously recorded tape, such as in a recording format for digital information which employs segments of recorded information as discreet records, with an inter-record gap between each record, with each record including a preamble immediately followed by the data information.
Abstract:
A DRIVE TRAIN INCLUDING A REVERSIBLE MOTOR HAVING AN OUTPUT SHAFT COUPLED TO ONE OR THE OTHER OF A PAIR OF TAPE DRIVE SPINDLES AS A FUNCTION OF THE DRIVING DIRECTION OF THE OUTPUT SHAFT, BY A DRIVE TRANSMISSION MEANS INCLUDING AN IDLER ROLLER HELD IN DRIVING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE MOTOR OUTPUT SHAFT BY A SUPPORT BRACKET PIVOTAL ABOUT THE AXIS OF THE OUTPUT SHAFT, SUCH THAT THE SUPPORT BRACKET FOLLOWS THE DRIVING DIRECTION OF THE SHAFT
TO MOVE THE IDLER ROLLER IN AN ARCUATE PATH OF CONSTANT RADIUS ABOUT THE OUTPUT SHAFT AXIS AS A CENTER, INTO AND OUT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH ONE OR THE OTHER OF THE TWO TAPE DRIVE SPINDLES.
Abstract:
A drive spindle, particularly for internally ridged or toothed winding reels and the like, generally comprising an elongated shaftlike member, and characterized by a reel-engaging end having a rounded triangular cross section at any plane transversely intersecting its axis, and with a longitudinally tapered configuration, with camlike side surfaces converging at such end.
Abstract:
For use in a tape transport including a drive motor for transporting tape across a recording or playback head, and a motor drive circuit for selectively applying drive current to the motor, an electrical circuit for applying a reverse drive current to the motor for rapidly reducing the speed of the drive motor upon the receipt of a stop signal. The circuit provides controlled reverse current to the drive motor over a period of time initiated by a stop signal and extending until a predetermined reduced speed is reached after which the reverse drive signal is removed and the motor allowed to coast to a halt.
Abstract:
Wire-wound memory devices or like articles are automatically manufactured by securing an end of the wire to a desired point on the apparatus and then drawing wire from the end of a narrow feeder tube which is held in a fixed position as a result of controlled movement of the device or article to be wired with respect to the end of the feeder tube. The device to be wired is mounted on an X-Y table for such controlled movement, and the X-Y table is moved in accordance with a program carried on and automatically read from a tape, which also is used to automatically control a soldering head and a wire-tamping apparatus so that the wire can be soldered automatically at desired points during the winding program and periodically tamped into a neat and compact winding configuration.
Abstract:
In a tape recorder/reproducer apparatus, particularly where a low-inertia highly responsive drive train is used, tape speed control means including a variable-speed motor for the drive train energized through a closed-loop servosystem in which the actual output speed of the motor is monitored by a sensor and compared to a reference, to closely control the motor speed in accordance with the reference. The reference is provided by a freely supported capstan which senses actual tape speed at the tape head and produces an output which is compared to a predetermined reference representative of the desired tape speed, such that the motor is servo controlled to satisfy a predetermined tape speed function.