Abstract:
A new video tape cassette includes a cassette housing having an opening formed therein at a position corresponding to the position of a detecting aperture of a conventional video tape cassette. The detecting aperture is provided to prevent improper recording. The new tape cassette is intended for recording only in a new recording format, and the conventional tape cassette is intended for recording only in a conventional recording format. The opening prevents a recording when the new tape cassette is inserted by mistake into a conventional video tape recorder. A second detector for preventing improper recording and a detecting portion are provided to ensure that it is impossible to record in the wrong format, regardless of whether a new or conventional-type tape cassette is inserted into a new or conventional-type video tape recorder. However, the new video tape recorder can be made "upwardly compatible," meaning that it can reproduce not only the novel magnetic tape having the novel recording format but also the conventional magnetic tape having the conventional recording format.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a tape cartridge housing, an RFID chip attached to the tape cartridge housing. The RFID chip includes a tape cartridge ID and tape cartridge information, a time relay operably connected to the RFID chip, and external contact points configured to contact another RFID chip of another tape cartridge within the same tier. A method includes receiving a tape cartridge label read request including a position indicator corresponding to a location of a tape cartridge of interest, moving a tape cartridge gripper to the location indicated by the position indicator, activating a field coil on the tape cartridge gripper to provide power to an RFID chip on a selected tape cartridge, detecting information transmitted by the RFID chip on the selected tape cartridge, determining if the selected tape cartridge is the tape cartridge of interest, and activating a next RFID chip on an adjacent tape cartridge.
Abstract:
A computer media tape cartridge has a multiple volume selector switch with a plurality of positions which allow a user to physically segment the tape into a corresponding number of sections for more efficient use of the tape. By moving the switch to a desired position, the user may select and use the tracks in one or all of the positions on the tape. These positions include an "all position" wherein the tape is a single volume for reading and writing data, and individual positions wherein only the selected position is available for reading or writing data to the tape. Using the cartridge in the latter manner physically segments tape into four separate volumes. The cartridge is used in a tape drive having a plurality of sensors for detecting the position of the switch.
Abstract:
The magnetic tape (8) is guided in the conventional manner from a first reel hub over a deflection pulley to the recording or playback zone and from there over a further deflection pulley (21) to the second reel hub. In each cassette part between the recording or playback zone and the reel hub, a U-shaped tape clamp (25) is placed onto the magnetic tape (8). A slide (74) is provided with two spaced stops (81, 82) for the tape clamp (25), which stops, in one position of the slide (74), firmly hold the tape clamp, without hindering the magnetic tape (8) (normal operation). In the other position of the slide (74), the tape clamp (25) runs with the magnetic tape (8) onto the reel hub in the case of forward-winding or, in the case of re-winding, the tape clamp runs into the gap formed by a fixed projection (73) on the housing and a surface (83) of the slide (74), where it is pressed together and stops the magnetic tape (8) (memory operation). By actuating the slide (74) at any desired selected point of the magnetic tape (8) and after subsequent forward-winding the later re-winding can be automatically stopped at the selected point.
Abstract:
An apparatus for cutting a tab which employs a reciprocable punch and a die having an opening in alignment with the movement of the punch and positioned a spaced distance from the punch. A tab supply tape is fed through an opening defined by the spaced distance between the punch and die and, on reciprocation of the punch into contact with the die opening, a tab is cut from the tape. The line of direction of the reciprocatory movement of the punch may be determined by guide means which slidably receive the punch with the punch being pivotally connected to a reciprocable actuator. The connection between the punch and actuator permits pivotal movement of the actuator with respect to the punch while maintaining the alignment of the punch. Adjustable means may interconnect the movement of the punch and movement of the tape such that the distance of movement of the tape is adjustably related to each reciprocation of the punch. Also, means may be provided which control the speed of movement of the tape in relation to the tension in the tape. In addition, centering means may be provided to maintain the position of the long dimension of the tape relatively constant with respect to the position of the punch and the position of the opening in the die. In the movement of the tape through the spaced distance separating the punch from the die, the tape movement is maintained at approximately a right angle to the direction of movement of the punch. Further, the die and punch may have curved lower surfaces. A method for applying a tab to preselected portions of an audio or visual tape in which the tape is held in a curved configuration over a reel having projections which engage holes positioned along a side of the tape. A shoe having a curved surface, a central opening and a depression in the curved surface is aligned with the tape along the axis of the holes in the tape by bringing the curved surface of the shoe into contact with the tape reel with a depression in the bottom curved surface of the shoe in alignment with a projection on the reel. Following this, a tab having a gummy surface is adhered to a preselected portion of the tape by pushing the tab through the central opening of the shoe to bring the gummy surface of the tab into contact with the audio or visual tape. A pushing member having a curved pushing face may be used to push the tab through the opening to provide the tab with a curved configuration prior to its contact with the curved configuration of the audio or visual tape.
Abstract:
Apparatus for retrieving a selected one from a stack of information cards and for automatically returning the retrieved card to the stack, wherein each of the cards has a code edge with a magnetically permeable portion and a portion bearing code grooves. The apparatus includes means for advancing the stack of cards along a first path, a rotary magnet adjacent the first path for urging successive advancing cards out of the first path and into a second path by attracting the magnetically permeable portions of the cards, and a plurality of pivoted members individually movable to positions for engaging the code edges of the advancing cards in register with the grooves of a selected card, so as to permit only the selected card to be diverted by the magnet into the second path while directing other cards along the first path away from the magnet. A set of reversibly driven rollers advances a diverted card along the second path to a withdrawn position, and returns the card back into the stack of cards in the first path, depending on the direction of drive of the rollers. A member movable into and out of the second path separates a returning card from the magnet as the card moves toward the first path. Fixed guides engage lugs projecting from the cards to cooperate with the magnet, pivoted members, and rollers in guiding each successive card in the appropriate direction.
Abstract:
A substantially conventional case for a CD is secured by a security tag. The security tag is formed from sheet material having an adhesive surface which is secured to both the lid and the base of the case to retain the case closed and to secure the CD therein. A security device is secured to the adhesive security tag. This security device is an article surveillance device detectible by detectors provided in gangway structures at the exits of retail outlets.
Abstract:
A package relay terminal assembly of the present invention not only electrically conducts to exterior connection terminals (101) of an electric circuit housed in a record package (100) but also is intended to guide and position the record package within a recording and reproducing device during recording and reproduction, and ensure reliable setting of the record package in place. To this end, the package relay terminal assembly of the present invention has L-shaped terminal strips (1) corresponding in number to the exterior connection terminals (101) of the record package (100), the terminal strips (1) being arranged side by side on a terminal wall (2a). And the terminal wall (2a) is provided with a base block (2b) and a guide wall (2c).
Abstract:
An apparatus, for detecting the starting or ending portion of a tape, has a detector for detecting the starting portion or the ending portion of the tape wound on a take-up reel and a supply reel of a cassette. The apparatus includes a first guide installed on at least one side adjacent to the tape inlet/outlet opening of the cassette to be loaded, and which is in contact with a recording surface of the tape. A second guide is fixed so as to be electrically insulated from the first guide, and is in contact with a recording surface of the tape. A voltage applying circuit is provided for applying a predetermined voltage level across the first and second guides. The starting portion or the ending portion of the tape is detected depending on the presence or absence of electrical current between the first and second guides.