Random access tape library

Claim 2

A magnetic tape apparatus for housing a multiplicity of tape cartridges of which any number can be selectively played, said apparatus comprising a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges each having a tape and a pinch wheel adapted to be driven to advance the respective tapes, housing means supporting said cartridges in an initial position in spaced parallel relation to each other and with said wheels thereof in alignment with each other, said housing means including partitions between each cartridge, slot means on said housing means and flanges on said cartridges adapted to allow linear sliding movement of said cartridges into a playback position, a common capstan shaft mounted for rotation on said housing means and spaced opposite said wheels to be engaged by any of said wheels upon movement of a cartridge to said playback position, power means for rotating said capstan shaft as at a speed adapted to play any number of said tapes, a plurality of electromagnetic solenoids mounted on said housing, the number of solenoids corresponding to the number of cartridges, said solenoids having actuator rods and coil means adapted to linearly move said actuator rods, said actuator rod passing through said partitions and having a terminal portion extending free of said partitions, hubs mounted for rotative movement on said terminal portions, said hubs having a finger engaging the rear of said cartridges when in their initial position and adapted to be rotated to allow said cartridges to be easily removed, said hubs being located on said terminal portion so as to allow said rods to slide upon actuation only an amount sufficient to allow said wheels to engage said capstan shaft, a plurality of playback heads respectively engageable with a tape upon movement of the corresponding cartridge to said playback position, said housing means being open on the side opposite said capstan shaft to allow for quick and easy removal of said cartridges, and spring means associated with each cartridge and said housing and are resiliently urging said cartridges against said hub fingers into said initial position.

Claim 3

A magnetic tape library apparatus for housing a multiplicity of tape cartridges of which any number can be selectively played, said apparatus comprising a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges each having a tape and a pinch wheel adapted to be driven to advance the respective tapes, housing means supporting said cartridges in an initial position in spaced parallel relation to each other and with said wheels thereof in alignment with each other, said housing means including partitions between each cartridge, aligned aperture means in each partition facing said cartridges, spring biased ball means in each said aperture and held therein by the configuration of said aperture means, recesses on opposite sides of each cartridge receiving said ball means and adapted to allow pivoting of said cartridges into a playback position, a common capstan shaft mounted for rotation on said housing means and spaced opposite said wheels to be engaged by any of said wheels upon rotation of a cartridge to said playback position, power means for rotating said capstan shaft at a speed adapted to play any number of said tapes, a plurality of electromagnetic solenoids mounted beneath the base of said housing, the number of solenoids corresponding to the number of cartridges, said solenoids having actuator rods and coil means adapted to vertically move said actuator rods, said actuator rods passing through the base of said housing and having a terminal portion extending free of said base and into engagement With the base of said cartridges, a plurality of playback heads respectively engageable with a tape upon rotative movement of the corresponding cartridge to said playback position, said housing means being open on the side opposite said capstan shaft to allow for quick and easy removal of said cartridges, and a first spring means normally biasing said actuator rods away from said coils to maintain said cartridges in said initial position; a second spring means located above said cartridge means on said housing and resiliently urging said cartridges into playback position, the energization of said solenoids urging said actuator rods downwardly and being sufficient to overcome the force of said first spring means.

Claim 4

A magnetic tape library apparatus for housing a multiplicity of tape cartridges of which any number can be selectively played, said apparatus comprising a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges each having a tape and a pinch wheel adapted to be driven to advance the respective tapes, housing means supporting said cartridges in an initial position in spaced parallel relation to each other and with said wheels thereof in alignment with each other, said housing means including partitions between each cartridge, aligned aperture means in each partition facing said cartridges, spring biased ball means in each said aperture and held therein by the configuration of said aperture means, recesses on opposite sides of each cartridge receiving said ball means and adapted to allow pivoting of said cartridges into a playback position, a common capstan shaft mounted for rotation on said housing means and spaced opposite said wheels to be engaged by any of said wheels upon rotation of a cartridge to said playback position, power means for rotating said capstan shaft at a speed adapted to play any number of said tapes, a plurality of electromagnetic solenoids mounted beneath the base of said housing, the number of solenoids corresponding to the number of cartridges, said solenoids having actuator rods and coil means adapted to vertically move said actuator rods, said actuator rods passing through the base of said housing and having a terminal portion extending free of said base and into engagement With the base of said cartridges, a plurality of playback heads respectively engageable with a tape upon rotative movement of the corresponding cartridge to said playback position, said housing means being open on the side opposite said capstan shaft to allow for quick and easy removal of said cartridges, and a first spring means normally biasing said actuator rods away from said coils to maintain said cartridges in said initial position; a second spring means located above said cartridge means on said housing and resiliently urging said cartridges into playback position, the energization of said solenoids urging said actuator rods downwardly and being sufficient to overcome the force of said first spring means.