US3621152A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetic tape storage device
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
•
Filing: 1969-11-25
•
Granted: 1971-11-16
•
Expires: 1989-11-25
Abstract
Abstract A fast access bulk storage device, using magnetic tape, for storage and retrieval of data includes a page-counting circuit which samples and stores actual page location, by detecting translucent portions on the tape denoting beginning of page, and constantly compares it to any given page address entered into the system, and a data buffer stage, comprised of a continuous loop of magnetic tape of approximately one page length, which provides for temporary storage of data while the main storage device is being accessed.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip M Billings
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 08:33
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus, comprising: a tape recorder including a magnetic tape having means thereon for denoting the beginning of a page; means for detecting said page denoting means; counting means coupled to said detecting means; means for comparing the count of said counting means with a predetermined page number; means for causing said tape to move to said predetermined page, a buffer storage device; data input means; means for storing in said buffer storage device data to be recorded; and means for recording said data stored in said buffer storage device on said magnetic tape subsequent to said tape moving to said predetermined page.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus, comprising: a tape recorder including a magnetic tape having means thereon for denoting the beginning of a page; means for detecting said page denoting means; counting means coupled to said detecting means; means for comparing the count of said counting means with a predetermined page number; means for causing said tape to move to said predetermined page, a buffer storage device; data input means; means for storing in said buffer storage device data to be recorded; and means for recording said data stored in said buffer storage device on said magnetic tape subsequent to said tape moving to said predetermined page.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said page-denoting means includes translucent sections arranged at predetermined locations along said magnetic tape.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said detecting means includes a photocell sensor for detecting said translucent sections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said detecting means further includes a light source positioned one side of said magnetic tape, said photocell sensor being positioned the other side of said magnetic tape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said tape recorder includes a slow speed recording motor and a high-speed access motor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said means for causing said tape to move to said predetermined page includes means for coupling said comparison means to high-speed access motor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said buffer storage device comprises a second tape recorder.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus as defined in claim 7, said second tape recorder including a continuous loop of magnetic tape of sufficient length to store approximately one page of data.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus as defined in claim 8, said continuous loop tape having a metal splice thereon indicating the beginning of said loop.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus as defined in claim 9, further including a metal detector for detecting said metal splice.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
Magnetic tape storage apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said means for recording said data stored in said buffer includes means for detecting that said tape has moved to said predetermined page and that said continuous loop is at the beginning thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-15 | 1975-05-17 | 1975-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-15 | 1979-05-17 | 1979-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-15 | 1983-05-17 | 1983-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |