US3633807A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetic tape bin
Assignee: Ampex Corp
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Filing: 1970-04-01
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Granted: 1972-01-11
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Expires: 1990-04-01
Abstract
Abstract In a tape duplicating machine the master tape is arranged in endless loop form and is stored in a bin having a large number of tape loop vacuum storage columns. The front and back walls of the columns confronting the tape loop edges, are inclined to diverge outwardly from top to bottom so that, with equal airflows drawn by a vacuum source through restricted orifices at the bottom of the columns, the loops all seek similar intermediate lengths in the columns. The columns are coupled through a common manifold to a single vacuum source, and a flow control valve is placed between the source and manifold to regulate the lengths of the loops and the amount of tape stored in the bin.
Inventors
- 👤 David Williams
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 07:28
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/56; G11B15/58; G11B23/00; G11B23/02; G11B23/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
254 words
A multiple vacuum column magnetic tape loop storage bin, comprising: a plurality of individual loop columns each formed with a front wall, backwall, two sidewalls and a bottom wall; and vacuum source means coupled to to each of said columns near the bottom thereof for drawing equal flows of air therefrom; the front and backwalls of each column being spaced apart at the top for a distance substantially equal to he width of said tape, and said tape being draped across the top of each sidewall to dispose a tape loop within each column; the front and backwalls of each column being sloped with respect to one another so as to be divergingly spaced apart in a downward direction from said top, and so as to define with the edges of said tape loop a restricted passage for the flow of atmospheric air toward the bottom and toward said vacuum source means; flow regulating means between said columns and vacuum source for altering the flow drawn by said source so as to cause said loops to seek a new length and thus alter the quantity of tape that is stored in said bin; and a separate tensioning vacuum column provided with loop length sensing means for controlling said flow regulating means; whereby all of said loops may be held at a predetermined intermediate length as a function of the flow drawn by said vacuum source means, and said predetermined length may be varied to maintain a predetermined length of loop in said tensioning column.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
254 words
A multiple vacuum column magnetic tape loop storage bin, comprising: a plurality of individual loop columns each formed with a front wall, backwall, two sidewalls and a bottom wall; and vacuum source means coupled to to each of said columns near the bottom thereof for drawing equal flows of air therefrom; the front and backwalls of each column being spaced apart at the top for a distance substantially equal to he width of said tape, and said tape being draped across the top of each sidewall to dispose a tape loop within each column; the front and backwalls of each column being sloped with respect to one another so as to be divergingly spaced apart in a downward direction from said top, and so as to define with the edges of said tape loop a restricted passage for the flow of atmospheric air toward the bottom and toward said vacuum source means; flow regulating means between said columns and vacuum source for altering the flow drawn by said source so as to cause said loops to seek a new length and thus alter the quantity of tape that is stored in said bin; and a separate tensioning vacuum column provided with loop length sensing means for controlling said flow regulating means; whereby all of said loops may be held at a predetermined intermediate length as a function of the flow drawn by said vacuum source means, and said predetermined length may be varied to maintain a predetermined length of loop in said tensioning column.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A bin as described in claim 1, wherein: said columns are defined by a common backwall, a common front wall, a common bottom wall, and a plurality of sidewall partitions equispaced between said front and back common walls and lying in planes normal to said front, back and bottom common walls.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A bin as described in claim 2, wherein: said common backwall has at least one restricted orifice communicating with each column near the bottom thereof; and common manifold means are provided on said backwall communicating with said restricted orifices and with said vacuum source means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A bin as described in claim 3, wherein: a flow regulating valve is disposed between said common manifold and said vacuum source means for setting and altering the tape storage capacity of said bin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A bin as described in claim 4, wherein: an air lubricated guide post is mounted at the top of each sidewall partition for frictionlessly supporting said tape loops therein.
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) | 1975-01-10 | 1975-07-12 | 1976-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-10 | 1979-07-12 | 1980-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-10 | 1983-07-12 | 1984-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |