US3662937A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetic tape pressure roller
Assignee: 3M Co
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Filing: 1970-03-06
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Granted: 1972-05-16
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Expires: 1990-03-06
Abstract
Abstract A magnetic tape cartridge including a self-aligning pressure roller comprising a tape engaging member formed with a resilient cylindrical peripheral tape engaging surface and supported for rotation about a fixed point on its axis to permit the roller to align with a rotatable capstan shaft in a recording and/or reproducing machine to uniformly press the length of magnetic tape in the cartridge the peripheral tape engaging surface between, and the capstan shaft.
Inventors
- 👤 Maynard P Borman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 09:10
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B23/00; G11B23/02; G11B23/04; G11B23/08; G11B23/087; G11B23/093
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A cartridge for supplying a length of magnetic tape to a recording and/or reproducing machine comprising: a container formed of shell means defining a boxlike enclosure with a cutaway portion along one edge, means defining a tape guide path in said container across said cutaway portion, a length of magnetic tape extending along said tape guide path, and a self-aligning pressure roller comprising a tape engaging member having a cylindrical peripheral tape engaging surface of a resilient material, and means for supporting said tape engaging member within said container for rotation about a fixed point on its axis and for pivotal movement of its axis about said fixed point in all planes containing its axis with said cylindrical tape engaging surface of said member tangent to a portion of said tape guide path across said cutaway portioN and said fixed point generally aligned with the centerline of a said length of magnetic tape along said tangent portion of said guide path.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
A cartridge for supplying a length of magnetic tape to a recording and/or reproducing machine comprising: a container formed of shell means defining a boxlike enclosure with a cutaway portion along one edge, means defining a tape guide path in said container across said cutaway portion, a length of magnetic tape extending along said tape guide path, and a self-aligning pressure roller comprising a tape engaging member having a cylindrical peripheral tape engaging surface of a resilient material, and means for supporting said tape engaging member within said container for rotation about a fixed point on its axis and for pivotal movement of its axis about said fixed point in all planes containing its axis with said cylindrical tape engaging surface of said member tangent to a portion of said tape guide path across said cutaway portioN and said fixed point generally aligned with the centerline of a said length of magnetic tape along said tangent portion of said guide path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The tape cartridge of claim 1, wherein said means for supporting said tape engaging member is supported by said shell means for movement to move said pressure roller toward and away from said tangent portion of said tape guide path to engage and disengage said pressure roller and said magnetic tape.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
A magnetic tape cartridge as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for supporting said tape engaging member includes a stationary generally spherical support surface with its center at said fixed point and wherein said tape engaging member is internally formed for support and rotation upon said support surface and pivotal movement about said fixed point.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
77 words
A magnetic tape cartridge as recited in claim 3, wherein said tape engaging member comprises a generally hollow cylinder, wherein said support surface is defined by a spherical ball formed with a central aperture, and wherein said means for supporting said tape engaging member further includes a stationary shaft supported generally parallel to said tangent portion of said tape guide path and extending into said aperture in said spherical ball to rotatably support said tape engaging member.
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) | 1975-05-16 | 1975-11-15 | 1976-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-16 | 1979-11-15 | 1980-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-16 | 1983-11-15 | 1984-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |