Tape recording device

Claim 2

A tape transport mechanism for a tape recording device, comprising: a first cylindrical member carrying a tape take-up reel; a second cylindrical member carrying a tape pay-out reel; a fly wheel and idler wheel coupled for rotation in opposite, forward and reverse directions, respectively; a transmission wheel having a pinion concentrically mounted thereto, said transmission wheel and pinion mounted for pivotal motion into respective simultaneous frictional engagement with said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed for recording said playback; a flip-over wheel disposed between the flywheel and the idler wheel; and means for mounting said flip-over wheel for pivotal motion, from a neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a first wheel couple comprising said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed faster than said recording speed, and for pivotal motion, from said neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a second wheel couple comprising said idler wheel and said second member for driving the pay-out reel in said reverse direction at a speed faster than said recording speed, said mounting means including means for allowing motion of said flip-over wheel along the length of its pivotal mount, said flip-over wheel, upon being pivoted into engagement with the rims of either of said wheel couples, moving in a radial direction relative to the pivot point of its pivotal mount until said rims are engaged thereby with an equal force.

Claim 3

The transport mechanism of claim 21 wherein said flip-over wheel mounting means comprises: an elongated support carrying the flip-over wheel at one end and having an elongated slot along the length thereof; an elongated arm having means for applying forces perpendicular to the elongate axis of the support at a point spaced from the slot and having an aperture therethrough, and a pivot post secured to the base of the recording device and extending through said slot and said aperture.

Claim 4

A tape transport mechanism for a tape recording device, comprising: a first cylindrical member carrying a tape take-up reel; a second cylindrical member carrying a tape pay-out reel; a flywheel and idler wheel coupled for rotation in opposite, forward and reverse directions, respectively; a transmission wheel having a pinion concentrically mounted thereto, said transmission wheel and pinion mounted for pivotal motion into respective simultaneous frictional engagement with said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed for recording and playback; a flip-over wheel disposed between the flywheel and the idler wheel and mounted for pivotal motion, from a neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a first wheel couple comprising said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed fastEr than said recording speed, and for pivotal motion, from said neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a second wheel couple comprising said idler wheel and said second member for driving the pay-out reel in said reverse direction at a speed faster than said recording speed; a capstan rotating at a constant speed; a pressure roller mounted for pivotal movement toward, and away from, the capstan for pressing the tape therebetween into engagement with the capstan; a magnetic head mounted for pivotal movement into, and out of, engagement with the tape, said pivotal mount for the magnetic head including a bell crank lever having an apex and two arms extending therefrom, said magnetic head being carried by one of said arms; a connecting plate mounted for sliding motion into first and second positions and linked to the pivotal mounts of said magnetic head and said pressure roller to pivot the magnetic head and the pressure roller out of engagement with the magnetic tape when moved to said first position and to pivot said magnetic head and pressure roller into engagement with the tape when moved to said second position; means for engaging the head carrying arm of said bell crank for limiting its pivotal motion in the direction of tape engagement when the head is properly engaged with the tape; and means associated with said connecting plate for applying a force to the end of the other arm of said bell crank to pivot the head away from the tape when the connecting plate is moved into said second position.

Claim 5

A tape transport mechanism for a tape recording device, comprising: a first cylindrical member carrying a tape take-up reel; a second cylindrical member carrying a tape pay-out reel; a flywheel and idler wheel coupled for rotation in opposite, forward and reverse directions, respectively; a transmission wheel having a pinion concentrically mounted thereto, said transmission wheel and pinion mounted for pivotal motion into respective simultaneous frictional engagement with said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed for recording and playback; a flip-over wheel disposed between the flywheel and the idler wheel and mounted for pivotal motion, from a neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a first wheel couple comprising said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed fastEr than said recording speed, and for pivotal motion, from said neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a second wheel couple comprising said idler wheel and said second member for driving the pay-out reel in said reverse direction at a speed faster than said recording speed; a capstan rotating at a constant speed; a pressure roller mounted for pivotal movement toward, and away from, the capstan for pressing the tape therebetween into engagement with the capstan; a magnetic head mounted for pivotal movement into, and out of, engagement with the tape, said pivotal mount for the magnetic head including a bell crank lever having an apex and two arms extending therefrom, said magnetic head being carried by one of said arms; a connecting plate mounted for sliding motion into first and second positions and linked to the pivotal mounts of said magnetic head and said pressure roller to pivot the magnetic head and the pressure roller out of engagement with the magnetic tape when moved to said first position and to pivot said magnetic head and pressure roller into engagement with the tape when moved to said second position; means for engaging the head carrying arm of said bell crank for limiting its pivotal motion in the direction of tape engagement when the head is properly engaged with the tape; and means associated with said connecting plate for applying a force to the end of the other arm of said bell crank to pivot the head away from the tape when the connecting plate is moved into said second position.

Claim 6

The transport mechanism of claim 3 wherein said force applying means comprises a cut in said connecting plate, the end of said force receiving arm being loosely engaged therein to allow relative motion between the end of said arm and said connecting plate.

Claim 7

The transport mechanism of claim 3 wherein the end of the head carrying arm is wedge shaped, said engaging means comprising a pin secured to said base and engaging said wedge shaped end to limit both pivotal motion and lateral translation of said magnetic head when engaged with said tape.

Claim 8

A tape transport mechanism for a tape recording device, comprising: a first cylindrical member carrying a tape take-up reel; a second cylindrical member carrying a tape pay-out reel; a flywheel and idler wheel coupled for rotation in opposite, forward and reverse directions, respectively; a transmission wheel having a pinion concentrically mounted thereto, said transmission wheel and pinion mounted for pivotal motion into respective simultaneous frictional engagement with said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed for recording and playback; a flip-over wheel disposed between the flywheel and the idler wheel and mounted for pivotal motion, from a neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a first wheel coupled comprising said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed faster than said recording speed, and for pivotal motion, from said neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a second wheel couple comprising said idler wheel and said second member for driving the pay-out reel in said reverse direction at a speed faster than said recording speed; a capstan rotating at a constant speed; a pressure roller mounted for pivotal movement toward, and away from, the capstan for pressing the tape therebetween into engagement with the capstan; a magnetic head mounted for pivotal movement into, and out of, engagement with the tape; and a connecting plate mounted for sliding motion into first and second positions and linked to the pivotal mounts of said magnetic head and said pressure roller to pivot the magnetic head and the pressure roller out of engagement with the magnetic tape when moved to said first position and to pivot said magnetic head and pressure roller into engagement with the tape whEn moved to said second position, said plate, upon being moved into said first position, engaging the pivotal mount of said transmission wheel to pivot the transmission wheel and pinion out of respective engagement with said flywheel and said first member.

Claim 9

A tape transport mechanism for a tape recording device, comprising: a first cylindrical member carrying a tape take-up reel; a second cylindrical member carrying a tape pay-out reel; a flywheel and idler wheel coupled for rotation in opposite, forward and reverse directions, respectively; a transmission wheel having a pinion concentrically mounted thereto, said transmission wheel and pinion mounted for pivotal motion into respective simultaneous frictional engagement with said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed for recording and playback; a flip-over wheel disposed between the flywheel and the idler wheel and mounted for pivotal motion, from a neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a first wheel coupled comprising said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed faster than said recording speed, and for pivotal motion, from said neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a second wheel couple comprising said idler wheel and said second member for driving the pay-out reel in said reverse direction at a speed faster than said recording speed; a capstan rotating at a constant speed; a pressure roller mounted for pivotal movement toward, and away from, the capstan for pressing the tape therebetween into engagement with the capstan; a magnetic head mounted for pivotal movement into, and out of, engagement with the tape; and a connecting plate mounted for sliding motion into first and second positions and linked to the pivotal mounts of said magnetic head and said pressure roller to pivot the magnetic head and the pressure roller out of engagement with the magnetic tape when moved to said first position and to pivot said magnetic head and pressure roller into engagement with the tape whEn moved to said second position, said plate, upon being moved into said first position, engaging the pivotal mount of said transmission wheel to pivot the transmission wheel and pinion out of respective engagement with said flywheel and said first member.

Claim 10

A tape transport mechanism for a tape recording device, comprising: first and second wheel couples; a flip-over wheel disposed between said wheel couples; means for mounting said flip-over wheel for alternate pivotal motion and radial motion relative to the axis of pivoting for selective equalized-force engagement with said wheel couples to respectively drive said tape in first and second directions; a capstan rotating at a constant speed; a pressure roller mounted for pivotal movement toward, and away from, the capstan for pressing the tape therebetween into engagement with the capstan; a magnetic head mounted for pivotal movement into, and out of, engagement with the tape; a connecting plate mounted for sliding motion into first and second positions and linked to the pivotal mounts of said magnetic head and said pressure roller to pivot the magnetic head and the pressure roller out of engagement with the magnetic tape when moved to said first position and to pivot said magnetic head and pressure roller into engagement with the tape when moved to said second position; a control member mounted for pivotal motion, a portion of said member, upon being pivoted, engaging said plate when it is in the second position to shift the connecting plate to said first position; and means connecting said control member with the pivotal mount of said flip-over wheel, pivotal movement of said control member in said first and second directions pivoting said flip-over wheel respectively into engagement with said first and second wheel couples.

Claim 11

A tape transport mechanism for a tape recording device, comprising: first and second wheel couples; a flip-over wheel disposed between said wheel couples; means for mounting said flip-over wheel for alternate pivotal motion and radial motion relative to the axis of pivoting for selective equalized-force engagement with said wheel couples to respectively drive said tape in first and second directions; a capstan rotating at a constant speed; a pressure roller mounted for pivotal movement toward, and away from, the capstan for pressing the tape therebetween into engagement with the capstan; a magnetic head mounted for pivotal movement into, and out of, engagement with the tape; a connecting plate mounted for sliding motion into first and second positions and linked to the pivotal mounts of said magnetic head and said pressure roller to pivot the magnetic head and the pressure roller out of engagement with the magnetic tape when moved to said first position and to pivot said magnetic head and pressure roller into engagement with the tape when moved to said second position; a control member mounted for pivotal motion, a portion of said member, upon being pivoted, engaging said plate when it is in the second position to shift the connecting plate to said first position; and means connecting said control member with the pivotal mount of said flip-over wheel, pivotal movement of said control member in said first and second directions pivoting said flip-over wheel respectively into engagement with said first and second wheel couples.

Claim 12

A tape transport mechanism for a tape recording device, comprising: a first cylindrical member carrying a tape take-up reel; a second cylindrical member carrying a tape pay-out reel; a flywheel and idler wheel coupled for rotation in opposite, forward and reverse directions, respectively; a transmission wheel having a pinion concentrically mounted thereto, said transmission wheel and pinion mounted for pivotal motion into respective simultaneous frictional engagement with said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed for recording and playback; a flip-over wheel disposed between the flywheel and the idler wheel and mounted for pivotal motion, from a neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a first wheel couple comprising said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed faster than said recording speed, and for pivotal motion, from said neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a second wheel couple comprising said idler wheel and said second member for driving the pay-out reel in said reverse direction at a speed faster than said recording speed; a capstan rotating at a constant speed; a pressure roller mounted for pivotal movement toward, and away from, the capstan for pressing the tape therebetween into engagement with the capstan; a magnetic head mounted for pivotal movement into, and out of, engagement with the tape; a connecting plate mounted for sliding motion into first and second positions and linked to the pivotal mounts of said magnetic head and said pressure roller to pivot the magnetic head and the pressure roller out of engagement with the magnetic tape when moved to said first position and to pivot said magnetic head and pressure roller into engagement with the tape when moved to said second position; a spring for biasing said connecting plate toward the second position, and stop means for retaining it in the first position, said stop means comprising a plate having a pin secured thereto, said plate being movable from a retracted poSition, corresponding to said first position of the connecting plate, in which the pin engages a cam surface of the pivotal mount of said pressure roller to retain said connecting plate in said first position, to a forward position, corresponding to the second position of said connecting plate, in which the pin releases said cam surface and connecting plate for movement toward said second position; a tape cassette receptacle mounted for vertical translatory movement with respect to the base; a guide slot within said pin carrying plate; and a pin projecting from said receptacle and guided within the slot to vertically move said receptacle toward the base when the pin carrying plate shifts from its retracted to its forward position.

Claim 13

A tape transport mechanism for a tape recording device, comprising: a first cylindrical member carrying a tape take-up reel; a second cylindrical member carrying a tape pay-out reel; a flywheel and idler wheel coupled for rotation in opposite, forward and reverse directions, respectively; a transmission wheel having a pinion concentrically mounted thereto, said transmission wheel and pinion mounted for pivotal motion into respective simultaneous frictional engagement with said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed for recording and playback; a flip-over wheel disposed between the flywheel and the idler wheel and mounted for pivotal motion, from a neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a first wheel couple comprising said flywheel and said first member to drive the take-up reel in said forward direction at a speed faster than said recording speed, and for pivotal motion, from said neutral position, into simultaneous frictional engagement with a second wheel couple comprising said idler wheel and said second member for driving the pay-out reel in said reverse direction at a speed faster than said recording speed; a capstan rotating at a constant speed; a pressure roller mounted for pivotal movement toward, and away from, the capstan for pressing the tape therebetween into engagement with the capstan; a magnetic head mounted for pivotal movement into, and out of, engagement with the tape; a connecting plate mounted for sliding motion into first and second positions and linked to the pivotal mounts of said magnetic head and said pressure roller to pivot the magnetic head and the pressure roller out of engagement with the magnetic tape when moved to said first position and to pivot said magnetic head and pressure roller into engagement with the tape when moved to said second position; a spring for biasing said connecting plate toward the second position, and stop means for retaining it in the first position, said stop means comprising a plate having a pin secured thereto, said plate being movable from a retracted poSition, corresponding to said first position of the connecting plate, in which the pin engages a cam surface of the pivotal mount of said pressure roller to retain said connecting plate in said first position, to a forward position, corresponding to the second position of said connecting plate, in which the pin releases said cam surface and connecting plate for movement toward said second position; a tape cassette receptacle mounted for vertical translatory movement with respect to the base; a guide slot within said pin carrying plate; and a pin projecting from said receptacle and guided within the slot to vertically move said receptacle toward the base when the pin carrying plate shifts from its retracted to its forward position.

Claim 14

The transport mechanism of claim 8 including a slot extending through part of the receptacle and prolonged into part of the mount thereof, a slide movable within the slot and comprising an abutment engaging the front end of a cassette introduced into the receptacle and a shoe engaging a reel hub bore of the cassette, a spring means for retaining said slide in the slot end adjacent the entrance spring of the receptacle and urging said slide and a cassette engaged thereto by said shoe toward the opposite slot end to completely draw said cassette into the receptacle, and a forked lever means hinged to the base plate and engaging the cassette to insert it below the heads of the registering pins of said device when the downward motion of said cassette receptacle inserted therein depresses one arm of said forward lever.

Claim 15

The transport mechanism of claim 9 including a pusher arm for alternately engaging either arm of said lever to respectively shift said plate into either position, a flange carried by said plate having a slot for guiding said receptacle and an actuator means pivotally connected to the said pusher means and flange carrying plate for applying a conjoining movement thereto.

Claim 16

The transport mechanism of claim 10 wherein said actuator means upon being pivoted engages said fork to rotate it about its pivot.

Claim 17

The transport mechanism of claim 10 including an ejector blade linked to the actuator means to swing from a first point, overlying the slide when said slide is in a position adjacent the mouth of the casette receptacle, to a second point behind the terminal position of said slide, said blade being spring biased to return to said first point, said blade being positioned to slide over the receptacle top when said receptacle is in its upper position and to entrain the slide projecting over said top during the return swing to said first point.