US3677554A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Duplicating apparatus for cassettes
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-07-16
•
Granted: 1972-07-18
•
Expires: 1990-07-16
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for fast, high quality duplication for magnetic tape in cassettes, having mounts for the cassettes with openings for a loop of tape to extend out from each cassette and to be positively driven. The loop is positioned around a short idler and the idler is then biased against a drive mandrel common to all stations in the apparatus. At each station a transducer is located past the drive mandrel shortly ahead of the location at which the looped tape re-enters the opening of the mount.
Inventors
- 👤 Francis Rawdon Smith
- 👤 John E Horne
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 07:18
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B5/00; G11B5/86
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
Tape drive apparatus comprising: a. mechanical means for supporting a magnetic tape cassette of the type which is adapted to have inserted therein a capstan for driving the tape enclosed in said cassette, said mechanical means comprising a support surface having an opening for said tape to pass freely through and resiliant retainer means located to contact said cassette and bias said cassette toward said support surface; b. guide means for guiding a portion of said tape outside of said cassette; and c. drive means external to said cassette and in contact with said tape for driving said tape.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
Tape drive apparatus comprising: a. mechanical means for supporting a magnetic tape cassette of the type which is adapted to have inserted therein a capstan for driving the tape enclosed in said cassette, said mechanical means comprising a support surface having an opening for said tape to pass freely through and resiliant retainer means located to contact said cassette and bias said cassette toward said support surface; b. guide means for guiding a portion of said tape outside of said cassette; and c. drive means external to said cassette and in contact with said tape for driving said tape.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
106 words
In apparatus having a master tape station and a plurality of slave tape stations for use with a plurality of tape cassettes, each of said cassettes of the type which is adapted to have inserted therein a capstan for driving the tape enclosed in the cassette, in operative relationship with each cassette, the improvement comprising: a. means for removing a portion of said tape from said cassette; b. mechanical guide means for guiding said tape outside of said cassette; c. a head positioned against said tape; and d. drive means external to said cassette in contact with said tape for driving said tape past said head.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
106 words
In apparatus having a master tape station and a plurality of slave tape stations for use with a plurality of tape cassettes, each of said cassettes of the type which is adapted to have inserted therein a capstan for driving the tape enclosed in the cassette, in operative relationship with each cassette, the improvement comprising: a. means for removing a portion of said tape from said cassette; b. mechanical guide means for guiding said tape outside of said cassette; c. a head positioned against said tape; and d. drive means external to said cassette in contact with said tape for driving said tape past said head.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said tape proceeds around said mechanical guide means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said drive means is a mandrel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said tape Proceeds around said mechanical guide means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein the mandrel is too large to fit into said cassette.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as in claim 6 wherein said tape proceeds around said mechanical guide means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
63 words
Tape drive apparatus comprising: a. means for supporting a magnetic tape cassette of the type which is adapted to have inserted therein a capstan for driving the tape enclosed in said cassette; b. guide means for guiding a portion of said tape outside of said cassette; and c. drive means external to said cassette in contact with said tape for driving said tape.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
63 words
Tape drive apparatus comprising: a. means for supporting a magnetic tape cassette of the type which is adapted to have inserted therein a capstan for driving the tape enclosed in said cassette; b. guide means for guiding a portion of said tape outside of said cassette; and c. drive means external to said cassette in contact with said tape for driving said tape.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as in claim 8 further comprising means for providing a free smooth path for tape as it enters and leaves the cassette housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as in claim 8 further comprising a head positioned adjacent said tape.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said drive means is a capstan drive and said tape is removed in a loop.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said capstan drive is a single capstan drive.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said tape proceeds around said guide means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as in claim 13 wherein said guide means comprises a roller.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said drive means is a mandrel drive.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as in claim 15 further comprising an idler support mounted to effect pressure engagement with said mandrel drive.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as in claim 15 wherein said tape proceeds around said guide means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as in claim 15 wherein said mandrel drive is a single capstan drive.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as in claim 18 further comprising sleeve means attachable around said capstan to change the effective size of the capstan.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as in claim 15 wherein the mandrel is too large to fit into the cassette.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as in claim 20 wherein said tape is removed in a loop.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-18 | 1976-01-17 | 1976-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-18 | 1980-01-17 | 1980-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-18 | 1984-01-17 | 1984-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |