Tape loading and unloading mechanism

Claim 2

In combination with a tape transport including a first tape reel, a first reversible motor for driving said first reel, a first multiple-loop tape-storage arm, a first spring for applying tension to said first arm, and first servo means normally responsive to the angular position of said first arm about its predetermined null position for controlling said first motor, a mechanism for retracting said first arm for tape loading and unloading comprising: a first cam rotatable with said first arm and including a first elongated slot, a first roller movable within said first slot and attached to the end of said first spring whereby during normal operation of said first arm about its predetermined null position said first roller stably sits at one end of said first slot, means for applying an offset null signal to said first servo means whereby said first motor causes said first reel to withdraw tape from said first arm and whereby said first roller moves from the one end of said first slot to the second end of said first slot, and means for shutting off said first motor when said first arm is substantially at its fully retracted position.

Claim 3

The combination of claim 1 wherein said means for applying the offset null signal to said servo means further comprises a power supply, a resistor in series with said power supply, and a capacitor connecting said resistor to ground.

Claim 4

The combination of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for returning said first arm to normal operation about its predetermined null position comprising: first means for moving said first roller from the second end of said first slot to the one end of said first slot, and means for applying power to said first motor thereby causing said first reel to release tape to said first arm and allowing resumption of normal servo operation.

Claim 5

The combination of claim 1 wherein said tape transport further includes a second tape reel, a second reversible motor for driving said second reel, a second multiple-loop tape-storage arm, a second spring for applying tension to said second arm, and second servo means normally responsive to the angular position of said second arm about its predetErmined null position for controlling said second motor; wherein said mechanism which also retracts said second arm for tape loading and unloading further comprises: a second cam rotatable with said second arm and including a second elongated slot, and a second roller movable within said second slot and attached to the end of said second spring whereby during normal operation of said second arm about its predetermined null position said second roller stably sits at one end of said second slot; wherein said means for applying an offset null signal also applies the signal to said second servo means whereby said second motor causes said second reel to withdraw tape from said second arm and whereby said second roller moves from the one end of said second slot to the second end of said second slot; and wherein said shutting off means also shuts off said second motor, said shutting off means operating only when said first and second arms are both substantially in their fully retracted position.

Claim 6

In combination with a tape transport including a first tape reel, a first reversible motor for driving said first reel, a first multiple-loop tape-storage arm, a first spring for applying tension to said first arm, and first servo means normally responsive to the angular position of said first arm about its predetermined null position for controlling said first motor, a mechanism for returning said first arm from its fully retracted position to normal operation about its predetermined null position comprising: a first cam rotatable with said first arm and including a first elongated slot, a first roller movable within said first slot and attached to the end of said first spring whereby when said first arm is in its fully retracted position said first roller stably sits at the second end of said first slot, first means for moving said first roller from the second end of said first slot to the first end of said first slot, and means for applying power to said first motor thereby causing said first reel to release tape to said first arm and allowing resumption of normal servo operation.

Claim 7

In combination with a tape transport including a first tape reel, a first reversible motor for driving said first reel, a first multiple-loop tape-storage arm, a first spring for applying tension to said first arm, and first servo means normally responsive to the angular position of said first arm about its predetermined null position for controlling said first motor, a mechanism for returning said first arm from its fully retracted position to normal operation about its predetermined null position comprising: a first cam rotatable with said first arm and including a first elongated slot, a first roller movable within said first slot and attached to the end of said first spring whereby when said first arm is in its fully retracted position said first roller stably sits at the second end of said first slot, first means for moving said first roller from the second end of said first slot to the first end of said first slot, and means for applying power to said first motor thereby causing said first reel to release tape to said first arm and allowing resumption of normal servo operation.

Claim 8

The combination of claim 5 wherein said first moving means further comprises a solenoid having a plunger which drives a fork assembly.

Claim 9

The combination of claim 6 wherein said means for applying power further comprises a power supply and a first switch which connects said power supply to said first motor upon operation of said solenoid plunger.

Claim 10

The combination of claim 5 wherein said tape transport further includes a second tape reel, a second reversible motor for driving said second reel, a second multiple-loop tape-storage arm, a second spring for applying tension to said second arm, and second servo means normally responsive to the angular position of said second arm about its predetermined null position for controlling said second motor; wherein said mechanism which also returns said second arm to normal operation about its predetermined null position further comprises: a second cam rotatable with said second arm and including a second elongated slot, a second roller movable within said second slot and attached to the end of said second spring whereby when said second arm is in its fully retracted position said second roller stably sits at the second end of said second slot, and second means for moving said second roller from the second end of said second slot to the first end of said second slot; and wherein said power applying means also applies power to said second motor, said power applying means operating only after said first and second moving means are fully operative.