Pneumatic accessing of tape bands

Claim 2

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, a flexible web material for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing said web material into said chamber, and a web driving means positioned within said chamber for transporting said web material only when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 3

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, an endless flexible web material for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing said endless web material into said chamber, and a capstan positioned within said chamber for transporting said endless material only when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 4

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, an endless flexible web material for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing said endless web material into said chamber, and a capstan positioned within said chamber for transporting said endless material only when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 5

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, an endless magnetic tape for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing said magnetic tape into said chamber, and a continuously rotating capstan positioned within said chamber for contacting and transporting said magnetic tape only when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 6

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, an endless magnetic tape for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing said magnetic tape into said chamber, and a continuously rotating capstan positioned within said chamber for contacting and transporting said magnetic tape only when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 7

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, an endless flexible web material for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing said web material into said chamber, transducing means positioned within said pneumatic chamber for reading and writing coded information on said flexible web material, and a web driving means positioned within said chamber for trans-porting said web material only when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 8

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, an endless flexible web material for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing said web material into said chamber, transducing means positioned within said pneumatic chamber for reading and writing coded information on said flexible web material, and a web driving means positioned within said chamber for trans-porting said web material only when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 9

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, an endless magnetic tape for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing said magnetic tape into said chamber, transducing means positioned within said pneumatic chamber for reading and writing coded information on said magnetic tape, and a continuously rotating capstan positioned within said chamber for contacting and transporting said magnetic tape only when said magnetic tape is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 10

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, an endless magnetic tape for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing said magnetic tape into said chamber, transducing means positioned within said pneumatic chamber for reading and writing coded information on said magnetic tape, and a continuously rotating capstan positioned within said chamber for contacting and transporting said magnetic tape only when said magnetic tape is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 11

In an information search and retrieval system, a flexible web tensioning apparatus comprising, a first pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said first chamber, a second pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said pneumatic chambers, a web transporting means positioned between said pneumatic chambers and adjacent said partition, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit flexible web material to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said material is drawn into said chambers.

Claim 12

In an information search and retrieval system, a flexible web tensioning apparatus comprising, a first pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said first chamber, a second pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said pneumatic chambers, a web transporting means positioned between said pneumatic chambers and adjacent said partition, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit flexible web material to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said material is drawn into said chambers.

Claim 13

In an information search and retrieval system, an endless flexible web tensioning apparatus comprising, a first pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said first chamber, a second pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said pneumatic chambers, a continuously rotating capstan positioned between said pneumatic chambers and adjacent said partition for contacting and transporting said web material when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chambers, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit flexible web material to cover said portS in proportion to the extent said material is drawn into said chambers.

Claim 14

In an information search and retrieval system, an endless flexible web tensioning apparatus comprising, a first pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said first chamber, a second pneumatic chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said pneumatic chambers, a continuously rotating capstan positioned between said pneumatic chambers and adjacent said partition for contacting and transporting said web material when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chambers, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit flexible web material to cover said portS in proportion to the extent said material is drawn into said chambers.

Claim 15

In an information search and retrieval system, an endless flexible web tensioning apparatus comprising, a first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said first chamber, a second vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said vacuum chambers, a continuously rotating capstan positioned between said vacuum chambers and adjacent said partition for contacting and transporting said web material when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chambers, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit flexible web material to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said material is drawn into said chambers, and means pneumatically connecting said ports to a source of vacuum.

Claim 16

In an information search and retrieval system, an endless flexible web tensioning apparatus comprising, a first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said first chamber, a second vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing flexible web material into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said vacuum chambers, a continuously rotating capstan positioned between said vacuum chambers and adjacent said partition for contacting and transporting said web material when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chambers, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit flexible web material to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said material is drawn into said chambers, and means pneumatically connecting said ports to a source of vacuum.

Claim 17

In a magnetic tape recording system, a magnetic tape tensioning apparatus comprising, a first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing magnetic tape into said first chamber, a second vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing magnetic tape into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said vacuum chambers, a magnetic tape transporting means positioned between said vacuum chambers and adjacent said partition, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit magnetic tape to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said magnetic tape is drawn into said chambers, and means pneumatically connecting said ports to a source of vacuum.

Claim 18

In a magnetic tape recording system, a magnetic tape tensioning apparatus comprising, a first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing magnetic tape into said first chamber, a second vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing magnetic tape into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said vacuum chambers, a magnetic tape transporting means positioned between said vacuum chambers and adjacent said partition, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit magnetic tape to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said magnetic tape is drawn into said chambers, and means pneumatically connecting said ports to a source of vacuum.

Claim 19

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing flexible web material for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber coupled to said cartridge, means for pneumatically drawing flexible web material from a selected one of said cartridges into said chamber, and a web driving means positioned within said chamber for transporting said web material when said material is pneumatically dawn into said chamber.

Claim 20

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing flexible web material for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber coupled to said cartridge, means for pneumatically drawing flexible web material from a selected one of said cartridges into said chamber, and a web driving means positioned within said chamber for transporting said web material when said material is pneumatically dawn into said chamber.

Claim 21

An information search and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing magnetic tape for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber coupled to said cartridges, means for pneumatically drawing magnetic tape from a selected one of said cartridges into said chamber, a continuously rotating capstan positioned within said chamber for transporting said magnetic tape when said tape is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 22

An information search and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing magnetic tape for storing coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber coupled to said cartridges, means for pneumatically drawing magnetic tape from a selected one of said cartridges into said chamber, a continuously rotating capstan positioned within said chamber for transporting said magnetic tape when said tape is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 23

An information search and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing an endless loop of magnetic tape for storing coded information thereon, a vacuum chamber, means for pneumatically drawing a selected one of said endless loops of magnetic tape into said chamber, a transducing means positioned within said vacuum chamber for reading and writing coded information on said magnetic tape, and a continuously rotating capstan positioned within said chamber for contacting and transporting said magnetic tape when said magnetic tape is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 24

An information search and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing an endless loop of magnetic tape for storing coded information thereon, a vacuum chamber, means for pneumatically drawing a selected one of said endless loops of magnetic tape into said chamber, a transducing means positioned within said vacuum chamber for reading and writing coded information on said magnetic tape, and a continuously rotating capstan positioned within said chamber for contacting and transporting said magnetic tape when said magnetic tape is pneumatically drawn into said chamber.

Claim 25

An information search and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing an endless loop of flexible web material for storing coded information thereon, a first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing a selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material into said chamber, a second vacuum chamber positioned adjacent said first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing said selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said pneumatic chambers, a web transporting means positioned between said pneumatic chambers and adjacent said partition, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit said selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said web is drawn into said chambers.

Claim 26

An information search and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing an endless loop of flexible web material for storing coded information thereon, a first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing a selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material into said chamber, a second vacuum chamber positioned adjacent said first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing said selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said pneumatic chambers, a web transporting means positioned between said pneumatic chambers and adjacent said partition, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit said selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said web is drawn into said chambers.

Claim 27

An information search and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing an endless loop of flexible web material for storing coded information thereon, a first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing a selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material into said chamber, a second vacuum chamber positioned adjacent said first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing said selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said pneumatic chambers, transducing means supported by said partition for reading and writing coded information on said flexible web material, a continuously rotating capstan positioned between said pneumatic chambers and adjacent said partition for contacting and transporting said flexible web material when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chambers, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit said selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said web is drawn into said chambers.

Claim 28

An information search and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing an endless loop of flexible web material for storing coded information thereon, a first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing a selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material into said chamber, a second vacuum chamber positioned adjacent said first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing said selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said pneumatic chambers, transducing means supported by said partition for reading and writing coded information on said flexible web material, a continuously rotating capstan positioned between said pneumatic chambers and adjacent said partition for contacting and transporting said flexible web material when said material is pneumatically drawn into said chambers, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit said selected one of said endless loops of flexible web material to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said web is drawn into said chambers.

Claim 29

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing an endless loop of magnetic tape for storing coded information thereon, a first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing a selected one of said endless loops of magnetic tape into said chamber, a second vacuum chamber positioned adjacent said first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing said selected one of said endless loops of magnetic tape into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said pneumatic chambers, transducing means supported by said partition for reading and writing coded information on said magnetic tape, a continuously rotating capstan positioned between said vacuum chambers and adjacent said partition for contacting and transporting said magnetic tape when said tape is pneumatically drawn into said chambers, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit said selected one of said endless loops of magnetic tape to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said tape is drawn into said chambers, and means pneumatically connecting said ports to a source of vacuum.

Claim 30

An information storage and retrieval system comprising, a plurality of cartridges each containing an endless loop of magnetic tape for storing coded information thereon, a first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing a selected one of said endless loops of magnetic tape into said chamber, a second vacuum chamber positioned adjacent said first vacuum chamber for pneumatically drawing said selected one of said endless loops of magnetic tape into said second chamber, a partition positioned between said pneumatic chambers, transducing means supported by said partition for reading and writing coded information on said magnetic tape, a continuously rotating capstan positioned between said vacuum chambers and adjacent said partition for contacting and transporting said magnetic tape when said tape is pneumatically drawn into said chambers, means defining ports in said partition, at least one of said ports opening into said first chamber and another of said ports opening into said second chamber, said ports positioned to permit said selected one of said endless loops of magnetic tape to cover said ports in proportion to the extent said tape is drawn into said chambers, and means pneumatically connecting said ports to a source of vacuum.

Claim 31

In an information search and retrieval system including endless loops of flexible web material, a cartridge for containing an endless loop of flexible web material comprising, a container having side walls, a bottom, and an open top, a partition within said container extending upward from the bottom for dividing the container into two storage chambers, a cartridge mounting sleeve positioned above the open top of said container for mounting said cartridge on an information search and retrieval system, means defining ports in said mounting sleeve and in said container bottom, and means connecting said ports to a source of pneumatic pressure.

Claim 32

In an information search and retrieval system including endless loops of flexible web material, a cartridge for containing an endless loop of flexible web material comprising, a container having side walls, a bottom, and an open top, a partition within said container extending upward from the bottom for dividing the container into two storage chambers, a cartridge mounting sleeve positioned above the open top of said container for mounting said cartridge on an information search and retrieval system, means defining ports in said mounting sleeve and in said container bottom, and means connecting said ports to a source of pneumatic pressure.

Claim 33

In an information search and retrieval system including endless loops of flexible web material, a cartridge for containing an endless loop of flexible web material comprising, a container having side walls, a bottom, and an open top, said side walls arranged to form a container having a rectangular cross section, a partition within said container extending upward from the bottom for dividing the container into two storage chambers, a cylindrical cartridge mounting sleeve positioned above the open top of said container and having an axis transverse to said one side wall and parallel to said partition, means defining ports in said mounting sleeve for admitting air under pressure to establish an air bearing between said sleeve and said flexible web material, and means defining ports in the bottom of said container for admitting a negative pressure to attract said flexible web material and for admitting a positive pressure to repel said flexible web material.

Claim 34

In an information search and retrieval system including endless loops of flexible web material, a cartridge for containing an endless loop of flexible web material comprising, a container having side walls, a bottom, and an open top, said side walls arranged to form a container having a rectangular cross section, a partition within said container extending upward from the bottom for dividing the container into two storage chambers, a cylindrical cartridge mounting sleeve positioned above the open top of said container and having an axis transverse to said one side wall and parallel to said partition, means defining ports in said mounting sleeve for admitting air under pressure to establish an air bearing between said sleeve and said flexible web material, and means defining ports in the bottom of said container for admitting a negative pressure to attract said flexible web material and for admitting a positive pressure to repel said flexible web material.

Claim 35

In an information search and retrieval system including endless loops of magnetic tape, a cartridge for containing an endless loop of magnetic tape comprising, a container having side walls, a bottom, and an open top, said side walls arranged to form a container having a rectangular cross section, a partition within said container extending upward from the bottom for dividing the container into two storage chambers, a cylindrical cartridge mounting sleeve positioned above the open top of said container and having an axis transverse to said container and parallel to said partition, means defining air bearing ports in said mounting sleeve for admitting air under pressure to establish an air bearing between said sleeve and said magnetic tape, a source of air pressure connected to said air bearing ports, means defining pneumatic ports in the bottom of said container for admitting a negative pressure to attract said magnetic tape and for admitting a positive pressure to repel said magnetic tape, and a source of pneumatic pressure connected to said pneumatic ports.

Claim 36

In an information search and retrieval system including endless loops of magnetic tape, a cartridge for containing an endless loop of magnetic tape comprising, a container having side walls, a bottom, and an open top, said side walls arranged to form a container having a rectangular cross section, a partition within said container extending upward from the bottom for dividing the container into two storage chambers, a cylindrical cartridge mounting sleeve positioned above the open top of said container and having an axis transverse to said container and parallel to said partition, means defining air bearing ports in said mounting sleeve for admitting air under pressure to establish an air bearing between said sleeve and said magnetic tape, a source of air pressure connected to said air bearing ports, means defining pneumatic ports in the bottom of said container for admitting a negative pressure to attract said magnetic tape and for admitting a positive pressure to repel said magnetic tape, and a source of pneumatic pressure connected to said pneumatic ports.

Claim 37

In an information search and retrieval system including endless loops of flexible web material, a cartridge for containing an endless loop of flexible web material comprising, a container having side walls, a bottom, and an open top, means defining ports in said bottom, means for supplying a pneumatic pressure to said ports, a cylindrical cartridge mounting sleeve, means supporting said mounting sleeve above said open top, means defining ports in said mounting sleeve, and means for supplying a pneumatic pressure to said mounting sleeve ports.

Claim 38

In an information search and retrieval system including endless loops of flexible web material, a cartridge for containing an endless loop of flexible web material comprising, a container having side walls, a bottom, and an open top, means defining ports in said bottom, means for supplying a pneumatic pressure to said ports, a cylindrical cartridge mounting sleeve, means supporting said mounting sleeve above said open top, means defining ports in said mounting sleeve, and means for supplying a pneumatic pressure to said mounting sleeve ports.

Claim 39

In an information search and retrieval system, a tape tensioning apparatus comprising, a flexible tape, means including walls defining first and second pneumatic chambers, means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said flexible tape whereby a portion of said flexible web is disposed into each of said pneumatic chambers, and means defining at least one port in a wall of each of said pneumatic chambers, said port positioned to permit said flexible tape to cover said port to an amount proportional to the extent said tape is disposed within said chambers.

Claim 40

In an information search and retrieval system, a tape tensioning apparatus comprising, a flexible tape, means including walls defining first and second pneumatic chambers, means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said flexible tape whereby a portion of said flexible web is disposed into each of said pneumatic chambers, and means defining at least one port in a wall of each of said pneumatic chambers, said port positioned to permit said flexible tape to cover said port to an amount proportional to the extent said tape is disposed within said chambers.

Claim 41

In an information search and retrieval system, a tape tensioning apparatus comprising, a flexible web material, means including walls defining first and second pneumatic chambers, means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said flexible web material whereby a portion of said flexible web material is drawn into each of said pneumatic chambers, means defining first and second ports respectively connecting said first and second chambers to a source of reduced pneumatic pressure, said ports positioned respectively within a wall of said of said chambers to permit said flexible web material to cover said ports to an amount proportional to the extent said web material is disposed within said chambers.

Claim 42

In an information search and retrieval system, a tape tensioning apparatus comprising, a flexible web material, means including walls defining first and second pneumatic chambers, means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said flexible web material whereby a portion of said flexible web material is drawn into each of said pneumatic chambers, means defining first and second ports respectively connecting said first and second chambers to a source of reduced pneumatic pressure, said ports positioned respectively within a wall of said of said chambers to permit said flexible web material to cover said ports to an amount proportional to the extent said web material is disposed within said chambers.

Claim 43

In an information search and retrieval system, a flexible web tensioning apparatus including a flexible web comprising, means including walls defining first and second pneumatic chambers, means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said flexible web whereby loops of said flexible web are disposed within each of said pneumatic chambers, and means defining at least one port in a wall of each of said pneumatic chambers, each port positioned to permit said flexible web to cover said port to an amount corresponding to the extent said loop of flexible web is disposed within said chamber to thereby vary thE effective area of said port.

Claim 44

In an information search and retrieval system, a flexible web tensioning apparatus including a flexible web comprising, means including walls defining first and second pneumatic chambers, means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said flexible web whereby loops of said flexible web are disposed within each of said pneumatic chambers, and means defining at least one port in a wall of each of said pneumatic chambers, each port positioned to permit said flexible web to cover said port to an amount corresponding to the extent said loop of flexible web is disposed within said chamber to thereby vary thE effective area of said port.

Claim 45

An information storage and retrieval system comprising a flexible tape, a cartridge for storing said tape, means including a wall defining a pneumatic chamber coupled to said cartridge, means for creating a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said tape to thereby effect the substantial transfer of said tape between said chamber and said cartridge, driving means for transporting said tape within said chamber, and means defining a port within said wall, said port positioned to permit said tape to cover said port to an extent corresponding to the position of said tape within said chamber.

Claim 46

An information storage and retrieval system comprising a flexible tape, a cartridge for storing said tape, means including a wall defining a pneumatic chamber coupled to said cartridge, means for creating a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said tape to thereby effect the substantial transfer of said tape between said chamber and said cartridge, driving means for transporting said tape within said chamber, and means defining a port within said wall, said port positioned to permit said tape to cover said port to an extent corresponding to the position of said tape within said chamber.

Claim 47

An information storage and retrieval system comprising a flexible tape, a cartridge for storing said tape, means including walls defining first and second pneumatic chambers coupled to said cartridge, means for creating a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said tape to draw said tape substantially from said cartridge into said chambers, driving means for transporting said tape within said chambers, and means defining a port within a wall of each of said chambers, said port positioned to permit said tape to cover said port to an extent corresponding to the position of said tape within said chamber.

Claim 48

An information storage and retrieval system comprising a flexible tape, a cartridge for storing said tape, means including walls defining first and second pneumatic chambers coupled to said cartridge, means for creating a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said tape to draw said tape substantially from said cartridge into said chambers, driving means for transporting said tape within said chambers, and means defining a port within a wall of each of said chambers, said port positioned to permit said tape to cover said port to an extent corresponding to the position of said tape within said chamber.

Claim 49

An information storage and retrieval system comprising a flexible tape, means including walls defining first and second pneumatic chambers, means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said tape for drawing a loop of said tape into each of said chambers, a tape transporting means disposed intermediate said chambers on the low pressure side of said tape for transporting said tape when said tape has been drawn into said chambers, and a transducer positioned contiguously to a wall of one of said chambers and in contact with said tape, said contact between said tape and said transducer resulting from the action of said differential pressure acting on said tape.

Claim 50

An information storage and retrieval system comprising a flexible tape, means including walls defining first and second pneumatic chambers, means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said tape for drawing a loop of said tape into each of said chambers, a tape transporting means disposed intermediate said chambers on the low pressure side of said tape for transporting said tape when said tape has been drawn into said chambers, and a transducer positioned contiguously to a wall of one of said chambers and in contact with said tape, said contact between said tape and said transducer resulting from the action of said differential pressure acting on said tape.

Claim 51

An information storage and retrieval system comprising a flexible tape, means including walls defining a pneumatic chamber, a tape driving means within said chamber, a transducer disposed contiguously to a wall of said chamber, and means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said tape to thereby draw said tape into said chamber to be transported by said tape driving means, said pneumatic pressure differential also acting to maintain said tape in substantial contact with said transducer.

Claim 52

An information storage and retrieval system comprising a flexible tape, means including walls defining a pneumatic chamber, a tape driving means within said chamber, a transducer disposed contiguously to a wall of said chamber, and means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of said tape to thereby draw said tape into said chamber to be transported by said tape driving means, said pneumatic pressure differential also acting to maintain said tape in substantial contact with said transducer.

Claim 53

An information storage and retrieval system comprising a plurality of cartridges each containing a flexible tape for the storage of coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber, means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of a tape in a selected one of said cartridges for drawing a loop of said tape into said chamber, and a transducer and a tape driving means each positioned within said chamber on the low pressure side of said tape whereby said tape is maintained in substantial contact with said transducer through the force of said pressure differential acting on said tape.

Claim 54

An information storage and retrieval system comprising a plurality of cartridges each containing a flexible tape for the storage of coded information thereon, a pneumatic chamber, means for effecting a pneumatic pressure differential on opposite surfaces of a tape in a selected one of said cartridges for drawing a loop of said tape into said chamber, and a transducer and a tape driving means each positioned within said chamber on the low pressure side of said tape whereby said tape is maintained in substantial contact with said transducer through the force of said pressure differential acting on said tape.

Claim 55

In an information processing apparatus, a tape handler means comprising, a substantially air-tight enclosure including means to store at least one loop of an elongated tape adapted to store information along a portion of said loop, an information processing station within said enclosure including transducer means to transfer said information, and fluid control means for moving tape in said enclosure to said information processing station, whereby said elongated tape is moved out of said means to store said loop past said information processing station in a predetermined mode of operation when the fluid control means is actuated in accordance with a predetermined schedule.

Claim 56

In an information processing apparatus, a tape handler means comprising, a substantially air-tight enclosure including means to store at least one loop of an elongated tape adapted to store information along a portion of said loop, an information processing station within said enclosure including transducer means to transfer said information, and fluid control means for moving tape in said enclosure to said information processing station, whereby said elongated tape is moved out of said means to store said loop past said information processing station in a predetermined mode of operation when the fluid control means is actuated in accordance with a predetermined schedule.

Claim 57

In an information processing apparatus, a tape handler means comprising, a substantially air-tight enclosure including means to store a plurality of storage loops of elongated tape adapted tO store information along portions thereof, an information processing station within said enclosure including transducer means to transfer said information supported in a predetermined position within said enclosure relative to the means to store a plurality of loops, means to define a chamber within said enclosure on the opposite side of said information station from said means to store a plurality of loops, and fluid control means for selectively moving one of said loops to said information processing station, whereby an elongated tape is moved past said information processing station in a predetermined mode of operation when the fluid control means is actuated in accordance with a predetermined schedule.

Claim 58

In an information processing apparatus, a tape handler means comprising, a substantially air-tight enclosure including means to store a plurality of storage loops of elongated tape adapted tO store information along portions thereof, an information processing station within said enclosure including transducer means to transfer said information supported in a predetermined position within said enclosure relative to the means to store a plurality of loops, means to define a chamber within said enclosure on the opposite side of said information station from said means to store a plurality of loops, and fluid control means for selectively moving one of said loops to said information processing station, whereby an elongated tape is moved past said information processing station in a predetermined mode of operation when the fluid control means is actuated in accordance with a predetermined schedule.