US3724780A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cassette loading magnetic tape driver
Assignee: MEMODYNE CORP
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Filing: 1971-07-23
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Granted: 1973-04-03
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Expires: 1991-07-23
Abstract
Abstract A cassette loading magnetic tape drive system utilizing a stepping motor directly coupled to a capstan shaft which cooperates with a pinch roller to provide tape drive. The same stepping motor drives a slip clutch through a transfer roller, the slip clutch providing controlled torque to a cassette reel and controlled tension on the tape through a resilient driver hub which engages all splines of the cassette reel. Stepping motion is transferred from the motor only when the entire system is in operation.
Inventors
- 👤 R Wolf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:00
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/18; G11B15/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
A drive system for providing precision controlled motion to a magnetic tape contained in a cassette including an internally splined take-up reel, said drive system comprising a capstan shaft positioned in generally rotating engagement with said magnetic tape; a stepping motor providing rotational motion to said capstan shaft; a pinch roller having a first position in engagement with said magnetic tape for pressing said magnetic tape against said capstan shaft and a second position out of engagement with said magnetic tape; a driver hub for frictionally engaging the internal splines on said cassette reel, said driver hub being formed of a precision rubber ring of diameter to precisely match the diameter of the opening formed by said internal splines; a disengageable coupling train having a first condition in which said driver hub is coupled to said capstan shaft and a second position in which said driver hub is decoupled from said capstan shaft, said coupling means including a slip clutch adjusted to provide tensioning force to said driver hub insufficient to rotate said take-up reel, said coupling means being controlled to be in said engaged condition only when said pinch roller engaging said magnetic tape.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
A drive system for providing precision controlled motion to a magnetic tape contained in a cassette including an internally splined take-up reel, said drive system comprising a capstan shaft positioned in generally rotating engagement with said magnetic tape; a stepping motor providing rotational motion to said capstan shaft; a pinch roller having a first position in engagement with said magnetic tape for pressing said magnetic tape against said capstan shaft and a second position out of engagement with said magnetic tape; a driver hub for frictionally engaging the internal splines on said cassette reel, said driver hub being formed of a precision rubber ring of diameter to precisely match the diameter of the opening formed by said internal splines; a disengageable coupling train having a first condition in which said driver hub is coupled to said capstan shaft and a second position in which said driver hub is decoupled from said capstan shaft, said coupling means including a slip clutch adjusted to provide tensioning force to said driver hub insufficient to rotate said take-up reel, said coupling means being controlled to be in said engaged condition only when said pinch roller engaging said magnetic tape.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A drive system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said coupling means coupling said driver hub and said capstan shaft includes a transfer roller movable into a firsT position coupling said capstan shaft to said slip clutch and out of said first position into a second position in which there is no coupling between said capstan shaft and said slip clutch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A drive system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said coupling means drives said driver hub and has sufficient tensioning force to maintain a positive tension on said tape through said take-up reel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
145 words
A drive system for magnetic tape contained in a cassette having an internally splined take-up reel comprising: a stepping motor; a capstan shaft rotatably driven by said stepping motor; a pinch roller for engaging said magnetic tape in cooperation with said capstan shaft; an auxiliary shaft disposed for rotation about an axis parallel to that of said capstan shaft; a driver hub mounted on said auxiliary shaft and engaging resiliently the internal splines of said take-up reel; means including a slip clutch coupling said capstan shaft to said auxiliary shaft to impart controlled torque to said take-up reel and controlled tension to said tape; and means mounting said pinch roller and said means for coupling said capstan shaft to said auxiliary shaft for simultaneous movement to permit disengagement of said pinch roller from said tape and disengagement of said slip clutch from said capstan shaft.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
145 words
A drive system for magnetic tape contained in a cassette having an internally splined take-up reel comprising: a stepping motor; a capstan shaft rotatably driven by said stepping motor; a pinch roller for engaging said magnetic tape in cooperation with said capstan shaft; an auxiliary shaft disposed for rotation about an axis parallel to that of said capstan shaft; a driver hub mounted on said auxiliary shaft and engaging resiliently the internal splines of said take-up reel; means including a slip clutch coupling said capstan shaft to said auxiliary shaft to impart controlled torque to said take-up reel and controlled tension to said tape; and means mounting said pinch roller and said means for coupling said capstan shaft to said auxiliary shaft for simultaneous movement to permit disengagement of said pinch roller from said tape and disengagement of said slip clutch from said capstan shaft.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3604714A
Cited
US3625458A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-02 | 1976-10-02 | 1977-04-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-02 | 1980-10-02 | 1981-04-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-02 | 1984-10-02 | 1985-04-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |