Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
249 words
In a magnetic tape handling system, including a tape deck, means to drive and control a file reel of tape and a machine reel, a vacuum source, vacuum control means, capstan drive means, and head means, the improvements in said tape deck comprising: two spaced apart, open ended main vacuum columns each arranged to receive a loop of said tape; a first tape bearing means at the end of one of said main vacuum columns and a second tape bearing at the end of the other of said main vacuum columns; a Y-shaped wall centered below said head means, the stem of the Y and the under surfaces of the two arms of the Y forming two auxiliary vacuum columns, each communicating with a said main vacuum column; a capstan means positioned at the end of the first arm of said Y and a third tape bearing means at the end of the second arm of the Y, the head means being mounted to the tape deck within the arms of said Y with the tape engaging surface being directed downwardly; whereby, when said tape is looped from said file reel to said machine reel with the oxide coated surface upper-most, and said tape is threaded above said three tape bearing means and said capstan and below said head means, then when vacuum is applied to said four vacuum columns, said tape will be drawn down into each of said four vacuum columns and into contact with said head.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
249 words
In a magnetic tape handling system, including a tape deck, means to drive and control a file reel of tape and a machine reel, a vacuum source, vacuum control means, capstan drive means, and head means, the improvements in said tape deck comprising: two spaced apart, open ended main vacuum columns each arranged to receive a loop of said tape; a first tape bearing means at the end of one of said main vacuum columns and a second tape bearing at the end of the other of said main vacuum columns; a Y-shaped wall centered below said head means, the stem of the Y and the under surfaces of the two arms of the Y forming two auxiliary vacuum columns, each communicating with a said main vacuum column; a capstan means positioned at the end of the first arm of said Y and a third tape bearing means at the end of the second arm of the Y, the head means being mounted to the tape deck within the arms of said Y with the tape engaging surface being directed downwardly; whereby, when said tape is looped from said file reel to said machine reel with the oxide coated surface upper-most, and said tape is threaded above said three tape bearing means and said capstan and below said head means, then when vacuum is applied to said four vacuum columns, said tape will be drawn down into each of said four vacuum columns and into contact with said head.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
138 words
A magnetic tape handling system according to claim 1 wherein said two main vacuum columns are arranged along the bottom edge of said tape deck facing each other, with one edge of each forming a bottom wall along the full length of the bottom edge of said tape deck, and their ends along opposite edges of said tape deck, the top walls of said main vacuum columns extending from each edge part way toward the center of the tape deck, the inner ends of said top walls terminated at said first and second tape bearing means, and wherein said Y-shaped wall is centered above the bottom wall and forms said two auxiliary vacuum columns in the two spaces between the bottom wall, the stem of the Y and the under surfaces of the two arms of the Y.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A magnetic tape handling system according to claim 1 including a vacuum buffer means in the space between the arms of said head means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A magnetic tape handling system according to claim 1 wherein said tape bearing means include free running roller means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tape deck as in claim 1 in which the mouths of said auxiliary vacuum columns are wider than the mouths of said main vacuum columns.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tape deck as in claim 3 including means to apply vacuum to said buffer whenever said tape is to be transported out of contact with said head means.