US3811625A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetic tape cassette changer
Assignee: CYBRIX CORP
•
Filing: 1972-03-16
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Granted: 1974-05-21
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Expires: 1992-03-16
Abstract
Abstract A cassette selector or changer is disclosed for operation with a plurality of cassettes and a magnetic tape deck. A holder for cassettes is mounted for movement to a position at which a selected cassette may be grasped by a cassette-engaging structure. A drive (incorporating a geneva movement and an axial cam) rotates to move the engaging structure so as to transport the cassette along a multiple-dimensional path between the tape deck and the holder. A locking structure completes the engagement between the cassette and the tape deck, holding the cassette engaged during operation. The elements as described above are controlled to accomplish an operating sequence whereby a predetermined program involving several cassettes may be selectively executed.
Inventors
- 👤 J Harford
- 👤 S Jeffries
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:00
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/675; G11B15/68; G11B15/6845; G11B15/685
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A selector, as for use with a plurality of cassettes housing magnetic tape and including reels with central rotary drives and along with a tape deck including drive spindles to be received in said central rotary drives to move said magnetic tape, comprising: a cassette holder for supporting a plurality of said cassettes; engaging means for clampingly engaging a selected cassette in said holder; drive means coupled to said engaging means to move said engaging means along a path perpendicular to the axes of said rotary drives for transporting said selected cassette between said cassette holder and a position contiguous to said tape deck; locking means to engage said selected cassette contiguous to said tape deck, for locking said selected cassette to said tape deck such that said drive spindles engage said spindle drives; and control means for sequencing the operation of said engaging means, said drive means and said locking means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A selector, as for use with a plurality of cassettes housing magnetic tape and including reels with central rotary drives and along with a tape deck including drive spindles to be received in said central rotary drives to move said magnetic tape, comprising: a cassette holder for supporting a plurality of said cassettes; engaging means for clampingly engaging a selected cassette in said holder; drive means coupled to said engaging means to move said engaging means along a path perpendicular to the axes of said rotary drives for transporting said selected cassette between said cassette holder and a position contiguous to said tape deck; locking means to engage said selected cassette contiguous to said tape deck, for locking said selected cassette to said tape deck such that said drive spindles engage said spindle drives; and control means for sequencing the operation of said engaging means, said drive means and said locking means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A selector according to claim 1 wherein said cassette holder includes means for moving said cassettes thereon in relation to said engaging means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A selector according to claim 2 wherein said engaging means includes a clamp means for clampingly engaging said selected cassette between surfaces thereof which extend parallel to the axis of said spindle drives.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A selector according to claim 1 wherein said drive means includes means for moving said engaging means along paths extending in two dimensions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
A selector according to claim 4 wherein said drive means includes a rotary shaft, a pin affixed to said shaft to extend parallel thereto for moving said engaging means in an arcuate path, and an axial cam affixed to said shaft for moving said engaging means perpendicular to the plane of said arcuate path.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A selector according to claim 1 wherein said drive means moves said selected cassette to a location in which said spindle drives are somewhat aligned with said drive spindles and wherein said locking means includes means for moving said selected cassette axially of said drive spindles.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
A selector according to claim 6 wherein said cassette holder includes means for moving said cassettes thereon in relation to said engaging means and wherein said engaging means includes a clamp means for clampingly engaging said selected cassette between surfaces thereof which extend parallel to the axis of said spindle drives.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A selector according to claim 7 wherein said drive means includes means for moving said engaging means along paths extending in two dimensions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A selector according to claim 1 wherein said control means includes means for sensing a predetermined position of said holder.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1977-05-20 | 1977-11-19 | 1978-05-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-20 | 1981-11-19 | 1982-05-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-20 | 1985-11-19 | 1986-05-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |