US3825949A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cartridge changer with cartridge sensing means
Assignee: RCA Corp
•
Filing: 1971-11-17
•
Granted: 1974-07-23
•
Expires: 1991-11-17
Abstract
Abstract A tape cartridge changer includes a plurality of tape cartridge receptacles which are each adapted to receive a tape cartridge and a movable structure which supports a portion of the changer playing mechanism. A movable mechanical stop is positioned adjacent each of the receptacles to block an inserted tape cartridge from being positioned in the path of travel of the movable structure. The movable structure as it moves toward each cartridge receptacle engages and moves the mechanical stop adjacent the cartridge receptacle away from its blocking position. This permits a tape cartridge in the cartridge receptacle to be brought into operative engagement with the portion of the tape changer playing mechanism supported by the movable structure. Detector means at each of the cartridge receptacles sense the presence or absence of a tape cartridge in the receptacle. As the movable structure moves between the different cartridge receptacles, a switch mechanism mounted on the movable structure is actuated by the detector means when a cartridge is sensed as being present in the receptacle. The switch mechanism is operable when actuated to stop the movable structure at a predetermined point for playing a cartridge in the receptacle.
Inventors
- 👤 Pyles G Dee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 07:30
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/675; G11B15/68; G11B15/682; G11B15/684
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A tape cartridge changer including a playing mechanism comprising: a plurality of tape cartridge receptacles each adapted to receive a tape cartridge; a movable structure supporting a portion of said changer playing mechanism; means for moving said movable structure along a predetermined path of travel adjacent said receptacles; stop means adjacent each receptacle to block an inserted cartridge from being positioned in the path of travel of said movable structure; and said further means including said movable structure as it moves toward a cartridge receptacle for causing said stop adjacent a cartridge filled receptacle to be moved away from said blocking position to permit said cartridge to be brought into operative engagement with the portion of the changer playing mechanism supported by said movable structure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A tape cartridge changer including a playing mechanism comprising: a plurality of tape cartridge receptacles each adapted to receive a tape cartridge; a movable structure supporting a portion of said changer playing mechanism; means for moving said movable structure along a predetermined path of travel adjacent said receptacles; stop means adjacent each receptacle to block an inserted cartridge from being positioned in the path of travel of said movable structure; and said further means including said movable structure as it moves toward a cartridge receptacle for causing said stop adjacent a cartridge filled receptacle to be moved away from said blocking position to permit said cartridge to be brought into operative engagement with the portion of the changer playing mechanism supported by said movable structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
A tape cartridge changer as defined in claim 1 which includes means mounted to said movable structure and adapted to be actuated by said detector means when a cartridge is sensed as being present in the cartridge receptacle, said means operable when actuated to stop said movable structure at a predetermined point adjacent the cartridge receptacle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention according to claim 2, wherein said means actuated by said detector includes switching means operable to disable said movable structure moving means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
201 words
In a tape cartridge changer of the type having an array of cartridge receptacles each adapted to receive a tape cartridge and a tape playing mechanism including a structure movable between the cartridge receptacles of the array, a receptacle structure comprising: a housing having an open front portion and an open rear portion, said open front portion adjacent the path of travel of said cartridge changer movable structure; first means movable secured to said housing, said means movable between a first position to block the open front portion of said housing to restrict the movement of a tape cartridge inserted into said housing through said housing open rear portion and a second position away from the open front portion of said housing; spring means coupled to said first means to bias said means in said first position to block the open front portion of said housing; and said changer movable structure being arranged to cause said movement of said first means from said blocking position to said second position as said cartridge changer movable structure becomes located adjacent said housing in a predetermined position for a cartridge in said housing to be brought into operative engagement with said change playing mechanism.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
201 words
In a tape cartridge changer of the type having an array of cartridge receptacles each adapted to receive a tape cartridge and a tape playing mechanism including a structure movable between the cartridge receptacles of the array, a receptacle structure comprising: a housing having an open front portion and an open rear portion, said open front portion adjacent the path of travel of said cartridge changer movable structure; first means movable secured to said housing, said means movable between a first position to block the open front portion of said housing to restrict the movement of a tape cartridge inserted into said housing through said housing open rear portion and a second position away from the open front portion of said housing; spring means coupled to said first means to bias said means in said first position to block the open front portion of said housing; and said changer movable structure being arranged to cause said movement of said first means from said blocking position to said second position as said cartridge changer movable structure becomes located adjacent said housing in a predetermined position for a cartridge in said housing to be brought into operative engagement with said change playing mechanism.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said movable means includes an L-shaped member having a first portion which projects across the open front portion of said housing, and a second portion pivotally secured to said housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said movable means include an element which projects through an opening in said housing to sense the presence or absence of a tape cartridge in said housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
A structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said movable means is moved from said first blocking position to said second position when said movable structure is located in said predetermined position only if said element senses the presence of a tape cartridge in said housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
105 words
A structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said movable means includes an L-shaped member having a first portion which projects across the open front portion of said housing when said movable means is in said first position and a second portion pivotally secured to said housing, and an element which projects throught an opening in said housing, said element mounted to said housing such that it is out of the path of travel of said movable structure when no tape cartridge is in said housing and is in the path of travel of said movable structure when a tape cartridge is in said housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
95 words
A structure as defined in claim 8 wherein said element is a wire feeler having a first and a second end, said first end secured to said housing and said second end projecting through said opening in said housing, said wire feeler, when a cartridge is in said housing, positioned to interfere with and be deflected by said movable structure to bear against and displace said L-shaped member so that said L-shaped member first portion is moved away from the open front portion of said housing when said movable structure is in said predetermined position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
A structure as defined in claim 9 wherein the portion of said movable structure which engages said movable means includes the operator of a switch mechanism connected to stop said movable structure when in said predetermined position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
79 words
A structure as defined in claim 10 wherein said switch operator is mounted such that during movement of said movable structure in a first direction, said operator forces said wire feeler to bear against and displace said L-shaped member so that said L-shaped member first portion is moved away from the open front portion of said housing and during movement of said movable structure in a second direction, said switch operator is deflected to ride over said movable element.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-22 | 1978-01-21 | 1978-07-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-22 | 1982-01-21 | 1982-07-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-22 | 1986-01-21 | 1986-07-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |