US3832734A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cassette loading and unloading apparatus
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1972-07-03
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Granted: 1974-08-27
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Expires: 1992-07-03
Abstract
Abstract A loading, unloading and recording apparatus for a magnetic tape cassette. The apparatus is made up of a cassette hopper which is pivotable for properly positioning a cassette in communicating relationship with a retractable read/write head and pinch roller mechanism. Pivotable on the same axis is a loading door which is spring biased away from the hopper. Partial closing of the door will result in the proper positioning of the cassette, while complete closing and latching of the door will actuate the retractable mechanism for inserting a read/write head and pinch roller into the cassette. When the cassette is to be unloaded, the door is unlatched and the spring causes the door to open. During the first extent of travel of the door in opening the read/write head and pinch roller are withdrawn from the cassette while the cassette is maintained in position. Thereafter, the door continues pivoting to its completely open position and the hopper pivots to an unloading position for removal of the cassette.
Inventors
- 👤 L Childress
- 👤 G Flippen
- 👤 Daniels L Mc
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 17:16
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/675; G11B15/67581
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A tape cassette loading and unloading apparatus comprising: a. first hinged means for accepting a tape cassette; b. second hinged means, associated with said first means, for causing during a first extent of travel proper positioning of said cassette in communicating relationship with a read/write head; c. biasing means for biasing said second means away from said first means; and d. third means operable by said second means for causing, during further travel of said second means, said read/write head to contact a tape in said cassette after said cassette has been properly positioned.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A tape cassette loading and unloading apparatus comprising: a. first hinged means for accepting a tape cassette; b. second hinged means, associated with said first means, for causing during a first extent of travel proper positioning of said cassette in communicating relationship with a read/write head; c. biasing means for biasing said second means away from said first means; and d. third means operable by said second means for causing, during further travel of said second means, said read/write head to contact a tape in said cassette after said cassette has been properly positioned.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 further including means for locking said second means while said read/write head is in contact with said tape.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said third means includes a pinch roller for causing contact between said tape and a capstan for driving said tape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 further including means for unlocking said second means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said pinch roller and said head are independent of one another when in contact with said tape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
92 words
A tape cassette loading, unloading and recording apparatus comprising: a. first hinged means for holding a tape cassette; b. second hinged means for positioning said first means for a recording operation when moved a first extent; c. biasing means for biasing said second means away from said first means; d. third means operable by said second means when said second means is moved to a closed position for causing a read/write head to contact a tape in said cassette; and e. fourth means for locking said second means in said closed position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
92 words
A tape cassette loading, unloading and recording apparatus comprising: a. first hinged means for holding a tape cassette; b. second hinged means for positioning said first means for a recording operation when moved a first extent; c. biasing means for biasing said second means away from said first means; d. third means operable by said second means when said second means is moved to a closed position for causing a read/write head to contact a tape in said cassette; and e. fourth means for locking said second means in said closed position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said first means is a cassette hopper pivotable about a shaft.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said second means is a door pivotable about said shaft and spring connected to said hopper.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said third means is a retractable read/write head and pinch roller mechanism.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said retractable mechanism comprises a read/write head and pinch roller which are independent of one another during a recording operation.
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) | 1977-08-26 | 1978-02-25 | 1978-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-26 | 1982-02-25 | 1982-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-26 | 1986-02-25 | 1986-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |