Abstract A magnetic tape cleaning and tensioning apparatus is disclosed which performs the dual functions of cleaning magnetic tape and tensioning the tape, thereby providing a portion of tape free of debris and in tension at the reading and writing location. The magnetic tape is formed in a loop and is contained in a tape cartridge. Rollers are provided in the cartridge for separating portions of the magnetic tape so that adjacent surfaces of the tape do not contact each other. A tape cleaning and tensioning pad holder, having attached thereto a tape cleaning and tensioning pad, is contoured for providing an area of engagement of the pad and magnetic tape as the tape passes over one of the rollers contained in the cartridge. The cleaning and tensioning pad cleans debris, such as dust and loose oxide particles, from the tape and adds drag to the tape as it passes over this roller. A pressure roller and capstan engage the tape downstream from this roller such that the magnetic tape is in substantial tension between this roller and the capstan and pressure roller. As the tape moves downstream from the capstan and pressure roller, it is substantially loose until it again engages the cleaning and tensioning pad.
A magnetic tape handling apparatus comprising: a magnetic tape loop; a tape loop driver providing movement of said tape loop; a roller positioned upstream from said driver over which a first surface of said tape loop passes, said roller freely rotating with movement of said tape loop over said roller; and a magnetic tape cleaning and tensioning pad including a number of layers of relatively porous polyester fibers, said fibers being substantially randomly arranged, relatively highly dispersed and substantially continuous filaments bonded at a number of junctions of said filaments, said pad positioned adjacent to and biased toward said roller, said pad engaging a second surface of said tape loop, whereby a first portion of said tape loop is pressed between said pad and said roller, said pad cleaning said second surface of said tape loop and said pad providing tension in a second portion of said tape loop between said roller and said driver substantially solely by friction between said second surface and said pad.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
A magnetic tape handling apparatus comprising: a magnetic tape loop; a tape loop driver providing movement of said tape loop; a roller positioned upstream from said driver over which a first surface of said tape loop passes, said roller freely rotating with movement of said tape loop over said roller; and a magnetic tape cleaning and tensioning pad including a number of layers of relatively porous polyester fibers, said fibers being substantially randomly arranged, relatively highly dispersed and substantially continuous filaments bonded at a number of junctions of said filaments, said pad positioned adjacent to and biased toward said roller, said pad engaging a second surface of said tape loop, whereby a first portion of said tape loop is pressed between said pad and said roller, said pad cleaning said second surface of said tape loop and said pad providing tension in a second portion of said tape loop between said roller and said driver substantially solely by friction between said second surface and said pad.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The magnetic tape handling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cleaning and tensioning pad holder conforming to the contour of said first portion of said tape loop passing over said roller, said cleaning and tensioning pad being interposed between said second surface and said holder.