US3925819A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tape head rotator mechanism for track changing
Assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
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Filing: 1974-08-05
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Granted: 1975-12-09
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Expires: 1994-08-05
Abstract
Abstract A tape head rotator mechanism in a multiple track tape recorder/reproducer includes a tape head connected to a frame rotatably mounted to a reciprocable carriage which is slideably mounted in a support. A plate is pivotably mounted to the carriage and is movable in an arcuate path transverse the path of movement of the carriage. The plate carries a cam follower riding in cam tracks in the support. When the carriage is cycled, the cam tracks and follower cause movement of the plate which, through a rack gear and pinion mechanism translates into 180* rotation of the tape head.
Inventors
- 👤 Mario E Bachmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:20
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B5/00; G11B5/48; G11B5/54; G11B5/55; G11B5/5513; G11B5/5517
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
270 words
A tape head rotator mechanism for a multitrack tape comprising a tape head having a pickup portion, the pickup portion located on the tape head so that it is aligned with at least one track when the tape head is in a first position and aligned with at least one different track when the tape head is in a second position rotated 180* relative to the first position, a movable carriage, a base plate, means mounting the carriage on the base plate for sliding movement between a forward position engaging the tape head with the tape and a rearward position disengaging the tape head from the tape, means for moving the carriage between the said positions, and means for rotating the tape head 180* when the carriage is moved in a cycle from the forward to the rear position and returned to the forward position including a frame supporting the tape head, means mounting the frame to permit 180* rotation of the frame and tape head relative to the carriage, a second plate, means mounting the second plate to the carriage to provide for movement of the second plate in an arcuate path transverse the path of movement of the carriage, pinion and gear rack means mounted between the frame and the second plate for rotating the frame and tape head 180* and means for moving the second plate relative to the carriage in said accurate path responsive to the carriage being moved from the first position to the second position and back to the first position to effect the desired 180* rotation through the pinion and gear rack means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
270 words
A tape head rotator mechanism for a multitrack tape comprising a tape head having a pickup portion, the pickup portion located on the tape head so that it is aligned with at least one track when the tape head is in a first position and aligned with at least one different track when the tape head is in a second position rotated 180* relative to the first position, a movable carriage, a base plate, means mounting the carriage on the base plate for sliding movement between a forward position engaging the tape head with the tape and a rearward position disengaging the tape head from the tape, means for moving the carriage between the said positions, and means for rotating the tape head 180* when the carriage is moved in a cycle from the forward to the rear position and returned to the forward position including a frame supporting the tape head, means mounting the frame to permit 180* rotation of the frame and tape head relative to the carriage, a second plate, means mounting the second plate to the carriage to provide for movement of the second plate in an arcuate path transverse the path of movement of the carriage, pinion and gear rack means mounted between the frame and the second plate for rotating the frame and tape head 180* and means for moving the second plate relative to the carriage in said accurate path responsive to the carriage being moved from the first position to the second position and back to the first position to effect the desired 180* rotation through the pinion and gear rack means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
124 words
A tape head rotator mechanism for a multitrack tape as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for moving the second plate comprises a cam track on the base plate having first and second legs, the cam track having a first leg for rotating the tape head 180* in a first direction when the carriage is cycled a first time and a second leg for rotating the tape head 180* in the opposite direction when the carriage is cycled a second time, a cam follower mounted on the second plate and engaged in the cam track, whereby the cam follower moves in the cam track in response to carriage movement causing movements of the second plate transverse the path of movement of the carriage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
85 words
A tape head rotator mechanism for a multitrack tape as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means mouNting the carriage comprises a pair of upstanding guide members having slots therein, a pair of guide rails connected to the carriage and slideably supported within the slots, the slots being formed with a step-up portion at the forward end thereof for effecting a raising movement of the tape head during the initial rearward travel of the carriage for providing clearance between the tape head and base plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
A tape head rotator mechanism for a multitrack tape as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pinion gear is mounted on the rotatable tape head frame and engages the gear rack which is mounted on the transversely movable second plate and is arcuate shaped, movement of the second plate causing the gear rack to rotate the pinion gear and thereby rotate the tape head frame and the tape head.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
A tape head rotator mechanism for a multitrack tape as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for moving the carriage comprises a slot in the base plate, a pin mounted to the carriage and extending through the base plate slot, a solenoid connected to the pin for moving the same rearward in response to a predetermined signal, and biasing means for returning the pin to its original position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A tape head rotator mechanism for a multitrack tape as claimed in claim 5 wherein the solenoid is momentarily activated by the tape.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3376396A
Cited
US3614342A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-08 | 1979-06-09 | 1979-12-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-08 | 1983-06-09 | 1983-12-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-08 | 1987-06-09 | 1987-12-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |