US4828341A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetic tape cassette box
Assignee: IDN Inventions and Development of Novelties AG
•
Filing: 1987-11-18
•
Granted: 1989-05-09
•
Expires: 2007-11-18
Abstract
Abstract A magnetic tape cassette box with an indicator device which shows whether or not the box contains a cassette. The indication is provided visibly and/or palpably in that region of the box which is always accessible for the insertion or removal of a cassette.
Inventors
- 👤 Klaus Bohnet
- 👤 Peter Ackeret
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 17:58
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B23/00; G11B23/02; G11B23/023
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 160
Claim 1
Independent Claim
399 words
A storing device for storing flat recording media carriers, such as magnetic tape cassettes, comprising: a housing adapted to receive therein at least one media carrier, said housing having a housing front member, a transport means for supporting a media carrier, said transport means being movable between a first transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is positioned in said housing and a second transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is exposed permitting removal of the media carrier from said housing, said housing front member defining a housing opening which permits the movement of said transport means between said first and second transport positions, said transport means including a media carrier supporting member and a front transport member configured to at least partially cover said housing opening when said transport means is in said transport position, said front transport member, when said transport means is in said first transport position, and said housing front member defining a front wall, an indicating means for indicating, when said transport means is in said first transport position, whether a media carrier is positioned thereon, said indicating means being mounted on said transport means so as to be actuated upon placement of a media carrier thereon, said indicating means including a sensing portion adapted to sense the presence of a media carrier on said transport means, said transport means defining a space which a media carrier thereon would occupy, said sensing portion when in a first sensing position extending into said space, said sensing portion being displaced into a second sensing position upon placement of a media carrier on said transport means, said indicating means including a signal flag portion operatively connected to said sensing portion and being displaceable between a first flag position indicating the absence of a media carrier on said transport means and a second flag position indicating the presence of a media carrier thereon, said signal flag portion being visible in a predetermined area of said front wall in at least one of said first and second flag positions, said indicating means including a displacing means for displacing said sensing portion into said first sensing position when a media carrier is removed from said transport means, said sensing portion having a first end mounted on one of said supporting or front transport members, and said sensing portion having a second end carrying said signal flag portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
399 words
A storing device for storing flat recording media carriers, such as magnetic tape cassettes, comprising: a housing adapted to receive therein at least one media carrier, said housing having a housing front member, a transport means for supporting a media carrier, said transport means being movable between a first transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is positioned in said housing and a second transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is exposed permitting removal of the media carrier from said housing, said housing front member defining a housing opening which permits the movement of said transport means between said first and second transport positions, said transport means including a media carrier supporting member and a front transport member configured to at least partially cover said housing opening when said transport means is in said transport position, said front transport member, when said transport means is in said first transport position, and said housing front member defining a front wall, an indicating means for indicating, when said transport means is in said first transport position, whether a media carrier is positioned thereon, said indicating means being mounted on said transport means so as to be actuated upon placement of a media carrier thereon, said indicating means including a sensing portion adapted to sense the presence of a media carrier on said transport means, said transport means defining a space which a media carrier thereon would occupy, said sensing portion when in a first sensing position extending into said space, said sensing portion being displaced into a second sensing position upon placement of a media carrier on said transport means, said indicating means including a signal flag portion operatively connected to said sensing portion and being displaceable between a first flag position indicating the absence of a media carrier on said transport means and a second flag position indicating the presence of a media carrier thereon, said signal flag portion being visible in a predetermined area of said front wall in at least one of said first and second flag positions, said indicating means including a displacing means for displacing said sensing portion into said first sensing position when a media carrier is removed from said transport means, said sensing portion having a first end mounted on one of said supporting or front transport members, and said sensing portion having a second end carrying said signal flag portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said transport means defining a first transport means, a second transport means for supporting a media carrier and movable relative to said housing, and said housing including a first compartment for said first transport means and a second compartment for said second transport means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said transport means including a drawer having a media supporting bottom and a drawer front member extending substantially orthogonally to said media supporting bottom.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said displacing means including a bias spring means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said front wall including a window, and said window defining said predetermined area.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storing device of claim 5 including, a transparent cover positionable in front of said window.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The storing device of claim 6 including, said cover protruding beyond said front wall permitting sideward recognition of said signal flag portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The storing device of claim 7 including, said cover being lens-shaped.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The storing device of claim 7 including, said cover having an inner cover contour, and said signal flag portion having a shape which is complimentary to said inner cover contour.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The storing device of claim 6 including, a bearing means for journalling a pivotable indicating means, and said bearing means being integrally molded with said transparent cover.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, a drive spring means for biasing said transport means into said second transport position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
The storing device of claim 11 including, said housing and said transport means having an interengaging locking means for locking said transport means in said housing against the bias of said drive spring means when said transport means is in said first transport position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 12 including, a release key for unlocking said locking means, and said key being accessibly positionable at said front wall.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
46 words
The storing device of claim 13 including, a window in said front wall adjacent to said key when said key is positioned at said front wall, and said signal flag portion being visible through said window when a media carrier is positioned on said transport means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The storing device of claim 14 including, said front wall having a first color, and said flag portion having a second color which contrasts with said first color.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said sensing portion being pivotably displaceable about a pivot axis.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said signal flag portion being pivotably displaceable about a pivot axis.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said sensing portion and said signal flag portion forming an integral indicator member.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The storing device of claim 18 including, said indicator member being integrally molded.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storing device of claim 18 including, said indicator member being formed by a spring.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storing device of claim 19 including, said indicator member being formed by a leaf spring.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said indicating means forming a subassembly which is snap-fitted to said transport means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
The storing device of claim 22 including, said subassembly including a bearing element snap-fitted to said transport means, and said indicating means being pivotably journalled in said bearing element.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The storing device of claim 23 including, said signal flag portion being molded of a plastic material which includes phosphorescent pigments.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The storing device of claim 22 including, said subassembly being snap-fitted to said front transport member, and a spacing means positioned at an inner face of said front transport member so as to provide space for said subassembly.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
43 words
The storing device of claim 25 including, said transport means having a rear transport member positioned opposite to said front transport member, and a plastic foam element mounted at said rear transport member so as to urge a media carrier against said subassembly.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said housing having a guiding means for guiding said transport means between said first and second transport positions.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, an urging means for ensuring contact between the media carrier and said sensing portion in spite of tolerances.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
42 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said housing defining a first housing, said transport means defining a first transport means, a second housing including a second transport means, and an interengaging connecting means for stacking said first and second housings together.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said sensing portion being linearly displaceable
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The storing device of claim 1 including, said signal flag portion being linearly displaceable.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
396 words
A storing device for storing flat recording media carriers, such as magnetic tape cassettes, comprising: a housing adapted to receive therein at least one media carrier, said housing having a housing front member, a transport means for supporting a media carrier, said transport means being movable between a first transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is positioned in said housing and a second transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is exposed permitting removal of the media carrier from said housing, said housing front member defining a housing opening which permits the movement of said transport means between said first and second transport positions, said transport means including a media carrier supporting member and a front transport member configured to at least partially cover said housing opening when said transport means is in said first transport position, said front transport member, when said transport means is in said first transport position, and said housing front member defining a front wall, an indicating means for indicating, when said transport means is in said first transport position, whether a media carrier is positioned thereon, said indicating means being mounted on said transport means so as to be actuated upon placement of a media carrier thereon, said indicating means including a sensing portion adapted to sense the presence of a media carrier on said transport means, said transport means defining a space which a media carrier thereon would occupy, said sensing portion when in a first sensing position extending into said space, said sensing portion being displaced into a second sensing position upon placement of a media carrier on said transport means, said indicating means including a signal flag portion operatively connected to said sensing portion and being displaceable between a first flag position indicating the absence of a media carrier on said transport means and a second flag position indicating the presence of a media carrier thereon, said signal flag portion being visible in a predetermined area of said front wall in at least one of said first and second flag positions, said indicating means including a displacing means for displacing said sensing portion into said first sensing position when a media carrier is removed from said transport means, said sensing portion being mounted at one of said supporting or front transport members, and said signal flag portion being mounted at said front transport member.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
396 words
A storing device for storing flat recording media carriers, such as magnetic tape cassettes, comprising: a housing adapted to receive therein at least one media carrier, said housing having a housing front member, a transport means for supporting a media carrier, said transport means being movable between a first transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is positioned in said housing and a second transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is exposed permitting removal of the media carrier from said housing, said housing front member defining a housing opening which permits the movement of said transport means between said first and second transport positions, said transport means including a media carrier supporting member and a front transport member configured to at least partially cover said housing opening when said transport means is in said first transport position, said front transport member, when said transport means is in said first transport position, and said housing front member defining a front wall, an indicating means for indicating, when said transport means is in said first transport position, whether a media carrier is positioned thereon, said indicating means being mounted on said transport means so as to be actuated upon placement of a media carrier thereon, said indicating means including a sensing portion adapted to sense the presence of a media carrier on said transport means, said transport means defining a space which a media carrier thereon would occupy, said sensing portion when in a first sensing position extending into said space, said sensing portion being displaced into a second sensing position upon placement of a media carrier on said transport means, said indicating means including a signal flag portion operatively connected to said sensing portion and being displaceable between a first flag position indicating the absence of a media carrier on said transport means and a second flag position indicating the presence of a media carrier thereon, said signal flag portion being visible in a predetermined area of said front wall in at least one of said first and second flag positions, said indicating means including a displacing means for displacing said sensing portion into said first sensing position when a media carrier is removed from said transport means, said sensing portion being mounted at one of said supporting or front transport members, and said signal flag portion being mounted at said front transport member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
50 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said transport means defining a first transport means, a second transport means for supporting a media carrier and movable relative to said housing, and said housing including a first compartment for said first transport means and second compartment for said second transport means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
31 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said transport means including a drawer having a media supporting bottom and a drawer front member extending substantially orthogonally to said media supporting bottom.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said displacing means including a bias spring means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said front wall including a window, and said window defining said predetermined area.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storing device of claim 36 including, a transparent cover positionable in front of said window.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
The storing device of claim 37 including, said cover protruding beyond said front wall permitting sideward recognition of said signal flag portion.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
11 words
The storing device of claim 38 including, said cover being lens-shaped.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
The storing device of claim 38 including, said cover having an inner cover contour, and said signal flag portion having a shape which is complimentary to said inner cover contour.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
The storing device of claim 37 including, a bearing means for journalling a pivotable indicating means, and said bearing means being integrally molded with said transparent cover.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, a drive spring means for biasing said transport means into said second transport position.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
44 words
The storing device of claim 42 including, said housing and said transport means having an interengaging locking means for locking said transport means in said housing against the bias of said drive spring means when said transport means is in said first transport position.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 43 including, a release key for unlocking said locking means, and said key being accessibly positionable at said front wall.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
46 words
The storing device of claim 44 including, a window in said front wall adjacent to said key when said key is positioned at said front wall, and said signal flag portion being visible through said window when a media carrier is positioned on said transport means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
28 words
The storing device of claim 45 including, said front wall having a first color, and said flag portion having a second color which contrasts with said first color.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said sensing portion being pivotably displaceable about a pivot axis.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said signal flag portion being pivotably displaceable about a pivot axis.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said sensing portion and said signal flag portion forming an integral indicator member.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
13 words
The storing device of claim 49 including, said indicator member being integrally molded.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storing device of claim 49 including, said indicator member being formed by a spring.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storing device of claim 50 including, said indicator member being formed by a leaf spring.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said indicating means forming a subassembly which is snap-fitted to said transport means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
The storing device of claim 53 including, said subassembly including a bearing element snap-fitted to said transport means, and said indicating means being pivotably journalled in said bearing element.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
The storing device of claim 54 including, said signal flag portion being molded of a plastic material which includes phosphorescent pigments.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
38 words
The storing device of claim 53 including, said subassembly being snap-fitted to said front transport member, and a spacing means positioned at an inner face of said front transport member so as to provide space for said subassembly.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
43 words
The storing device of claim 56 including, said transport means having a rear transport member positioned opposite to said front transport member, and a plastic foam element mounted at said rear transport member so as to urge a media carrier against said subassembly.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said housing having a guiding means for guiding said transport means between said first and second transport positions.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, an urging means for ensuring contact between the media carrier and said sensing portion in spite of tolerances.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
42 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said housing defining a first housing, said transport means defining a first transport means, a second housing including a second transport means, and an interengaging connecting means for stacking said first and second housings together.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
13 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said sensing portion being linearly displaceable.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The storing device of claim 32 including, said signal flag portion being linearly displaceable.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
397 words
A storing device for storing flat recording media carriers, such as magnetic tape cassettes, comprising: a housing adapted to receive therein at least one media carrier, said housing having a housing front member, a transport means for supporting a media carrier, said transport means being movable between a first transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is positioned in said housing and a second transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is exposed permitting removal of the media carrier from said housing, said housing front member defining a housing opening which permits the movement of said transport means between said first and second transport positions, said transport means including a media carrier supporting member and a front transport member configured to at least partially cover said housing opening when said transport means is in said first transport position, said front transport member, when said transport means is in said first transport position, and said housing front member defining a front wall, an indicating means for indicating, when said transport means is in said first transport position, whether a media carrier is positioned thereon, said indicating means being mounted on said transport means so as to be actuated upon placement of a media carrier thereon, said indicating means including a sensing portion adapted to sense the presence of a media carrier on said transport means, said transport means defining a space which a media carrier thereon would occupy, said sensing portion when in a first sensing position extending into said space, said sensing portion being displaced into a second sensing position upon placement of a media carrier on said transport means, said indicating means including a signal flag portion operatively connected to said sensing portion and being displaceable between a first flag position indicating the absence of a media carrier on said transport means and a second flag position indicating the presence of a media carrier thereon, said signal flag portion being visible in a predetermined area of said front wall in at least one of said first and second flag positions, said indicating means including a displacing means for displacing said sensing portion into said first sensing position when a media carrier is removed from said transport means, said signal flag portion being mounted at one of said supporting or front transport members, and said sensing portion being mounted at said media carrier supporting member.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
397 words
A storing device for storing flat recording media carriers, such as magnetic tape cassettes, comprising: a housing adapted to receive therein at least one media carrier, said housing having a housing front member, a transport means for supporting a media carrier, said transport means being movable between a first transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is positioned in said housing and a second transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is exposed permitting removal of the media carrier from said housing, said housing front member defining a housing opening which permits the movement of said transport means between said first and second transport positions, said transport means including a media carrier supporting member and a front transport member configured to at least partially cover said housing opening when said transport means is in said first transport position, said front transport member, when said transport means is in said first transport position, and said housing front member defining a front wall, an indicating means for indicating, when said transport means is in said first transport position, whether a media carrier is positioned thereon, said indicating means being mounted on said transport means so as to be actuated upon placement of a media carrier thereon, said indicating means including a sensing portion adapted to sense the presence of a media carrier on said transport means, said transport means defining a space which a media carrier thereon would occupy, said sensing portion when in a first sensing position extending into said space, said sensing portion being displaced into a second sensing position upon placement of a media carrier on said transport means, said indicating means including a signal flag portion operatively connected to said sensing portion and being displaceable between a first flag position indicating the absence of a media carrier on said transport means and a second flag position indicating the presence of a media carrier thereon, said signal flag portion being visible in a predetermined area of said front wall in at least one of said first and second flag positions, said indicating means including a displacing means for displacing said sensing portion into said first sensing position when a media carrier is removed from said transport means, said signal flag portion being mounted at one of said supporting or front transport members, and said sensing portion being mounted at said media carrier supporting member.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
50 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said transport means defining a first transport means, a second transport means for supporting a media carrier and movable relative to said housing, and said housing including a first compartment for said first transport means and second compartment for said second transport means.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
31 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said transport means including a drawer having a media supporting bottom and a drawer front member extending substantially orthogonally to said media supporting bottom.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said displacing means including a bias spring means.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said front wall including a window, and said window defining said predetermined area.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storing device of claim 67 including, a transparent cover positionable in front of said window.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
22 words
The storing device of claim 68 including, said cover protruding beyond said front wall permitting sideward recognition of said signal flag portion.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
11 words
The storing device of claim 69 including, said cover being lens-shaped.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
30 words
The storing device of claim 69 including, said cover having an inner cover contour, and said signal flag portion having a shape which is complimentary to said inner cover contour.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
27 words
The storing device of claim 68 including, a bearing means for journalling a pivotable indicating means, and said bearing means being integrally molded with said transparent cover.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
21 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, a drive spring means for biasing said transport means into said second transport position.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
44 words
The storing device of claim 73 including, said housing and said transport means having an interengaging locking means for locking said transport means in said housing against the bias of said drive spring means when said transport means is in said first transport position.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 74 including, a release key for unlocking said locking means, and said key being accessibly positionable at said front wall.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
46 words
The storing device of claim 75 including, a window in said front wall adjacent to said key when said key is positioned at said front wall, and said signal flag portion being visible through said window when a media carrier is positioned on said transport means.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
28 words
The storing device of claim 76 including, said front wall having a first color, and said flag portion having a second color which contrasts with said first color.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
17 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said sensing portion being pivotably displaceable about a pivot axis.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
18 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said signal flag portion being pivotably displaceable about a pivot axis.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said sensing portion and said signal flag portion forming an integral indicator member.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
13 words
The storing device of claim 80 including, said indicator member being integrally molded.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storing device of claim 80 including, said indicator member being formed by a spring.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storing device of claim 81 including, said indicator member being formed by a leaf spring.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said indicating means forming a subassembly which is snap-fitted to said transport means.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
29 words
The storing device of claim 84 including, said subassembly including a bearing element snap-fitted to said transport means, and said indicating means being pivotably journalled in said bearing element.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
21 words
The storing device of claim 85 including, said signal flag portion being molded of a plastic material which includes phosphorescent pigments.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
38 words
The storing device of claim 84 including, said subassembly being snap-fitted to said front transport member, and a spacing means positioned at an inner face of said front transport member so as to provide space for said subassembly.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
43 words
The storing device of claim 87 including, said transport means having a rear transport member positioned opposite to said front transport member, and a plastic foam element mounted at said rear transport member so as to urge a media carrier against said subassembly.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said housing having a guiding means for guiding said transport means between said first and second transport positions.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, an urging means for ensuring contact between the media carrier and said sensing portion in spite of tolerances.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
42 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said housing defining a first housing, said transport means defining a first transport means, a second housing including a second transport means, and an interengaging connecting means for stacking said first and second housings together.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
13 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said sensing portion being linearly displaceable.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
14 words
The storing device of claim 63 including, said signal flag portion being linearly displaceable.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
395 words
A storing device for storing flat recording media carriers, such as magnetic tape cassettes, comprising: a housing adapted to receive therein at least one media carrier, said housing having a housing front member, a transport means for supporting a media carrier, said transport means being movable between a first transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is positioned in said housing and a second transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is exposed permitting removal of the media carrier from said housing, said housing front member defining a housing opening which permits the movement of said transport means between said first and second transport positions, said transport means including a media carrier supporting member and front transport member configured to at least partially cover said housing opening when said transport means is in said first transport position, said front transport member, when said transport means is in said first transport position, and said housing front member defining a front wall, an indicating means for indicating, when said transport means is in said first transport position, whether a media carrier is positioned thereon, said indicating means being mounted on said transport means so as to be actuated upon placement of a media carrier thereon, said indicating means including a sensing portion adapted to sense the presence of a media carrier on said transport means, said transport means defining a space which a media carrier thereon would occupy, said sensing portion when in a first sensing position extending into said space, said sensing portion being displaced into a second sensing position upon placement of a media carrier on said transport means, said indicating means including a signal flag portion operatively connected to said sensing portion and being displaceable between a first flag position indicating the absence of a media carrier on said transport means and a second flag position indicating the presence of a media carrier thereon, said signal flag portion being visible in a predetermined area of said front wall in at least one of said first and second flag positions, said indicating means including a displacing means for displacing said sensing portion into said first sensing position when a media carrier is removed from said transport means, said signal flag portion being mounted at one of said supporting or transport front members, and said sensing portion being mounted at said transport front member.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
395 words
A storing device for storing flat recording media carriers, such as magnetic tape cassettes, comprising: a housing adapted to receive therein at least one media carrier, said housing having a housing front member, a transport means for supporting a media carrier, said transport means being movable between a first transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is positioned in said housing and a second transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is exposed permitting removal of the media carrier from said housing, said housing front member defining a housing opening which permits the movement of said transport means between said first and second transport positions, said transport means including a media carrier supporting member and front transport member configured to at least partially cover said housing opening when said transport means is in said first transport position, said front transport member, when said transport means is in said first transport position, and said housing front member defining a front wall, an indicating means for indicating, when said transport means is in said first transport position, whether a media carrier is positioned thereon, said indicating means being mounted on said transport means so as to be actuated upon placement of a media carrier thereon, said indicating means including a sensing portion adapted to sense the presence of a media carrier on said transport means, said transport means defining a space which a media carrier thereon would occupy, said sensing portion when in a first sensing position extending into said space, said sensing portion being displaced into a second sensing position upon placement of a media carrier on said transport means, said indicating means including a signal flag portion operatively connected to said sensing portion and being displaceable between a first flag position indicating the absence of a media carrier on said transport means and a second flag position indicating the presence of a media carrier thereon, said signal flag portion being visible in a predetermined area of said front wall in at least one of said first and second flag positions, said indicating means including a displacing means for displacing said sensing portion into said first sensing position when a media carrier is removed from said transport means, said signal flag portion being mounted at one of said supporting or transport front members, and said sensing portion being mounted at said transport front member.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
51 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said transport means defining a first transport means, a second transport means for supporting a media carrier and movable relative to said housing and said housing including a first compartment for said first transport means and a second compartment for said second transport means.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
31 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said transport means including a drawer having a media supporting bottom and a drawer front member extending substantially orthogonal to said media supporting bottom.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said displacing means including a bias spring means.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said front wall including a window, and said window defining said predetermined area.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storing device of claim 98 including, a transparent cover positionable in front of said window.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
22 words
The storing device of claim 99 including, said cover protruding beyond said front wall permitting sideward recognition of said signal flag portion.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
11 words
The storing device of claim 100 including, said cover being lens-shaped.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
30 words
The storing device of claim 100 including, said cover having an inner cover contour, and said signal flag portion having a shape which is complimentary to said inner cover contour.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
27 words
The storing device of claim 99 including, a bearing means for journalling a pivotable indicating means, and said bearing means being integrally molded with said transparent cover.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
21 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, a drive spring means for biasing said transport means into said second transport position.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
44 words
The storing device of claim 104 including, said housing and said transport means having an interengaging locking means for locking said transport means in said housing against the bias of said drive spring means when said transport means is in said first transport position.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 105 including, a release key for unlocking said locking means, and said key being accessibly positionable at said front wall.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
46 words
The storing device of claim 106 including, a window in said front wall adjacent to said key when said key is positioned at said front wall, and said signal flag portion being visible through said window when a media carrier is positioned on said transport means.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
28 words
The storing device of claim 107 including, said front wall having a first color, and said flag portion having a second color which contrasts with said first color.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
17 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said sensing portion being pivotably displaceable about a pivot axis.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
18 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said signal flag portion being pivotably displaceable about a pivot axis.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said sensing portion and said signal flag portion forming an integral indicator member.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
13 words
The storing device of claim 111 including, said indicator member being integrally molded.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storing device of claim 111 including, said indicator member being formed by a spring.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storing device of claim 112 including, said indicator member being formed by a leaf spring.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said indicating means forming a subassembly which is snap-fitted to said transport means.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
29 words
The storing device of claim 115 including, said subassembly including a bearing element snap-fitted to said transport means, and said indicating means being pivotably jounalled in said bearing element.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
21 words
The storing device of claim 116 including, said signal flag portion being molded of a plastic material which includes phosphorescent pigments.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
38 words
The storing device of claim 115 including, said subassembly being snap-fitted to said front transport member, and a spacing means positioned at an inner face of said front transport member so as to provide space for said subassembly.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
43 words
The storing device of claim 118 including, said transport means having a rear transport member positioned opposite to said front transport member, and a plastic foam element mounted at said rear transport member so as to urge a media carrier against said subassembly.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said housing having a guiding means for guiding said transport means between said first and second transport positions.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, an urging means for ensuring contact between the media carrier and said sensing portion in spite of tolerances.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
42 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said housing defining a first housing, said transport means defining a first transport means, a second housing including a second transport means, and an interengaging connecting means for stacking said first and second housings together.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
13 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said sensing portion being linearly displaceable.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
14 words
The storing device of claim 94 including, said signal flag portion being linearly displaceable.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
396 words
A storing device for storing flat recording media carriers, such as magnetic tape cassettes, comprising: a housing adapted to receive therein at least one media carrier, said housing having a housing front member, a transport means for supporting a media carrier, said transport means being movable between a first transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is positioned in said housing and a second transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is exposed permitting removal of the media carrier from said housing, said housing front member defining a housing opening which permits the movement of said transport means between said first and second transport positions, said transport means including a media carrier supporting member and a front transport member configured to at least partially cover said housing opening when said transport means is in said first transport position, said front transport member, when said transport means is in said first transport position, and said housing front member defining a front wall, an indicating means for indicating, when said transport means is in said first transport position, whether a media carrier is positioned thereon, said indicating means being mounted on said transport means so as to be actuated upon placement of a media carrier thereon, said indicating means including a sensing portion adapted to sense the presence of a media carrier on said transport means, said transport means defining a space which a media carrier thereon would occupy, said sensing portion when in a first sensing position extending into said space, said sensing portion being displaced into a second sensing position upon placement of a media carrier on said transport means, said indicating means including a signal flag portion operatively connected to said sensing portion and being displaceable between a first flag position indicating the absence of a media carrier on said transport means and a second flag position indicating the presence of a media carrier thereon, said signal flag portion being visible in a predetermined area of said front wall in at least one of said first and second flag positions, said indicating means including a displacing means for displacing said sensing portion into said first sensing position when a media carrier is removed from said transport means, said signal flag portion being mounted at one of said supporting or transport front members, and said sensing portion being mounted on said signal flag portion.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
396 words
A storing device for storing flat recording media carriers, such as magnetic tape cassettes, comprising: a housing adapted to receive therein at least one media carrier, said housing having a housing front member, a transport means for supporting a media carrier, said transport means being movable between a first transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is positioned in said housing and a second transport position wherein the media carrier supported thereon is exposed permitting removal of the media carrier from said housing, said housing front member defining a housing opening which permits the movement of said transport means between said first and second transport positions, said transport means including a media carrier supporting member and a front transport member configured to at least partially cover said housing opening when said transport means is in said first transport position, said front transport member, when said transport means is in said first transport position, and said housing front member defining a front wall, an indicating means for indicating, when said transport means is in said first transport position, whether a media carrier is positioned thereon, said indicating means being mounted on said transport means so as to be actuated upon placement of a media carrier thereon, said indicating means including a sensing portion adapted to sense the presence of a media carrier on said transport means, said transport means defining a space which a media carrier thereon would occupy, said sensing portion when in a first sensing position extending into said space, said sensing portion being displaced into a second sensing position upon placement of a media carrier on said transport means, said indicating means including a signal flag portion operatively connected to said sensing portion and being displaceable between a first flag position indicating the absence of a media carrier on said transport means and a second flag position indicating the presence of a media carrier thereon, said signal flag portion being visible in a predetermined area of said front wall in at least one of said first and second flag positions, said indicating means including a displacing means for displacing said sensing portion into said first sensing position when a media carrier is removed from said transport means, said signal flag portion being mounted at one of said supporting or transport front members, and said sensing portion being mounted on said signal flag portion.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
51 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said transport means defining a first transport means, a second transport means for supporting a media carrier and movable relative to said housing, and said housing including a first compartment for said first transport means and a second compartment for said second transport means.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
31 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said transport means including a drawer having a media supporting bottom and a drawer front member extending substantially orthogonally to said media supporting bottom.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said displacing means including a bias spring means.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said front wall including a window, and said window defining said predetermined area.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storing device of claim 129 including, a transparent cover positionable in front of said window.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
22 words
The storing device of claim 130 including, said cover protruding beyond said front wall permitting sideward recognition of said signal flag portion.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
11 words
The storing device of claim 131 including, said cover being lens-shaped.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
30 words
The storing device of claim 131 including, said cover having an inner cover contour, and said signal flag portion having a shape which is complimentary to said inner cover contour.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
27 words
The storing device of claim 130 including, a bearing means for journalling a pivotable indicating means, and said bearing means being integrally molded with said transparent cover.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
21 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, a drive spring means for biasing said transport means into said second transport position.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
44 words
The storing device of claim 135 including, said housing and said transport means having an interengaging locking means for locking said transport means in said housing against the bias of said drive spring means when said transport means is in said first transport position.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 136 including, a release key for unlocking said locking means, and said key being accessibly positionable at said front wall.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
46 words
The storing device of claim 137 including, a window in said front wall adjacent to said key when said key is positioned at said front wall, and said signal flag portion being visible through said window when a media carrier is positioned on said transport means.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
28 words
The storing device of claim 138 including, said front wall having a first color, and said flag portion having a second color which contrasts with said first color.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
17 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said sensing portion being pivotably displaceable about a pivot axis.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
18 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said signal flag portion being pivotably displaceable about a pivot axis.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said sensing portion and said signal flag portion forming an integral indicator member.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
13 words
The storing device of claim 142 including, said indicator member being integrally molded.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storing device of claim 142 including, said indicator member being formed by a spring.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
16 words
The storing device of claim 143 including, said indicator member being formed by a leaf spring.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
20 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said indicating means forming a subassembly which is snap-fitted to said transport means.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
29 words
The storing device of claim 146 including, said subassembly including a bearing element snap-fitted to said transport means, and said indicating means being pivotably journalled in said bearing element.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
21 words
The storing device of claim 147 including, said signal flag portion being molded of a plastic material which includes phosphorescent pigments.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
38 words
The storing device of claim 146 including, said subassembly being snap-fitted to said front transport member, and a spacing means positioned at an inner face of said front transport member so as to provide space for said subassembly.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
43 words
The storing device of claim 149 including, said transport means having a rear transport member positioned opposite to said front transport member, and a plastic foam element mounted at said rear transport member so as to urge a media carrier against said subassembly.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said housing having a guiding means for guiding said transport means between said first and second transport positions.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
25 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, an urging means for ensuring contact between the media carrier and said sensing portion in spite of tolerances.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
42 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said housing defining a first housing, said transport means defining a first transport means, a second housing including a second transport means, and an interengaging connecting means for stacking said first and second housings together.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
13 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said sensing portion being linearly displaceable.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
14 words
The storing device of claim 125 including, said signal flag portion being linearly displaceable.
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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) | 1992-05-08 | 1992-11-07 | 1993-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-08 | 1996-11-07 | 1997-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-08 | 2000-11-07 | 2001-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |