Showing papers on "Magnetic tape published in 1972"

Custom shoe construction system

Abstract: A custom shoe-last is cut from a block of wood by a tape-controlled automatic milling machine. The tape is produced by a computer which combines empirically derived shoe style model data with foot model data. The latter is derived from foot contour measurements taken by a plurality of simultaneously operated probes connected to the movable elements of variable capacitors that are connected in circuits which produce electrical outputs in accordance with probe position. These electrical outputs are recorded and stored on magnetic tape which is transported to the computer site located at a point remote from the site where foot contour measurements were taken.

Vehicle data recording system

Abstract: A vehicle data recording system comprising a plurality of vehicle condition sensors and a route location selector which furnish corresponding digital data which is processed and periodically fed to a magnetic tape cassette recorder, or the like, for recording on magnetic tape. The magnetic tape is advanced only periodically and the data is recorded without significant gaps between the words, such that several days of data may be recorded on a single tape cassette for subsequent storage or analysis.

Apparatus and method for sensing diameter of tape pack on storage reel

Abstract: An end of tape sensor for sensing the approaching end of a supply of magnetic tape on a storage reel on a tape transport and for producing a control signal for controlling the tape drive means includes a feed tachometer means for detecting longitudinal tape speed, reel tachometer means for detecting reel rotational speed, digital counter means responsive to said feed and reel tachometer means for developing a digital signal representing the ratio of longitudinal tape speed to reel rotational speed, a tape pack diameter selector for producing a preselected digital ratio of longitudinal tape speed to reel rotational speed corresponding to a desired terminal tape pack diameter and digital comparator means for comparing said digital signal with said preselected digital ratio, said comparator including a storage register which produces a control signal to control said tape drive means when said digital signal and said preselected digital ratio achieve a plurality of matches in succession.

Magnetic tape position sensing

Abstract: A length of magnetic tape extending along a tape path in a cartridge shell and having its ends wound one on each of a pair of reel hubs is formed adjacent each end with a repetitive pattern of holes. The patterns of holes at the two ends of the tape are different to distinguish the ends from each other and two additional sets of holes located more centrally of the length of tape than and distinguishable from the repetitive patterns demark the ends of the desired recording area on the length of magnetic tape. A plurality of photocells are used to detect the holes and to distinguish the repetitive patterns of holes from each other and from the additional sets of holes to provide unambiguous sensing of the beginning of tape, the end of tape and the desired recording area.

Address comparator with time interval matching transport characteristics

Abstract: An information storage and retrieval apparatus and method are disclosed in which apparatus is provided to move the relative positions of a storage medium, such as a magnetic tape, and reading means from a current address to a desired or target address. The apparatus includes a comparator means for comparing the current address to a given target address and generating an error signal, and additionally includes generator means formed to respond to the error signal and select one of a plurality of time intervals during which the medium and reading means are sequentially repositioned with respect to each other. The time intervals are precalibrated to match the transporting characteristics of the apparatus repositioning the medium and reading means and each time interval may be elicited by a range of errors of differing magnitude. The apparatus iteratively reads the current address, transports for a precalibrated time interval, reads a second address and transports again until the current address read is substantially equal to the target address, at which time the medium can be advanced to the target address and storage or retrieval of data accomplished. The apparatus preferably includes a tape recorder having a slow forward reading speed and fast forward and reverse tape repositioning speeds. The precalibrated time intervals are matched to the incremental number of addresses normally traversed by the tape transport during a start-up, continued motion and braking of the tape transport. The apparatus and method preferably include precalibrated jump times based upon the logarithm of the error between the target and current addresses. Additionally, a stored datum initially representing the positional error can be decremented at a variable rate in order to reduce the number of iterations necessary to reach the target address. Tape transport motion sensing apparatus and address signal verification means are also disclosed.

Magnetic tape head cleaning apparatus

Abstract: The present invention is a device used to clean the magnetic tape head of a magnetic tape recording/playback unit incorporating the use of cartridge mounted magnetic tape. A housing of substantially the same shape and size of a magnetic tape cartridge is adapted to be inserted within the cartridge receiving aperture of the magnetic tape playback/recording unit. A spring biased arm is disposed within the housing. A cleaning portion for contacting the magnetic tape head extends from one end of the housing; a portion for adjusting the position of the arm extends from the end of the housing which is accessible from the exterior of the magnetic tape playback/recording unit. Three dimensional, spring biased movement of the cleaning portion of the mounted arm provides for full contact with the magnetic tape head and permits cleaning thereof.

Cleaning apparatus and method in a magnetic tape unit

Abstract: Automatic head/tape cleaning apparatus wherein a cleaning member is selectively positioned in the head/tape transducing interface. The tape tension, normally effective to hold the tape to the head during read/write operation, is effective to hold the cleaning member against the head when it is in operative cleaning position. The movement of the cleaning member to its operative position at the transducing interface is automatically accomplished as part of read-after-write error detection, as part of read error detection, and as a result of high speed tape movement.

Multi-track adapter cartridge adapter unit for a multi-track cartridge type magnetic tape player

Abstract: A transducer mounted within a cartridge housing is positioned so as to be urged against the playback head of the tape player. One or more terminals are provided at the other end of the cartridge housing for easy connection to other signal producing means such as cassette tape recorders, transistor radios, or the like.

Slide identification clip

Abstract: A slide identification clip for attachment to a slide frame to provide the slide frame with a resiliently backed strip of magnetic tape for audio identification of a photographic transparency mounted in the slide frame. The clip has a unitary base with walls to extend along the bottom edge and one face of a slide frame. A strip of a resilient material is affixed to the wall of the base extending along the face of the slide frame and a strip of magnetic tape capable of resolving a 600 microinch signal is affixed to the strip of resilient material. The wall of the base extending along the bottom edge of the slide frame defines a reference surface with respect to any magnetic sound track on the magnetic tape.

Track following system for magnetic tape recorder

Abstract: A HELICAL OR TRANSVERSE TRACK TAPE RECORDER USED FOR DATA RECORDING AND READBACK UTILIZES A SCANNING MAGNETIC HEAD THAT FOLLOWS RECORDED DATA TRACKS PRECISELY. THE TAPE HAS PRERECORDED PAIRS OF SERVO REFERENCE SIGNALS OF OPPOSITE CHARACTERIZATION THAT ARE LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE BEGINNG OF EACH DATA TRACK, THE PAIRS OF REFERENCE SIGNALS STRADDLING THE CENTER LINE DRAWN THROUGH AND EXTENDING FROM EACH TRACK. A SERVO SYSTEM RESPONSIVE TO THE SENSED POSITION OF THE SCANNING HEAD RELATIVE TO THE PAIRED REFERENCE SIGNALS COMPENSATES FOR ANY DISPLACEMENT OF THE DATA TRACKS RELATIVEL TO THE SCAN PATH OF THE HEAD. READ AFTER WRITE DURING THE SAME SCAN PERIOD IS ALSO ACCOMPLISHED.

Demagnetizer and cleaning cartridge

Abstract: A cartridge-shaped unit may be operatively associated with a four or eight track magnetic tape playback and/or recording apparatus to position a cleaning tape and a multi-polar permanent magnet in position for cleaning and demagnetizing a transducer head of the apparatus. The cleaning tape is driven by the capstan and a cam is driven by the cleaning tape to slowly withdraw the magnet which rotates and produces a reversing flux field of diminishing intensity to demagnetize the head. Preferably, the cam includes a spiral grooved section. A stylus cam follower on a slide carrier follows the groove and shifts the carrier to retract the magnet slowly and automatically. Means in the form of a foil is detected by a sensing means in the apparatus thereby causing the head to shift and bring each section of the head associated with a track into contact with the cleaning tape.

Error detection systems

Abstract: Error detection is enhanced by using multiple independent error codes combined with nonlinear changes in the data field as applied to different error codes. Such nonlinear permutations increase the probability of detecting errors thereby maximizing the utilization of check bit redundancies. In a magnetic tape subsystem, error detection and correction can be enhanced by scrambling track-to-error code relationships between a plurality of independent codes. Tracks with the highest probability of errors, i.e., the outside tracks on a 1/2 inch tape, for example, are connected to nonadjacent inputs of error correction code apparatus. Additionally, the input-to-track relationship of various code apparatus can be scrambled, either permanently or during a tape transducing operation. The above permutations provide best advantage with selected error correction codes and systems having identifiable probability of error patterns.

Video information storage and retrieval system

Abstract: A video system to store, retrieve and distribute printed and graphic information via standard T.V. recording and transmission equipment. Documents are converted by a high-resolution video camera into corresponding video signals. These signals are stored in a low-resolution magnetic tape apparatus for subsequent reproduction on a high-resolution video display tube. The camera and display tubes are designed to function with a scan line number per frame that is a predetermined multiple of the standard T.V. low resolution line number and with a frame repetition rate that is a complementary sub-multiple of the standard rate. To reconcile the low resolution storage apparatus with the high resolution camera and display tube, a buffer is provided to divided the high-resolution video signal from the camera into multiple signal sections. Each of these has a number of scan lines exactly equal to the standard scan number per frame within a time period equal to the full frame period of the standard frame repetition rate. The signal sections are recorded in sequence in the buffer or separate continuous tracks. In the storage mode, the signal sections which together represent a high-resolution frame, are transferred sequentially from the buffer onto the magnetic tape of the storage apparatus. In the playback mode, the recorded signal sections on the storage tape are returned back to the buffer and from there are fed to the display tube for visual presentation as a single high-resolution image.

High speed thermal duplication of magnetic tape

Abstract: A system for high speed thermal duplication of a master magnetic tape onto a copy magnetic tape utilizing a master tape transport and a copy tape transport for guiding the tapes over an index plate having a hardened tape support surface along predetermined paths between supply stations and take-up stations, the master tape path and copy tape path being coincident over a predetermined length. A removable transfer station interposed in the paths of the master tape and the copy tape transports includes a releasable clamp which yieldingly biases the tapes together along the predetermined distance of path coincidence. A tape heater upstream from the pressure clamp heats the copy tape to a predetermined temperature prior to pressure contact against the master tape. The system provides an adjustable tape, tension control and equalization for the master and the copy tapes, a tachometer for measuring the length of master and copy tapespassing the transfer area, feedback control responsive to the tachometer for adjusting tape tensions, and means for maintaining tape edges of differently sized tape in controlled contact with the index plate.

Method and apparatus for controlling a knitting machine

Abstract: Knitting machine control systems which allow flexibility of control with minimal complexity of circuits and information storage apparatus by means of program arrangements which selectively call for control information from fixed storage units and from an eraseable temporary storage unit which is fed from a magnetic tape.

Magnetic tape recording and reproducing system

Abstract: A magnetic tape recording and reproducing system wherein a television signal and digital information are recorded in multiplex recording on the same area of a magnetic tape. In recording, according to an external instruction specifying a picture frame and digital information to be recorded, the horizontal sync. signal for the specified picture frame is extracted, and the extracted horizontal sync. signal is used to produce shift pulses determining the region for recording digital information. The digital information which is separately recorded is read out in accordance with the shift pulses thus produced, and the digital signal thus read out is used to modulate a sinusoidal signal at a frequency outside of the frequency band of the television signal for recording of the modulated signal in superimposition upon the television signal on the same area of the magnetic tape. In reproduction, the recorded digital information signal is separated through a tuned amplifier, and the digital information and the television signal are recovered through a sequence of process similar to that at the time of the recording.

Magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus with tape guide and pick-up system for use with a tape cartridge

Abstract: In a magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a tape guide drum, at least one rotary magnetic head moved in a circular path coinciding with the circumferential surface of the drum for scanning a magnetic tape wrapped about at least a portion of that surface, a tape supply, such as, a cassette containing reels on which a magnetic tape is wound, and a holder for receiving and positioning the tape supply at a distance from the guide drum; a first tape engaging member is provided for drawing an initial loop of tape from the supply across an arcuate path of travel of a rotatable support, for example, a ring, which extends around the guide drum, and a second tape engaging member carried by the rotatable support engages the initial tape loop and further extends the loop for wrapping one side of the extended tape loop about at least a portion of the guide drum surface in response to turning of the rotatable support. The second tape engaging member is preferably constituted by a pinch roller which is brought adjacent a capstan for cooperating with the latter in driving the tape after the latter has been wrapped about the guide drum. Further, the rotatable support also carries additional tape guide members which engage the other or return side of the extended loop for holding such return side away from the guide drum surface.

Magnetically codable machine readable polymeric article

Abstract: A magnetically codable article of manufacture and a method for making same are described. The finished articles of manufacture comprise a polymeric matrix of some rigidity having magnetic tape stripes integrally bonded therein on a plane with and in close proximity to the surface thereof in order that the said magnetic tape stripe can be conveniently read by such information retrieval equipment ordinarily employed for such purpose. The magnetic tape stripe is incorporated into the polymeric matrix by a heated-fushion bonding, under pressure, to yield a finished polymeric article of manufacture having said magnetic tape stripe integrally bonded therein, substantially flush with a surface thereof, said surface possessing very desirable physical characteristics.

Magnetic tape editing method and system

Abstract: In making a composite edited tape from at least one master tape, back-spacing of both the master and edit tapes is accomplished by positive fixed speed drives on each tape deck, each in combination with a timer precisely measuring back-spacing distance so that the tape back-spacing will be the same from one time to another, the time in each case being that time which is necessary for its associated tape deck to reach proper speed for recording at the point of edit. The back-spacing times of decks requiring less back-spacing are increased to correspond to that of the slowest to respond. A timing mechanism is started at the same time both tape decks are started causing the edit tape deck to start to record when the decks are up to speed and ready for recording at the point of edit.

Wasp waist head for flying flexible magnetic storage medium over head

Abstract: IN ROTATING HEAD MAGNETIC RECORDERS HIGH DENSITY RECORDING WITH LITTLE OR NO WEAR TO THE MAGNETIC HEAD OR THE MAGNETIC TAPE HAS BEEN ACHIEVED WITH A WASP-WAIST FLYING HEAD. THE TAPE FLIES IN THE RANGE OF APPROXIMATELY 20-50 MICROCINCHES FROM THE SURFACE OF THE HEAD. INITIALLY THE TOP SURFACE OF THE HEAD IS SINGLE RADIUS OR BI-RADIUS IN CONTOUR. SIDES OF THE HEAD ARE BEVELED SO AS TO GIVE A WASP-WAIST SHAPE TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE HEAD. FURTHER, THE TOP SURFACE OF THE HEAD IS POLISHED, USUALLY WITH ABRASIVE TAPE TO SMOOTH SHARP EDGES OF THE HEAD AND ALSO TO MORE NEARLY CONFORM THE TOP SURFACE OFTHE HEAD TO THE AERODYNAMIC BULGE IN THE MAGNETIC TAPE THAT OCCURS AS THE TAPE FLIES OVER THE HEAD. THE HEAD IS MOUNTED WITH THE WIDER PORTION OF FRONTAL FACE OF ITS TOP SURFACE FORMING AN ANGLE OF A TTACK BETWEEN THE FRONTAL FACE AND THE MEDIUM. AIR CAUGHT BETWEEN THIS FRONTAL FACE AND THE TAPE IS LATER PARTIALLY DISSIPATED AS THE TAPE MOVES PAST THE NARROW WAIST OF THE TOP SURFACE OF THE HEAD. INITIALLY AN AIR WEDGE LIFTS THE TAPE AWAY FROM THE HEAD, AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE TAPE IS LOWERED UNIFORMLY TOWARDS THE NARROW WAIST OF THE HEAD AS THE HEAD MOVES UNDER THE TAPE. THE READ/WRITE GAP WOULD BE LOCATED SOMEWHERE IN THE REGION OF THE NARROW WAIST WHERE THE FLYING HEIGHT IS RELATIVELY UNIFORM AND CONTROLLABLE WITHIN THE DESIRABLE RANGE OF 20-50 MICROINCHES.

Automatic tape loading device for magnetic tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus

Abstract: A tape-autoloading type recording and/or reproducing apparatus comprises a tape out from the interior of a cassette to the outside thereof. The tape thus drawn out is pulled along a predetermined tape path thereby to wrap the same around the circumference of a guide drum. Motive power is transmitted from a single motive power source, first to the tape drawing out means and then to the tape pulling around means. The motive power transmitting means detects the arrival of the drawing out means approximately at a predetermined position and changes over to the pulling around means thereby stopping the motive power transmission to the drawing out means.

Automatic tape loading apparatus and method therefor

Abstract: Apparatus having an automatic tape loading path extending between a file reel and a machine reel, such as a digital magnetic tape transport, incorporates a physical end of tape (PEOT) sensor, an air jet forcing the physical end against the sensor, and control electronics. As the file reel is rotated in the tape wind direction after loading, the air jet forces a length of tape near the physical end thereof into contact with the sensor which provides a control signal when the physical end of the tape passes the sensor. The control electronics continue rotation of the file reel through a predetermined angular distance to align the physical tape end with a preload point of an automatic tape loading path. This apparatus simplifies tape loading by automatically aligning the physical tape end with the tape loading path and provides a fully automatic detection of improper loading and a retry if a first attempt at automatic threading is not successful.

Motor control for tape transport system

Abstract: A motor control circuit automatically changes the reel motor voltage constant in response to changed operating conditions. A shunt wound D.C. reel drive motor is switched from high K.sub.v, high torque, to low K.sub.v, high speed, when the magnetic tape reaches a predetermined position. Tape loop position sensing switches in the slack tape vacuum column control the position of the tape loop at an upper position when the tape is being driven in one direction and at a lower position when the tape is being driven in the other position. When the tape loop goes above the upper position, or below the lower position, a switch decreases the field current to achieve a low K.sub.v. When the reel motor armature supply voltage drops below a certain level, an additional resistance is switched in parallel with the normal armature limiting resistance. This provides increased armature current to maintain the motor response time at an acceptable level even though the armature supply voltage has fallen.

Magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing signals on a magnetic tape which is wound on supply and takeup reels and has its ends secured to the reels, the reels are rotationally coupled with respective reel support members which are selectively urged to rotate in the direction for winding tape on the respective reel upon the manual actuation of a control for causing operation of a reel drive, and a shutoff device is provided which is powered by the reel drive and conditioned in response to the arresting of the rotation of the reel support members, for example, when the tape is fully unwound from one of the reels, during continued operation of the reel drive for causing the control to halt operation of the drive, for example, by deenergizing an electric motor thereof.

Single crystal ferrite magnetic head

Abstract: A single crystal ferrite material magnetic head for a video tape recorder or other device which is formed with a pair of half-cores with an opening between them for winding and in which the magnetic gap by which the magnetic tape passes is formed of surfaces which are uniform and which have minimum breakage and roughness due to the fact that the planes on which the ferrite single crystal material is cut coincides with the orientation of the crystals of the material which gives the minimum breakage and cracking. Experimental tests have indicated that single crystal ferrite material may be cut or ground on certain planes with greater ease thus resulting in less breakage, fracture and cracking than on other planes, and, the present invention provides magnetic cores which are so formed that the transducing gap takes advantage of these discoveries and results in improved magnetic heads.

Apparatus and process for thermomagnetically replicating magnetic recordings using a scanning beam of radiant energy

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for replicating a prerecorded magnetic tape, the particle-binder layer of the prerecorded tape is brought into slippage-free intimate contact with the particle-binder layer of the copy tape. As the tapes are moved in a first direction a laser beam impinges upon the particle-binder layer of the copy tape with a spot size of the same order of magnitude as the particles of the particle-binder layer of the copy tape. The laser beam is deflected to traverse a scanning pattern on the particle-binder layer of the copy tape transverse to the movement of the tape to provide rapid localized heating of the copy tape magnetizable particles to a temperature above its Curie point.

Cartridge and tape stretch placement with breaks for one or both reels

Abstract: In an apparatus for magnetically recording and/or reproducing signals on a magnetic tape which is wound on, and extends between a pair of reels preferably contained in a cassette, reel support and drive members are engageable with the reels for rotating a selected one of the reels in the direction to wind the tape thereon, a tape loading and unloading device is engageable with the tape between the reels and is selectively operable for loading the tape on a cylindrical guide drum, that is, drawing the tape out of the cassette and into engagement with a portion of the periphery of the guide drum for scanning by at least one rotary magnetic head associated with the drum, and for unloading the tape, that is, removing the tape from the drum periphery, and brakes are provided which are engageable with the reel support and drive members and controlled for preventing rotation of both reels at the conclusion of each recording, reproducing, fastforward or rewind operations of the apparatus, and for permitting rotation of only one of the reels during loading and unloading operations of the device provided therefor, so that the tape is unwound only from that one reel during each loading operation and rewound on that one reel during the next unloading operation.

Magnetic tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus having means to relocate a previous termination of recording or reproducing

Abstract: A magnetic tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus is provided with means to automatically mark a spot on the tape when a playback or recording selector means is operated to interrupt a recording or reproducing operation and a selector means is operated to wind the tape on a reel in one direction. With a subsequent operation of a fast forward or rewind selector means, the tape may be fed at a fast speed in the opposite direction while a means automatically searches for the mark on the tape; and, upon detecting the mark, means are operated to halt the tape travel so reproducing or recording may be resumed at the point of previous termination.

Guide means for magnetic tapes wound on flangeless spools

Abstract: A guide element for magnetic tapes to be wound in the form of packs on flangeless spools, particularly for tapes in magnetic tape cartridges, which is arranged in a fixed position near the periphery of the pack at maximum pack diameter and provided with a guide surface and guide flanges. Such elements improve guidance of the turn of tape approaching and/or leaving the pack, resulting in a stable and accurate winding on the spool and in undisturbed tape travel.