A magnetic tape apparatus wherein a capstan drive assembly provides a tape path thereabout and receives a transducer head with a convex face for scanning engagement with the tape. A magnetic shield may be interposed between the capstan and the head where the capstan is of magnetizable steel. The... Show moreA magnetic tape apparatus wherein a capstan drive assembly provides a tape path thereabout and receives a transducer head with a convex face for scanning engagement with the tape. A magnetic shield may be interposed between the capstan and the head where the capstan is of magnetizable steel. The motor, flywheel and capstan form a unitary assembly which preferably includes a bearing for the outer end of the capstan. A endless loop or reel-to-reel tape cartridge configuration may be engaged with the capstan assembly without manual threading. Idler rollers for the capstan are of configuration to tension the tape at the transducer head location, and may be interchanged to tension the tape in either direction of movement. A preferred head is operable with bias of 10 megahertz or more.
Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute
United States Patent Show less
