Portable video tape recorder

摘要

Apparatus for recording video information include a portable unit containing a video camera. A cartridge is releasably mounted on the portable unit. The cartridge includes a casing containing a pair of cylindrical tape drums. Each tape drum has a cylindrical tape retaining surface and all portions of each tape drum are located within an imaginary cylindrical surface extending through the tape retaining surface of the particular tape drum. A magnetic recording tape is wound on the cylindrical tape retaining surfaces on the tape drums. A mechanical motor is contained within the cartridge casing and is coupled to the tape drums for continuously maintaining the magnetic tape in tensioned condition on and between the tape drums. A magnetic tape drive and recording assembly is supported by the unit in spaced relationship to the cartridge. This tape drive and recording assembly includes rotatable magnetic recording heads for magnetically recording the composite electric video signals generated by the camera on the magnetic recording head. This assembly further includes rotatable tape drive capstan means at the magnetic recording heads, and a drive for rotating the recording heads and the tape drive capstan means. Equipment for extracting magnetic tape from the cartridge and for placing such extracted tape about at least part of the tape drive capstan means and recording heads is also mounted on the portable unit.