COMBINED TAPE LIFTING AND CAPSTAN DRIVE ENGAGEMENT MECHANISM

摘要

In a tape recording and/or reproducing mechanism, the tape is wrapped a sufficient distance around a capstan idler wheel so that for high speed operations the tape is lifted fully from the tape heads by movement of the idler wheel away from the capstan drive shaft. The tape heads are positioned between the supply and takeup reels facing the takeup reel. Convenient remote control is possible as a first solenoid is energized to bring the idler wheel against the capstan drive shaft, and a second solenoid is energized to pull the idler wheel away from the capstan drive shaft and tape away from the tape heads. A spring biases the idler wheel lightly towards the capstan drive shaft so that the tape rests against the tape heads when neither solenoid id energized.