Tape transport with cam guides

摘要

A tape transport system includes two tape reels, each having a pair of flanges between which the tape is held. The parallel flange pairs position the tape in a direction normal to tape travel across the tape head contact surface. A cam guide is associated with each reel. Each cam guide has a curved surface over which the magnetic tape travels. The curved surface is positioned between the reel flange pair based on the amount of tape wound on the tape reel. The cam is positioned so that magnetic tape contacts the tape head contact surface at substantially the same location for any amount of tape wound on the tape reel.