Mechanism for joining tape leaders

摘要

The present system is comprised of an elongated member which has a finger like protrusion and a cam protrusion both of which are disposed close to one end thereof. The elongated member has an elongated slot at one end which fits over a stud and is further rotationally coupled to a crank so that the elongated member can pivot around said stud in a number of different positions in response to the crank being moved. The crank is rotationally coupled to a cam follower and the crank is further arranged to rotate about a stud. When a tape leader from a take up reel is to be joined to a tape leader from a supply reel, the elongated member is moved toward the tape leader from the take up reel and the finger like protrusion enters a first slot in the take up reel leader and moves that leader to an extended position whereat the cam protrusion cams a tab on the end of the take up reel leader away from the elongated member. The tab is formed to have a stem section. The supply reel leader which is extended has a locking slot therein which has a first section which fits over the tab. In response to said camming action, the elongated member is moved such that said cam protrusion cams said tab deeply into said locking slot and said tab becomes locked in a narrow section of said locking slot.