Apparatus and method for initiating a tape winding operation

摘要

There is disclosed in the present application an apparatus and method for initiating the winding of a magnetic tape cartridge or cassette which is largely closed except for a relatively small opening which is closed at the end of the winding operation by a leader block secured to the trailing end of the tape and snapped into the opening. The present apparatus includes a vertically reciprocable finger having two sets of perforations to which a vacuum source is connected for attracting the tape temporarily and holding a leading end of the tape to be wound. The upper set of perforations is switchable between a connection with a vacuum source and one with a source of pressurized air. The leading end of the tape is first adhered to the finger by vacuum and a small quantity of water, as small as a single drop, is deposited on the leading end portion of the tape while the finger lies outside the cassette. The finger is then raised so that the leading end of the tape is brought into close proximity to a reel contained within the cassette and the upper set of perforations of the finger is then switched to air under pressure causing the wet surface of the tape to be urged against the reel and the wet tape to be entrained upon the reel to start the winding operation. Devices are also included in the present disclosure for sensing the movement of the tape and for controlling the withdrawal of the finger from within the cassette to permit the winding operation to continue.