NO853559L - DRIVER CASSET DRIVER. - Google Patents

Description

The present invention deals with the cassette tape recording device. It relates more specifically to digital tape recording, where magnetic flux reversals form digital signals for reading and writing on the tape. The special area can be defined more closely to the type of digital tape drive devices used for streaming tape drive devices in some cases and in others for general tape drive devices.

Known technique with regard to tape tears includes different tape types. The present invention relates to the kind of cassette tape drive devices used for digital recording.

In recent times, it has come to the conclusion that certain hard disk devices and other recording media need backing in the form of tape-recorded information. Furthermore, certain drive devices are particularly promoted by back-up registration devices in the form of conveyor belt drive. In addition to the above, some computers and related systems include tape as their primary recording media.

With all use up to now, it has often been common to record on tape over a longer period of time. The longer period of time can be in the form of the registration periods which provide for intermittent stopping and starting of the tape. In recent times, it has become common to let the belt run continuously in order to obtain maximum density on the belt. This method is known as "streaming" because the tape continues to run while the previously written material on it is being read. If the previously written material is not accurate and does not match a correct check via the host or controller system, the written material is rewritten until it can be read reliably. This special feature is called running, as the tape runs continuously and does not stop and start for respective writing and reading and accompanying recording. This seems to enable a far greater degree of utilization of the entire band and thus give better use of the band. In reality, larger storage is recorded on each respective band than with the known technique.

The present invention relates to a certain extent to "streaming", although it also finds application in other types of tape operation as regards the special features of the invention.

Known conveyor belts disclosed in US-PS No. 4,414,593 include a standard 10.16 x 15.24 cm cassette. These cassettes are introduced in a belt drive in the direction of the width of 15.24 cm. When the cartridge is introduced, it is usually used with modules that have a 8 inch shape.

Recently, it has been found that tapes for backing and original registration should be used with the usual smaller plates that are in the vicinity of 19.05 cm. Insofar as the tape cassettes that are produced have 10.16 x 15.24 cm dimensions, they cannot be accommodated without the present invention in the smaller module systems.

The present invention relates to partial recording of tape cassettes that would normally be placed in a 15.24 cm wide module, in a narrower module, where the 10.16 cm dimension is introduced.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines certain tape standards for tapes, specifically ANSIIX3.55 1982 for unused information processing tape cartridges. It is particularly aimed at the fact that the tape is oriented in a particular orientation. Such tapes must have the cassette positioning plane along the upper surface of the tape cassette's metal back in three places in a manner referred to as the "B-plane". A plane or linear area across 15.24 cm of the side of the cassette, where the tape is exposed to recording and reading, is designated as A-plane t.

The requirements from ANSI specify in particular that the cassette in the above-mentioned mounting position is intended for installation in read-write machines in only one position, and the cassettes must have asymmetrical features that can be used to prevent the cassette from being inserted incorrectly.

When looking at fig. 5 of ANSI X3.55-1982, it can be seen in particular that the 10.16 x 15.24 cm direction is like the orientation when the tape is inserted over the 15.24 cm dimension.

The present invention eliminates the requirement to use the 15.24 cm dimension, so that a modular form can be used in smaller cassettes. The apparatus for using the same tape is essentially unique, in so far as it concerns not only a different orientation of the tape, but a completely new system. It occupies the special tape cartridge used according to the ANSI standard under a completely different mode. Accordingly, the present invention is anything but obvious to those skilled in the art.

The invention includes in particular the utilization of a frame which allows the introduction of a tape cassette through a front plate which has an electrostatic discharge means. After introducing the band, it is driven towards a damping and ejector arm. The damped ejector arm controls the speed of the cartridge after ejection from operation.

As the tape cassette is inserted, the door of the cassette is cam-guided against a cam surface with a curved surface, so that the cassette door is opened. The cassette is then held precisely against a specific datum by means of a roller which is in contact with recording surfaces in the cassette.

The cassette is held in place by movement of a button, so that an arm surface moves over a cassette base plate, while at the same time a spring-loaded roller is moved into engagement with a notch in the cassette base plate. This leads to securing the cassette in what is called the A-plane, at the same time that the cassette is held up in three points, which establish the B-plane of the drive mechanism. During the button movement, the read-write head with eraser is also moved to penetrate and contact the tape. The head is moved along a track where the relative orientation of the azimuth, zenith and plane relationships is maintained on a track which is adjusted to provide such orientation. After movement into the belt, the head is spring-loaded and stopped by a plurality of leaf springs which can be adjusted to provide appropriate belt penetration and spring damping.

The entire movement takes place with the help of a mechanical joint system with pivot points that provide tilting action ("overcenter action") which is partially ensured by a tilting spring.

As a result of the above, the tape cassette of standard ANSI shape can be placed in a cassette tape drive in the narrow dimension, where the head is moved in contact with the tape cassette, the door of which opens automatically upon insertion. Provision has been made for azimuth and zenith orientation of the tape head by means of four spring arms which guide the tape head upwards and downwards parallel to the tape surface, so that it is not incorrectly oriented with regard to angular deviation (i.e. wrong azimuth alignment). In addition, all features indicated above will provide for improved registration and orientation in a manner not previously shown, as further specified in the description: In summary, the invention comprises a belt drive with a button-operated front panel cassette locking system with a damper and ejector for the cassette, at the same time that the invention includes smooth head movement and orientation with regard to azimuth, zenith and other orientations in relation to these.

More precisely, the invention comprises a cassette tape drive with an opening in the front panel for recording a cassette. The front panel has an electrostatic discharge means in the form of plastic on the face which is conductive to an area on the frame to allow bleeding or discharge of electrostatic charges in an operator or other charges that come into contact with it. Furthermore, an electrically conductive coating is included on the back of the front panel which shields the operating electronics against electromagnetic interference, and an electrically highly conductive pin is also included in the operation, which grounds the cassette base. When inserting the cartridge, it is stopped at the end of its travel and oriented by means of a button, to which is attached a lever and a roller, which locks the cartridge in place, at the same time that the cartridge is locked at the rear of the drive.

The operation is strengthened by a movable read-write and erase head that moves into contact with the cassette media after the cassette door is opened by means of a special comb and curved operating surface for opening the door after insertion.

The read-write-erase head is moved up and down by means of a stepper motor which causes the head to move in the correct orientation by means of four spring support arms which keep the orientation of the head in a correct manner.

The read-write-erase head engages the tape by moving

on a track that is easily adjusted by two adjustments for azimuth and zenith orientation with a tape and a cassette that is placed in contact.

The cassette is driven by a capstan which is belt-driven by a motor which is controlled by a steering table and accompanying host.

Release and movement of the cartridge from the tape drive is accomplished by the button which moves the read-write-erase head out of the way of the cartridge, while also releasing the cartridge from its respective oriented position in its A and B planes. When released, the cassette is also lifted over a strip by means of a cam surface against a lifting pin. In this way, the cassette is lifted over a slat, so that the damping insertion and ejector arm can be moved gradually and displace the cassette out of the opening in the cassette operation.

The movement of the read-write-erase head on its track in the correct orientation is promoted by a tilting spring which provides a tilting effect against the read-write-erase head in its two respective positions. This enables locking of the head in its two respective areas in a spring biased manner.

Orientation of the cassette in the cassette drive system for correct determination when the cassette is in place and the tape end and tape start functions are created using respective switches and LEDs and photo-optical sensors. The two latter bodies, i.e.

the photo-optical sensors and the LEDs can be controlled with a view to

their relative position in relation to the cassette in that they are shifted in their orientation, so that the end of the tape and the beginning of the tape, as well as other movements of the tape can be established and read.

All the above-mentioned organs contribute in combination to the formation of

a unique tape cassette drive which has the function of providing a read-write-delete function for a running cassette for optimal utilization of this. This promotes the side insertion, where the cassette drive can be such that it is inserted in a modular form within the area of the narrow part of the cassette instead of the wide one. All of this tends to accommodate the latest form of computer storage devices, while using standard 10.16 x 15.24 cm shaped cartridges that would normally be used in a 20.32 cm module type.

The invention will be more easily understood in the light of the following description with reference to the drawing, where

fig. 1 is a perspective rendering of the cassette drive according to the present invention, where the frame is placed on a control chassis;

fig. 2 is an exploded view in perspective of the cassette operation;

fig. 3 is an elevation view of the cassette operation;

fig. 4(a) shows a section of the cam guiding and straightening surface which provides for the straightening of the cassette's bottom plate partly in A and B planes;

fig. 4(B) shows the insertion of the cassette's bottom plate so that the cassette is kept within the A and B planes;

fig. 5(a) is a cross section of the operative aspects of the door opening device of the cam leading and curved surface for opening the cassette door;

fig. 5(b) shows the door partially opened by the cam leading and curved

surface which is shown in detail in fig. 4(a), 4(b) and 5(a);

fig. 6 is a partially broken away front view along the line 6-6 in fig. 1, showing the button and lever locking device for holding the cartridge in place, as well as the removal device therefor;

fig. 7 shows the operation button on the front of the cassette tape drive and its movement;

fig. 8 shows a partial section similar to fig. 6, where the button has been moved to the right as shown in fig. 7 to hold a cassette in place;

fig. 9 is an elevation view of the cassette tape drive of the present invention with the door open, the read-write head in place with the cassette ready to record or read;

fig. 10 shows the operational members of the read-write head and other elements which contact the tape when the read-write head is in place for operation and has made a tape penetration;

fig. 11 shows the read-write-erase head in its orientation away from the tape;

fig. 12 is a broken away view of the front of the tape drive, where the cassette is raised and ready to be removed by means of the button;

fig. 13 shows the cassette which is cam-guided upwards for removal over the list at the opening of the belt drive;

fig. 14 is a section in the direction of line 14-14 in fig. 3;

fig. 15 is a representation of the motor and the head according to the present invention in the direction of the line 15-15 in fig. 10;

fig. 16 is a partial section of the steamer and ejector arm according to the invention, seen in the direction of the line 16-16 in fig. 3;

fig. 17 shows the capstan operation, seen in the direction of line 17-17 in fig. 10;

fig. 18 is a section of one of the adjusting means for adjusting the track on which the read-write head is moved in the direction of line 18-18 in fig. 10;

fig. 19 is a representation of the movable head track guide arrangement, viewed in the direction of line 19-19 in FIG. 10 and

fig. 20 is a section of the front panel according to the invention in the direction of the line 20-20 in fig. 2.

If we look more closely at fig. 1, it will appear that a perspective rendering of the present invention is shown in the form of the cassette tape drive's frame or the basic mechanical unit according to the invention, which is generally denoted 10. Below the frame or the cassette tape drive 10 is a control chassis 12 with electronic control components for electronic interface device of the frame 10 with a host computer machine for operation in a distal relationship.

The control chassis 12 may generally be incorporated in the same form or it may have wiring from a distant relationship to the frame 10, depending on the particular frame 10's orientation. In this particular case, the .10 frame has a modular shape that fits into an orientation for the smaller magnetic media and disc drives that are in the 19.05 cm range.

The frame 10 which is the object of the present invention and will be discussed in more detail below with its parts apart from the chassis 12, comprises an opening 14 in a front panel 19, where a cassette can be inserted. In a lateral position to the opening 14 there is a movable button 16 or lever and a stationary button 18. The movable button 16 is specially arranged for operating and locking the cassette in place and to lead to the removal of the cassette in a manner that will be discussed in more detail. The stationary button 18 forms a thumb grip for movement of the movable button or lever.

Fig. 3 and 9 show the orientation of the cassette which is introduced or ejected from the frame 10 in fig. 3 respectively the cassette in place (fig. 9).

From fig. 3 shows in particular that a cassette 20 is placed in the frame 10. The cassette is introduced in the direction of the arrow 22 through the opening 14 in panel 19. When the cassette is moved in the opposite direction and is ejected, it is lifted out of the frame 10 in a way that will be discussed below.

When the cassette 20 is placed through the opening 14 in the panel 19, there is often an electrostatic charge on the operator, the cassette or other associated bodies. For discharging this charge, panel 19, as shown in fig. 20, made of electrically charging plastic 19a, which is a material with relatively high resistance. Such plastics are known as plastics with graphite or other conductive materials. The conductivity of such materials can be made high enough to control the current caused by discharge and thus the strength of the electrostatic field thus created. Fig. 20 shows the material design of panel 19.

The back of panel 19 is covered with plate 19b and connected to ground to remove charges from panel 19. Charges that occur in connection with the insertion or ejection of cassettes 20 are thus discharged through the plastic 19a in panel 19 to the surface of the conductive coated back plate and to earth. The coated surface 19b also acts as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield for the drive electronic components. Thus, electrostatic forces are discharged through the panel material 19a and EM I forces are shielded by means of the conductive coating 19b. A leaf spring 23 secured by means of two screws is in contact with the cassette 20 when this is inserted to discharge electrostatic charges.

When the cassette 20 is moved inwards, it slides over a ledge 24 in the opening 14, which will be seen in fig. 1 and in the other figures showing front panel 19 in the frame 10. The ledge 24 is above a plan view of a frame shelf 26. The shelf 26 can be seen to some extent in the expanded image in fig. 2 and in the other figures.

When the cassette is introduced into the opening 14 in the frame 10, it is received to a certain extent on the shelf 26 and it is also supported on a support plate 30. The support plate 30 has the function of keeping the cassette 20 in a level and flat condition only during insertion the process.

On the bottom of the cassette 20 is a metallic plate 34, which can be seen with its general shape inserted in the opening 14 and in figures 4(a) and 4(b). This metal plate 34 on the bottom of the cartridge is a standard metal plate and has what may generally be called a straightening edge 35 with an internal surface 38 which helps to straighten the entire cartridge relative to what is called the A-plane, as defined in the above ANSI specification. To clarify the relationship further, the A-plane is the side edge of the cassette as shown in fig. 4(a). This edge is shown as edge 40 and 42

at each end of the cassette and contact with the A plane is marked by line A-A.

The A-plane for the cassette is generally defined as the orientation in the plane that runs along the surface of the cassette on the left side, as shown in fig. 6, 8, 12 and 13. This surface in the A plane can be seen as the surface 40 and 42 of the cassette and another part of the cassette 44 which can be seen in fig. 4(a), 4(b), 9 and fig. 3. These two surfaces 40 and 42 provide the plane relationship according to the ANSI standard as mentioned above, i.e. the ANSI standard mentioned in connection with the American National Standards Institute's publication ANSIX3.55-1982 for information-processing, non-recorded magnetic tape cassettes.

The B-plane defined by the above standard is created on the upper or inner surface of the bottom plate, i.e. the metal plate 34 in three respective points for creating the plane. The first point is established in point 46 in fig. 3 and 8 on the part of the cassette which faces up towards the front end, which is also seen in fig. 12 and 13. The second point is established on the plate up to surface 42, which can be seen in a direct relationship in point 48 at the top of plate 34,

as shown in fig. 4(a). Item 48 is operated in an underlying

hold onto the overlying ledge 36.

The third point for providing plane B for stabilizing the cassette plate 34 is a point 50, which can be seen in fig. 3 and 4(a) and lies on top of plate 34 of the cassette approximately at its midpoint. Thus, points 46, 48 and 50 create a three-point relationship for creating a plane for the disc 34. All of this is defined in the above ANSI standards for creating a correct orientation of the tape and cartridge 20 for the purposes of correct reading and writing on the tape .

By looking at fig. 3 and 9, it can be seen that when the cassette 20 is inserted and moved, it is damped by a combination of damper and ejector arm 52, which is moved in the direction indicated by arrow 54. This damper and ejector arm becomes, when it is in place as shown in fig. 9, driven towards the rear of the frame 10 with the cassette 2.0 held up against the ledge or lip 24 of the frame. The ejector arm 52 actually secures the cassette in place in the belt drive by pushing the cassette against the inner surface of the landing 24.

If we look specifically at the cassette 20, we can see that it comprises two respective spools or rolls of tape in the usual manner, ie spools 56 and 58 with tape 60 running between them.

A tape capstan 64 is shown driving the spools 56 and 58 over a tape guide roller 66. The spindle or spool 56 is a supply spool, while the spindle 58 is a take-up spool.

The tape's movement backwards and forwards is such that the tape's oxide material is exposed to the outside in the read-write head window, as discussed in more detail below.

The tape cassette 20 as shown in fig. 3, as it is inserted, moves towards the back of the frame 10, so that a door 70 of the tape cassette is opened. Opening of the door 70 takes place by means of a hinge point 72 and a drive point 74, which serves to turn the door 70 in the direction of the arrow 76, as shown in fig. 5(b). This rotation of the door 70 to the open position is achieved by the operating surface 74 coming into contact with a first cam surface in the form of a curved cam surface 80 which is formed in an elongated block 82, which is seen in detail in fig. 2. The curved cam surface 80 causes the door 70 to rotate about its hinge point 72, as indicated by the direction of movement of the arrow 76. When the cassette is inserted, the door can be seen in its open form in fig. 9, where it is fully opened by the surface 74 or projection 74 being pressed completely around the cued cam surface 80 to the open position of the door 70.

After introducing the cassette 20, this must be correctly created for the sake of creating the A-plane as previously mentioned in point 42. This is achieved in a way that can be seen in fig. 4(a) and 4(b), where the A-plane surface 42 is first driven against an inclined straightening surface 90 formed as part of the block 82. The lower straightening surface 90 of the block 82 drives the A-plane surface 42 into close neighbor relationship with an inner surface 92 of the block 82. As the cartridge is moved inwardly, it is brought into contact with and locked in place by the inner surface 38 of an A-plane alignment ledge 36 which contacts a roller 94 which is spring-biased to press against the inner surface 38 to hold it in place.

As will be seen from fig. 4(a) and 4(b), the roller 94 is articulated, based on spring biasing it by means of its connection with a spring 98 which is attached to the frame with a screw 100. The roller will thus press the plate 34 tightly against the inner surface 92, so that contact of point 42 in the A-plane is created. The second part of the A-plane at the front of the cassette, i.e. point 40, is created by operating the movable button and its accompanying roller and lever as described in more detail below.

It will be apparent from the above that the tape cassette 20 now has its door open, so that the read-write head mentioned later can be moved to engage and penetrate the tape for the desired functions. But before the functions of the read-write-erase head and its movement through interventions that occur at the same time as the above introduction, the creation of the second part of the A-plane must be mentioned.

For locking the cassette in the second part of the A plane, it can be seen that the cassette plate 34 rests on the shelf 26 of the frame behind the landing 24. When the movable button 16, as shown in fig. 7, is moved to the right, it causes a lever in the form of a pusher 104 with an extension 105 connected to the movable button to be moved to the right and thus causes engagement with the cassette plate 34, as shown in fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows the creation of the flat surfaces in the A and B planes. It shows in particular the A-plane surface 40 of plate 34 and the B-plane surface close to it, i.e. surface 46. A slot or opening with a ledge 110 is shown with an inner surface 112 similar to the inner surface 38. It is this inner surface that contacts the roller 114 which is connected to a spring 116 and a spring tensioning member 118, all connected to a part of the pusher 104 on its rear side.

The pusher 104 has a tongue portion 120 which protrudes with a chamfered surface 122, which serves to lie above the landing 110 with its inner surface 124, which can be seen in fig. 6. The roller 114 ensures that the cassette plate 34 is driven upwards as a result of the spring tension of the roller. The roller 114 pushes point 46 or the B datum plane towards the lower side

of the tongue 124, which is the B-plane reference point in front of the drive device. The B-plane reference point in front of the plate is created against the inner surface of the tongue 104, i.e. surface 124. The A-plane is also created in front of the cassette at point 40 by the roller 114 biasing the landing of the A-plane point 40 against an aluminum block 125 , which is shown in fig. 6.

The above leads to the creation of B-plane point 46 and movement is prevented by the locked engagement between the roller 114 and the inner surface 124 of the tongue 120.

The above serves to create the A-plane and two points of the B-plane relationship at the same time as the cassette 20 is held in place. To provide spring tension and support, the lever assembly attached to the displaceable button 16 is supported by two rods 130 and 132. The two rods 130 and 132 serve to absorb the reciprocating movement of the pusher 104. When reference is made to the pusher 104, the entire block which supports the tongue 120 and the other elements shown in fig. 2 are included.

The main function of the spring 138, as shown in fig. 10, is to

prevent the member 104 from lifting the block 496 against the cartridge, which would prevent or block insertion of the cartridge by getting in the way of the opening 14.

The pusher 104 provides several functions in connection with locking the cassette 20 in place and biasing the cassette in the A- and B-plane in the front part, i.e. the A-plane part 40 and the B-plane part 46.

A third B-plane support in the form of a sprung ball 150 cooperates with the B-plane part 46 and the B-plane part 25 which lies above the plate 34, which lies below the landing 36 or the extension. The prestressed ball 150 is introduced through block 82, which has an opening 152, through which the ball 150 is placed. The ball is spring-loaded by means of a spring 153 with a backing insert behind it to secure the spring in the block 82.

The above sphere 150 establishes the three points with the above two of the B-plane, so that the cartridge is held in precise orientation, as it must be to allow alternating read-write functions therein.

If we consider the block 82, including the previously mentioned, curved cam part 80 and a straightening portion 92, it appears that the block is formed with a ledge 154, which extends from the block with an undercut 156 below.

The ledge 154 forms a part where the back of the cassette can be introduced with the plate 34 under the ledge in the underlying space 156. At the same time, it is ensured that the cassette is in contact with the ledge and arranged in a correctly created state by means of a part that is in contact with the cassette's base and an angled surface which is shown with a dashed line as angled surface 160. The angled surface 160 is in contact with a part of the block 82 against its surface, so that it is held back from movement when the cassette 20 is inserted in the established manner, which mentioned above.

The spring biased ball 150 will in effect press the plate 34 against the underlying space 156 of the ledge 154 to create

of the last point 50 of the B plane on plate 34.

It will appear from the above that the A and B plane requirements are satisfied by the respective support orientation, so that a correct orientation of the entire cassette can be carried out. In order for the read-write and erasing functions to be carried out correctly, the head is held in a correct azimuth and zenith relationship to the tape. The cassette 20 is kept in the correct A and B plane shape, and according to the invention provision is made for azimuth and zenith adjustment of the head. Thus, when the tape is in place, the correct orientation will always be maintained by the head being adjusted to meet the cassette in its established A and B planes.

As mentioned above, the A and B planes are created for the above operation and movement of the mechanisms to hold the cassette in place. Once the cartridge is in place and established in its A and B plane relationship, the head is moved to orient and penetrate the tape. All this is carried out in the same movement of the movable button 16 by means of joints as described in more detail below. In particular, the joints sorn shown in fig. 10 and 11 and fig. 3 and 9, taken together with the figures showing the handling and operation of the pusher 104 provide the details of the movement of the read-write head, as discussed below.

The read-write head assembly 170 is shown in FIG. 2. The read-write head unit 170 comprises a read-write head 172, which has a read part and a write part. In particular, the head comprises a magnetic part 172 with an erasing head part 174, a writing part 176 and a reading part 178. They are attached to a support plate 179. The respective reading, writing and erasing parts can be seen in the outline as shown in fig. 10 and 11. It will be. suffice it to say that the face of the read, write and erase head is the normal read, write and erase head shown in the ANSI specification as mentioned above sorne is used for most tapes.

The read-write head unit 170 with its support plate 179 is supported by two screws 180 and 182, which are connected to a block 184. The block 184 is in turn supported by screws 180' and 182, which extend through the support plate 179 down through the block which is connected by four equally spaced spring elements.

Two upper spring elements 186 and 188 are connected to a second block 190, which covers a spacer block 192 above a lower block 194. The above are held together by screws 196 or 198. The screws 196 and 198 extend through and to the lower block parts 192 and 194 to hold the whole unit together and at the same time hold two lower spring elements 202 and 204 which can be seen in fig.

15 or the unfolded image in fig. 2.

The springs 186, 188, 202 and 204 are not stiff when it comes to upward and downward flexibility, but have great resistance to twisting (azimuth), lateral displacement (head position) and inward displacement (head penetration). In other words, the spring elements will allow translational movement of the head over the surface of the band, but the significant stiffness resulting from the distance from the neutral axis of the spring elements will maintain an accurate azimuth ratio and an accurate head position.

All the above units are attached to a movable plate 210, which acts in such a way that it is moved back and forth by the joint system according to the invention. This achieves appropriate movement and regulation of the entire head unit .170 and step countercren 212 which moves the head up and down over the tape surface.

In fig. 15 it is seen that the stepper motor 212 has a nut 214 on the inside, which is attached to the motor and rotates to cause movement of a drive screw 216 up and down. By means of this movement, the head support plate 170 is lifted, because it is fixed to the block 174 by means of an extension 220 from the block 174. The extension 220 has a square or rectangular inner part 224, where the screw 216 passes and is fixed by means of a spring washer 226 which locks the screw 216 in place. When the extension moves up and down, it can thus move a plate, disc or another member attached to it, such as the plate 230, up and down. In this way, the extension 220 can move up and down and simultaneously move the block 174, to which the head unit 172 is attached, for up and down movement.

A unique feature of the present invention is that fact

that the stepper motor 212 actually turns the nut 214 instead of the screw 216. The screw 216 effectively remains static in its rotation mode and only moves longitudinally of its length

when the nut 214 rotates in the motor 212.

In order for the nut 214 to be able to turn down to a zero starting point, a rotationally fixed collar 234 with a stop 236 is used, which is moved with the screw 216 down to a repeatable zero point. As it moves down by rotation of the nut 214, it hits a stop 238. This is the zero starting point, so that the control table and the host unit can start from a zero marking point for movement of the head 172 over the palm to provide the various movement channels.

It should be noted that the tape grooves run serpentine backwards and forwards over the front of the head 172 when the head moves up or down in relation to the tape. As the tape moves backwards and forwards, the read-write orientation is such that a plurality of channels can be created across the palm, e.g. nine, fourteen or second-raised numbers, depending on the entire serpentine movement and the relationship to the head as it moves over the palm.

It should be noted that the springs 186, 188 and 202, 204 are specially dimensioned so that the screw 216 is moved up and down, the head 172 being held erect with respect to azimuth with the band. The arms 202 and 204 and 186, 188 in effect allow the controlled movement so that the azimuth orientation is not destroyed.

It should be explained that azimuth in the context of a computer tape drive refers to the angular orientation of the head from the tape. Azimuth is any deviation from a 90° or perpendicular line on the tape's direction of movement. In other words, it is a plane or a line that describes the orientation of the elements of the read-write head which is optimally 90° to the line of motion of the tape.

It is very important to maintain azimuth, because if the parts of the read-write head are tilted or angularly shifted with respect to the tape. It increases the total space required for writing on the tape. This causes the flux reversals to overlap if possible or not to peak at exactly the optimum point for maximum flux density. Flux density is of course not just a storage factor, but changes in the flux distances are important to enable correct reading, so that a flux reversal does not overlap or orient itself with respect to another, nearby flux reversal area. The angular orientation or azimuth of the read-see-write head in relation to the tape's direction of movement is thus very important. This orientation should be maintained as close to the normal (90°) as possible. It is this azimuth normality that should be maintained and is maintained by springs 186, 188 and 202, 204, which are of the same length.

Another condition which is of the greatest importance is whether the head is of such a nature that it leans inwards or outwards over the breath. In other words, the read-write portions of the head should actually make significant contact with the tape across its width. If this is not the case, one part of the band will get less contact, while another part will get more. This is called the zenith in the field and will henceforth be referred to as such. It is also important to maintain the zenith and it is developed and to some extent held in place by means of the orientation of the support plate 210, which has the function of adjusting not only the zenith, but also the azimuth.

We'll see. closer to the support plate 210 which is shown in fig. 10, see

vi that it is moved backward and forward and rests on a track 252, which is supported and oriented by means of guide screws or screw assemblies 254 and 256. The track 252 is threaded and screwed into a portion of the frame in the frame area 258. The frame area 258 receives the track and is correspondingly adjusted by means of the screws or screw units 254 and 256 which are screwed into the frame. This can be seen in detail in fig. 18.

Fig. 18 shows in particular the orientation of the slot 252, as it is screwed onto the frame for adjustable orientation by means of a screw unit 256, shown in fig. 18, which is the same as screw-254. This causes the track 252 to which it is connected to

using a threaded portion of the screw assembly 256 in the form of a

hexagon head screw 264, is moved in the threads 266 which are formed in a boss 267 of the slot 252. The hexagon head screw 264 raises or lowers the slot 252 towards the frame part 258 by allowing the screw 264 to rotate freely with the help of a disc 270.

To lock the screw 264 in the correct position after it has created the orientation of the slot 252 to the frame 258, a locking screw 274 with a head 276 locks the orientation of the lifting screw 264 in the set position. In order for the locking screw 274 to be held in place for locking the adjusting screw 264, the head 276 is of the type which engages a slotted, spring-loaded washer.

Said screws 264 and 274 in the screw adjustment units 254 and 256 thus allow the track 252 to be raised and moved down at the two respective points where the adjustment screws or screw units 254 and 256 are oriented.

The movable plate 210 rolls backwards and forwards on the track 252, as shown in fig. 10, 11 and 19. Fig. 19 shows two spring-biased clamps 280 and 282 with rollers 284 and 286 which are in contact with the plate 210. These rollers guide the movable plate 210 backwards and forwards on the track 252 in a non-inhibiting manner. But optional, other bearing members can be used between the plate 210 and the track 252.

The spring biased roller 286 is seen in fig. 19, where it is affected by a clamping spring part 290 which serves to keep it in a tight lateral position to the groove 252. The roller 286 works in conjunction with the roller 284 which is attached to the plate 216 in the upper part, so that both contribute to a tight grip of the groove 252. The rollers 284 and 286 can however roll freely, so that the plate 210 is moved on the track 252. The plate 210 is thus moved backwards and forwards in the direction of the arrow shown in fig. 19. This enables an orientation of the track 252 so that the plate 2.10 is moved over it in a manner prescribed by the orientation of the track 252.

When the track 252 is moved up and down, the plate 210 is accordingly moved accordingly. Insofar as the disk 210 is connected to the block 190 which supports the read-write head 172 via the arms 186 and 188 and the arms 202 and 204, any movement or adjustment of the track 252 will be transmitted to the head.

Movement of the head in relation to azimuth and zenith is achieved by a rivet or pin 294 holding the plate 210 close to the frame area 298. However, the contact is such that the plate 210 can freely rotate around the pin 294. The frame area 298 repels the plate 210 in its movement at the pin in a very dense design. The pin 294 may be a pin attached to the plate with constant bias against it to pull the plate 210 down into the frame area 298. This may be accomplished with a coil spring or thrust washer on the back of the pin 294 so that the head of the pin 294 is held tight against the plate 210, which is held in a tightly hinged relationship to the frame area 298. This creates the fulcrum around the pin 294.

It will be apparent from the above discussion that the disk 210 has a fixed orientation with respect to its area which is attached with the pin 294. If the read-write head unit 170 is to be tilted relative to its orientation with the tape adjustment screw unit 256, it would adjust the azimuth of the orientation. It is this way because it would tilt the head at an angle in relation to the direction of movement of the tape over the surface which would correct for azimuth. This can be seen in fig. 10, where the head 172 is in contact with the tape. If the head was tilted between points created by the pin 294 and the screw assembly 256 it would correct for azimuth.

Zenith can be corrected by the screw unit 254 moving the head so that it is tilted inwards or outwards over the band surface.

As will be understood, correct orientation of the band with regard to azimuth and zenith is ensured by means of the two respective screw adjustment units 254 and 256 which serve to record the head unit 170's zenith and zenith respectively. azimuth. According to the above, provision is made for adjusting the head 172 with a known band or other device when it is placed there in the correct A and B plane during production. If there is an error in the alignment of the head with respect to the A and B planes of the tape cassette when the tape is placed, it can be corrected. This is very important, as flux densities and overlap are a constant problem in connection with magnetic media and accurate alignment must be maintained for reliable data exchange from one operation to another.

When the head assembly 170 is correctly oriented with respect to the belt, the entire belt can run freely past the head with respect to a particular track on which it operates. This is due to the fact that the arms 186, 188 and 202, 204 hold the head in such a way that constant azimuth and zenith are maintained, regardless of the head's upward and downward movement on the spring arms.

When the cassette is moved into the frame opening 14, as shown in fig. 2, it slides over a ledge 26 and the shelf 30 and engages an upwardly biasing spring 300. The upwardly biasing spring 300 tends to lift the rear of the cartridge to a position where it slides on the flat area of the block 82, ie. the flat area 302. The cassette is then biased upwards, so that its plate 34 is received against the inner surface of the landing 154 in the undercut 156. This is achieved with the help of the spring-loaded ball 150 which pushes the plate 34 into place against the landing. Thus, point 50 of the B-plane and point 48, as shown in fig. 4(a) properly created. The B-plane points (48 and 50) of the cassette are adjusted upwards against the block's B-plane datum to create the correct orientation in the end result.

As previously mentioned, the damper ejector arm 52 acts as a shock absorber upon insertion of the cartridge 20, as it is moved within. The arm 52 can be seen in a retracted position in fig. 9, where the cassette 20 is inserted and in a position where it is about to be withdrawn or in some cases moved outwards, in fig. 3.

If we look more closely at the damper and ejector arm 52 in fig. 16, it appears that it comprises a hanging pin 308, which engages with the edge of the cassette 20 as it is inserted. The arm 52 and the pin 308 are driven back and forth by a spring 312. As shown, the spring 312 encloses a flange 314 of the arm 52. The details mentioned here are all shown in FIG. 16, where the spring 312 is seen with one end in engagement with a fastening pin 318 in one case and in the other case is shown in engagement with a part 322 of the side wall 320 of the frame. The side wall part 322 has the function of holding the end of the spring 312 at point 324 , while the other portion 326 of the spring 312 engages the hanging safety pin 318. In this way, the spring 312 is biased in a direction to push the arm outward and eject the cartridge 20 when it is released over the landing 24, while at the same time damping which is mentioned is exercised.

As shown in fig. 16, the damping is effected by the outer flange 314 which has a channel or groove 330 arranged between the outer wall 314 and an inner wall 332 surrounding the inner portion of the arm 52. The channel 330 receives a disc 334, which has a hanging peripheral portion 336 which rests in the channel 330 which is created between the walls 314 and 332. The entire arm 52 with the disk 334 is fixed by means of a screw 340 which is screwed down into the frame area 342. as shown in fig. 2.

Within the area where the ends of the perimeter walls 336 and 332

have their interfaces, high-viscosity silicone lubrication 346 and 348 is available. The lubrication must bind together and at the same time provide sufficient lubrication, so that the spring 312 does not radically break the arm 52 in its movement back and forth.

As shown in fig. 2, the side wall 320 of the frame is attached by at

it is screwed into the frame in the screw hole 360, which receives a screw passing through the screw hole 362 in the frame part 320, which is provided with a hook 364 for engagement with another hook 366 on the front panel.

The second part of the wall 320 is fixed by means of a screw, which passes down through an opening 368 and into a threaded hole 370

in the frame.

For operation of the capstan 64 in the cassette 20, a drive wheel unit 380 is used. This is shown in fig. 17. The drive wheel assembly 380 includes a pulley 382 driven by a belt 384. The belt 384 turns the pulley 382 to operate an elastomer drive wheel 386 connected thereto. The drive wheel 386 engages with the capstan 64 to turn the respective coils 56 and 58.

The drive wheel 386 is supported on a shaft in 392 or a spindle mounted in a bracket 388 with a through opening, as shown in fig. 2. The bracket 388 has an opening 390 which accommodates the support shaft 392 or the spindle which ends with a screw fitting in the form of a screw 394 for engagement in an opening in the lower part 396

of the bracket 388. The spindle 392 is connected to the drive wheel 386 and kept at a distance from this by means of a bushing or bearing surface 400, so that it can rest flush with and on an upper arm 402 of the bracket 388, while the spindle is supported.

The entire bracket 388 rotates inward and outward on two articulated arms

406 and 408. The link arms 406 and 408 receive a coil spring 410 between them for biasing the spindle 392 of the bracket 388 for movement backwards and forwards towards a surface 416 of the opening 417 on the plate 210 in fig. 10 and 11. The face 416 provides driving motion against the spring-biased bracket 388 and the spindle 392 as they move backward and forward toward the face 416. When the head assembly 170 is in a retracted state, the spindle 392 is moved into a circular opening 420 in the face 416. It is held there until disk 210 is moved forward to engage the tape's read-write head. The spindle 392 is then moved over the surface 416 and remains there, until it is biased back by the pressure from the side of the cassette capstan 64 which acts against the pressure of the spring 410, so that the drive roller 386 is brought close to the capstan; 64 in a manner shown in fig. 10. As shown in fig. 10, the drive wheel assembly 380 has the drive wheel 386 in the position<1> that the cassette 20 has pressed it in an inner orientation near the rear opening 417 with the surface 416.

In order for the arms 406 and 408 to be secured in engagement with the frame, a pin 430 extends through the arms 406 and 408 and into the frame portion 432 and an upper frame portion 434 which forms a portion of the block 436 as shown in fig. 2.

The drive wheel unit 380 is thus retained in its entirety, its arms 406 and 408 coupling the entire unit 380 backward and forward with the spring bias created by the spring 410 to force the drive roller 386 into engagement with the capstan 64, as indicated above.

The drive belt 384 which turns the drive roller unit 388 is driven by a belt pulley or the like. 460, which is connected to a motor 462, which is seen in fig. 2 and has the function of driving the disk 460. The motor 462 is controlled by the control panel and the host circuit with suitable movements, depending on the read-write functions and erase functions that are applied to the read-write head 172. Rotational movement of the capstan 64 provided by the drive wheel 386 becomes thus created by the belt 384 which rotates driven by the pulley 460 which is connected to the motor 4 6 2.

When the disk 210 is moved to its operative read-write function

and the read-write head 172 penetrates the tape, it has a certain amount of torque that must be damped. This happens by means of a plurality of leaf springs 466 which are connected with a screw 467. The screw 467 connects the springs 466 at one end so that they can bend at the other. The leaf springs 466 cause the plate 210 with the protrusion 468 to engage with the springs in such a way that there is contact and simultaneous damping, when the plate is driven against the springs 466. The protrusion 468 thus makes contact with the springs 466 and is damped so that the read-write head must not be subjected to too strong impact.

The springs 466 form a positive stop which must have the correct orientation towards the projection, so that the read-write head 172 does not make stronger or weaker contact with the tape than desired. If this is not achieved, it will causes unwanted wear on the magnetic network medium. Adjustment of the leaf spring stopper assembly comprising the leaf springs 466 is achieved by means of a support bracket 470 for the springs which can be moved by loosening two screws 472 and 474. The bracket 470 rotates around the screw 474, while the screw 472 causes adjustment via a spring hinge 473. The result is that the springs can be moved closer or further from the projection 468 by being bent inwards or outwards by the pin 476 from the connection point at the screw 467. A pin 476 or a Impacts projecting from the bracket 470 can thus move the leaf springs 466 into closer or looser contact with the projection 468.

Thus, the blow from the protrusion 468 of the plate 210 is dampened by the springs 466 being adjustably moved by the pin 476 pulling ol aar. the springs 4t>t> tiiDaxe ener soup aem somewhat rrem vea riirreK-king or loosening of the respective screws 472 and 474. In this way, the general adjustment of the spring engaging means comprising the leaf springs 466, which causes damping of the plate 210 as it moves to engagement with the springs.

The laterally moved plate 210 is operated for inward and outward movement by the mechanism in a manner which will be further discussed below. It will be seen that it is moved with a view to the movable button 16 which is pushed backwards and forwards over the front of the cassette frame.

To remove the tape cassette from the frame, move the movable button 16 to the left to the position that can be seen in fig.

12 and 13. As the movable button 16 is connected to the displacement arm block 104, it moves the associated parts simultaneously. It will be seen that the displacement arm block 104

is mounted on the rod 130, 132 for displacement backwards and forwards on it.

A metal arm 484 is attached to the block 104. This metal arm

484 is attached to the block 104 by means of screws, rivets or other suitable fastening means. It comprises an upright plate 486 which is connected to the block 104 and in which it is displaced when the movable button is displaced to the left or right. To remove the cassette in this particular case, the button is shifted to the left. This causes the arm 484 to lift the cartridge and make it possible to remove it as discussed below.

As will be seen, the arm 484 ends in a stepped state at the end 490 and has a nada drag surface 492 which acts as a cam follower. The cam follower 492 will, as shown in fig. 13, lifting a block 496 having a cam surface 498.

This appears in more detail in fig. 8, where the block 496 and the cam surface 498 thereon are shown and operatively moved towards the cam surface 492. On a closer look at fig. 2, it can be seen that block 496

with its cam surface 498 hangs on a spring arm 500 by means of a connection point 502 which attaches the spring arm 500 to the frame.

The spring arm 500 can tilt up and down in such a way that this, as shown in fig. 13, allows the block 496 to be lifted up past the frame base formed by the shelf 26. Thus, the cassette 20 is lifted above the shelf 26 and past the lip 24, so that it can be moved over them. Movement takes place when the block 496 is lifted towards the bottom of the cartridge and the spring bias of the ejector arm 52 helps to gently drive the cartridge 20 from the opening 14 outwards.

The above thus ensures the removal of the cassette 20 and with the joint attached to the plate 210, the movement of the button 16 will also cause the read-write head unit 170 to be pushed backwards and out of engagement with the tape. It should also be noted that the cassette's door 70 is spring biased and thus closes after the cassette is freed from the round, curved surface 80 which previously affected the door.

It should be noted that the ANSI standard for bands includes a small coil spring in the pivot point 76 of the door 70, which ensures that the door closes in such a way that it rests over the band.

If we look more closely at the mechanisms shown in fig. 10 and 11, it can be seen that the movable button 16 is connected to the block 104 for movement and displacement of the support rods 130 and 132. When the button is displaced from left to right in fig. 11 and 10, this causes the magnetic head unit 170 to engage the tape as indicated above. This is achieved by means of the displacement arm 484 which is connected to the frame by means of a pin, rivet or bolt 600, as shown in fig. 10. The pin, rivet, or bolt 600 allows displacement of the arm 484 backward and forward in a slot 602.

As will be seen from the movement of the displacement arm 484, the movement to the right is controlled and provided by movement of the pin 600 which locks the slot 602 laterally against backward and forward movement and movement of the displacement arm block 104 backward and forward on the rods 130 and 132. further controlling the movement, the extension 105 of the block 104 which is attached to the button 16 will move backwards and forwards within an opening 17 in the front panel 19.

When the sliding arm 484 is moved to the right, it carries with it a pin 620 which is attached to the arm, see fig. 10. The pin 620 is connected to a main pivot arm 622. The pin 620 sits in an opening 624 in the push arm 484 and is held there so that it becomes possible to move the main pivot arm 622 which is connected to it.

A larger head or washer can be provided on the pin 620 by means of a lock nut or washer, so that a D-shaped opening 626 is covered. The D-shaped opening is shown in fig. 10 and 2. Above the D-shaped opening is seen a larger disc 628, which allows the pin 620 to move freely around the inner circumference of the D-shaped opening, while preventing the pin from sliding out by the disc 628 being retained . Instead of the washer 628, the pin 620 may simply have an enlarged head so that the D-shaped opening 626 is prevented from moving outward and remains engaged with the pin 620.

Movement to the right as shown in fig. 10, causes the D-shaped surface to move the main pivot arm 622, so that it swings to the right in fig. 10 in the direction of arrow E, which indicates engagement.

When the slide arm 484 is moved to the left in the direction of arrow D, which indicates a lack of engagement, this causes the pin 620 to engage with the D-shaped opening and move the main pivot arm 622.

As previously mentioned, the plate 210 is moved around its connection and pivot point 294. This pivot connection point 294 allows the arm 622 to pivot inward and outward.

The main pivot arm 622 has a pivot point in the form of a pin, rivet or pivot joint 630. The pivot joint 630 allows the main pivot arm 622 to move backward and forward, driven by the pusher arm 484. As it is moved backward and forward, a pin 634 having an undercut engages with a slot 636 in the arm 210 cause the arm to be moved backwards and forwards in a band-engaged relationship and a relationship without band engagement in the direction of the arrow E respectively. D.

The pin 634 does not move into an opening 640, which is only used for positioning the pin 634 during assembly, so that it sits in a keyhole slot 642 provided in the plate 210.

As will be seen in the figures, the D-shaped opening in the main pivot arm 622 is important in that there must be some clearance as the main pivot arm 622 rotates around the pivot point 630 and at the same time causes the pin 634 attached to the main pivot arm to move backward and forward in the keyhole slot 642. It has thus been found that the D-shaped opening 626 in its respective shape causes the clearance in the opening to allow the pin 620 to move relatively freely there, which is of importance.

An Omega or upper center spring 650, which is attached to two respective pins 652 and 654, provides for biasing the plate 210 when this plate is driven by the main lever arm 622 to the respective positions shown in fig. 10 and 11. The omega spring 650 is attached to the plate 210 with the pin 654 and to the frame with the pin 652. When the plate 216 with the pin 654 is driven to the engaged position in the direction of the arrow E, as shown in fig. 10, the omega spring is oriented so that it biases the pin 654 attached to the plate 210 in the direction of an internal engagement.

When the disk 210 is moved by the movable button 16 in the opposite direction, i.e. in the direction of the arrow D and the magnetic read-write head unit is brought out of engagement, the omega spring 650, due to its orientation and location, will for curved expansion against the axes of the pins 652 and 654 bias the plate 210 in the non-engaging position, as shown in fig. 11. The omega spring 650 thus has the function of biasing the plate 210 both in the engaged and in the non-engaged position, as shown in fig. 10 respectively 11.

For electromechanical monitoring of the movement of the belt and its position, the following switches and monitors are provided.

On a closer look at fig. 2, it will be seen that limit switches 690 and 692 are arranged, which have limit switch arms 694 and 696. The former switch is arranged to determine whether the cartridge is in a write-safe mode.or a non-write-safe mode by means of a special plug in the cartridge which can be rotated as with all ANSI cartridges to indicate whether the material in the tape is secured against being "written up". One of the switches can be used to initiate the function of the control element or other system elements.

The second determines whether a cartridge is in place and whether the head is in place.

For determining features such as the beginning of the tape and its end, most ANSI tapes incorporate a series of holes that indicate the end of the tape and its beginning. These holes are read by photo-optical sensors in block 434. In particular, photo-optical sensors 700 and 702 receive light that is reflected at a 45° angle, as can be seen in fig. 14. The light is emitted from a light-emitting diode 708, down towards a mirror 710 in the cassette 20. The mirror 710

in the cassette ensures that the light is reflected through the tape when there are holes passing through. This indicates the positions for the end or beginning of the tape. The light from the light emitting diode 708 is detected by the optical sensors 700 and 702 to provide information to the control panel about the beginning of the band and the end of the band functions.

Adjusting the light-emitting diodes in relation to the tape is a very important function. If they are not correctly created on the ribbon's orientation on the A and B planes, the reflection from the mirror 710 will not be registered by the light sensors 700 and 702. To adjust the position of the light emitting diode 708, the diode is moved inward and outward and then fixed on place at e.g. a cloth tape on the plate 720 which is fixed. Alternatively, the plate 720 can be moved inward or outwards and adjusted by means of three screws 722, 724 and 726. In this way, inward and outward adjustment of the light-emitting diode 708 is achieved for respective readings in the different angles at the light sensors 700 and 702.-

The terminals of the light emitting diodes can be like the terminals 730, which excite the diodes 708 on the plate 720. These terminals and their respective light emitting diodes are shown in fig. 14 and is moved backwards and forwards on plate 720.

The above generally encompasses the entire cassette drive system of this system with numerous new components, systems and features that enhance the operation of the cassette tape drive. The present invention will significantly increase the utilization of cassettes in the 10.16 cm dimension as opposed to the 15.24 cm dimension which is used according to known technology. This is generally based on the fact that the orientation is specifically new and useful for maintaining the various functions of tape cassette drives. The scope of the invention should be read in the broadest sense of the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. Streaming tape drive device, which comprises a frame part in connection with a control device for operating a magnetic tape cassette, which is placed in said frame part, with a capstan which is driven by the tape drive device and where the main planar dimensions of the tape cassette comprise a length which is longer than the width, with a door for access to the tape along the longer dimension and a plate forming a main surface of the cassette and establishing a planar relationship of the tape cassette, characterized by a read-write head; a support member connected to the read-write head and mounted on the frame; means for bringing the support means to move the read-write head into engagement with the cassette tape; means for causing the cassette door to be moved to an open position upon insertion of the tape cassette; and means for holding the tape cassette in place in the tape drive frame portion after insertion. 2. Treadmill drive device as stated in claim 1, characterized by a damping arm in said frame part, adapted for damping the movement of the tape cassette as it is introduced in one direction, while causing the tape cassette to be ejected under spring bias by said ejector arm, when the cassette is released from said means for holding the tape cartridge in place in the tape drive. 3. Treadmill drive device as set forth in claim 2, characterized by a roller connected to the means for repelling the read-write head for movement in engagement with the capstan of a tape cartridge and means for causing the roller to move, in the form of a drive motor which is controlled by the control device which causes the tape drive device to operate. 4. Treadmill drive device as set forth in claim 1, characterized by a panel in the frame part with a through opening through which the cassette passes with a conducting member to conduct electrostatic discharges from the panel upon contact with electrostatic discharges, and a shielding member to protect the electronics of the drive device against electrostatic interference caused by said electrostatic discharges. 5. Treadmill drive device as stated in claim 1, characterized in that the means for opening the door of the tape cassette comprise a contact surface on the door of the tape cassette; a cam follower surface in the frame portion, which makes contact with said contact surface on the door, so that the cam follower surface, when the contact surface is driven against this surface when inserting the cassette, will cause the door to be driven to an open condition to allow read-write head to engage with the tape cassette. 6. Treadmill drive device as stated in claim 1, characterized in that the means for supporting the read-write head comprise a support plate; and a plurality of equidistant arms projecting from the read-write head and connected to the support plate. 7. Treadmill drive device as stated in claim 1, characterized in that the means for supporting the read-write head comprise a plate and track means which support the plate and on which the plate is moved to cause the read-write head to move in and out of engagement with the tape. 8. Treadmill drive device as stated in claim 7, characterized in that the plate for the read-write head is rotatably stored in a fixed pivot point and that the track, on which the plate is moved, can be moved to change the azimuth of the read-write head in relation to the tape which is engaged in the cassette. 9. Conveyor belt drive device as specified in claim 7, characterized in that the tracks for supporting the plate can be moved to change the zenith of the read-write head in relation to the tape. 10. Treadmill drive device as specified in claim 7, characterized in that the slot for supporting the plate has an adjustment device in the form of adjustment screws at a distance from each other and connected to the slot, where a screw can be used to adjust the azimuth of the read-write head and the others can be used for read-write head zenith adjustment. 11. Treadmill drive device as stated in claim 10, characterized in that the means for holding the belt cassette in place comprise a ledge at the opening in the frame which secures the cassette by the damper ejector arm pushing the cassette against the ledge in the opening in the front plate; and lifting means for lifting the cassette over the landing, which lifting means are operated by said lifting arms. 12. Conveyor belt cassette drive device having a frame portion for use in connection with a bagnet belt cassette, having a major dimension longer than the other and a plate surface in connection therewith which establishes a planar relationship with respect to the belt in the cassette relative to the frame portion , characterized in that it comprises a read-write head; means for supporting the read-write head, which is connected at a point to a portion of the frame for rotational movement of the frame within a substantially predetermined planar relationship; grooves for repelling the support members for the read-write head support and members for orientation of said tracks for repelling the read-write head support in such a way that its plane is changed. 13. Treadmill cassette drive device as specified in claim 12, characterized in that the means for orientation of the track comprise screws for orientation of the track in relation to the azimuth and zenith of said read-write head. 14. Treadmill cassette drive device as stated in claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of connecting means of equal length which are connected to the means for repelling the read-write head and a stepper motor which is connected to the read-write head to move it over the tape surface, while the same length is maintained by the aforementioned supports of equal length, so that azimuth and zenith are maintained for the read-write head. 15. Treadmill cassette drive device comprising a frame, characterized in that the frame comprises an inner area for accommodating a tape cassette having two lateral orientation points for creating an A-plane in the longitudinal direction of the tape cassette from an entry point for the tape drive device and means for creating three points on the frame for a tape cartridge base, creating a B plane on which the tape cartridge rests. 16. Frame as stated in claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises lever arms to secure the cassette in the frame, which lever arms comprise at least one spring for pre-tensioned roller, sorn is attached to them and moved into engagement with a portion of the tape cassette and a second roller to engage with a portion of the tape cassette to secure the cassette in the A-plane. 17. Frame as stated in claim 16, characterized in that it comprises means on the frame for connection with the movable lever and is connected to a read-write head for movement of the read-write head to engage with the tape cassette inserted in the frame and means for support the read-write head, which can be moved relative to azimuth and zenith when the tape is created in the A and B planes. 18. Frame as stated in claim 17, characterized in that it comprises organs on the frame for moving the door of the tape cassette to the open position by cam following, with a curved surface which partially affects said door. 19. Frame as stated in claim 18, characterized in that the frame comprises a track which is movable at least in two points in a distal relation to each other and which supports the organs for supporting the read-write head and that the read-write head is rotatably connected to the lift arm means for rotary movement while being held in the rotary connection in a substantially level plane. 20. Frame as stated in claim 19, characterized in that it comprises a damper and ejector arm which is attached to the frame with its spring biased to dampen the cassette when it is inserted into the frame and biased in a direction to move the cassette in a controlled way out of the frame. 21. Treadmill drive device, characterized in that it comprises a frame with a front plate; an opening in the front plate of the frame for receiving a cassette along a narrow main dimension of the cassette; a lever on the front part of the front plate for manual operation; a pivot arm attached to the lever arm and connected to the frame at the other end on the inside of the frame; a read-write head; means for supporting the read-write head; connecting means between the pivot arm and the means for repelling the read-write head so that the lever arm, when moved, will move the means for repelling the read-write head; slots for supporting the read-write head support members, connected to the frame by at least two adjustable screws spaced so as to move the slot at two separate points to change the azimuth and zenith of the read-write head when supported on the read-write head support ; a damper arm connected to the inside of the frame and spring-biased to dampen a cartridge being fed against it and to cause, upon release of a cartridge, the cartridge to be ejected at a controlled rate by the spring bias of the damper arm; a plurality of members which are connected together at an equal distance from each other and are attached to the read-write head and connect this to said members to support the read-write head; a stepper motor; a nut which is connected to the stepper motor and moves with the stepper motor; a screw that is screwed into the nut at one end and is connected to the read-write head at another part, so that the screw, when the stepper motor rotates the rotatable nut, moves up and down and moves the read-write head relative to the ribbon; means on the frame in the form of a cam surface for operating the door of a cassette inserted in the frame so as to cause the cassette door to open; and means connected to the lever arm for locking the cassette in an A and B plane in the frame.