Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval – Miscellaneous
Patent
1990-04-13
1991-10-15
Tupper, Robert S.
Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval
Miscellaneous
G11B 1518
Patent
active
050579614
ABSTRACT:
A test cassette for enabling VCR users to easily determine whether the tape drive system within a conventional video cassette recorder ("VCR") is safe to use or in need of service. The test cassette preferably has the size and shape of a conventional tape cassette, and is used by inserting it into a VCR like a regular tape cassette. When the VCR is placed in tape unloading mode, the test cassette imparts a predetermined resistance to the rotation of the supply reel drive member. From the rate of rotation, a determination can be made, either manually by the person using the test cassette or automatically by the test cassette, as to whether the tape drive system of the VCR is functioning acceptably or is in need or repair. In one version of the test cassette, a repetitive audio signal is provided to the person, with the rate and/or number of repetitions of the audio signal being correlatable with the condition of the tape drive. In another embodiment, internal circuitry within the test cassette determines automatically from information about the rotation of the supply reel during the tape unloading mode the relative condition of the tape drive. Different mechanical arrangements for providing a predetermined amount of torsional resistance to rotation of the supply reel are disclosed. In still another embodiment, an improved VCR which includes a tape drive test system is disclosed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4345540 (1982-08-01), Karmin
patent: 4646188 (1987-02-01), Kato et al.
patent: 4771353 (1988-09-01), Yamaguchi et al.
patent: 4803583 (1989-02-01), Bogdanski
patent: 4863115 (1989-09-01), Graham
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