US3575658A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for measuring incremental speed of tape transport
Assignee: Unisys Corp
•
Filing: 1969-09-17
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Granted: 1971-04-20
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Expires: 1989-09-17
Abstract
Abstract A method for measuring the incremental speed of tape transport is disclosed. A first series of marks are prerecorded along the length of the tape at predetermined increments of space before measuring the speed. Then a second series of marks are recorded along the length of the tape at predetermined increments of time during tape transport. The spatial relationship along the length of tape between the two series of marks is a measure of the speed of tape transport. In one form of the method the first series of marks are recorded along the length of the tape in different channels, with the marks of the channels being staggered relative to each other. The series of prerecorded marks may be repeated along the length of the tape separated by gaps in which no marks appear. In such case, a new test run can be carried out for each series responsive to the sensing of the gaps.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael I Behr
- 👤 Lewis B Coon Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 21:00
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P3/00; G01P3/64; G01P3/66
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
186 words
A method for measuring tape speed durIng transport by tape handling equipment of the type having means for recording and reading marks on the tape in a plurality of channels along the length of the tape, the method comprising the steps of: recording a first series of marks in one channel of the tape at predetermined increments of space along its length during transport of the tape; recording next to the first series of marks a second series of marks in another channel of the tape at predetermined increments of time during transport by the tape handling equipment under test; reading the first series of marks and the second series of marks on the tape together during transport of the tape; producing responsive to the reading of the first and second series of marks a series of character signals that depend upon the adjacent presence and absence of marks in the plurality of channels at spaced points along the length of the tape, there being a unique character signal for each combination of presence and absence of marks in the channels; and storing the character signals.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
186 words
A method for measuring tape speed durIng transport by tape handling equipment of the type having means for recording and reading marks on the tape in a plurality of channels along the length of the tape, the method comprising the steps of: recording a first series of marks in one channel of the tape at predetermined increments of space along its length during transport of the tape; recording next to the first series of marks a second series of marks in another channel of the tape at predetermined increments of time during transport by the tape handling equipment under test; reading the first series of marks and the second series of marks on the tape together during transport of the tape; producing responsive to the reading of the first and second series of marks a series of character signals that depend upon the adjacent presence and absence of marks in the plurality of channels at spaced points along the length of the tape, there being a unique character signal for each combination of presence and absence of marks in the channels; and storing the character signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method claim 1, in which the marks of the first series are placed on the tape at equidistantly spaced increments and the marks of the second series are placed on the tape at equal increments of time such that a plurality of marks of the first series occur between successive marks of the second series during tape transport at a selected nominal speed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 2, in which 100 marks of the first series occur between successive marks of the second series during tape transport at the selected nominal speed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 1, in which the marks of the first series are placed on the tape at equidistantly spaced increments under control of clock pulses separated by constant time increments while the tape is being transported at a constant speed and the marks of the second series are placed on the tape under control of clock pulses separated by the same time increments.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 4, in which the marks of the first series are placed on the tape responsive to the occurrence of every clock pulse and the marks of the second series are thereafter placed on the tape responsive to the occurrence of every 100 first clock pulse.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
111 words
The method of claim 1, in which the step of recording a first series of marks repeats the first series of marks on the tape at intervals along its length, the repetitions being separated by starting marks on the tape that are distinguishable from the other marks on the tape, and the step of recording a second series of marks places the second series of marks on the tape during repetitive test runs by the tape handling equipment each initiated in response to one of the starting marks, the tape accelerating during each test run from standstill at a predetermined point relative to the starting mark up to nominal operating speed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 6, in which the relationship between each first series and the corresponding second series is sensed before the following test run for the next repetition of the first series.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 6, in which the relationship between the repetitions of the first series and the corresponding second series are sensed after the test runs for a plurality of repetitions of the first series.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 6, in which the tape remains at standstill a predetermined time before acceleration pursuant to a test run.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 9, in which the predetermined time is varied from test run to test run.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
112 words
The method of claim 1, in which the tape is divided into areas arranged in rows transverse to the length of the tape and columns parallel to the length of the tape, each row designating a binary number the value of which is dependent upon the presence or absence of a mark in the areas of the row and each column designating a denominational order of the binary numbers, the first series of marks is placed in one column and the second series of marks is placed in anOther column, and the spatial relationship between the first and second series of marks is sensed by decoding the binary numbers in the rows.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, in which the first series of marks on the tape is arranged in a plurality of staggered columns along the length of the tape.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1, in which the first series of marks on the tape is arranged in a plurality of columns parallel to the length of the tape, corresponding marks of the columns being equidistantly spaced from each other along the length of the tape.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
291 words
The method of claim 1, in which the tape is divided into areas arranged in rows transverse to the length of the tape and columns parallel to the length of the tape, each row designating a binary number the value of which is dependent upon the presence or absence of a mark in the areas of the row and each column designating a denominational order of the binary numbers; the first series is repeated along the length of the tape; the marks of the first series are placed in a plurality of columns and staggered with respect to each other; the marks of the second series are placed in another column; the marks of the first series are placed on the tape at equidistantly spaced increments under control of clock pulses separated by constant time increments while the tape is being transported at a constant speed; the repetitions of the first series of marks are separated by starting marks on the tape; the marks of the second series are placed on the tape during repetitive test runs by the tape handling equipment under test each initiated in response to one of the starting marks, the tape accelerating during each test run from standstill at a predetermined location relative to the discernible indication up to normal operating speed; the marks of the second series are placed on the tape during each test run responsive to the occurrence of every 100 first clock pulse; the tape remains at standstill for a predetermined time before acceleration pursuant to a test run, the predetermined time being varied from test run to test run; and the spatial relationship between the first and second series of marks is sensed by decoding the binary numbers in the rows.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 1, comprising the additional step of recording a third series of marks in a third channel of the tape at predetermined increments of space along the length of tape during transport of the tape prior to recording the second series of marks, the marks of the third series being recorded next to and staggered with respect to the marks of the first series.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 6, in which the second series of marks is started a predetermined time after acceleration pursuant to a test run.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 16, in which the predetermined time is varied from run to test run.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1, in which the first series of marks are placed in the one channel of the tape with the recording and reading equipment of the tape handling means under test at predetermined increments of time during transport by the tape handling equipment under test at nominal operating speed.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 18, in which the first and second series of marks on the tape are read together with the recording and reading means of the tape handling equipment under test.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
163 words
A method for measuring the transport speed characteristics of tape handling equipment with an ON-OFF control that drives the tape at a continuously accelerating speed up to a constant normal operating speed after the equipment is turned ON, the method comprising the steps of: loading into the equipment a tape having a first series of prerecorded marks located at predetermined increments of space along its length up to its normal operating speed; turning the equipment ON and recording a second series of marks along the length of tape adjacent to the prerecorded marks at predetermined increments of time from the instant of timE the equipment is turned ON until the time the equipment is driving the tape at the normal operating speed; reading the first and second series of marks on the tape concurrently during transport of the tape by tape handling equipment; and counting the number of marks of one series occurring on the tape between adjacent marks of the other series.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
163 words
A method for measuring the transport speed characteristics of tape handling equipment with an ON-OFF control that drives the tape at a continuously accelerating speed up to a constant normal operating speed after the equipment is turned ON, the method comprising the steps of: loading into the equipment a tape having a first series of prerecorded marks located at predetermined increments of space along its length up to its normal operating speed; turning the equipment ON and recording a second series of marks along the length of tape adjacent to the prerecorded marks at predetermined increments of time from the instant of timE the equipment is turned ON until the time the equipment is driving the tape at the normal operating speed; reading the first and second series of marks on the tape concurrently during transport of the tape by tape handling equipment; and counting the number of marks of one series occurring on the tape between adjacent marks of the other series.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 20, in which the prerecorded marks are located at equal increments of space along the length of tape and the marks recorded during tape transport are recorded at equal increments of time.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 20, in which the tape is maintained at standstill for a predetermined time before transporting the tape.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 22, in which the predetermined time is varied during measurement.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
238 words
A method for measuring the speed of magnetic tape during transport by tape handling equipment of the type having means for recording and reading magnetic marks on the tape in a plurality of channels along the length of the tape and decoding means responsive to the recording and reading means for generating character signals depending upon the adjacent presence and absence of magnetic marks in the plurality of channels at different points along the length of the tape, the decoding means generating a different character signal for each combination of presence and absence of marks in the channels, the method comprising the steps of: placing a first series of marks in one channel of the tape with recording and reading means of tape handling equipment at predetermined increments of space along its length during transport; placing next to the first series of marks a second series of marks in another channel of the tape with the recording and reading means of the tape handling equipment under test at predetermined increments of time during transport by the tape handling equipment under test; reading the first series of marks and the second series of marks on the tape together with recording and reading means of tape handling equipment during transport; decoding with the decoding means the first series of marks and the second series of marks read from the tape; and storing the character signals generated by the decoding means.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
238 words
A method for measuring the speed of magnetic tape during transport by tape handling equipment of the type having means for recording and reading magnetic marks on the tape in a plurality of channels along the length of the tape and decoding means responsive to the recording and reading means for generating character signals depending upon the adjacent presence and absence of magnetic marks in the plurality of channels at different points along the length of the tape, the decoding means generating a different character signal for each combination of presence and absence of marks in the channels, the method comprising the steps of: placing a first series of marks in one channel of the tape with recording and reading means of tape handling equipment at predetermined increments of space along its length during transport; placing next to the first series of marks a second series of marks in another channel of the tape with the recording and reading means of the tape handling equipment under test at predetermined increments of time during transport by the tape handling equipment under test; reading the first series of marks and the second series of marks on the tape together with recording and reading means of tape handling equipment during transport; decoding with the decoding means the first series of marks and the second series of marks read from the tape; and storing the character signals generated by the decoding means.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
244 words
A method for measuring the speed of magnetic tape during transport by tape handling equipment having means for recording and reading magnetic marks on the tape in a plurality of channels along the length of the tape and decoding means responsive to the recording and reading means for generating character signals depending upon the adjacent presence and absence of magnetic marks in the plurality of channels at different points along the length of the tape, the decoding means generating a different character signal for each combination of presence and absence of marks in the channels, the method comprising the steps of: placing a first series of marks in one channel of the tape with the recording and reading means of predetermined increments of space along its length during transport by the tape handling equipment under test at nominal operating speed; placing next to the first series of marks a second series of marks in another channel of the tape with the recording and reading means at predetermined increments of time during transport by the tape handling equipment under test; sensing the spatial relationship between the first series of marks and the second series of marks on the tape together with the recording and reading means during transport by the tape handling equipment under test; decoding with the decoding means the first series of marks and the second series of marks read from the tape; and storing the character signals generated by the decoding means.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
244 words
A method for measuring the speed of magnetic tape during transport by tape handling equipment having means for recording and reading magnetic marks on the tape in a plurality of channels along the length of the tape and decoding means responsive to the recording and reading means for generating character signals depending upon the adjacent presence and absence of magnetic marks in the plurality of channels at different points along the length of the tape, the decoding means generating a different character signal for each combination of presence and absence of marks in the channels, the method comprising the steps of: placing a first series of marks in one channel of the tape with the recording and reading means of predetermined increments of space along its length during transport by the tape handling equipment under test at nominal operating speed; placing next to the first series of marks a second series of marks in another channel of the tape with the recording and reading means at predetermined increments of time during transport by the tape handling equipment under test; sensing the spatial relationship between the first series of marks and the second series of marks on the tape together with the recording and reading means during transport by the tape handling equipment under test; decoding with the decoding means the first series of marks and the second series of marks read from the tape; and storing the character signals generated by the decoding means.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
193 words
A method for measuring tape speed during transport by tape handling equipment having a recording head and a tape drive mechanism with an ON-OFF control, the mechanism transporting tape up to a normal operating speed that is constant after the mechanism is turned ON, the method comprising the steps of: turning the mechanism ON and placing a first series of marks on the tape with the recording head at predetermined increments of time during transport of the tape by the tape handling equipment under test after the normal operating speed is reached; turning the mechanism ON and placing a second series of marks on the tape adjacent to the first series of marks with the recording head at predetermined increments of time during transport of the tape by the tape handling equipment under test before the normal operating speed is reached; reading the first series of marks and the second series of marks on the tape concurrently with the read head during transport of the tape by the tape handling equipment under test to ascertain the spatial relationships therebetween; and deriving from said spatial relationships a measure of the speed of the tape.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
193 words
A method for measuring tape speed during transport by tape handling equipment having a recording head and a tape drive mechanism with an ON-OFF control, the mechanism transporting tape up to a normal operating speed that is constant after the mechanism is turned ON, the method comprising the steps of: turning the mechanism ON and placing a first series of marks on the tape with the recording head at predetermined increments of time during transport of the tape by the tape handling equipment under test after the normal operating speed is reached; turning the mechanism ON and placing a second series of marks on the tape adjacent to the first series of marks with the recording head at predetermined increments of time during transport of the tape by the tape handling equipment under test before the normal operating speed is reached; reading the first series of marks and the second series of marks on the tape concurrently with the read head during transport of the tape by the tape handling equipment under test to ascertain the spatial relationships therebetween; and deriving from said spatial relationships a measure of the speed of the tape.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for measuring tape speed during transport by tape handling equipment having a reading and writing capability, the method comprising the steps of: writing a first series of marks on the tape at predetermined increments of time along its length during transport of the tape by the tape handling equipment under test at a normal operating speed that is substantially constant; writing a second series of marks on a different portion of the tape than the first series of marks at predetermined increments of time during tape transport by the tape handling equipment under test at a speed that is continuously accelerating toward the normal operating speed; reading the first and second series of marks concurrently to ascertain the spatial relationships therebetween; and deriving from said spatial relationships a measure of the speed of the tape.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for measuring tape speed during transport by tape handling equipment having a reading and writing capability, the method comprising the steps of: writing a first series of marks on the tape at predetermined increments of time along its length during transport of the tape by the tape handling equipment under test at a normal operating speed that is substantially constant; writing a second series of marks on a different portion of the tape than the first series of marks at predetermined increments of time during tape transport by the tape handling equipment under test at a speed that is continuously accelerating toward the normal operating speed; reading the first and second series of marks concurrently to ascertain the spatial relationships therebetween; and deriving from said spatial relationships a measure of the speed of the tape.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-04-19 | 1974-10-19 | 1975-04-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-04-19 | 1978-10-19 | 1979-04-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-04-19 | 1982-10-19 | 1983-04-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |