THREADING RING AND SHUTTLE (BLOCK)
The number two and three guides and the shuttle block assembly are mounted on a threading ring that rotates into position during threading. Both guides are spring loaded and fold up under the ACE assembly when in the unthreaded position. The shuttle block assembly, prior to loading, is parked beneath a protective plate (removed here for a better view). This plate and shuttle are strategically located so that when a cassette is loaded it fits into a small triangular pocket inside the cassette shell. To see the loader assembly, click here. As it is lowered down it comes to rest upon two cone shaped bosses and two round flat bosses. Once the electronics "knows" that the cassette is in the down-and-ready position the threading procedure will be initiated. Once all the way down the cassette lid is open and the tape is drawn out and wrapped around into the threaded position. This action is performed by the number five guide (roller) located on the shuttle and the number nine guide (roller) located on the pinch roller slider. To see the shuttle block assembly close up click on it in the picture. To see it in the loaded position click here The threading ring rotates in a clockwise direction up until in comes to rest in a locked position about 60% of the way around the video drum. At the same time the two guides spring up at predetermined points and come to rest in an upright locked position held rigid by two adjusting plates. To see the guides in position against the plates click on either one of the guides in the picture. To find out what is done to them during refurbishing click here. The process is reversed for unloading except that the supply reel runs in reverse in order to draw the video tape back into the cassette The loading and threading procedure takes about five seconds each way. To look at the pinch roller, slide and number nine guide click on it To continue on to the CAPSTAN click here.

To go to the other subjects covered in this TAPE HANDLING COMPONENTS section:
  • To open the panel on the FRAME AND REEL BLOCK click here
  • To open the panel for the TENSION ARM click here
  • To open the panel on the PINCH ROLLER click here
  • To open the panel on the LOADER AND REELS click here
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