Tape advancing method and apparatus with fast tape advance mode

摘要

Methods and apparatus for advancing tape relative to an information transducing head with the aid of a tape drive capstan employ a first vacuum column at the tape drive capstan and a second vacuum column remote from the capstan. The tape is applied to the capstan and to the vacuum columns and is advanced with the capstan through the vacuum columns and in information transducing relationship with the head in an information transducing mode. The tape is removed from the first vacuum column and is disengaged from the capstan for a fast tape advance mode, while being retained in the second vacuum column. The tape is advanced in the fast tape advance mode only through the second column, and the fast tape advance mode is controlled with the second vacuum column.