Safety picker for magnetic tape leader

摘要

In a tape transport system in which the take-up reel of a self- threading magnetic recording tape having a leader attached to its forward end is driven by surface engagement with a rotating capstan, a safety picker is provided at a point just beyond the area of engagement between the take-up hub and the capstan, for intercepting the leader if it fails to properly engage the hub. A contact cooperating with the safety picker causes the threading operation to be discontinued if the leader has thus been intercepted.