US3638955A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cassette tape recorder
Assignee: Pioneer Corp
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Filing: 1969-10-07
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Granted: 1972-02-01
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Expires: 1989-10-07
Abstract
Abstract A tape recorder includes a light source disposed below a cassette for illuminating the tape occupying the takeup and return spools through a hole in the cassette wall and reflects the image toward a recorder viewing opening coplanar with the visible outer edge of the cassette.
Inventors
- 👤 Eiichi Wada
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 10:29
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B27/00; G11B27/10; G11B27/34; G11B23/00; G11B23/02; G11B23/04; G11B23/08; G11B23/087; G11B23/08707; G11B23/0875
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
202 words
In a cassette tape recorder having a rectangular opening within one sidewall for inserting said cAssette until the visible cassette''s sidewall lies flush with the recorder sidewall to effect operation of said recorder and wherein said cassette has aligned windows on the top and bottom thereof for direct viewing of the degree of tape takeup within the cassette, the improvement comprising: a light source carried by said recorder adjacent one window to project light through said windows when said cassette is inserted within said recorder, and a light-transmitting prism within said recorder overlying said cassette and having a display surface flush with said visible cassette sidewall and said recorder sidewall and a reflecting surface inwardly from said display surface positioned to reflect light passing through said windows towards said prism display surface, said light-transmitting prism being opaquely coated except for the portion directly overlying said cassette window and the display surface opposite that of said reflecting surface and further, wherein said display surface carries graduation lines indicative of the degree of tape takeup, whereby the optical reading of the degree of tape takeup is displayed even when said windows cannot be seen directly upon insertion of said cassette within said recorder opening.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
202 words
In a cassette tape recorder having a rectangular opening within one sidewall for inserting said cAssette until the visible cassette''s sidewall lies flush with the recorder sidewall to effect operation of said recorder and wherein said cassette has aligned windows on the top and bottom thereof for direct viewing of the degree of tape takeup within the cassette, the improvement comprising: a light source carried by said recorder adjacent one window to project light through said windows when said cassette is inserted within said recorder, and a light-transmitting prism within said recorder overlying said cassette and having a display surface flush with said visible cassette sidewall and said recorder sidewall and a reflecting surface inwardly from said display surface positioned to reflect light passing through said windows towards said prism display surface, said light-transmitting prism being opaquely coated except for the portion directly overlying said cassette window and the display surface opposite that of said reflecting surface and further, wherein said display surface carries graduation lines indicative of the degree of tape takeup, whereby the optical reading of the degree of tape takeup is displayed even when said windows cannot be seen directly upon insertion of said cassette within said recorder opening.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-31 | 1975-08-02 | 1976-02-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-31 | 1979-08-02 | 1980-02-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-31 | 1983-08-02 | 1984-02-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |