Tape recorder, using metallic tape, has a minimum of moving parts and no belts. It permits long-term bulk storage in extreme environments, and has less weight and bulk than present recording equipment

Cole, P. T.

Studer, P. A.

Tyler, A. L.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

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November 1969	 Brief 69-10340 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Helical Recorder 
Torquer 
The problem: 
Tape recorders are needed for long-term bulk storage 
in extreme environments such as in spacecraft in 
flight. The operation time of present tape recorders 
is limited by the use of polymer tapes, belts, and many 
moving parts. 
The solution: 
A tape recorder has been designed having a mini-
mum of moving parts and no belts, and using metal-
lic tape.
I-low it's done: 
The tape is wound in a helical shape resembling an 
edge-wound flat spring; its current substrate is beryl-
lium copper. The magnetic coating is of nickel-cobalt 
plated on the broad surfaces of the tape. Completed 
tapes now being used are 0.125 in. across the broad 
surface and less than 0.005 in. thick. 
The helically shaped tape is wound on a drum that 
is directly connected to the armature of a large-
diameter torquer motor. Since the drum and torquer 
are integral, and both ends of the tape are fixed to 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19690000339 2020-03-16T18:12:52+00:00Z
the drum, all rotation of the system is at constant 
angular velocity, with the tape in constant contact 
with the drum. The direct coupling of the tape to the 
rotating member of the motor eliminates the need 
for drive components such as belts or gears. 
Recording and reproduction are accomplished by 
insertion of the heads into a separation of the coil. 
The heads and tape-separators are mounted on a 
traversing ring such that, as the tape rotates, the 
Archimedes-screw effect causes the ring to track up 
and down, parallel with the drum's axis. Many varia-
tions in basic design are possible. 
Compared to typical spacecraft recorders, the new 
design is expected to perform a given mission with 
40% less weight and 25% less volume, and to have an 
operational life of 5 years. The new recorder may 
interest designers or industrial users of tape recorders.
Note: 
Requests for further information may be directed to; 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Goddard Space Flight Center 
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 
Reference: TSP69- 10340 
Patent status:. 
This invention is owned by NASA, and a patent
application has been filed. Royalty-free, nonexclusive
licenses for its commercial use will be granted by 
NASA. Inquiries concerning license rights should be 
made to NASA, Code GP, Washington, D.C. 20546.
Source: P. T. Cole, P. A. Studer,
and A. L. Tyler
Goddard Space Flight Center 
(GSC- 106 14) 
Brief 69-10340	 Category 01


Helical recorder

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