Abstract: Reproducing apparatus for magnetic tape having a pressure roller mounted on a first movable member and a tape lifter mounted on a second movable member. Solenoid and spring means connected to the first movable member moves the pressure roller between a tape-driving position pressing the tape into frictional driving engagement with a capstan, and a non-tape-driving position spaced from the capstan. Mechanical connecting means between the movable members moves the tape lifter between lifted and lowered positions in response to movement of the first member between its non-tape-driving and tape-driving positions. The mechanical connecting means includes a lost motion connection enabling manual override movement of the tape lifter between its lifted and lowered positions when the first member is in its non-tape-driving position for fast mode operation. This enables manual adjustment of tape proximity to the head, and therefore adjustment of audio output level while editing or scanning the tape in a fast mode.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape reproducer, tape lifer bars are rectilinearly movable in one direction by activation of a solenoid to engage the tape and lift it from the heads. The bars are movable in the opposite direction by a biasing spring, when the solenoid is deenergized, so the tape can contact the heads. A cover gate is mechanically connected to the bars and acts as a handle to cause the bars to move the tape back and forth toward the heads.A control circuit includes a normally closed play switch and a resistor connected in series with the solenoid. A bypass conductor parallels the resistor and has normally open fast forward and rewind switches in parallel with one another and in series with a normally closed edit switch. The play switch automatically opens and deenergizes the solenoid, the biasing spring moves the bars out of engagement with the tape which runs forward at play speed while the signal on the tape is reproduced through audio output means.

Abstract: A tape marker for a tape playing machine in which tape runs past a reproducing head in a housing compartment. The compartment has a door through which tape is inserted and withdrawn when the tape is changed or edited. A marking arm having an inked marking pad is pivoted to a sleeve which is mounted on a removable compartment cover so the tape marker and cover comprise a unitary sub-assembly. A pushbutton guided in the sleeve is connected to the marking arm by a double-pivoted link. Manual depression of the pushbutton swings the marking arm to press the ink pad against the tape. A narrow rib on the tape side of the pad prints a line on the tape at the exact center of the reproducing head. When the pushbutton is released, a return spring moves it outward and swings the marking arm and pad to a stored, out-of-the-way position providing clearance for the tape when inserted or withdrawn through the door.