Abstract: An auto player technique is provided in a recording/reproducing apparatus storing a plurality of disks, wherein size of the apparatus can be reduced in height and width and positioning accuracy can be increased. A pair of tray stockers are disposed right and left. A lifter transporting the tray in a vertical direction is disposed behind the tray stockers. The lifter includes a tray extracting mechanism selectively extracting disks from the tray stockers. The tray extracting mechanism simultaneously engages with two trays disposed at the same height of the right and left tray stockers when extracting trays. A recording/reproducing device is disposed below the lifter. A drive mechanism engages with the recording/reproducing device to shift it in a right and left direction. A lock mechanism is provided to engage with the recording/reproducing device when the drive mechanism is disengaged from the recording/reproducing device.

Abstract: A tray for supporting a recording disk in a disk cassette has a pair of diametrically opposed pivoted levers with operative ends which engage opposite sides of the disk to hold it in the tray. The other end of each lever covers a pin insertion hole in the disk. When respective pins of a playback device are inserted through the insertion holes, the pins push against the levers and cause them to release the disk.

Abstract: A disk magazine for use with an audio and a video instrument of the type using disks and accommodating a stack of disks therein includes generally rectangular trays each of which is bodily removable from a casing of the magazine through an opening, which is formed only through the front end of the casing. Each tray is guided by horizontally aligned ones of tray guides which are arranged in steps on the inner periphery of each of opposite side walls of the casing with respect to an intended direction of tray insertion. Whether or not the tray is inserted in a correct position into the casing is checked to prevent the tray from being loaded in a position other than the correct one.

Abstract: An information recording disc player comprises a first cartridge receiving part for receiving a first cartridge which can accommodate a plurality of discs, a second cartridge receiving part for receiving a second cartridge which can accommodate a single disc, and a disc playing unit for selectively playing an arbitrary one of the discs accommodated within the first and second cartridges respectively loaded into the first and second cartridge receiving parts.

Abstract: A device associated with a thermal transfer recording apparatus for boosting a pressing force of a thermal head against a platen roller. The thermal head is mounted on one end portion of an elongate support plate which is movable in a seesaw motion about a fulcrum. Output torque of a rotary solenoid device is transmitted to the support plate by a rotary shaft which is connected to the solenoid device, so that the support plate is moved about the fulcrum to press the head against the platen. During recording, an extra drive force is derived from a tension of an ink sheet and imparted via the rotary shaft to the support plate to move the support plate, serving to further intensify the pressing force of the head against the platen.