Abstract: A cassette transfer apparatus includes a transfer frame having a holding portion for holding a cassette in an interior thereof. A drive mechanism for taking a cassette into the holding portion includes an endless belt which has a linear portion extending along the holding portion, and a drive source for running the belt. An engaging member engageable with an engagement portion of the cassette is attached to the belt for movement therewith. When the belt is driven while the engaging member engages the engagement portion, the engaging member takes the cassette into the holding portion. The engaging member has a guide pin which is guided by a guide groove formed on the transfer frame, when the engaging member passes along the linear portion, thereby preventing rotation of the engaging member.

Abstract: An automatic changing apparatus includes a storage section wherein a number of optical disk cassettes are stored, a disk drive apparatus, and a transfer frame for transferring the disk cassette between the storage section and the disk drive apparatus. The transfer frame has first and second holding frames for respectively holding the disk cassette. The transfer frame inserts the disk cassette into the storage section or the disk drive apparatus, or removes it therefrom.

Abstract: A cartridge loading apparatus comprises a loading/ejecting and opening/closing mechanism disposed in a housing. The mechanism receives a cartridge which encloses an optical recording disk therein and includes first and second cases from a port formed on the housing in a closed state wherein the first and second cases are in contact with each other, opens the cartridge by separating the first and second cases from each other to expose an area of the disk during the receiving operation, ejects at least part of the cartridge outside of the housing through the port, and closes the cartridge by bringing the first and second cases into contact with each other during the ejecting operation. The central portion of the disk after the opening thereof by the mechanism is clamped between a turntable and clamper, and the exposed area of the disk between the first and second cases is recorded/reproduced by an optical head using a laser beam.