Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting one of a plurality of elements such as tape cassettes. The apparatus includes an entrance area in a stationary member and transport apparatus for moving the elements in first and second directions with respect to the entrance area, the transport apparatus including rotor and chain embodiments. A diverter gate is used to divert an element away from and into the entrance area when the transport apparatus is moving, respectively, in the first and second directions with respect to the entrance area. Position sensing is used to determine which one of the plurality of elements is located at a predetermined location with respect to the entrance area. A selected element is brought into cooperative engagement with a read/write device located in the entrance area.

Abstract: A slide assembly having first, second, and third track members, with the third track member being positioned between the first and second track members. The third track member has first and second U-shaped channels extending along the length thereof, with the first and second U-shaped channels having the associated open sides thereof facing the first and second track members, respectively. The first track member has first bearing means secured thereto to engage the first U-shaped channel in bearing relationship therewith, and the second track member has second bearing means secured thereto to engage the second U-shaped channel in bearing relationship therewith to enable the second and third track members to be extended and retracted with respect to the first track member.

Abstract: An apparatus which may be used, for example, for feeding a record medium in a printer. The apparatus includes a rotatable member having means thereon for connection to the platen of the printer, and also having teeth on the periphery thereof and a driving surface thereon. The apparatus also includes a rotatable driving unit having at least one driving member or camming lug thereon to engage the teeth and thereby incrementally rotate the rotatable member as the driving unit is rotated. The apparatus further includes a coupling means moveable between first and second positions whereby the coupling means is operatively disconnected from the driving unit and the rotatable member when the coupling means is in the first position, and whereby the coupling means when in the second position is effective to disconnect the camming lug from the teeth and to also operatively connect the driving unit with the driving surface to continuously rotate the rotatable member as the driving unit is rotated.