Abstract: A reel mount device includes a pair of reel mounts on which to place a pair of reels, respectively, gears respectively provided at the pair of reel mounts, each of the gears having a plurality of teeth and externally receiving a driving force for rotating the corresponding reel mount, a first brake member having a shoe which is formed with plastic and is arranged to come into contact with tips of the plurality of teeth of the gear provided at one of the pair of reel mounts, and an urging member which urges the shoe of the first brake member in such a direction to come into pressure contact with the plurality of teeth.

Abstract: A tape-loading mechanism of a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus according to the present invention has a tape travel system in which a magnetic tape drawn out of a supply-side tape reel is helically wound around a drum along a lead thereof by tilted guides respectively provided on inlet and outlet sides of the drum and tape guides respectively provided on inlet and outlet sides thereof, passed via a capstan and wound around a takeup side tape reel. A vertical position of the lead of the drum is set equal to that of a lower edge of the tape in a state immediately before the magnetic tape is loaded onto the drum. The magnetic tape is twisted in the middle of the tape travel system in order to cancel difference in tension between upper and lower edges of the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape is loaded onto the drum.

Abstract: A scanning device for a tape cassette having a coupling element at an end of the tape which can be pulled from the cassette in a pull-out direction by a pull-out element in the device. The coupling element couples to the pull-out element as a result of relative movement of the cassette with respect to the pull-out element in a direction transverse to a main wall of the cassette, so as to form an assembly having a circular segment cross-section which can engage in a corresponding recess of a take-up reel in the device. The pull-out element is held in a standby position by a holder which is pivotably connected to the device housing.

Abstract: A tape drive loading mechanism and method of loading a tape leader pin from a single reel cartridge to a take-up reel housed within a transport cabinet includes a hub filler having a slot for receiving the tape leader pin. The hub filler is connected to a load arm that controls the movements of the hub filler. The tape drive loading mechanism includes a load gear arm having gear teeth extending along a linear side portion and along an arcuate portion for approximately 180.degree.. The gear teeth are engaged with a plurality of gears that are driven by a motive element. The motive element, in combination with several guide tracks, forces the load gear arm and the connected load arm to transport the hub filler and tape leader pin through an arcuate path and along a linear path to a loaded position on the take-up reel.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for guiding and preventing the slackening of tape in a VCR which is capable of improving picture quality by absorbing the vibration of the tape. The apparatus includes a tape guide member movable between a first position which does not guide the running of the tape and a second position which does guide the running of the tape in cooperation with a driving force of a driving force transmission unit. A support shaft is fixed to an upper portion of one end of the tape guide member and a tape guide unit is rotatably engaged to the support shaft which engages a tape slackening prevention member disposed at one end of the tape guide member.

Abstract: A tape loading apparatus for use in a digital video cassette recorder provided with a deck, a driving unit and a head drum includes a pair of pole base assemblies for loading a tape, each of the pole base assemblies including a pole base having a hole, a pair of guide rails for guiding the pole base assemblies toward the head drum, and a power conveying unit for transmitting a power from the driving unit into the pole base assemblies. The hole of the pole base has such a shape that the pole base assembly fitted around a periphery of the guide rail does not rotate about the periphery of the guide rail.

Abstract: A tape drawing-out mechanism for positioning a magnetic tape 91 as tensioned in a specified path of travel has a drive lever 6 having a cam follower 62 projecting therefrom, a tape drawing-out lever 5 having a tape drawing-out pin 51 for receiving the force of the drive lever 6 in a first step of a tape drawing-out movement, and an auxiliary lever 7 for receiving the force of the drive lever 6 in a second step of the tape drawing-out movement. The auxiliary lever 7 has a pin 71 projecting therefrom for pressing a face 54 provided on the tape drawing-out lever 5 to pivotally move the lever 5 to a tape drawing-out end position. The mechanism described precludes a great reaction from acting on the cam follower 62 and a cam groove 41 for giving a tape drawing-out drive force.

Abstract: A video cassette recorder includes a driving unit, a pair of pole base assemblies and power conveying unit for conveying a power from the driving unit to the pole base assemblies, the power conveying unit having a pair of link devices for transmitting a power from the driving unit into its corresponding pole base assembly and allowing the pole base assemblies to load a tape. Each of the link devices has a deformable bent portion for exerting a resilient force on the loaded tape.

Abstract: A portable audio logic deck mechanism with a single driving source includes a power transfer unit transmitting power from the driving source, an interlocking unit selectively transmitting power to a pair of reel tables, a recording/reproducing unit performing recording/reproduction on a tape on reel tables, a first mode converting unit converting the rotational speed and direction of reel tables, a second mode converting unit moving the recording/reproducing unit up or down by interlocking with the first mode converting unit, and an ejecting unit to open/close a door. A pinch roller driving apparatus for a portable audio logic deck to adjust a tape running speed includes a pair of guide brackets, a pair of pinch rollers selectively close-contacting the respective rotation shafts of capstan wheels, and a pinch lever which selectively presses the guide brackets to pivot the pinch rollers by pivoting selectively in contact with both ends of the upper protruding portion according to the position of a head slide.

Abstract: A magnetic tape loading device for a tape recorder includes a loading motor installed in a main base of a deck. A worm wheel is installed in the main base to be coupled with a worm fixed to an output shaft of the loading motor. A cam gear member, a coupled to the worm wheel, and has at least one cam hole. A first lever is installed in the main base to be pivotable while a first end of the first lever is coupled to the cam hole. A main slide member is installed in the main base to be capable of linearly reciprocating by the pivotal movement of the first lever. A pair of pole base assemblies is installed in the main base to be movable and is interlocked with the main slide member.

Abstract: A tape guide angle controlling apparatus for a magnetic tape recorder-player includes a main base, a shaft bushing provided in the main base and having a shaft hole in the center thereof, a tape guide arm having at one end portion thereof a rotation shaft rotatably inserted into the shaft hole and at the other end portion thereof having a tape guide, a tape guide horizontal-rotating member for horizontally rotating the tape guide arm, and a tape guide vertical-operating member driven by the tape guide horizontal-rotating member for vertically operating the tape guide arm. The apparatus is characterized in slanting to a certain degree the tape guide which guides a magnetic tape in a reverse running mode, thereby improving the magnetic tape running property in reverse running mode.

Abstract: A cassette loading device for use in a video cassette recorder includes a pair of side walls, a rotating arm shaft, a cassette holder, and a pair of loading arms. Each of the loading arms is provided with a lengthwise open slot for retaining a slide pin of the cassette holder, first and second legs. The first leg has an urging portion and an elongated hole for providing the urging portion with resiliency, the urging portion being integrally molded with the first leg.

Abstract: A rotating shaft section of a rotation cam gear supported on the chassis side and transmitting the driving force of a driving motor can be inserted into and removed from a rotating shaft section of a mode detection switch for detecting a mode from the rotating position of the rotating cam gear. A protruding pointed portion and a groove that are fitted to each other to transmit the rotational force of the rotating cam gear are formed in these rotating shaft sections. Output terminals of the mode detection switch are coupled and attached to the circuit section of a circuit substrate, and the rotating shaft section of the mode detection switch is inserted into the rotating shaft section of the rotating cam gear supported on the chassis side to engage the protruding portion with the groove. This constitution enables easy and smooth insertion and fitting of the rotating shaft sections, thereby improving working efficiency.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape drive for a single-reel type magnetic tape cartridge having a leader block coupled to a leading end of a magnetic tape wound therein, a hub for winding the tape pulled out of the cartridge is disposed at rear side of a magnetic head unit for writing data on and reading data from the tape, and has a radial slot formed therein for receiving the leader block of the tape threaded through the unit. The rotational direction of the hub is determined such that the leader block is subjected to an radially-inward force in the slot of the hub at the beginning of a rotational movement of the hub, whereby slippage of the leader block from the slot of the hub can be prevented.

Abstract: A deck mechanism for a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus, wherein its fixed base plate and its slide base are slidably coupled to each other without defining a space therebetween. Elements of a tape traveling system are arranged on upper and lower surfaces of the fixed base plate and the upper surface of the slide base. The upper surface of the fixed base plate is mounted with the head drum, a loading motor, a supply slant post assembly, a take-up slant post assembly, a stabilizer, pinch roller arm-driving and pressing mechanisms, a head cleaning mechanism, a capstan shaft of a capstan, all being upwardly protruded from the upper surface of the fixed base plate. The upper surface of the slide base is mounted with a supply reel table, a take-up reel table, a tension adjusting mechanism, and a brake, all being upwardly protruded from the upper surface of the slide base.

Abstract: A magnetic tape recording and reproducing plug-in unit including a case with a front plate having an insertion opening through which a magnetic tape cassette is inserted, a bottom plate, a top plate, and a pair of side plates each formed with a pair of guide slots arranged for guiding the cassette to a loading position. The slide plates are attached to the side plates so as to be slidable within the case, each slide plate formed with a pair of cam slots arranged for moving the cassette to the loading position. A cassette holder is disposed inside the pair of slide plates for holding the cassette and has pins extending through the cam slots into the guide slots of the side plates. A recording and reproducing device is mounted on the bottom plate. A driving device drives the slide plates. An electronic circuit is disposed at the rear of the recording and reproducing device.

Abstract: A tape loading mechanism can reduce a load imposed upon a tape by removing conventional inclined guides and reduce the number of assemblies necessary for forming a tape transport system. The tape transport system of the tape loading mechanism is composed of four guide members of a tension regulator guide (9) for supporting a tape unreeled from a supply reel (1), a guide post (12) having a shuttle for guiding the tape into the entrance side of a rotary drum (14), a guide post (13) having a shuttle for guiding the tape into the exit side of the rotary drum (14), and an exit guide (21) for guiding the tape into a take-up reel (3). The tension regulator guide (9) and the exit guide (21) are formed as inclined guides having flanges in order to twist the tape supported by the respective guides so that a tape transport direction and a tape height direction can be varied. Thus, the inclined guide member with the shuttle can be removed.

Abstract: A chassis is provided with a pair of leading guide blocks slidably fitted in respective guide slots for withdrawing a tape from a cassette, loading links for slidingly moving the respective guide blocks, and catchers arranged on the chassis at a loading completed position for the respective guide blocks to come into pressing contact with. Each of the loading links comprises a pivotal lever rotatably fitting around a pivot on the chassis and a link plate connected by a pivot pin to a free end of the pivotal lever and rotatably engaged at a forward end thereof with the guide block. The chassis is formed with apertures permitting insertion of the respective guide blocks therein, each covered with the catcher and each communicating with the guide slot.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape drive for a single-reel type magnetic tape cartridge having a leader block coupled to a leading end of a magnetic tape wound therein, a hub for winding the tape pulled out of the cartridge is disposed at rear side of a magnetic head unit for writing data on and reading data from the tape, and has a radial slot formed therein for receiving the leader block of the tape threaded through the unit. The rotational direction of the hub is determined such that the leader block is subjected to an radially-inward force in the slot of the hub at the beginning of a rotational movement of the hub, whereby slippage of the leader block from the slot of the hub can be prevented.

Abstract: A loading mechanism of a video tape recorder is provided which reduces the thickness of the mechanism for guiding a loading boat along a loading guide. Also, a loading post driving device for a magnetic recording/playback apparatus is provided which can prevent the rotary head cylinder from being damaged or interfered with in its rotation. Furthermore, a loading post holding device which can considerably reduce the height of the device is provided. Additionally, an arrangement of a loading ring guide is provided for loading post driving device to reduce the number of parts used and improve the assembling efficiency of the device.

Abstract: A pinch roller driving apparatus of a tape cassette player, for pressing a pinch roller against a capstan shaft, is provided. The pinch roller driving apparatus has a relatively simple structure for raising and lowering the pinch roller, and for pressing it against the capstan shaft, while being ganged with a slide member which reciprocates by receiving the driving force from a loading motor. Therefore, the cost of parts is reduced, and the assembly is made easy so that the generation of inferior quality products, caused by accumulated errors during assembly, is reduced.

Abstract: A pole base moving apparatus of a tape recorder in which the link structure of a pole base which pulls out a magnetic tape from a tape cassette to a head drum is provided. The pole base moving apparatus includes a slide member which has a reciprocating motion produced by a motor and in which moving slots of a predetermined pattern are formed and first and second link members whose one ends are respectively combined with a pair of pole bases and the other ends of which have protrusions which respectively enter and exit the moving slots. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the structure compared with the conventional technology, thus simplifying the assembly process and reducing the number of the parts and manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged to pull out a tape stowed in a cassette and to cause the tape to abut on a head so as to enable the head to record or reproduce information on or from the tape includes a rotary drum on which the head is mounted, a first chassis on which the rotary drum is disposed, and a second chassis arranged to be relatively movable with respect to the first chassis and to have first and second pull-out members arranged thereon to pull out the tape from the cassette. At the beginning of loading the tape, the tape is pulled out from the cassette by the first pull-out member. Then, after the tape is pulled out a predetermined amount by the first pull-out member, the tape is further pulled out by the second pull-out member.

Abstract: A chassis mounting thereon a drive slide for rotating tape guides arranged within a cassette in a tape withdrawing direction, and a cam gear for driving the drive slide. The cam gear and the drive slide provide a linear motion mechanism for connecting the drive slide with the cam gear by the rotation of the cam gear through a predetermined angle and disengaging the drive slide from the cam gear by the rotation of the cam gear through more than the predetermined angle. A lock mechanism is provided for connecting the drive slide with the chassis when the drive slide is out of connection with the cam gear and disengaging the drive slide from the chassis when the drive slide is connected with the cam gear.

Abstract: In a cassette holder having, on the lower side thereof, a lid unlocking member arranged to unlock the lid of a cassette when the cassette is inserted and a stopper member arranged to stop the cassette by abutting on the front surface of the cassette, the lid unlocking member and the stopper member or at least the lid unlocking member is carried by the support member together with a protruding part which protrudes inward from the inner side of the cassette holder. The support member is arranged on the lower side of the cassette holder to face the inside of the cassette holder.

Abstract: A cartridge of a single reel is inserted and information is recorded and reproduced by a helical scan type using a rotary head. A control pulse is reproduced from a recording signal of a control track of a magnetic tape by a fixed head. A repositioning operation and a high speed search are controlled on the basis of the control pulse. A torque ripple of a capstan motor is previously measured. When the tape runs, a motor drive current is corrected so as to reduce a torque change of one rotation on the basis of the measurement result, thereby improving a wow and flutter. A switching timing of motor coils by Hall sensors is set to an early timing, thereby suppressing a torque fluctuation. A regenerative braking circuit is formed by an OFF timing of a PWM control and a tape back tension is formed by a decrease in torque by the regenerative braking circuit. A tape thread and a tape wrap at the time of the insertion of the cartridge are simultaneously executed.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing information by pulling out a tape from a cassette by revolving a pair of tape pull-out members in opposite directions with a tape loading mechanism and by wrapping the tape around a rotary drum, a tape pull-out aiding member is arranged in combination with one of the tape pull-out members; and a differential mechanism is arranged between the tape pull-out aiding member and the tape pull-out member to cause the two members to revolve at different angles of revolution in such a way as to give a desired angle of inclination of the tape relative to the rotary drum.

Abstract: A tape tension adjusting device having a simplified structure for use in a video cassette recorder. The tape tension adjusting device comprises a tension lever rotatably fixed on a deck through a hinge pin, an upper and a lower band brake holders holding both ends of a band brake, respectively, and a spring for biasing the tension lever to allow the tension pole to exert a pressing force on a magnetic tape. The tension lever is provided with a tension pole at one end and a stepped boss disposed between the tension pole and the hinge pin. The upper and the lower band brake holders are rotatably fitted on an upper and a lower portions of the boss of the tension lever, respectively, in such a way that the band brake is partially wrapped around a supply reel table.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing information signals with the use of a tape cassette having a pair of tape reels which are engaged on reel shafts of the apparatus includes a tape cassette transfer mechanism for shifting the tape cassette inserted by way of a cassette insertion opening in a first direction normal to the reel shafts and then parallel to the reel shafts to place the pair of tape reels within the tape cassette on the shafts. The apparatus includes a drive arrangement having a single motor that drives both a cassette transfer arrangement and a movable tape loading control arrangement which is disposed in the apparatus for extracting a portion of the tape of the cassette and guiding an extracted portion of the tape along a predetermined path.

Abstract: A tape loading device in a magnetic recording/playback apparatus includes detection units for detecting the rotating direction and the rotation speed of a tape reel of a tape cassette, and a calculation unit for calculating a value of inertia of the tape reel from detected values of the detection units and the operational phase detected by a phase detector. In accordance with the calculated inertia value and the operational phase, a drive signal for a reel motor or a loading motor is controlled to prevent the tape from being damaged during the high-speed tape loading operation.

Abstract: In a tape driving system having both a tape reel holder which puts thereon a tape reel and a tape drawing arm which leads a part of the tape from the tape reel to a given portion, there is installed a reel holder brake device. The device has a brake band having a major portion operatively put around the reel holder. A tension regulator arm is pivotal about a pivoted portion thereof between the loading and unloading positions. The tension regulator arm has the given portion. A spring biases the tension regulator arm to pivot toward the unloading position. A drive gear drives the tape drawing arm when rotated. The drive gear has in one surface thereof a cam groove. A first pivotal arm has one end pivotally connected to one end of the brake band and the other end equipped with a follower pin slidably engaged with the cam groove. A second pivotal arm has one end pivotally connected to the tension regulator arm and the other end pivotally connected to the other end of the brake band.

Abstract: A deck mechanism for a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus and which includes a main deck where a head drum is installed, and a sub-deck which moves with respect to the main deck and where a reel table is installed. A slide member is provided between the main deck and the sub-deck and moves by a cam gear and selectively operates a pole base, brake and pinch roller.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes a single main slide member for interlocking the respective portions of a deck, a master gear member for moving the main slide member and a motor for driving the master gear member. The master gear member is engaged with a rack formed on the main slide member. The deck and a loading device for loading a cassette onto the deck are sequentially driven by the motor. The rack allows for mechanically stable operation and rapid mode change.

Abstract: A driving device for a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus having a simple construction. The driving device includes a loading motor, a first spur gear and a first worm, a second spur gear and a second worm mounted on a base plate such that they are parallel to the first spur gear and the first worm, an actuating gear provided between the base plate and an actuating plate and engaging with the second worm, a pinch roller actuating gear engaging with the first actuating gear, a first gear provided on the actuating plate and engaging with the first actuating gear, a pinch drive assembly having an input gear at its lower section. This input gear engages with the pinch roller actuating gear. The driving device also includes a tape cassette loading housing having a worm gear engaging with the first worm.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus is operable with a tape cassette including spaced apart tape supply and take-up reels and a length of magnetic recording tape having its opposite ends anchored to the tape supply and take-up reels, respectively.

Abstract: Any shape lead formed on various types of drum may be measured without employing an exclusively-used profiling plane by a lead shape measuring apparatus. The lead shape measuring apparatus includes a shape measuring unit for measuring the shape of a lead formed on a drum used in a VTR while a theoretical value suitable for this lead shape is selected based on the type of drum.

Abstract: A tape loading apparatus for a tape recorder having a structure for moving a sub-chassis of the tape recorder such as a compact camcorder. The loading apparatus for a tape recorder includes a pair of first links which are rotatably installed about a predetermined supporting point on a first chassis, and are movably connected to a second chassis by a predetermined distance, to thereby rotate by a predetermined angle according to the movement of the second chassis. An elastic member is provided which applies a retroactive force to the first links at a predetermined rotation position of the first links, by mutually connecting the first links while interposing the supporting point of the first links. Moreover, a pair of second links is provided for imparting moving forces to the pole bases according to the rotation of the first links by connecting the first links with the pole bases, respectively.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a magnetic recording/playback apparatus in which a magnetic tape is pulled out from a tape cassette and wound around a cylindrical rotary head cylinder, having a rotary head built therein, over a predetermined angle to record/playback signals through the rotary head, and more particularly, with a tape guide post driving mechanism, a pinch roller pressing mechanism and a tension serve mechanism. Specifically, the invention provides a tape guide post driving device which can reduce the size, weight and thickness of the apparatus by ensuring a large angle of thickness of the apparatus by ensuring a large angle of rotation of a rotating member, which includes a tension arm, in a direct manner. Also, the invention realizes a pinch roller pressing mechanism in which a sufficient stroke can be obtained even when a cam gear is reduced in its diameter and can provide a sufficient stroke even with a small amount of rotation.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus for a tape-like recording medium housed in a tape cassette has a main chassis with a rotary head cylinder mounted thereon, and a subchassis coupled to the main chassis for sliding movement relative to the main chassis in directions toward and away from the rotary head cylinder. The subchassis has a pair of hub drive shafts and a plurality of guide rollers movable in a predetermined direction. The tape housed in the tape cassette loaded on the subchassis can be pulled out of the tape cassette and wound around the rotary head cylinder by moving the guide rollers in response to relative sliding movement of the main chassis and the subchassis. The tape can thus be loaded and unloaded manually.

Abstract: A tape loading device includes: a plate, cam which moves in a straight line at a constant speed; a rack provided on the plate cam; an arm load gear provided with a gearwheel which engages with the rack and rotates as the plate cam executes linear motion; a lever mechanism which moves as the arm load gear rotates; a tape guide provided at the end of the lever mechanism which withdraws the tape from the cassette starting from the unloaded position and finishing in the loaded position; and a guide member provided with a guide hole which guides the tape guide from the unloaded position to the loaded position. The gearwheel on the arm load gear which engages with the rack includes a first tooth having a pitch circle of a first radius, and a second tooth having a pitch circle of a second radius which is larger than the first radius so as to prevent tape slack by slowing the tape loading process down just before the process ends.

Abstract: A tape running system for a slide loading type magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus. The system comprises a stationary base plate mounted on a deck mechanism of the apparatus, a slide base mounted on the stationary base plate such that it is reciprocated with respect to the stationary base plate within a predetermined range, a pair of loading gears mounted on the lower surface of the stationary base plate and engaging with each other and connected to a pair of slant post assemblies through individual loading levers, and a rotational force transmitting unit transmitting the rotational force of the loading gears to the slide base for driving the slide base. The rotational force transmitting unit is connected between one of the pair of loading gears and the slide base and linearly reciprocates the slide base using the rotational force of the loading gears.

Abstract: A video cassette recorder ("VCR") provides a tape loading device which has a simplified structure and replaces a metal pin with a resin pin molded by an outsert molding method. The tape loading device is characterized in that an intermediate gear drives a pair of loading gears and a number of resin pins supports the intermediate gear and the loading gears.

Abstract: A tape loading mechanism includes: a chassis having a guide groove; a loading post assembly having a loading post and a loading post base, the loading post base being movably supported on the chassis and being movable along the guide groove, the loading post being supported on the loading post base and loading a tape onto a tape path of a rotating drum when the loading post base is moved to a loading end position; a projecting portion, projecting from an end of the loading post base in a direction of the movement of the loading post base, which is brought into contact with a drum base of the rotating drum when the loading post base is moved to the loading end position; and a stopper portion, provided within the drum base, for catching the projecting portion to stop the movement of the loading post base at the loading end position.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive for driving a magnetic tape stored in a cartridge for writing and reading data as an external storage device of a computer, etc., and equipped with a leader block at a distal end thereof, comprises a file reel having the cartridge fitted thereto, and a machine reel rotating in the same direction as the file reel while the leader block is fitted to a hub thereof, and taking up the magnetic tape, wherein data is written/read to and from the magnetic tape in a travelling path between the file reel and the machine reel. In this construction, the magnetic tape is wound at an initial tension lower than a normal tape tension at the start of winding of the magnetic tape by the machine reel until a predetermined number of turns of the magnetic tape is wound on the machine reel, and thereafter the tape is wound at a greater tension.

Abstract: An arrangement of a video tape recording apparatus has a simplified motor and mechanical power transmission arrangement which yields benefits for cost, reliability and space savings by reducing the number of motors and moving parts necessary to provide an operable video tape recording or playback apparatus.

Abstract: A front loading cassette tape latching, loading and unloading device comprises a base seat, a cassette sliding plate, cassette clamping arms, cassette damping rollers, a cassette spring plate, cassette guide seats, a button sliding plate and a button sliding plate agraffe. When the cassette tape is being pushed into the machine, it will move the cassette sliding plate and trigger the button sliding plate agraffe to force the button sliding plate out, and further allow the cassette clamping arms to rotate. Rotation of the clamping arms forces the cassette clamping rollers to clamp the cassette and to latch the cassette tape on the guide seat. When removing the cassette, the button sliding plate is pushed to open the clamping rollers, and the cassette will spring out of the machine by the force of the cassette sliding plate. This compact cassette loading and unloading arrangement is easy to assemble and cost effective to produce.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing device having reel bases which move to be adaptable to a plurality of different size cassettes. A tape is pulled out of the cassette which has been loaded into the device and is brought into contact with a head, thereby allowing the device to record and/or reproduce information on/from such a tape. The device includes a reel base movement mechanism for moving the reel bases to predetermined positions so that the reel bases are adaptable to the tape cassette to be loaded. The device also includes a lid opener for opening a lid of each tape cassette. A lid opener movement mechanism allows the lid opener to move to a predetermined position so as to be adaptable to the tape cassette. The lid opener movement mechanism is interlocked with the reel base movement mechanism. Thus, the lid opener is displaced to be adaptable to the loaded tape cassette.

Abstract: An improvement in a magnetic tape playback apparatus for determining the location of any portion of the magnetic tape as it passes the tape reading head including optically readable indicia means printed on the magnetic tape representing encoded information and means for optically reading the indicia including a light source and detector both mounted on one side of the tape. The improvement is compatible with existing magnetic tape playback devices and magnetic tape cassettes.

Abstract: Data storage elements that present uniform external dimensions but contain media of varying types and characteristics provide variable data storage and/or recording characteristics. To differentiate between the various media that can be housed within the common form factor, each data storage element is equipped with a leader block having a leader block slot uniquely dimensioned to correspond to the media contained within the data storage element. The leader block slot can be engaged by a mounting pin section on any of a plurality of mounting pins in a media drive.

Abstract: A deck mechanism for a magnetic record and playback device such as a digital audio cassette tape recorder or a video cassette tape recorder. The deck mechanism includes a clutch member for selectively transmitting the drive power of a driving gear of a capstan motor to a take-up reel-side loading gear and a mode sensing member for sensing the loading and unloading modes. The clutch member has a clutch lever mounted on a main base between the driving gear of the capstan motor and the loading gear, a clutch gear for engaging/disengaging the driving gear of the capstan motor with/from the loading gear, and a cam gear for driving the clutch lever. The mode sensing member has a pair of rotary type mode switches for stopping the rotation of the cam gear and also driving the capstan motor so as to load or unload tape travel guide elements in accordance with a selected mode, thereafter, sensing the rotated position of the loading gear so as to drive the cam gear by using the drive power of the loading motor.