Abstract: A tape transport mechanism has a device for reversing the direction of tape transport, which pivots the head mounting plate so that either one of two pressure rollers pinches the tape against a respective capstan. The head mounting plate is guided by systems of guide pins engaging guide slots, each of the systems having at least one corresponding pin and slot to each side of a magnetic head, in the direction of a line between the two capstans. At least one guide slot to each side of the head has two legs or branches, one of which is shorter than the other. A control device causes a guide pin to one side of the head to be in the short leg or branch, while the guide pin to the other side of the head is in the long leg or branch, the head plate then pivoting about the guide pin which is in and abuts the end of the short leg or branch.

Abstract: A mechanism for switching from one operating function to another upon stoppage of tape movement, including a switching wheel which is driven continuously during operation and actuates a switching member, and a connecting member which moves in the same given direction for releasing a cassette and for reversing a direction of tape travel. A tape stoppage detection means controls the position of the switching member with respect to the switching wheel. The connecting member is latched in a position corresponding to movement of the head mounting plate toward the cassette, and is unlatched either by the switching member upon tape stoppage, or depression of a stop button to permit the head mounting plate to return to a withdrawn position away from the cassette.

Abstract: For automatically completing insertion and ejection of a magnetic-tape-cassette into a holder, an actuating rod carries a pin which engages a slot in an insertion/ejection lever. During insertion of a cassette into a holder, pivoting of the lever causes relative movement of the pin with respect to a control edge of the slot along a first portion, and then along a second portion in which force of an ejection spring moves the actuating rod and continues pivoting of the lever to cause the cassette to move to the fully inserted position. During ejection, movement of the actuating rod moves the pin along a first stop edge portion of the slot to pivot the lever, until the spring passes an overcenter point and causes the lever to continuing pivoting and to eject the cassette.