Abstract: A miniature continuous magnetic tape loop cartridge designed for heavy duty "fool proof" usage in message repeaters. It embodies a loading spindle for fast production loading, and spill chambers and a stripping post for protection against tape tangles and feed out. An editing slot is provided for tape loop retrieval, fast editing for tape messages and stop intervals.

Abstract: A tape player assembly for a continuous loop magnetic tape cartridge is disclosed. The tape player assembly includes a housing having an opening for receiving the cartridge in a predetermined position. A plate member is pivotally mounted relative to the housing and supports a drive capstan adjacent the cartridge pressure roller. A motor drives the capstan and a transducer head is adjacent the predetermined position of the tape cartridge. A solenoid has a plunger connected to a cam member. Movement of the plunger rotates the cam member and pivots the plate member to space the drive capstan from the pressure roller.

Abstract: An animal feeder, for example, a cat feeder is disclosed. The cat feeder includes a top which defines a plurality of spaced feed positions. A cover, having a feeding opening, overlies the top. The feeding opening is indexed sequentially with respect to the successive feed positions. A pair of tension springs are wound and rotate the cover upon release by a time actuated solenoid.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method of formation and structure of a slitted strip of metal, such a lead, which is to be expanded into a reticulated configuration. As applied to a battery plate, the invention contemplates the formation of a continuous strip of a lead or lead alloy material wherein the central portion of the strip which is to form the unexpanded current collecting top header portions of the finished battery plates is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending punched apertures extending along the edge of the solid central portion and separating the solid central portion from slitted portions of the strip which are subsequentially expanded to form a reticulated grid. The formation of the continuous lead strip in such fashion substantially minimizes the "gull-wing" effect produced by the subsequent expansion of the slitted portions of the lead sheet.

Abstract: A changer for tape cartridges is disclosed. A number of tape cartridges are held in stacked but separated fashion in a storage unit which is slidable with respect to a tape player unit. The changer includes an advancing mechanism capable of advancing the storage unit in either direction one cartridge at a time, the total number of positions available being equal to the number of cartridges within the storage unit. In each position, one of the cartridges is adjacent the head and drive capstan of the player unit. Such cartridge may be pushed into the player unit by a cartridge lifter unit. The cartridge is then engaged by the player head and drive capstan. When the entire tape or a desired segment has been played, a signal from the tape activates a release mechanism to release the tape cartridge from the head and drive capstan assembly, thereby replacing the cartridge back into the appropriate position in the storage unit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a storage cell assembly for magnetic tape cartridges. Modular storage cells are joined into a storage cell assembly that can accommodate a plurality of cartridges in either a linear or circular array. The storage cell assembly provides rapid retrieval of audio signals, such as recorded music, computer data and announcements. Each storage cell case is three-sided, having a panel and integral opposed sidewalls. A flexible release finger extends downwardly from one sidewall to the level of the other sidewall. An end cover panel is positioned adjacent the last one of the individual storage cells and aligned retaining flanges on the sidewalls and the edges of the end cover panel define guide recesses. Retainer members are positioned in the guide recesses to hold the components in an assembled relationship. In one embodiment, a locking member is positioned adjacent the retainer member and cemented therewith to provide a unitary storage cell assembly.