Abstract: A guide device for tape-like recording media, especially a reversing guide device for magnetic tapes, that are transported at high speed, which comprises at least one guide roll, around whose periphery the recording medium is guided, and which is rotatably mounted in bearings, a deliberate specific braking torque being produced between the guide roll and its bearings. Further embodiments concern the roughness of the roll's peripheral surface, the design of flanges for the lateral guidance of the recording medium and the use of two guide rolls. The braking torque is produced by braking means acting on the guide roll. The novel guide device can be used advantageously in any high-speed magnetic tape transport apparatus for the recording/reproduction of any type of audio, video or data signal.

Abstract: A tape transport apparatus comprising a central drive capstan and take-up and supply reels which are rotatably mounted on supports that ae movable relative to said capstan and can be urged by biasing means toward the capstan to maintain the surface engagement between the periphery of the capstan and the peripheries of the reels. To compensate for the mass moment of inertia of the movable supports and the tape reels mounted thereon, one or more counterweighting means are provided which are movably connected to the supports in such a way that the mass inertias cancel each other out.

Abstract: A container for tape-like material wound into a roll or stored in a cartridge, which container consists of a bottom and a top part, which are pivotable relative to one another for the purpose of opening and closing the container and can, when the container is open, be telescoped with the aid of guides on the container, one of the parts possessing means for accommodating the roll or cartridge.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge and tape transport apparatus for use therewith, comprising a cartridge housing and a support which is movable inside the housing in all directions in the plane of the latter and on which hubs are rotatably mounted, between which hubs a magnetic tape can be wound to and fro, and further comprising spring elements which urge the support toward the front wall of the housing, which wall is provided with openings, the tape transport apparatus having means for receiving the cartridge housing, for which guide elements and actuatable locking means are provided, and a magnetic head and capstans which can pass through the openings in the front wall, the capstans being urged, by spring pressure, into contact with the rolls of magnetic tape.