Abstract: A tape system for implementing tape cassettes of variable size which includes both large-sized and small-sized tape cartridges each housing a memory element having a set of terminals for electric connection with corresponding terminals of a tape player, the level at which the terminals of the memory element in the large-sized tape cartridge are positioned and the level at which the terminals of the memory element in the small-sized tape cartridge are positioned are the same level, spaced from a longitudinal mid center line of the length of magnetic tape, intermediate of the width thereof or a reference plane in which a reel support lies.

Abstract: A tape run control unit in a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus is provided with a discriminator and on a controller. The discriminator detects a stand-by time until a signal to be recorded is received in repositioning of the tape and generates a discrimination signal for discriminating the length of the stand-by time. The controller controls tape driving unit such as a capstan motor during the reposition and controls the stop position of the tape such that a magnetic head scans the portion of the tape where no data is recorded. After completion of repositioning, furthermore, the controller is responsive to a discrimination signal so as to select the stop mode which involves the release of pinch roller when the stand-by time is long and to select the mode for simply stopping only the capstan when the stand-by time is short.

Abstract: A recording/playback apparatus including a stationary drum on which a traveling magnetic tape is wound, a plurality of magnetic heads for recording and playing back data, a rotary portion which is rotated while carrying the heads thereon, a drive portion which drives the rotary portion, an air injection device which spouts air from the vicinities of the magnetic heads toward the magnetic tape in order to separate the tape from the heads, and a control device which controls the start and stop of the air spouting of the air injection device. In the standby mode of the apparatus, in which the rotary portion is rotated though the heads perform neither the recording nor the playback operation, the tape is separated from the heads, so that the heads are prevented from wearing away. As soon as the standby mode has ended, the tape is brought into contact with the heads, so that the recording or playback operation can be immediately started.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic recording and reproducing device wherein reproduction monitoring can be made directly after recording, and more particularly to a construction of a rotary drum for the same. The magnetic recording and reproducing device includes a single recording channel for n recording magnetic heads, and n reproducing channels for n reproducing magnetic heads. The recording channel is provided either on an innermost circumference side or on an outermost circumference side of a rotary transformer. Since the device has such a reduced number of recording channels, the distance between adjacent channels can be increased and the transmission loss of a reproduction signal can be reduced.

Abstract: A rotating magnetic head device in a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus constructed as follows:(1) A cylinder is composed of an upper fixed cylinder and a lower fixed cylinder, a recess is provided in the part of the upper fixed cylinder where a magnetic tape is not wound, and an inner lid, a top case or the like of the tape cassette is arranged (inserted) in the recess in overlapping fashion, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus of rotary head type such as a rotatable video tape recorder has a tape guide for guiding the magnetic tape when the tape runs on and around a cylinder carrying rotary heads. A tape loading movable member carries the tape guide. A tape loading drive is provided for driving the tape loading movable member so as to move the tape guide between a tape loading position where it places the magnetic tape in contact with the cylinder through a predetermined angle and an unloading position where it keeps the magnetic tape away from the cylinder. A locating unit is provided on at least one of the cylinder and a cylinder base carrying the cylinder. The locating unit is adapted for engaging with the tape loading movable member in the tape loading position so as to locate the tape guide with respect to the cylinder.