Abstract: A cassette loading mechanism operable with first and second type similar size magnetic tape cassettes such as analog cassettes (CC) and digital cassettes (DCC) which are parallelepiped cassettes having a discontinuity on an external surface; the cassette loading mechanism having: a sensing mechanism which distinguishes between the types of cassettes, when correctly presented, and which blocks movement to the fully inserted position of cassettes mis-presented upside down or with sides inverted; the sensing mechanism including a cassette-type-sensing lever movable from an initial position to first and second positions representing, respectively, the type of cassette responsive to engagement with a surface discontinuity distinguishing the type of cassette correctly presented and inserted in the housing, and a movable slider member which is normally blocked against movement by the sensing lever, and prevents mis-presented cassettes being moved to the fully inserted position, and which is allowed to move with corr

Abstract: A removing mechanism for a plug assembly which is inserted in an retracted from a socket upon axial movement of the plug assembly, the mechanism having relatively movable concentric members arranged around either a plug assembly or a socket, one of the members being an actuating member, a retainer which holds the actuating member to the plug assembly or the socket and allows relative rotational movement, and one of the members transmitting axial movement to cause axial movement of the plug assembly to retract the plug from the socket; and a motion converting connection between the members including an angled cam on the actuating member and cooperating surface on the other member which converts a manual force applied to rotate the actuating member relative to the other member into an axial force pressing against the socket and an equal and opposite axial force applied to the plug assembly which moves the plug assembly axially in a direction away from the socket and retracts the plug assembly.