Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus (1) for a magnetic tape includes two winding spindles (13, 14) for driving winding hubs (9, 10) mounted coaxially thereon and a drive mechanism (15) for driving the winding spindles (13, 14). The drive mechanism (15) comprises a first drive wheel (46) which is selectively drivable in one of two directions of rotation and which drives a second drive wheel (48) via a coupling device (49), which second drive wheel can be coupled to one of the two winding spindles (13, 14) depending on its direction of rotation. The coupling device (49) comprises two friction couplings (51, 53) arranged coaxially between the first and second drive wheels and adapted to transmit different torques. A unidirectional coupling (55) bypasses the friction coupling (53) for the transmission of the smaller torque in the case of a direction of rotation (56) so that the device transmits different torques in opposite directions of rotation.

Abstract: A symmetrical mounting arrangement for a detachable head drum of a helical scan tape recorder in which a deformable sleeve extends from the drum along the drive spindle with a small clearance, and a clamping ring surrounding the sleeve exerts pressure uniformly to clamp the spindle and accurately center the drum on the spindle.

Abstract: The head-drum rotary system of a helical scan video recorder is centered on the drive spindle without tilting, by elastic deformation of two wall portions which serve as centering devices. At least one of the centering devices may also function as a clamping element for holding the head-drum system on the spindle.

Abstract: A helical scan tape recorder having a head support accommodating one or more magnetic heads mounted on a drive spindle. The head support is centered relative to the axis of rotation of the drive spindle by a diaphragm made of a thin elastic sheet material clamped to the head support. A central opening of the diaphragm is pressed over the drive spindle without play, portions of the centering diaphragm being subjected to a limited elastic bending deformation.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette of the "flip-over" type having side-by-side reels in a housing between two parallel main walls, an exposed run of tape along a front of the cassette housing, and a pivoting cover for the exposed run of tape. A single cassette cover covers the entire front of the housing, and has a pivoting arm at each side which is journalled to the cassette housing sidewalls such that the cover can be opened from its closed position in either direction to two different open positions, by pivoting toward the one or toward the other main wall of the housing. A movable slide may also cover openings which provide access behind the stretch of tape.