Abstract: A transfer device is provided that ensures transfer of information carriers of different dimensions due to a single loading device including a detection mechanism means (32) associated with linking elements (40). Upon the insertion of an information carrier, the linking elements (40) cooperates with a projection (50A, 50B) set in relation with the size of the inserted information carrier. The projection is supported by a slider (52) that actuates clamping and driving mechanisms to ensure the setting of the inserted information carrier in its operative position. Thus, the synchronization between the clamping and driving mechanisms is made in relation with the size of said carrier.

Abstract: A loading device for loading and unloading an information carrier with respect to a recording/playback unit is provided. The loading device includes a pair of gripping elements that are actuatable between an engaged position wherein the gripping elements grip the information carrier therebetween and a disengaged position wherein the gripping elements are spaced apart from each other. A transport mechanism moves the gripping elements during loading and unloading of the information carrier. The gripping elements are supported by the transport mechanism for movement relative to the transport mechanism. A control mechanism is provided for actuating the gripping elements to the engaged position when the gripping elements are moved by the transport mechanism during loading of the information carrier and to the disengaged position when the gripping elements are moved by the transport mechanism during unloading of the information carrier.

Abstract: A cassette of cleaning tape for cleaning the driving, play-back and recording components of a magnetic tape apparatus. The cleaning cassette has a tape and a roller rotatably supported in the cassette housing having a core of absorbent material adapted to be impregnated with cleaning liquid, and absorbent material exposed on a portion of the surface of the roller for applying liquid to wet a surface of the tape intermittently as the tape is moved in the cassette, the intermittent liquid application preventing the tape from sticking to components as the tape is driven through the magnetic tape apparatus being cleaned.

Abstract: A loading and unloading device for compact discs includes a disc support movably mounted by means of a plurality of lateral studs which are received in straight slots provided in elements fastened to the fixed frame. The straight slots are parallel to the axis of the drive members for the compact discs and guide the discs in the requisite axial movement. A ring member driven through a restricted rotational distance is utilized for shifting the compact disc support in the axial direction of the compact disc, the ring member having oblique slots receiving the lateral studs and effective upon rotational movement of the ring member in one direction or the other to move each stud along the guide slots to shift the compact disc support in one direction or the other between the loading and operating positions of the recording disc.

Abstract: A disc or record cleaning device especially for laser-read discs having digital recordings is provided in a disc storage container and incorporates a cleaning member with which the disc or record is brought into contact so as to clean the disc by a relative movement with respect to the cleaning member. The cleaning member is a fibrous pad and is either fixed and the disc rotated or the disc is held stationary and the cleaning pad rotated or translated. The storage container is provided by sections movable relative to one another, either articulated about a common pivot or translatable. The relative movement of the sections is coupled to move the disc and cleaning member relatively for cleaning the disc.