Abstract: In a cassette tape recorder for recording signals on a magnetic tape wound on a pair of reels of a tape cassette or reproducing signals from the tape, a control circuit for controlling a tape transport mechanism detects the amount of the tape remaining unwound and extending to the tape tail end, and controls the tape speed based on the tape position corresponding to the detected amount of the remaining tape. The control circuit estimates the thickness of the tape and alters the tape position where deceleration of the tape is to be started, in accordance with the estimated tape thickness. Consequently, even when the tape thickness varies from tape to tape, the time required for winding up the magnetic tape can be shortened by giving specified speed variations to the tape in the high-speed winding mode.

Abstract: A method includes molding a set of deflector plates in a first mold with a first material, removing the deflector plates from the mold, and placing the deflector plates in a second mold, molding a duct to the deflector plates in the second mold using a second material. The molding includes forming an engaging rim in the duct for connecting the duct to another duct, and removing the deflector plates and the duct from the second mold. The deflector plates pivot with respect to the duct when the molding of the duct is finished.

Abstract: A method includes molding a set of deflector plates in a first mold with a first material, removing the deflector plates from the mold, and placing the deflector plates in a second mold, molding a duct to the deflector plates in the second mold using a second material. The molding includes forming an engaging rim in the duct for connecting the duct to another duct, and removing the deflector plates and the duct from the second mold. The deflector plates pivot with respect to the duct when the molding of the duct is finished.

Abstract: A cup holder is arranged for withdrawal from and insertion into an accommodation case. The cup holder includes a frame plate, a cup inserting hole formed through the frame plate, and a cup receiving frame pivotally arranged on the frame plate for rotation, and receiving a cup at a location underneath the cup insertion hole. One of the frame plate and the cup capable of receiving frame is formed of a resin with a higher melting point and the other is formed of a lower melting point resin with a melting point lower than the higher melting point resin. The frame plate and the cup receiving frame are formed by a two-layer molding method wherein the higher melting point resin is cast by injection molding and then a lower melting point resin is cast by injection molding.