Abstract: A tape transport is disclosed and claimed for moving recorded tape that contains both recorded sections and non-recorded sections between a loaded reel and a takeup reel. The transport is adapted for both the normal play, fast forward, and rewind modes and for an additional two modes, detecting fast forward and detecting rewind, in which the tape moves in fast forward or rewind through a recorded section until a non-recorded section is detected, at which point the transport automatically shifts to the play mode. A selector for choosing the desired mode can be operated by a single control lever. Or a first control for choice between play, fast forward, and detecting fast forward, and a second control for choice between play, rewind, and detecting rewind can be provided.

Abstract: A cassette loading and unloading device has a guiding element for positioning a cassette either in an ejected position or in an inserted position, a spring for urging the guiding element towards the ejected position and a locking element for locking the guiding element in the inserted position. The locking element is held in a locked position by the energization of an electromagnet which is effected during the closure of a switch. The release of the guiding element from the locking element and the movement of the guiding element to the ejected position are established when the switch is turned off to de-energize the electromagnet.