Abstract: A radio - cassette tape recorder/player system in which mode selection is accomplished with a single-touch operation. Function switches are provided corresponding to OFF or STOP, cassette tape recording/playing, AM radio reception, and FM radio reception. The OFF function switch operates to halt operations for both the cassette tape recording/playing mode and the AM and FM radio reception modes. An electronic control circuit operates a cassette operating mechanism and the radio receiving circuits in response to momentary actuation of the function switches.

Abstract: An interval detection and drive mechanism for a cassette tape recorder is disclosed which comprises an electrical circuit for detecting the interval between recorded tunes in the tape; tape drive control means shiftable between a fast forward or rewind state and a playback state; a lock plate associated with the detecting circuit and with the playback, fast forward and rewind levers; and means for moving the playback lever to the playback position. Upon detection of the interval between tunes during the fast forward or rewind operation, the detecting circuit delivers a detection signal such that the control means is shifted from the fast forward or rewind state to the playback state and the playback lever is moved to the playback position. The tape recorder is changed into the playback operation which is visually represented by the retracted playback lever.

Abstract: An automatic repeat mechanism for a cassette tape recorder is disclosed which comprises a fast feed unit for selectively transmitting rotational force to a take-up or supply reel base in response to actuation of a fast forward or rewind lever; means for biasing the fast feed unit into cooperation with the supply reel base to provide rewind operation; means for positively displacing the fast feed unit to a neutral position against the biasing force during the playback operation; and means for detecting the end of tape supply. During the playback operation, the positive displacing means keeps the fast feed unit in the neutral position. After the detecting means detects the end of tape supply, the detecting means functions to cancel the positive displacing means, thereby allowing the biasing means to move the fast feed unit into the rewind position.

Abstract: An improved cassette tape recorder is disclosed in which a cam disc is used to move a head carriage between intermediate and recording/playback positions. When a playback, record or stop lever is pushed, a solenoid is energized to displace a lock arm to disengage the lock arm from a toothed cam plate integral with the cam disc, thus allowing the cam disc to rotate a half turn. A set plate for controlling pinch roller and take-up units is also operatively connected to the cam disc. The pinch roller is brought into contact with a capstan and a rotating shaft of the take-up unit is brought into engagement with a take-up base at the same time when the head carriage is shifted from the intermediate to the recording/playback position in response to the half turn of the cam disc. A lever arm connects the playback lever and the set plate so that the playback lever is moved into the playback position when the set plate is in contact with the smallest lobe of the cam disc, that is, during the recording operation.

Abstract: A cassette tape recorder has function of eliminating the slack of magnetic tape between supply reel and take-up reel in advance before the magnetic tape is started to transfer in the required direction for recording or reproducing. When the tape cassette is placed in "play" position, supply reel is rotated first in backward direction to eliminate the slack of the magnetic tape. The tensioned magnetic tape, then, may cause the take-up reel to rotate in the rewind direction. A detection device is provided to discriminate the rotation of the take-up reel in the backward direction. The detection device causes a control device for drive motor to switch the rotating direction of the motor so as to reverse the rotating direction of the capstan and the take-up reel.

Abstract: A tape recording and reproducing apparatus utilizing a tape cassette is disclosed which eliminates the tape slack between supply reel and take-up reel. When the tape cassette is placed in the play position, the take-up reel is rotated in the forward direction to remove the tape slack. Then the supply reel is started to rotate by the stretched tape. A detecting device is provided to detect the rotation of the supply reel in the forward direction. The detecting device triggers a control device which in turn causes the tape transport mechanism to come into engagement with the tape ordinary play mode.