Abstract: A tape recorder comprising a cassette tape compartment for detachably housing a first and second cassette tapes, a capstan for driving the first and second cassette tapes coaxially mounted thereon, a mode selector member for selecting the driving mode for the first and second cassette tapes, operation means for causing the second cassette tape to perform a first or a second function and causing the first cassette tape to perform the first function, a device for allowing the second cassette tape to achieve the first or second function, in response to operation of the operation means corresponding to the first or second function, when the second cassette tape-driving mode has been selected by the mode selector member, a device for allowing the first cassette tape to achieve the first function, in response to operation of the operation means corresponding to the first function, when the first cassette tape-driving mode has been selected by the mode selector member, and a function blocking device for hindering th

Abstract: A tape recorder mode selector device equipped with a set of mode selecting members for operations such as record, play, fast-forward and rewind, a tape selector member and a capstan for selectively driving one of a plurality of cassette tapes loaded parallel to one another thereon. A tape selecting slide member interlocking with the tape selector member includes a projection or engaging element. A rotator selector is provided. The engaging element blocks the pinch rollers for the cassette tapes other than the cassette tape selected by the tape selector member from being pressed against the capstan, and the rotator selector causes a fast rotator to be selectively engaged with a fast-forwarding or rewinding reel rest of the selected cassette tape, thereby driving the selected cassette tape in response to the selection of these operating modes.

Abstract: Individual magnetic heads for cassette tapes in compartments which are stacked one on top of another are attached to separate supporting pieces of different heights and secured in a slidable plate at different horizontal distances from the cassette compartments. Prior art mechanisms for azimuthally adjustable attachment can be effectively used to secure the magnetic heads on the supporting pieces.

Abstract: An automatic cassette tape recorder stop apparatus which can drive a plurality of magnetic tapes simultaneously or individually and includes a sensor for each of the tapes; and a lock release block which receives the load applied to each sensor, rotates a trigger lever through a conversion lever, and actuates a cam gear, a lock release plate and a lock plate. The automatic stop apparatus further includes a load-receiving resilient member for each sensor which does not allow the load on the sensor to be transmitted to the trigger lever while the tape is running but allows the load to be transmitted to the trigger lever for its rotation when the tape has been wound to the end.

Abstract: A rotary plug valve has a valve body member provided with a ported plug seat, and a ported plug member rotatably mounted in the valve body member, the plug member being adapted to be rotated between the position where the ports are aligned and the position where the ports are not aligned, thereby opening and closing the valve. One of the valve body member and the plug member is provided in the surface thereof facing the other member with circumferential grooves at both axial end portions of the member. The circumferential grooves receive respective packing "O" rings which form tight seals between the opposing seat surfaces of the valve body member and the plug member. The seat surface of either one of the valve body member and the plug member is provided with a plurality of channels extending in the longitudinal direction of the member at both sides of each port, so as to provide communication between two circumferential grooves.

Abstract: In a voltage-controlled oscillator having an LC resonant circuit including a varactor circuit so that resonant frequency is controlled by a D.C. bias or control voltage applied to the varactor circuit, three or more varactors are connected in series in one embodiment so that a high-frequency voltage applied to the varactor circuit is divided into a plurality. The varactors may be connected in the same direction or opposite direction. In another embodiment, a plurality of series circuits of varactors are connected in parallel to provide the varactor circuit, where each series circuit comprises two or more varactors. A series-parallel connection of a plurality of varactors may be arranged in a matrix. In order to reduce undesirable stray capacitance, some or all varactors are attached to a printed circuit board so that they are normal to the plane of the printed circuit board. In one embodiment an auxiliary printed circuit board is employed so that some varactors are spaced from a main circuit board.