Abstract: A storage control apparatus capable of suppressing reduction of the service life of a storage device, caused due to increase of the number of times of ON/OFF operation of a spindle motor, while suppressing occurrence of accidental failure of the spindle motor. The storage control apparatus is equipped with an HDD including a magnetic disk and the spindle motor for rotating the magnetic disk. A value indicating a use state of the storage control apparatus is acquired, and the operation mode of the HDD is set, based on the acquired value, to one of a suppression operation mode for suppressing the total rotation time of the spindle motor and a normal operation mode for suppressing the number of times of ON/OFF operation of the spindle motor.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus includes a deck to which a head drum is mounted to record and reproduce information with respect to a running tape, and a tape-end sensor to sense starting and finishing ends of the running tape. The tape-end sensor includes a light emitter mounted on the deck to project a light onto the tape being drawn and run from the tape cassette, a light receiver receiving light projected from the light emitter and transmitted through the tape, and a light interrupter blocking light projected to the light receiver that does not pass through the running tape.

Abstract: A tape cartridge capable of recording and reading out large and small tape cartridges with different widths is provided. The tape cartridge comprises a pair of right and left hubs for winding a tape which is winded off from one hub and is wound around the other hub via tape guides. A passage for light injection and a passage for light ejecting of the tape end detection light are opened respectively on a side wall of a case of a main body facing a tape traveling path between the tape guide and the hub, and an optical path inverted body facing a pair of passages across the tape traveling path is arranged in the case of the main body. One of the passages for light injection and the passages for light ejecting in the large and small tape cartridges is formed at a prescribed distance from the reference surface.

Abstract: A tape cartridge capable of reliably identifying difference in type among tape cartridges without causing a tape drive side to have increased costs is provided. On the outer surface of a main case, an identification indicator is formed in a stripe shape having a grain printed portion and a mirror surface portion arranged alternately toward a loading direction of a magnetic tape cartridge onto a tape drive. An indicator format of the identification indicator on the magnetic tape cartridge, which is displaced and moved in the loading direction when loading operation of the magnetic tape cartridge onto the tape drive is conducted, is read by an optical reader mounted on the tape drive. This makes it possible to obtain type information on the magnetic tape cartridge on the tape drive side.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a magnetic tape cartridge capable of improving operational precision and efficiency in the process of mounting a release part for unlocking a reel. A magnetic tape cartridge having a release button (part) for unlocking a reel, the release button being mounted in a hub with a cup shape formed on the reel, wherein a bottom portion of the hub has a fitting opening into which the release part fits, and a detection opening with a predetermined positional relationship with the fitting opening; and a reflection (metal) plate attached on a bottom surface of the bottom portion of the hub is viewed from an aperture of the detection opening defined in a top surface of the bottom portion of the hub.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a ribbon transport mechanism of a ribbon feed system includes a supporting structure carrying a plurality of ribbon transport devices including a ribbon storage spool, a ribbon take-up spool, and at least one ribbon guide around which roller the ribbon is passed, a ribbon feed path including the ribbon guide, between the storage and take-up spools and through an operating station where a work operation is carried out which utilises the ribbon, the ribbon transport mechanism in use, transporting the ribbon along the ribbon feed path between the storage and take-up spools, the apparatus including a mounting structure for mounting at least one of the ribbon transport devices so as to permit the respective device to move relative to the supporting structure in response to changes in ribbon tension occurring in the ribbon feed path, and a sensor device which is sensitive to such movements to provide an input which is dependant upon the extent of such spool movement, to a controller, th

Abstract: Disclosed is a reel clutch of a tape recorder. A plate spring is positioned between a reel gear and a reel disc of a reel disc assembly which is mounted on a deck of a tape recorder, and a stopper reel is provided on the reel disc to restrain the engaging height of the plate spring so that a torque is generated by the frictional contact between the reel disc and the plate spring, whereby assembly productivity can be enhanced and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A power supply device of a tape-end detecting sensor for a tape recorder. The power supply device comprises a reel cover disposed on a sub-chassis, with a tape-end detecting sensor being seated on the reel cover for detecting the passing of a terminal end of a magnetic portion of a magnetic tape, a first power transmitting member mounted in the reel cover to be connected to the detecting sensor and having a first contacting portion, and a second power transmitting member disposed on the sub-chassis and having a second contacting portion that comes into contact with the first contacting portion when the reel cover is mounted on the sub-chassis. The power supply device further comprises a resilient pressing member integrally formed with the sub-chassis, for resiliently pressing the second contacting portion toward the first contacting portion to improve a contacting force between the first and the second contacting portions.

Abstract: In a tape cassette (5) to be used for a tape printing device (1), a roll part T0 of a print tape T having a preset tape width is firmly attached to the under surface of a rotation support section (21a) of a tape unit (20) by a lower spool (22). The tape unit (20) is provided with a tape identification section (30) for identifying the type etc. of the rolled tape. In the tape identification section (30), a vertical through hole (61) as a tape width identification part is provided varying its position depending on the tape width. Meanwhile, a cassette case body (32) and a cassette cover (33) of the tape cassette (5) are provided with a tape detection part (50a, 50b) to which the tape identification section (30) can be set or attached, while being provided with a projection (52) as a tape width detection part to be paired with the vertical through hole (61) so that only a tape unit (20) including a rolled print tape having a preset tape width is allowed to be attached to the tape cassette (5).

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge. An operation protrusion of an inadvertent erasure prevention plug is inserted into an operation hole, which is formed in a lower case, and exposed to the outside. The operation protrusion is operated in a first direction or a second direction, and thus permission for recording to a recording medium which is accommodated in the case is switched by movement of the inadvertent erasure prevention plug in the first direction or the second direction within the case. At edge portions of the operation hole toward the first direction and the second direction, recess portions communicate with the respective edge portions. Floors of the recess portions are defined by thin-wall straight portions at which an outer face of an angled rear wall of the case is recessed in parallel with an inner face thereof.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette includes an ID board for enabling a hardware to identify the magnetic tape by bringing contacts on a circuit board of the ID board which are exposed through an opening formed in a lower cassette half into contact with corresponding contacts in the hardware. Additionally, a plating treatment is provided on the contacts on the ID board. Further, a determined distance is secured between all end portions of the parts of the circuit board. Which are provided with the plating treatment, and the end faces of the circuit board. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the determined distance of the ID boards at a forward position in a moving direction of the magnetic tape cassette at which the contacts on the ID board are adapted to slidably contact with the contacts in the hardware is set to be 0.05-0.25 mm.

Abstract: In a recording medium cartridge in which a recording medium is housed within a cartridge case, a write protection member is installed in the opening of the cartridge case to inhibit data from being written to the recording medium. The write protection member is provided with a recognition window. Within the cartridge case, identification display is installed so that it is visible through the recognition window.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette for use in an apparatus having a light source and a light sensor (5a, 5b) for detecting a tape end by the difference of light transmittance of a tape. The magnetic tape cassette (1) is composed of a cassette housing for having a transparent or semi-transparent upper half (1b) and a lower half (1a), and the reel being connected with the tape, and a light exit (7A, 7B) being opposed to the light sensor (5a, 5b) when the tape cassette is loaded to a predetermined position in the apparatus, for passing light from the light source to the light sensor through the light exit, wherein a light path (4a, 4b) of the light emitted from the light source crosses a travel path of the tape, a light-shielding member (2a, 2b) for limiting the light emitted from the light source, placed contiguous to the light exit, and a rib (81, 83) being formed in the upper half and the lower half (1a, 1b) wherein a plurality of triangular shaped prisms (83a) is formed serially on at least one side of the rib (83).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a tape cassette in which a tape body is wound across a pair of tape reels rotatably supported by the cassette body. At the cassette body, there are provided a first write protect mechanism provided in correspondence with the position where there is provided a write protect mechanism provided at other tape cassette loaded with compatibility with respect to a recording/reproducing apparatus into which tape cassette is loaded, and a second write protect mechanism provided at the position which is not in correspondence with the position where write protect mechanism provided at the other tape cassette is provided, wherein the first write protect mechanism is in write protect state at all times.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a tape cassette in which a tape body is wound across a pair of tape reels rotatably supported by the cassette body. At the cassette body, a location of a first write inhibit mechanism corresponds to the position of a write inhibit mechanism for another tape cassette. A second write inhibit mechanism is provided at the position that is not in correspondence with the position where write inhibit mechanism provided at the other tape cassette is provided. The first write inhibit mechanism is in a write inhibit state at all times. Thus, when there is loaded a tape cassette where recording of information signals is carried out by a different recording format into recording/reproducing apparatus corresponding to only a tape cassette of a specific recording format of tape cassettes different in the recording format, recording of information signals with respect to this tape cassette is inhibited to realize protection of already recorded data. Discrimination techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette for use in an apparatus having a light source and a light sensor (5a, 5b) for detecting a tape end by the difference of light transmittance of a tape. The magnetic tape cassette (1) is composed of a cassette housing for having a transparent or semi-transparent upper half (1b) and a lower half (1a), and the reel being connected with the tape, and a light exit (7A, 7B) being opposed to the light sensor (5a, 5b) when the tape cassette is loaded to a predetermined position in the apparatus, for passing light from the light source to the light sensor through the light exit, wherein a light path (4a, 4b) of the light emitted from the light source crosses a travel path of the tape, a light-shielding member (2a, 2b) for limiting the light emitted from the light source, placed contiguous to the light exit, and a rib (81, 83) being formed in the upper half and the lower half (1a, 1b) wherein a plurality of triangular shaped prisms (83a) is formed serially on at least one side of the rib (83).

Abstract: A data cartridge includes a length of magnetic tape which is formed at one end with a first pattern of holes to enable identification of the end of the tape and a second pattern of holes located within the first pattern of holes and configured to provide a binary code to enable automatic identification of the cartridge type or tape type. The binary code provides for a least significant bit and a most significant bit in a hexadecimal configuration.

Abstract: A data storage cassette includes an upper cassette half and a lower cassette half and containing therein a tape for storing data. The cassette has an outer shape of a predetermined dimension, and the lower cassette half is formed with a reel lock release hole. A discrimination hole is formed through the lower cassette half at a location adjacent to the reel lock release hole for discriminating the data storage cassette from another cassette having an outer shape of a dimension substantially identical with the abovementioned predetermined dimension of the outer shape of the data storage cassette. A data recording and reproducing device has a discrimination switch or a fixed pin for identifying the presence of the discrimination hole during a loading operation of the data storage cassette into the device and enabling only the data storage cassette to be loaded and set in the device.

Abstract: A recording medium device including a cartridge body within which a tape-shaped recording medium on which information signals are recorded is accomodated, wherein a cartridge discrimination opening (hole) indicating the specification of the recording medium device is provided at the bottom surface side of the cartridge body and positioned in the corner of the portion of the back (face) side opposite to the front side of the cartridge body from which the tape shaped recording medium is drawn out. In addition, a recording and/or reproducing apparatus with a detection mechanism for detecting the cartridge discrimination opening (hole) is provided. The cartridge discrimination opening (hole) is provided in the area where it was previously known to provide plural recording medium specification openings (holes) but which are not provided in the cartridge body.

Abstract: A cassette label comprising, an integrated circuit comprising a memory unit and a signal processing unit, an antenna members for carrying out at least a transfer of signals with respect to the integrated circuit, and a label body accommodating the integrated circuit and the antenna members and mounted on a back surface of a video cassette tape, and a video cassette tape comprising, a video tape for recording video signals, a cassette case for accommodating the video tape, and the cassette label mounted on the back surface of the cassette case.

Abstract: The present invention provides a superior light-storing printed article, which includes a light-storing printed layer comprising 50-80 wt % of light-storing pigment having D50=22-35 .mu.m and D90=58-80 .mu.m based on the total amount of the light-storing pigment and the binder, and the thickness of the printed layer being 50-150 .mu.m.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for easily, visually indicating to a user that a tape cartridge has reached the end of its useful life by causing a flag, wound beneath a tape inside the cartridge, to appear within a clear window in the cartridge housing. When a tape drive in which the cartridge is mounted detects a defect in a data tape, the tape is rewound and extra torque is applied thereto to expose the flag. When a cleaning tape reaches its end, the flag is released.

Abstract: A tape cartridge in which it is possible to suppress warping otherwise produced in a lower cartridge half in its entirety on insert molding a meal plate on the lower cartridge half. A reel lock unit 21 having a reel lock member 37 and a mistaken recording inhibiting member 39 is mounted on a backside outer peripheral wall section 16. Formed adjacent to the corners intermediate between the reel lock unit 21 and the corners are cut-outs 16C, 16D in the outer peripheral wall section 16. The cut-outs 16C, 16D are of cut-out depths coincident with the boundary line of a label area L bonded on the backside of the main cartridge body portion 2.

Abstract: A tape cassette provided with a tape member comprised of a magnetic tape connected to transparent leader tapes affixed to a pair of tape reels rotatably supported in a cassette body via connection tapes. In this cassette body, a light emitting element hole is located between the pair of tape reels. Light transmission holes allowing the light from the light emitting element facing the cassette body via the light emitting element hole to pass therethrough out of the cassette body with the tape member interposed therebetween are provided in the side walls orthogonal to the travelling direction of the tape member travelling over the distance between the pair of tape reels. In addition, a tape information display portion is provided in the tape member which indicates the type of the magnetic tape accommodated in the cassette body.

Abstract: The rotation of a drive roll is detected using an rpm detection enabling element provided on the drive roll in order to control the driving device and reduce data error and loss of storage capacity. A cover member 3 and a base plate 4 make up a main cartridge member 2 within which a pair of tape reels 8, 9 are accommodated. A magnetic tape 7, placed around the tape reels 8 and 9, is driven by a drive roll 13 the outer periphery of which is partially exposed via an opening 21 formed in the front surface of the cover member 3. A capstan roll 46 of a driving device 40 is in surface contact with the driving roll 13 for transmitting its rotation to the drive roll. A rpm detection enabling element 34 is provided on the drive roll 13 and is detected through a detection window 35 provided in the cover member 3. The rotational speed difference between the drive roll and the capstan roll is used to detect slip therebetween.

Abstract: A cassette with an end of ribbon indicator or mark in accordance with the present invention includes a spool for storing the useable ribbon, a pair of end hubs, and at least one end of ribbon mark. One of the end hubs is connected to each end of the spool. Each of the end hubs has an inner surface facing the spool which includes the end of ribbon mark. The mark indicates how much usable ribbon is left on the spool. Preferably, the marks comprise a plurality of concentric rings centered around an axis extending along the length of the center of the spool.

Abstract: A recording medium device has a cartridge main body housing a recording medium configured for recording information signals. The recording medium device includes the cartridge main body housing the magnetic tape, contact terminals arranged facing the outside of the cartridge main body for functioning as electrical contacts for a drive unit, and a shutter member arranged on the cartridge main body for opening and closing the contact terminals. The contact terminals face outwardly of the cartridge main body via an opening formed in the outer peripheral wall of the cartridge main body. When not loaded on the drive unit, the shutter member is held at a position closing the opening formed in the cartridge main body. When loaded on the drive unit, the shutter member is moved by a shutter opening mechanism mounted in the drive unit to a position uncovering the opening for exposing the contact terminals to the outside of the cartridge main body.

Abstract: Improved data protection features for a magnetic recording tape cartridge comprise a recess in the cartridge shell and a movable "file protect" device, which may be a rotatable plug or slidable member. The features enable tape drives to distinguish between two types of cartridges with otherwise identical form factors, allowing one of the cartridges to contain a recording tape with different characteristics that require the tape drive to identify the characteristics of the tape prior to use.

Abstract: A VCR has a reel sensor prism device fabricated by being separated into a scattering member and a fixing member. The scattering member includes a cylindrical body part for transmitting light and a head formed to the upper portion of the body part for scattering the light. A fixing member is formed with a center hole of being inserted with the body part of the scattering member, and two pairs of hooks are formed to the lower end. A base for supporting and fixing the fixing member is formed with two pairs of hook holes and a thruhole for passing the light generated from a reel sensor light emitting part therethrough. By this construction, the light generated from the reel sensor light emitting part is prevented from being scattered at the body part to minimize loss of the transmitted light, thereby maximizing the transmitting effect of the light and preventing a malfunction of the VCR.

Abstract: A data tape cartridge is formed on a baseplate of polymeric material which supports mounting pins and tape guides thereon for supporting tape components in rigid and dimensionally-stable manner using integrally formed bosses to support the mounting pins and guides. Additional stability against flexure is achieved using a matrix pattern of integrally-formed webs or ribs and sidewalls in the baseplate and by attaching a top plate substantially about the entire perimeter of the sidewalls. Lateral forces exerted against rotatable components on the mounting pins are transferred to the baseplate and top plate by the mounting pins that are supported in both plates. A midguide support is integrally formed in the baseplate to support a guide pin at critical location adjacent the location along the tape path in the cartridge at which a tape transducer interacts with tape.

Abstract: A machine and method of performing a work operation requiring a known or predetermined length of unconsumed web has a cassette containing consumable web material, and the cassette has an indicator for identifying a length of unconsumed web in the cassette. The length of unconsumed web in the cassette is compared to a known or predetermined length of unconsumed web required to perform the work operation, and the operation is performed if the length of unconsumed web in the cassette is at least equal to the required length of unconsumed web. In one embodiment, the indicator takes the form of a potentiometer mounted on an exterior surface of the cassette for electrically indicating the amount of unconsumed web, or a pointer carried by a worm gear rotatably coupled to a spool of the cassette, wherein the pointer moves relative to indicia on the cassette upon rotation of the spool to visually indicate the amount of unconsumed web in the cassette.

Abstract: A cassette storing a recording medium therein and having an opening for recording information on and/or reproducing information from the recording medium therethrough, or a storage case for storing such a cassette has, on its outer surface, a label area made of a phosphorescent material for allowing information to be written with a writing instrument.

Abstract: In a recording and/or reproducing apparatus which comprises reel mounts which are disposed on a chassis so that they can respectively engage with tape reels, a reel mount cover secured to the chassis to cover a reel mount driving part for driving the reel mounts, and a tape end detecting element disposed on the reel mount cover, contact portions for providing a connection between a wiring extending from the tape end detecting element on the reel mount cover and a wiring provided on the chassis are provided between the surfaces of abutment between the reel mount cover and the chassis, and the reel mount cover is fixed to the chassis by fastening the surfaces of abutment in a portion between the contact portions and an abutment start portion positioned in the vicinity of the contact portions.

Abstract: A tape cassette includes tape reels and a cassette main body formed of an upper shell and a lower shell. In such a tape cassette, a tape reel position restricting portion serving as a reinforcing member for the lower shell is provided on the lower shell at a position outside an outer periphery of the lower flange. The tape reel position restricting portion includes a high rib; an intermediate rib being lower than the high rib within a range not to obstruct passing of a tape end detecting light beam, and being positioned in a tape end detecting light path; and a low rib being lower than the intermediate rib, and being positioned in a tape path region. The intermediate rib and the low rib are preferably disposed outside the high rib.

Abstract: A cartridge for a data storage disk drive has a retroreflective marker. Light from a source is reflected from the marker almost exactly on its incident path. This property makes possible unique identification of the cartridge with minimal senstivity to light reflected from other surfaces. The marker enables a disk drive enable circuit so that the drive cannot be used with improper cartridges which might damage it. Also, a retroreflective marker is used for write protection of the cartridge.

Abstract: A tape cassette with a pivotal lid having a tape wound on reels inside a cassette made up of upper and lower shells and light holes in the sides of the cassette for detecting the ends of the tape using light beams is made easy to assemble by dustproofing ribs for preventing dust and the like from entering through the light holes each being split into two dustproofing rib parts, one of these parts being provided on the pivotal lid and the other being provided on the lower shell. The dustproofing rib parts are so disposed that with the pivotal lid in an open position the upper shell can be assembled to the lower shell easily in one straight-line movement without its direction being changed. Facing surfaces of the two dustproofing rib parts constituting each dustproofing rib are sloping or stepped to effectively prevent dust from passing between the dustproofing rib parts.

Abstract: A prism is provided for deflecting light through the tape information holes in the tape of a data cartridge. The prism includes a substantially hollow main prism body. The inside surface of the angled prism surface is formed in steps, so that light passing into the angled portion passes in the normal direction through a step, is reflected off of the angled surface, and then passes in the normal direction through the adjacent side of the step, or the adjacent side of the next step. In this fashion, minimal plastic material is required for the prism, while light reflection is restricted to only a single surface. An alternative embodiment provides steps on the internal surface of a mirror, instead of a prism.

Abstract: A video cassette is labeled with a wrap around label attached to the cover, to the back and to the bottom of the video cassette. The label has perforations for detachment of the bottom section. A clear film can be attached peripherally around an opening in the label for viewing a reel and hub within the video cassette. Portions of the cassette are molded as openings between the interior and exterior to reduce material costs, and are subsequently covered with the wrap around label. The invention is a lower cost molded video cassette with increased display area and removable label section, which can be put to various uses, such as an information card for future reference.

Abstract: A recording medium cassette comprises a cassette case cassette case board and a release part. The cassette case board has a plurality of board terminals and also has positioning holes formed in its outer surface so as to expose the plurality of board terminals along with insertion guide channels formed consecutively at the lower ends of the positioning holes so as to reach the lower end of the cassette case. Also, a release part slopes towards the lower end of the insertion guide channel away from the outer surface.

Abstract: A data tape cartridge is formed on a baseplate of polymeric material which supports mounting pins and tape guides thereon for supporting tape components in rigid and dimensionally-stable manner using integrally formed bosses to support the mounting pins and guides. Additional stability against flexure is achieved using a matrix pattern of integrally-formed webs or ribs and sidewalls in the baseplate and by attaching a top plate substantially about the entire perimeter of the sidewalls. Lateral forces exerted against rotatable components on the mounting pins are transferred to the baseplate and top plate by the mounting pins that are supported in both plates. A midguide support is integrally formed in the baseplate to support a guide pin at critical location adjacent the location along the tape path in the cartridge at which a tape transducer interacts with tape.

Abstract: A set of tape cassettes of different sizes which each includes electric information representing terminals and which are used with a common recording and/or reproduction apparatus and a recording and/or reproduction apparatus with which those tape cassettes can be selectively used are improved in that information represented by the electric information representing terminals is read by a detection arrangement common to the tape cassettes of the different sizes. The electric information representing terminals are disposed at equal distances on the tape cassettes from corresponding outer side faces of the tape cassettes.

Abstract: A ribbon cassette of which the type of ink ribbon accommodated in the ribbon cassette may be identified by diagonally-arranged detection switches arranged on the carriage of a thermal transfer printer, without using a plurality of types of ribbon cassette case which are different in shape.

Abstract: A tape cassette for a recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a cassette casing comprising an upper half and a lower half, a front cover provided to cover a front opening portion of the cassette casing for protecting a magnetic tape and for opening and closing the front opening portion and a locking member provided on at least one of right and left side surfaces of the cassette casing to lock the front cover when it is closed. A gap is formed between an outer side surface of the cassette casing and an inner side surface of the front cover so as to permit insertion of a member which serves to release the locking member from being locked. A projection is formed on an inner surface of the front cover covering the gap.

Abstract: A tape cassette is provided which has indicia indicating the characteristics of the tape contained therein. In one embodiment an information discriminating mark, capable of being optically sensed is provided on the magnetic tape. Fluctuations in the transmittance of the tape are detected by a photodetector device and a difference in the detected output is utilized for identifying the type of the tape cassette. In another embodiment, the bottom surface of the tape cassette is provided with physical indicia indicating the characteristics of the tape contained therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for placing a mark on the spine of a tape cassette at a location therealong corresponding to the length of the selection on the tape in which cassettes successively loaded with the selection from a pancake tape having the same selection recorded thereon a plurality of times are passed to a marking station at which a marking device is moved from a home position to a second position spaced therefrom by a distance equal to the length of the selection in response to the loading of a selection into an empty cassette. The marking device is actuated in response to movement of a cassette into the marking station with its spine extending in a direction from the home position toward the second position of the marking device. The exhausting of the pancake tape is sensed to return the marking device to its home position.

Abstract: A tape travel controlling system in a recording/reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes a tape width detector, a tape traveling path adjuster for changing a set condition(s) for a tape guide(s), and a tape traveling path controller, and is constructed so that the tape traveling path controller controls the amount of change in the set condition(s) for the tape guide(s) in the tape traveling path adjuster in accordance with an output signal provided from the tape width detector.

Abstract: A recording medium cassette being easily miniaturized if necessary, and a recording and/or reproducing apparatus, such as a VTR, adapted to use the same recording medium cassette. The recording medium cassette includes a printed wiring board having a plurality of information indicating contacts and which is fixed to the bottom wall of a case of the recording medium cassette so that the information indicating contacts are accessible from outside through slots formed in the bottom wall. The recording and/or reproducing apparatus is provided with a plurality of information detecting contacts respectively corresponding to the information indicating contacts of the recording medium cassette. The information detecting contacts may respectively contact the information indicating contacts upon insertion of the recording medium cassette into the recording and/or reproducing apparatus so as to enable information to be transferred therebetween.

Abstract: A reel flange for a magnetic tape cassette reel has apertures for viewing the tape on the reel. The apertures provide a system for visually estimating the quantity of tape contained on the reel. The flange provides the combined advantages of greater choice of materials for making the flange and improved accuracy in estimating the quantity of tape contained on the reel.

Abstract: A recording medium cassette being easily miniaturized if necessary, and a recording and/or reproducing apparatus, such as a VTR, adapted to use the same recording medium cassette. The recording medium cassette includes a printed wiring board having a plurality of information indicating contacts and which is fixed to the bottom wall of a case of the recording medium cassette so that the information indicating contacts are accessible from outside through slots formed in the bottom wall. The recording and/or reproducing apparatus is provided with a plurality of information detecting contacts respectively corresponding to the information indicating contacts of the recording medium cassette. The information detecting contacts may respectively contact the information indicating contacts upon insertion of the recording medium cassette into the recording and/or reproducing apparatus so as to enable information to be transferred therebetween.