Abstract: A retail audio-video recording booth includes walls which define an enclosed area for a customer to make an audio video recording. A door assures privacy. A seat or bench allows the customer to sit or stand while he makes the recording. When the customer inserts a selected amount of money into a money receptacle, a video electronic circuit is activated. When the customer inserts a tape in a tape receptacle, the customer may make an audio/visual recording, play or hear a recording already recorded on the tape. If a recording is to be made, the recording which is being made may simultaneously be observed by the customer on a monitor. A camera is provided to make the recording, and a VCR is provided to show the recording. A two-way mirror is provided to transmit the picture being made to the VCR and the monitor at the same time.

Abstract: In a recording and/or reproducing device (1) a cassette (3), which contains a magnetic tape (20) and a coupling pin (27) connected to the magnetic tape (20), can be loaded into the device (1) and the device (1) includes a pull-out element (50) which can be coupled to the coupling element (21) in that the pull-out element (50) is moved in a coupling direction (69) towards the coupling element (21) which is held in a coupling position, and of the pullout element (50) and the coupling element (21) one of these two elements (50, 21) has been provided with a locking element (113) which is movable transversely to the coupling direction (69).

Abstract: A portable sound recording device includes a microphone, a speaker and recording/playback circuitry connected to the microphone and speaker. The recording/playback circuitry includes a recording medium such as a removable solid state memory card. A control circuit controls operation of the recording/playback circuitry on the basis of input signals generated by a user via an operating switch array. The switch array includes a record switch. If the record switch is actuated for only a brief period of time, a record-lock mode of operation is implemented. If the record switch is actuated for a longer period of time, a momentary-record mode is entered which lasts only as long as the record switch remains in an actuated position.

Abstract: A sound recording system includes a hand microphone with a plurality of operation switches mounted on the hand microphone. The switches include a record switch. The system also includes a sound recording device which is connected by a signal path to the hand microphone and records sound information generated at the hand microphone. Control circuitry included in the hand microphone and/or in the sound recording device controls operation of the sound recording device on the basis of input signals generated by the user via the operating switch array. If the record switch is actuated for only a brief period of time, a record-lock mode of operation is implemented. If the record switch is actuated for a longer period of time, a momentary-record mode is entered which lasts only as long as the record switch remains in an actuated position.

Abstract: A mode discriminating method and apparatus for use in a deck mechanism for a video cassette tape recorder, which includes a motor for generating power for switching modes, a gear member rotated by the motor, and a slide member moved by the gear member. The slide member has an extending portion in which two cam grooves are formed. The apparatus further includes two switching devices which are interlocked into the cam grooves and a motor rotation detector for detecting the rotating direction of the motor, thereby reducing the number of switching elements for mode discrimination and simplifying the mechanism.

Abstract: An unexposed-frame determining apparatus which determines an unexposed frame by reproducing magnetic information recorded on a film, includes a magnetic information reproducing device which reproduces magnetic information recorded on the film, and a magnetic noise determining device which determines a state of magnetic noise obtained while the magnetic information reproducing device is reproducing magnetic information at a space between adjacent frames of the film.

Abstract: A permanent magnet generator is so thin as to be incorporated in a 3.5″ diskette. The generator having so low cogging torque that can be rotated smoothly even by a low torque driving source as a 3.5″ FDD to generate stable output is disclosed. It has stator magnetic poles facing via a magnetic gap an outer circumferential surface of the stator permanent magnet having a plurality of magnetic poles on it. One to six of the stator magnetic poles are removed and instead of the removed magnetic poles provided is a soft magnetic piece to face the rotor magnetic poles. Grooves are preferably provided on the soft magnetic piece, facing the rotor magnetic poles. A notch is provided on the permanent magnet generator to avoid interference with an input/output terminal and/or a card contact terminal of the diskette for inserting a memory card.

Abstract: A magnetic information reproducing apparatus includes a head which reads magnetic information from a magnetic recording medium, and an electric wire for supplying electric power from a power supply to a load, the electric wire being so disposed as to generate a magnetic field which cancels a magnetic field generated by the power supply.

Abstract: By providing dummy on projections 61a′ to 61d′ to cause dummy on status of the switches 62a to 62d at particular positions on the movale contact member pressure projections 61a and 61d in the rotor section 57 which turns on and off a plurality of switches 62a to 62d of the piano-touch type switch corresponding to the operation mode of the VTR, an operation mode detection device 56 which can clean the switch contact surfaces 62a″ to 62d″ by dummy on operation of the switches 62a to 62d using the dummy on projections 61a′ to 61d′ when the VTR proceeds from the standby status or the PLAY/REC mode to a next operation mode can be achieved. Thus, even when the piano-touch type switch is used for operation mode detection of the VTR, the switch contact members in the switches 62a to 62d are protected from reaction with substances in the air during the VTR is in standby status.

Abstract: A “hot-pluggable” hard disk drive is mounted in a removable hard disk drive tray. The hard disk drive tray has a vibration dampening system for reducing vibration between the hard disk drive, the hard disk drive tray, and a hard disk drive docking bay located within a computer system. The vibration dampening system has three primary components. The first component is a strip of polymeric material located between an end of the hard disk drive tray and the docking bay. The second component of the vibration dampening system is a set of polymeric strips located between an inner surface of the tray and the hard disk drive. The third component of the vibration dampening system is a set of spring assemblies. Each spring assembly is located between the sides of the tray and the docking bay.

Abstract: A system for cleaning disc drive components includes a rotary support member for receiving an assembled disc drive component. A rotary drive motor is coupled to the rotary support member for rotating the rotary support member and disc drive motor supported thereon together at a rotation speed to impart a centrifugal force on any excess lubricant contained by the disc drive motor of sufficient magnitude to draw the excess lubricant from the disc drive motor. The system may also or alternatively include an enclosure defining an interior having an oxygen-containing environment. A support platform is disposed within the oxygen-containing environment of the interior of the enclosure, for supporting a disc drive component within the oxygen-containing environment of the enclosure, for example, after the component is removed from the rotary support member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for start-stop testing magnetic heads and hard disks in real disk-drive environment is provided. The tester has essentially the same dimensions as a conventional disk drive so that rotation of the disk pack inside the tester housing generates the same aerodynamic conditions as in a real disk drive. An accurate head positioning system, the operation of which does not depend on the deterioration of the magnetic conditions of the head and disk, is located inside the tester housing, and the friction and sticking forces can be measured till the moment of physical crash inside the housing. An essential advantage of the tester of the invention in that the measurement and positioning systems are combined into a single unit. The aforementioned combined system is based on the use of a Hall-effect sensor attached to the voice coil of the type used in the disk drive.

Abstract: A mode shifting device for an automatically reversing type tape player is disclosed. During the actuation of a shifting lever, the system can be quickly restored to the play mode after the lock release by a solenoid regardless of the normal or reverse mode, and the structure of a cam gear for shifting the modes is simplified. A cam gear 30 includes a branching cam 70 for branching the shifting path to either the first or second position so as to carry out the normal or reverse mode. Further, the branching cam 70 includes a third position for quickly shifting to the play mode, and a guide means 80 consists of a single independent cam regardless of the normal and reverse modes. Accordingly, the tape player can be shifted quickly to the play mode regardless of the normal and reverse modes. Therefore, the tape player can carry out the operation more efficiently, and the structure of the cam gear is simplified.

Abstract: An electronic equipment, such as a tape recorder, having a loading section on one surface for loading a recording medium and a lid for opening/closing the loading section. This electronic equipment includes a lock mechanism for locking the lid in the closed position and an unlock mechanism for unlocking the lid. The unlock mechanism has an operating member extended along one lateral surface of the main body portion of the equipment and other lateral surfaces intersecting this one surface for covering the opening side of a recess formed at a corner of the main body portion. The unlock mechanism unlocks the lid by the operating member of the unlock mechanism being moved along the one lateral surface of the main body portion so that the operating member is partially immersed in the recess.

Abstract: A system prevents an excessive force from being applied to a handle of a tape drive. The system provides a base coupled to the handle of the tape drive. A lever assembly engages the base to move the handle when a force equal to the force required to move the handle is applied to the lever assembly. The lever assembly disengages the base when a force in excess of the required force is applied to the lever assembly and the force is not applied to the handle.

Abstract: A data storage subsystem capable of withstanding substantial non-operating shocks and other rough handling includes a pads configured to mate to a portion of the periphery of a data storage device to provide impact energy absorption and well as noise reduction and thermal dissipation. A flex circuit connects the data storage device to a connection, and includes a plurality of slits to permit the flex circuit to have flexibility in two dimensions.

Abstract: A drive slot guard device for the drive slot of an electronic apparatus includes a first planar portion attachable to media cartridge and insertable with the media cartridge into the drive slot of an electronic device, and a second portion for blocking access to the slot when the first portion of the slot guard device has been inserted into the drive slot. The first portion extends normal to and laterally of the second portion. The first portion of the slot guard is preferably secured to a disk or cartridge member that can be secured in the drive slot of the electronic device. The disk or cartridge member can be a functional disk or cartridge or a dummy, non-functional, disk or cartridge.

Abstract: A disk cartridge has two shell layers encapsulating a medium. The first layer encases the disk medium. The second layer encases the first layer. Both layers have a head access opening such that rotation of one layer relative to the other layer causes the head access openings to be aligned or misaligned. When the head access openings are misaligned the cartridge is closed. When the head access openings are aligned the cartridge is open.

Abstract: A cassette adaptor is disclosed, in which a head cover for accommodating the magnetic head is elastically supported on the head spring in such a manner that the height of the recording head and the head gap on the signal transmission side can be automatically adjusted in accordance with the tape running position of the reproduction head of a cassette tape reproduction apparatus and in such a manner that the reels can be positively prevented from being driven under no load. The head cover includes a head guide in contact with a reproduction head and at least a dummy tape member in mesh with the tape guide of the cassette tape reproduction apparatus with the cassette adaptor mounted thereon. The head cover thus guides the magnetic head to a position opposed to the reproduction head.

Abstract: A cassette adaptor is disclosed, in which a head holder unit comprises a head holder for holding a magnetic head and a dummy tape frame having dummy tape members, and pins of the dummy tape frame are inserted into holes of the head holder thereby to fasten each other. When a cassette holder is inserted into the cassette tape reproduction apparatus, a tape guide of the cassette tape reproduction apparatus and the dummy tape members engage with each other, and the magnetic head moves to a position in opposed relationship with the reproduction head of the cassette tape reproduction apparatus in response to this engagement.

Abstract: A mode discriminating method and apparatus for use in a deck mechanism for a video cassette tape recorder, which includes a motor for generating power for switching modes, a gear member rotated by the motor, and a slide member moved by the gear member. The slide member has an extending portion in which two cam grooves are formed. The apparatus further includes two switching devices which are interlocked into the cam grooves and a motor rotation detector for detecting the rotating direction of the motor, thereby reducing the number of switching elements for mode discrimination and simplifying the mechanism.

Abstract: A method for detecting playing time of a magnetic tape in which a video signal is recorded includes the steps of computing a plurality of residual time data obtained by detecting the instantaneous position of the inserted magnetic tape while performing a high speed winding search mode and high speed rewinding search mode while the tape is loaded on a cassette tape deck of a VCR. Thus, it is very easy to recognize the playing time of the tape including a video signal.

Abstract: A tape apparatus autostop mechanism including a head base for setting a driving apparatus in an operational mode; a lock plate that locks the head base at an operational position in response to movement of the head base; a sensor, attached coaxially to a fast forward gear always rotatable in synchronism with a reel base, following the fast forward gear under contact friction with the fast forward gear, the sensor being urged in a rotational direction of the fast forward gear by the contact friction with the fast forward gear; a swingable reset arm urged in one direction by torque of the sensor while the fast forward gear is rotating in right or left directions; a forward gear having an inner and an outer cam, for transmitting force to the reel base; a swingable reset arm arranged to contact the inner and outer cams and rotatably supported; and a reset spring that presses a kick arm, attached to the reset arm, against the inner and outer cams, whereby when the torque of the sensor disappears as the reel base s

Abstract: A disk drive has at least one disk for storing data. The disk drive includes at least one transducer for reading or writing data to or from the disk. The transducer is attached to an actuator which positions the transducer with respect to the disk. The actuator includes a controllable motor which is used to move the actuator and the transducer attached thereto. The disk drive also includes a ramp for off loading the transducer or for parking the transducer off of the surface of the disk. The disk drive includes a combination shock absorber and gasket that has locking tabs to keep the combination shock absorber and gasket in place during a shock or impact loading event. The combination shock absorber and gasket also can be provided with additional extensions to lessen shocks caused by flat drops. Elastomeric blocks or pads can be provided on the cover and the base to lessen shocks caused by flat drops.

Abstract: In an autostop mechanism in a tape recorder equipped with an urging member, a sliding member and a shut-off cam gear, the urging member is located on a bottom surface of a chassis and is formed by a wire spring member. The wire spring member has a proximal end portion shaped like a polygon slightly smaller than a diameter of a shaft of a take-up reel so as to provide urging force when fitted over the shaft of the take-up reel, a distal end extending toward the sliding member, and a midway portion bent at a predetermined angle to form a bent portion abutting against the sliding member in such a way that the urging force of the wire spring member and an action of the distal end of the wire spring member press the sliding member toward a center of the shut-off cam gear cam gear by regardless of the rotational direction of the take-up reel.

Abstract: A cassette adaptor is disclosed, in which a head cover for accommodating the magnetic head is elastically supported on the head spring in such a manner that the height of the recording head and the head gap on the signal transmission side can be automatically adjusted in accordance with the tape running position of the reproduction head of a cassette tape reproduction apparatus and in such a manner that the reels can be positively prevented from being driven under no load. The head cover includes a head guide in contact with a reproduction head and at least a dummy tape member in mesh with the tape guide of the cassette tape reproduction apparatus with the cassette adaptor mounted thereon. The head cover thus guides the magnetic head to a position opposed to the reproduction head.

Abstract: A leader pin assembly for connecting tape to tape drive equipment, such as those used in magnetic tape storage systems, is disclosed. The leader pin assembly includes a leader pin and a flexible element covering at least a part of the leader pin. A clip secures the flexible element to the leader pin, the clip being adapted and constructed to be crimped in securing relation over the flexible element. The tape can be secured between the leader pin and the flexible element. The clip can be fabricated from a flexible metal such as stainless steel, specifically #300 stainless steel. The clip can be provided with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible element. The clip can be provided as a generally annular cylindrical member having a longitudinal opening, with a pair of beveled, substantially parallel edges forming the longitudinal opening. The flexible element and the clip can form an integral one-piece unit.

Abstract: Copper alloy foils are provided having far greater strength and heat resistance than conventional copper foils, and having better productivity, are characterized by a composition comprising, all by weight, from 0.01 to 0.4% Cr, from 0.01 to 0.25% Zr, from 0.02 to 2.0% Zn; and when necessary from 0.05 to 1.8% Fe and from 0.05 to 0.8% Ti; and when further necessary one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ni, Sn, In, Mn, P, Mg, Al, B, As, Cd, Co, Te, Ag, and Hf in a total amount of from 0.005 to 1.5%; the balance being copper and unavoidable impurities. Inclusions in the copper foil not larger than 10 .mu.m in size, and the inclusions between 0.5 and 10 .mu.m in size number less than 100 pieces/mm.sup.2.

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: A reel for a tape drive and cartridge is provided herein. The reel can be utilized as a take-up reel for the tape drive and/or a feed reel for the cartridge. The reel includes a hub which receives the storage tape and a pair of guide bars which guide the storage tape onto the hub. Importantly, the guide bars inhibit lateral tape movement during transfer of the storage tape between the take-up reel and the feed reel. This minimizes data recovery errors and increases the life of the storage tape.

Abstract: To install a hard disk drive in a portable computer base housing, an upwardly opening well area is formed within the base housing and is sized to closely receive the disk drive. An electrical connector projects horizontally inwardly through one end of the well area and is operatively mateable with a corresponding connector on the front end of the disk drive. A flexible lowering strap is secured to the rear end of the disk drive. To install the disk drive, its front end is lowered into the well area while holding the strap to keep the rear end of the disk drive elevated. The strap is then used to controllably lower the balance of the disk drive into the well area to prevent installation shock to the disk drive that might occur if it were simply dropped into the well area. The lowered disk drive is then slid along the bottom of the well area to mate the well area and disk drive connectors.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus for detecting and storing information about the presence or absence of information in each recording track of a recording medium. A scanning head is first moved to the recording track which is in a position opposite the the recording track in which the reproduction will be initiated. Then the scanning head successively processes each recording track to determine the presence or absence of information. Upon termination of the processing of each recording track, the scanning head is located at the recording track in which the reproduction will be initiated. Display is made of the number of consecutive blank tracks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for predicting capstan slipping in belt-driven tape cartridges. The method predicts the occurrence of capstan slip conditions between the belt capstan of a belt-driven tape cartridge and the rotating elastomeric drive roller of the tape drive. To predict capstan slip conditions, the method determines a critical velocity value corresponding to a critical slip condition based on a relationship between the drive force which rotates the cartridge belt capstan, and on the normal force of the drive roller against the cartridge belt capstan. A threshold velocity value corresponding to the drive and normal forces is selected at a point where the relationship between the drive and normal forces would not yet encounter the critical slip condition. The steady-state tape velocity is monitored during operation of the tape cartridge in the tape drive, and an imminent capstan slip indication is provided when the steady-state tape velocity reaches the threshold velocity value.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus in which a magnetic head contacts a recording medium to record or reproduce a signal onto or from the recording medium. The apparatus includes a measurement unit for measuring an abrasion amount of the magnetic head and outputting measurement data. A display unit displays the abrasion amount of the magnetic head represented by the measurement data outputted from the measurement unit.

Abstract: A method of providing a magnetic head device comprises providing a head chip composed of a pair of head halves disposed in an opposed and abutting relation to each other. At least one thin film coil is formed on at least one of the opposed abutting surfaces of the pair of head halves and has lead wires electrically connected to the thin film coil. A head base to which a surface of the head chip is mounted is provided. A printed wiring board is bonded to the surface of the head base. The printed wiring board is provided with conductor wires extending thereover and each having a tip end which is brought into electrical contact with one of the lead wires connected to the thin film coil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively disabling a magnetic head to protect the head from damage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD) during manufacture. The magnetic head is electrically attached to a flexure. The flexure has a set of test pads and a hinged portion that includes a shorting bar. The hinged portion of the flexure is folded to cause the shorting bar to short the test pads. The folded portion is secured with a clip which may be removed and replaced. A novel test clip is used with the flexure. The folded flexure is inserted into jaws of the test clip. The jaws clamp the folded flexure. The shorting bar shorts the sensor when the test clip is in a first position and removes the short when the test clip is moved to a second position.

Abstract: Sound recording and playback device comprising a sound pick-up microphone connected to a recording channel and a playback loudspeaker connected to a channel for playing the recorded sounds, characterised in that the microphone and the loudspeaker consist of one and the same component (5).

Abstract: A leader pin assembly for attachment to tape as a generic and space-efficient interface between tape and equipment which manipulates the tape, and a method for making the same. The leader pin assembly preferably includes a leader pin, an elastomer element, and a clip. The leader pin is barbell-shaped, having enlarged ends and at least one pair of flanges each spaced a distance from a respective enlarged end to define a pair of recesses and a center section of the leader pin. The center section of the leader pin is sized to permit tape to be wound around the center section, with the elastomer element surrounding the tape and with the clip snugly surrounding the elastomer element to keep the tape securely in place around the center section of the leader pin. The end surfaces of the leader pin may have an outward curve to ensure smooth movement across equipment surfaces during leader pin assembly manipulation. Also the edges of the leader pin may be radiused.

Abstract: The inside wall of a head/disk enclosure is given a surface broad enough to adsorb and release easily a large amount of water vapor. In a first embodiment, the inside surface is treated by anodic oxidation using oxalic acid. In a second embodiment, the inside surface is treated with sodium carbonate and sodium chromate. In a third embodiment, the surface was etched with acid. The water adsorption capability acts as a buffer to is prevent extremes of relative humidity within the enclosure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for expanding the functionality of vehicle cassette tape player decks to permit driver dictation or other recording and automatic remote station relaying of same through integration with cellular radio telephone apparatus and the like.

Abstract: A compact video cassette player for children is provided including a housing with a front face, a rear face, a top face, a bottom face and a pair of side faces. The top face has a handle mounted thereto. A light assembly is equipped with a lamp for illuminating upon the receipt of power. Further included is a video cassette player assembly having a display mounted on the front face of the housing; a plurality of control buttons including a start button, stop button, rewind button, eject button and actuator button; and a speaker positioned on the housing. The video cassette player assembly also has a video cassette player mechanism having an inlet for receiving a video cassette so as to display video and audio signals from the video cassette via the display and the speaker, respectively, in accordance with the depression of the control buttons. Further, a power unit is provided for supplying the light assembly and video cassette player assembly with power.

Abstract: A cassette player apparatus for use on a baby crib including a cassette player generally encased in a manually-portable housing; a mounting bracket removably securable to a crib rail; a coupling mechanism for removably coupling the housing of the cassette player to the mounting bracket; and a locking mechanism for locking the housing of the cassette player to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A tape cassette having a feed reel and a takeup reel with tape on the reels and a mounting cassette casing for enclosing the feed reel, the takeup reel and the tape. The mounting cassette casing having an exterior perimeter with a permanently removable nonreattachable blocking physical structure affixed to and protruding beyond the exterior perimeter of the mounting cassette casing to break upon insertion in a tape cassette apparatus unable to receive the permanently removable nonreattachable blocking physical structure revealing an altered appearance.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge having a display for displaying the storage capacity remaining on the cartridge. The display is driven by a controller and a power cell housed within the cartridge. Electrodes along an edge of the cartridge connect with electrodes within a data storage drive and information regarding the status of the cartridge is transferred to the controller. The controller and display are powered by a rechargeable cell. Current is provided to the electrodes to recharge the cell while the cartridge is in the data storage drive.

Abstract: A novel system, e.g., an audio cassette player, is provided herein. The system simultaneously provides mechanical motion driven by a rotatable drive shaft which is rotating at a continuous predetermined desired speed, and for generating a voltage output by an electrical generator having a rotor which is rotating at a continuous predetermined desired speed, the rotatable drive shaft being non-concentric with, being laterally-spaced-apart from, and being parallel to the rotor. The system includes a prime mover which comprises a windable driving spring, which, in turn, includes an interconnecting drive train for separately drivably connecting the driving spring both to the rotatable drive shaft and to the rotor of the electrical generator. The interconnecting drive train comprising a gear train, which has a driving section which is connected to the driving spring means and which is common for driving both the rotatable drive shaft and the rotor at the electrical generator.

Abstract: A portable audio logic deck mechanism with a single driving source includes a power transfer unit transmitting power from the driving source, an interlocking unit selectively transmitting power to a pair of reel tables, a recording/reproducing unit performing recording/reproduction on a tape on reel tables, a first mode converting unit converting the rotational speed and direction of reel tables, a second mode converting unit moving the recording/reproducing unit up or down by interlocking with the first mode converting unit, and an ejecting unit to open/close a door. A pinch roller driving apparatus for a portable audio logic deck to adjust a tape running speed includes a pair of guide brackets, a pair of pinch rollers selectively close-contacting the respective rotation shafts of capstan wheels, and a pinch lever which selectively presses the guide brackets to pivot the pinch rollers by pivoting selectively in contact with both ends of the upper protruding portion according to the position of a head slide.

Abstract: The tape drive unit of the present invention is constructed such that the reverse rotation of a motor (16) causes a mode cam (32) to drive for setting any mode of normal play, reverse play, fast forward and rewinding. Thereafter the forward rotation of the motor (16) causes a reel shaft (3) or a reel shaft (4) to rotationally drive according to the mode and a head base (51) is slid in normal play or reverse play modes, to set up a magnetic head and pinch rollers. With such construction, each operation of normal play, reverse play, fast forward and rewinding can be performed without using a plunger or microcomputer, thereby eliminating the fear of troubles due to the plunger malfunction or a microcomputer bug.

Abstract: A cassette adaptor is disclosed, in which a head cover for accommodating the magnetic head is elastically supported on the head spring in such a manner that the height of the recording head and the head gap on the signal transmission side can be automatically adjusted in accordance with the tape running position of the reproduction head of a cassette tape reproduction apparatus and in such a manner that the reels can be positively prevented from being driven under no load. The head cover includes a head guide in contact with a reproduction head and at least a dummy tape member in mesh with the tape guide of the cassette tape reproduction apparatus with the cassette adaptor mounted thereon. The head cover thus guides the magnetic head to a position opposed to the reproduction head.

Abstract: A rotary magnetic head inspection method for a double azimuth head where two magnetic heads of different azimuthal angles are arranged on a head base, includes the steps of: recording an inspection signal on a running tape by a magnetic head; reproducing the inspection signal by the magnetic head for checking the level of the reproducing signal; and reproducing the inspection signal by the other magnetic head for checking whether the magnetic head is correctly assembled onto a head base through judgement of the reproducing signal.

Abstract: An electric apparatus such as a recording apparatus, having a cabinet. The cabinet includes a chassis case and an upper cover, the chassis case having a medium inserting opening in a front surface thereof. The cabinet accommodates therein at least a printed wiring board and a mechanical deck. The printed wiring board mounts thereon electronic parts for system control and the mechanical deck mounts thereon medium and head drive mechanisms, the mechanical deck being arranged at a predetermined position on the board. The upper cover of the cabinet is made of a synthetic resin material.