Abstract: A video cassette rotary scanner is adapted for high capacity, high speed, digital audio spectrum data recording by the use of a buffer memory and a servo control system. The buffer memory is operative at a speed much higher than that of the tape. The tape is maintained at relaxed tension until a high data occupancy signal from the buffer activates the data write operation. In response, the tape tension is increased for a write operation, and relaxed again only when the buffer sends a low data occupancy signal. The use of the buffer along with capstan, take-up reel and supply reel motors responsive to the two signals permits tape wear to be decreased substantially while increasing tape capacity.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus is arranged to be loaded with a supply reel and a take-up reel with a magnetic tape wound around them, to move the tape from the supply reel to the take-up reel by driving and rotating forward the two reels and a capstan with the tape pushed into contact with the capstan and to rewind the tape moving it from the take-up reel back to the supply reel by driving and rotating these reels and the capstan backward. The apparatus is provided with means for detecting the rotating speed of the supply reel in rewinding the tape; and control means for controlling and changing the rotation speed of the capstan according to the detected rotating speed of the supply reel during the process of rewinding the tape.

Abstract: A cassette tape slack-preventing apparatus to prevent magnetic tape from becoming slack when inserted into a video tape recorder in which the capstan motor drives the reel bases as well as the cassette loading machanism. Mode switching cams are used to detect if a front loading mechanism is in operating and keeps the reel bases from rotating through linkages to the cams.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette apparatus of the type requiring no movement of a transducer for the establishment of data transfer contact with the tape cassette. Inserted lengthwise in the apparatus, the tape cassette has its apertured front side oriented toward the fixed transducer. A cassette shift mechanism subsequently transports the tape cassette in its own plane into data transfer contact with the transducer. Then the pair of drive spindles of a tape transport are moved axially into driving engagement with the tape cassette by a tape transport shift mechanism. For simplifying the construction of this tape transport shift mechanism, an electric drive motor is provided. The controlled rotation of the drive motor is translated into the linear movement of the drive spindles into or out of driving engagement with the tape cassette.

Abstract: An information signal recording and reproducing apparatus, including a recording arrangement for recording information signals, the recording arrangement including at least one rotary head obliquely tracing a tape-shaped recording medium, the information signals including four kinds of pilot signals for tracking control which have frequency components different from each other a manually operable arrangement for producing a command to change a recording operation of the recording arrangement, a mark signal supplying arrangement for intermittently supplying a mark signal to the recording arrangement for a predetermined period in response to the command produced by the manually operable arrangement, the mark signal mainly having a predetermined frequency component which is distinguishable from frequency components of the four kinds of pilot signals, a reproducing arrangement for reproducing signals recorded on the recording medium, the reproducing arrangement including at least one rotary head obliquely tracing

Abstract: A recording or reproducing apparatus is provided with a device for detecting and memorizing the replacement of a recording medium made even after a power supply is cut off. This prevents any error from occurring in a preset sequence of automatic operation processes to be carried out after the power supply is switched on, such as an automatic blank recording-track detecting operation.

Abstract: A disc drive control method in which a command for disc rotation is sent to the disc drive mechanism upon receipt of a `drive-ON` signal, a timing operation is started in response to receipt of a `drive-OFF` signal, and a command for stoppage of the disc rotation is sent to the disc drive mechanism if there is no further `drive-ON` signal received within a predetermined time interval. A disc drive control system comprises devices for effecting the steps of the disc drive control method. A disc drive unit employable in the disc drive control method and system comprises a disc drive mechanism for producing rotational movement of a disc and a disc drive control device for controlling rotation of the disc by means of the disc drive mechanism. The disc drive control method and/or system may also be applied to an information processing system which comprises at least a processor and a flexible disc drive unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting a cassette containing therein a recording/reproducing medium by the driving force produced by an ejection motor has an ejection switch for commanding the cassette ejection and a cassette switch for detecting the cassette loading condition. When the cassette switch has detected the casette loading condition simultaneous with turning on of the ejection switch and when the ejection switch is kept turned on in excess of a predetermined time period continuously regardless of the cassette switch condition, the cassette ejection controller executes the cassette ejection.

Abstract: A cassette loading mechanism comprising a cassette holder for holding a cassette positioned at a first position, with a support member for supporting the cassette holder so that the cassette holder is movable from a first position to a second position at which the cassette is loaded along a predetermined path. A first detector detects that the cassette holder has been moved from the first position to the second position, with a second detector detecting that the cassette holder has been moved from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: When the mount and demount operation of information media are achieved between an information medium storage shelf and a plurality of recording/playback apparatuses by use of a plurality of handling devices, in order to execute the operations in a concurrent fashion without causing an interference between the handling devices for an increased operation efficiency, the area of the storage shelf and at least one of the recording/playback apparatuses are respectively subdivided into a plurality of subareas so as to process the obtained subareas by the plurality devices respectively associated therewith.

Abstract: In a floppy disk drive, a disk driving mechanism is controlled by a disk drive controller so as to rotate a floppy disk for a predetermined time when the floppy disk is loaded into the disk drive. Thereby, dust adhering to the surface of the floppy disk can be removed with a cleaning liner in a cartridge containing the floppy disk. In addition, a magnetic head is brought into contact with a storage medium being stopped by the disk drive controller after dust adhering to the surface of the storage medium has been removed.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing a signal on and/or from a recording medium has a pair of guides disposed along the path of running of the recording medium such that one is located on the leading side while the other is located on the trailing side of a head assembly carrying a recording and/or reproducing head. The guides are simultaneously moved in the same direction so as to adjust the position of the recording medium on the head assembly in the direction of running of the recording medium so as to effect a tracking control thereby permitting the head to trace any winding of the recording track.

Abstract: There is a receiving apparatus in which the received data is recorded by a recording head which accesses each portion of a recording medium. This receiving apparatus comprises: a discriminating circuit to discriminate whether the portion accessed by the recording head is the recorded portion or the unrecorded portion upon reception; and a control circuit for allowing the recording head to access the unrecorded portion on the basis of the result of the discrimination of the discriminating circuit. Upon reception, the control circuit controls the recording head so as to automatically access the unrecorded portion. Further, upon reception, an amount of unrecorded portions is displayed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated cartridge loader 10 of novel design for use with a cartridge drive 12. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sequentially loading cartridge loader 10 which allows the unattended storage of gigabytes of data. The loaders are adapted to be attached to a cartridge drive 12. The novel loaders of the present invention may comprise three moving components: the magazine 30, the pusher 91, and the gripper 93. Each moving component has its own drive motor 80, 94, 146. The magazine 30 has a plurality of slots 40 for holding cartridges 38 which are loaded into a cartridge drive 12. The pusher 91 of the present invention is aligned with the cartridge drive 12 and pushes the cartridges 38 into the cartridge drive 12. The gripper 93 closes on a cartridge 38 after it is ejected from the cartridge drive 12 and holds the cartridge 38 as the pusher 91 moves back to pull the cartridge 38 back into its slot 40 in the magazine 30.

Abstract: One of the cartridge-type magnetic tapes set in a magazine is loaded into a magnetic tape unit, the magnetic tape thus loaded is data processed in the magnetic tape unit, and the data processed magnetic tape is then unloaded from the magnetic tape unit to be received into the magazine. This series of operations is sequentially repeated for all of the magnetic tapes set in the respective magazine steps. It is judged whether or not the data processed magnetic tapes set in the magazine have been replaced with fresh magnetic tapes yet to be data processed in the middle of the series of operations.

Abstract: A stop mode setting apparatus which includes a system controller having a time measuring device, and a driver for driving a capstan motor in response to a control signal from the system controller. When given a command for a change from a play mode to a stop mode, the system controller reversibly rotates the capstan motor only for a period of time determined by the time measuring device, thereby causing a swing idler to perform a swinging motion. During this swinging motion, a magnetic tape is moved from the capstan toward a head cylinder and given a suitable slack at the portion thereof between the capstan and the cylinder.

Abstract: A device for driving magnetic tape suitable for running from a pay-out spool to a take-up spool along a determined path during which the tape is wound through a given angle around a stationary element such as a cylindrical drum provided with rotary heads, and is caused to slip over the surface thereof, the device comprising first and second drive elements disposed respectively upstream and downstream from the element, wherein one of the drive elements includes a capstan and wherein the other one of the drive elements includes a wheel having the tape wound thereabout, the wheel being rotated so that its linear speed is greater than the linear speed of the tape and is in the same direction as the linear speed of the tape, and is suitable for enabling the tape to slip over the wheel.

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus utilizing a clutch in a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus which simplifies the construction of a tape deck and loading unit by attaching an idle rotation device to the deck loading unit. The invention includes reducing gears, clutch members, clutch switching means, power transmitting device, wherein the power transmitting device is made to operate in cooperation with the cassette setting device. According to the invention, the power transmitting apparatus is more simple in structure but correct operation can be obtained and the reliability of the function of the product can be increased.

Abstract: A tape traveling apparatus drives differentially a tracking control actuator and a tension control actuator by inputting simultaneously into a tension controller a tracking instruction signal inputted into a tracking controller, and variably adjusts an amplification of the tracking instruction signal inputted into the tension controller according to an output of a tension sensor for detecting a tension variation of a tape, thereby eliminating a differential error between the tracking control actuator and the tension control actuator.

Abstract: For setting of the static track angle by the adjustment of the tape pitch with respect to the scanning midplane in an initializing playback operation of a magnetic tape recording and playback equipment the course of signal amplitude over a track exhibited by an envelope signal derived from recorded signals is first used to regulate a capstan servo system so as to place an envelope maximum at a track middle. Then the tape pitch is adjusted by means of the tape guide rollers adjacent to the rotary scanning device so as to bring the envelope signals at the track ends up to the value of the maximum previously placed at the track middle. No special magnetic head is needed for this adjustment method.

Abstract: A magnetic tape recording and reproducing apparatus includes tape leading end and tape trailing end detecting devices, each for detecting transparent and non-transparent portions of a magnetic tape. A control means is provided for activating and deactivating a reel brake in accordance with signals output by the tape leading end and tape trailing end detecting devices. The reel brake is provided for stopping a rotation of a reel which drives the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for starting mechanisms such as memory disk and head arrays driven by driving mechanisms such as motors that are initially immobilized by constraints such as stiction in disk drives wherein the system is perturbed by a succession of mechanical shocks while a moderate driving force is applied thereby degrading the strength of the restraint to a value where a moderate driving force can drive the mechanism indicating that the restraint has been overcome then increasing the driving force to a full operating value. In one embodiment, the shock is provided by a loaded spring; in another embodiment, the shock is provided by a solenoid; in another embodiment, the shock is provided by a voice coil.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises a recording head arranged to record signals on a recording medium; a motor for shifting a relative position between the recording medium and the recording head; and a control circuit arranged to apply electric energy to the motor in starting the motor either in a first mode in which the electric energy is limited to a first value or in a second mode in which the electric energy is limited to a second value which is lower than the first value. Also disclosed is a motor control circuit which is highly suited to the recording apparatus. Detecting apparatus is also included to detect whether the power source is an A.C. adapter or a battery.

Abstract: This invention relates to a magnetic disk apparatus equipped with magnetic bearings for supporting a spindle without contact by a magnetic attracting or repulsing force. The magnetic disk apparatus prevents occurrence of oscillation of magnetic disks and accomplishes high accuracy positioning.

Abstract: A driving system for endless video tape controlled by a one-touch timer wherein when an endless video tape is loaded into a video tape recorder (VTR), a switch is changed over to an endless side to prevent tape operation beyond a predetermined period of time determines by a one-touch timer which is preset. If the VTR is being driven, for example, in a recording mode and the operation mode is changed to any other mode, for example, to the playback mode, the timer set time is automatically extended for the predetermined period of time. An indicator for distinguishing between different operation modes is provided, and an alarm is visually or audibly applied by the indicator for a short period of time, such as one minute, before the timer stops.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus arranged to permit an interchange of record bearing media and selection between recording and reproducing modes of operation on the medium comprises look-up device for looking up the presence or absence of an existing record in each recording or reproducing position on the record bearing medium loaded on the apparatus, and control device arranged to control the look-up device to cause it to perform a look-up action in response to opening of a lid for replacement of the record bearing medium and to cut off the power supply upon completion of the look-up action. The control unit thus lowers electric energy consumption and saves electric energy from being wasted by the look-up action.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus using a recording medium such as a magnetic disc or drum. The apparatus includes apparatus for driving the recording medium, apparatus for detecting the movement of the recording medium, and apparatus for stopping the drive apparatus when the detection apparatus does not detect the movement of the recording medium within a predetermined period of time after the drive apparatus begins to operate.

Abstract: The moving data storage media mode/direction change optimization apparatus makes use of information received concerning the mode and direction of the next operation to be performed by the data storage system to efficiently reposition the media in a single repositioning operation. In the case where the data storage media is a magnetic tape, the tape control unit receives information concerning the mode and direction of the next operation to be performed prior to the completion of the tape transport automatic repositioning cycle. The tape control unit signals the tape transport to abort the standard repositioning operation and instead to initiate a new repositioning operation which repositions the magnetic tape based on the mode and direction of both the presently executing operation and the next operation.

Abstract: An auto-ejector incorporated in a disk recording and/or reproducing apparatus is driven by a disk driving motor and a head driving motor which are requisite for the apparatus. That is, the ejector is triggered under the power of the head driving motor, and a disk cartridge in which a disk is accommodated is ejected under the power of the disk driving motor. Thus, any device, such as an electromagnetic device, a motor or the like used only for the ejector is not needed.

Abstract: A tape drive of the type for withdrawing a magnetic tape together with a leader block connected to the leading end thereof out of a tape cartridge so as to record and reproduce the information onto or off of said magnetic tape. In addition to driving sources for driving a supply reel disposed in the tape cartridge and a take-up reel, a single power source is provided for accomplishing the opening or closing of a door of the housing, the vertical movement of the housing, the displacement of the leader block and the pushing or ejection of the tape cartridge out of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for magnetically transducing information with respect to select portions of selected of a multitude of parallel record tracks on an elongated magnetic record member such as a flexible magnetic belt which is supplied from a coiled formation thereof stored in an elongated magazine or cartridge. The magazine is removably secured in or against a housing containing transducing means and means for automatically engaging a free end of the magnetic belt and driving same from its housing along a select path to position a select portion of the length of the belt at a transducing location. A magnetic transducer is automatically aligned with a select track of the belt and is driven along such select track while it is energized to either record information along or reproduce previously recorded information from the select portion of the select track of the belt.

Abstract: In known magnetic tape recorder devices for cassettes provided with a magnetic tape, the cassette is manually inserted into its final position. The ejection of the cassette ensues upon employment of a lever mechanism or of a spring that is tensed upon insertion of the cassette. In the magnetic tape recorder device of the invention, the cassette is only partially inserted or, respectively, ejected and the further, at least partial draw-in and ejection ensues upon employment of a motor-driven drive capstan that moves the magnetic tape in the cassette in the normal operating condition. The automatic draw-in and ejection of the cassette is possible in the magnetic tape recorder device wherein the drive capstan is laterally arranged.

Abstract: An automatic cassette loading and reproducing apparatus has main storage bins for storing recorded cassettes for normal use, for example, recorded with regularly scheduled news stories or commercials to be broadcast, auxiliary storage bins for receiving at least one recorded cassette for emergency use, for example, recorded with a late-breaking news story, a cassette transporter for selectively transporting recorded cassettes for normal use and emergency use between the respective storage bins and cassette reproducing devices, such as, VTRs, and a control device, for example, a micro-computer, for controlling the cassette reproducing devices and transporter and being programmed for a normal mode in which the recorded cassettes for normal use are reproduced in a predetermined sequence established in accordance with coded indications on the respective cassettes and an emergency mode in response to mere placement of a cassette for emergency use in one of the auxiliary storage bins, and in which the predetermined

Abstract: A magnetic tape apparatus (1) comprises a drive mechanism for driving a magnetic tape (7) and reels (5, 6), a magnetic-head mechanism (9, 10), a buffer mechanism a belt (8) and guide elements (21, 22, 23, 24), which guide the belt (8) in the operational position, which apparatus (1) also comprises a control system for controlling the tape tension, for controlling the position of the belt (8) in the operational phase and for locating a desired part of the tape. The control system comprises a position detection mechanism (38) a tape-tension detection mechanism (44), and a control unit (45) for controlling the reel and tape drive mechanism.

Abstract: A cassette loading device for a recording and/or reproducing apparatus, capable of loading tape cassettes of different sizes and weights, comprises a cassette holder capable of moving between a cassette insertion position and a cassette loading completed position, cassette holder driving means, optical sensors for detecting which type of tape cassette has been inserted into the recording and/or reproducing apparatus, and torque control means for controlling the driving torque of the cassette holder driving means in response to a detection signal indicative of the type of tape cassette, thereby allowing the tape cassette to load at an essentially consistent loading speed regardless of the type of tape cassette. With this construction, the loading device has high positioning accuracy.

Abstract: A tape threading arm mechanical linkage undergoes significant variations in mechanical advantage through its motion. In order to compensate for the drastic changes in the mechanical advantage of the tape threading arm, the operation of the tape threading arm is divided up into a plurality of control segments. Each segment represents a portion of the tape threading path wherein the mechanical advantage of the tape threading arm remains fairly constant. A control memory stores data indicative of various control parameters that are required to regulate the operation of the tape threading arm motor to maintain the tape speed throughout this segment of the tape threading path at a constant velocity. In addition, the measured velocity of the magnetic tape as it is removed from the file reel is used to compute the difference between the predicted operation of the tape threading arm and the measured operation of the tape threading arm.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus of the helical scanning type the rotation speed of the reels in operation is detected and it is judged to be abnormal, if the rotation speed exceeds the upper limit thereof. This upper limit can be varied, depending on various operating modes. When an abnormality is detected, the brake of the reels is driven and the rotation of the drum is stopped. After the tape has been stopped, the tape is unloaded while rotating the supply side reel and the take-up side reel, the drum remaining not rotated.

Abstract: A video tape recorder records and/or reproduces an information signal on and/or from an endless magnetic tape having a shape of an endless loop. A large portion of the tape is accommodated within a stationary reel, and an endless belt guided by rollers on the stationary reel is provided in an approximate C-shape. The tape is wound around an outer portion of the endless belt in a form of a tape roll, and a remaining portion of the tape forms a predetermined tape path. When the tape is transported in a forward direction, the tape is drawn out from an innermost turn of the tape roll and is taken up on an outermost turn of the tape roll. The information signal is recorded and/or reproduced on and/or from the tape in the predetermined tape path between the innermost and outermost turns of the tape roll by rotary magnetic heads located on the inside of the stationary reel.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette checking system is provided with a lock releasing mechanism (11), a cover opening mechanism (12) and a position detecting device (13), and checks whether a cassette cover can be correctly opened and closed. The lock releasing mechanism comprises a cylinder and a lock releasing pin which is moved back and forth by the cylinder and is adapted to push a lock member of the cassette to a releasing position. The cover opening mechanism comprises a cylinder, a cover opening plate which is moved up and down by the cylinder, a photoelectric switch disposed near the plate, and a damper spring connecting the plate with the cylinder, and is adapted to push the cover of the cassette to the opened position. The position detecting device comprises two pairs of photoelectric switches and detects whether the cover of the cassette is in the closed position.

Abstract: A data storage hierarchy includes a media library characterized by a travelling elevator which moves in front of an open-faced wall of storage cells or compartments and ingress-egress slots to a plurality of data recording devices. Optical disks are selectively moved by the travelling elevator between the storage cells and the data recording devices. The carrier can carry a plurality of the optical disks at a given time. Each time the travelling elevator accesses a storage cell or a recording device, the record disk currently held by such cell or device is moved onto the travelling elevator and then the optical disk carried to such cell or device is inserted into the cell or device. Programs are provided for controlling the movements of the travelling elevator for maximizing swap operations of the disk at cells and devices. The optical disks have no home cell in the library.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information signal recording and reproducing apparatus which comprises first recording means for recording an information signal on a recording medium; first reproducing means for reproducing the information signal from the recording medium; second recording means for recording a control signal on the recording medium (the control signal corresponding to an optional quantity of the information signal); second reproducing means for reproducing the control signal from the recording medium; and control means for controlling the reproducing action of said first reproducing means in response to the control signal reproduced by said second reproducing means.

Abstract: An automatic cassette exchanging system for performing cassette exchange between an information recording/reproducing device such as VTR and a cassette storage device. The automatic cassette exchanging system has a basic unit comprising a box and a fixing type cassette storage case which is placed in line in the box with the information recording/reproducing device so that a robot moving space is formed in the front side portion of the box so as to face cassette entrance and exit ports of the fixing type cassette storage case. A cassette exchanging robot is provided in the robot moving space to be movable orthogonally for the cassette exchange therebetween. The automatic cassette exchanging system allows addition of a unit or units comprising a box which has a robot moving space and a rotatable type cassette storage case whose cassette entrance and exit ports can face the robot moving space.

Abstract: A cassette type magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, such as a tape recorder, is disclosed, in which a magnetic tape accommodated in a tape cassette attached at a tape cassette attachment position within the main body of the apparatus is extracted by a loading mechanism so as to be loaded onto a predetermined tape running passage in the apparatus. According to the invention, the loading operation of the magnetic tape by the loading mechanism is enabled on the condition that it is sensed that a cassette holder for attaching the tape cassette at the tape cassette attachment position is locked at the tape cassette attachment position and that the tape cassette is attached at the tape cassette attachment position, in such a manner that a positive tape loading operation is assured and the magnetic tape as well as various operating units within the main body of the apparatus are protected from damage.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval subsystem in a data processing system includes a plurality or magnetic tape cartridges, a host computer, and a library storage module storing the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges in substantially upright positions. The library storage module includes a first cylindrical array of storage cells centered about a vertical axis, a second cylindrical array concentrically arranged about the first array, and a library tape unit including a plurality of tape drives, each of the tape drives being adapted to receive one of the magnetic tape cartridges in a substantially horizontal transducing position. A robot within the library storage module is used to transfer selected ones of the magnetic tape cartridges between their substantially upright positions and the substantially horizontal transducing positions at a selected tape drive.

Abstract: Adapted for use in hotels, hospitals, and similar environments, the disclosed system allows numerous system users to operate user terminals at any of a plurality of locations to access a common library of audio-video data contained on a collection of record items such as, video tape cartridges, stored in a housing located at a remote central location. Using a computer controlled filer, the system retrieves a data record item from an array of housing storage sites at each user's request, loading the same into one of a plurality of playback devices also located at the central location, from which the audio video signal is directed to the user's terminal for readout. Each user may also access local television, radio, satellite video, and any other optional signal source connected to the system.

Abstract: An automatic changing apparatus includes a storage section wherein a number of optical disk cassettes are stored, a disk drive apparatus, and a transfer frame for transferring the disk cassette between the storage section and the disk drive apparatus. The transfer frame has first and second holding frames for respectively holding the disk cassette. The transfer frame inserts the disk cassette into the storage section or the disk drive apparatus, or removes it therefrom.

Abstract: A device for detecting the light transmissivity of an object to be detected comprises a light emitting element and a light receiving element which are opposed to each other across the detected object. The device is arranged to cause the light emitting element to intermittently emit a light and to detect the light transmissivity of said detected object on the basis of a detection signal obtained from the light receiving element when the light is emitted by the light emitting element and another detection signal obtained from the light receiving element when no light is emitted by the light emitting element.

Abstract: In a tape loading apparatus having a loading ring with guides for withdrawing a magnetic tape from a tape cassette and wrapping it around a rotary drum, the rotating speed of the loading ring is controlled in accordance with the loading position, that is, the rotation angle of the loading ring, to protect the magnetic tape from being damaged during a loading operation, and a torque for resisting unwinding of the tape from a reel in the cassette during the loading operation is varied in accordance with the amount of tape wound thereon.

Abstract: A remote-controlling commander includes a rotary dial rotatably mounted on a commander housing for manual operation of the user. The commander also includes a position detector for monitoring angular position of the rotary dial, in which the angular position and/or angular displacement of the rotary dial represents which operation of the apparatus is to be controlled and an encoder for producing an encoded signal variable depending upon the angular position and/or angular displacement of the rotary dial. The encoded signal is transmitted through a transmitter to a receiver provided in the apparatus to be controlled. The received signal is decoded in the apparatus to trigger the function represented by the received signal. The received signal from the remote-controlling commander may be used to perform functions associated with a VTR, such as timing of video recording, picture searching, channel timing, and the like.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive for insertion of a magnetic tape cartridge of the type having an access door pivotally mounted on a long side of the cartridge is disclosed. The cartridge is inserted through a slot in a front panel of a drawer with the long side of the cartridge parallel to the insertion direction. When the cartridge is inserted, the drawer is in an extended position and is held there by a drawer stopping mechanism. The cartridge is inserted through the slot onto the drawer as far as is permitted by a cartridge stopping mechanism. A rotatably mounted front door on the front panel of the drawer is then rotated closed and the access door of the cartridge is opened by a cam mounted on the front door in response to the rotation thereof.