Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus using a magnetic tape as a recording medium such that, when holding by a holding mechanism is released at the position where a cover member is closed and a magnetic head is moved between a contact position, where contact with a magnetic tape which travels by a traveling mechanism provided in the apparatus body is obtained, to a position distant from the magnetic tape or when the magnetic tape is pinched by the traveling mechanism, the pinching of the magnetic tape by the traveling mechanism is released and the magnetic head is moved to a distant position. In this manner, even if the apparatus is stopped when the power source is shut off while the FWD reproducing mode or the REV reproducing mode is kept set, the magnetic tape can be safely and securely extracted from the attachment section.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus (1) can hold a magnetic-tape cassette (2), which accommodates a supply reel (3) including a first magnetic circuit element (42) and has a disc-shaped drive member (47) including a second magnetic circuit element (49), the two magnetic circuit elements (42, 49) forming magnetically acting holding means (43) for holding the supply reel (3) in the apparatus (1) and the disc-shaped drive member (47) having magnetic-force-of-attraction limiting means (51) which serve to and are adapted to cooperate with the first magnetic circuit element (42) and which enable the magnetic force of attraction produced between the two magnetic circuit elements (42, 49) to be limited.

Abstract: In a recording and/or reproducing apparatus (1) having a reel drive device (35) with a drive shaft (46A) and with a disc-shaped drive member (47) made of a plastic and with drive teeth (48), and with a second magnetic circuit element (49), and with a third magnetic circuit element (50), which is connected to the drive member (47) by insert-molding of the third magnetic circuit element (50), the drive shaft (46A) is connected directly to the third magnetic circuit element (50) in a rotationally interlocked manner and the third magnetic circuit element (50) is formed by an element which is finished by means of a turning operation, and the third magnetic circuit element (50) is dimensioned in such a manner with respect to the drive member (47) that the third magnetic circuit element (50) is not subjected to any deformation by the drive member (47) made by insert-molding.

Abstract: A porous impregnation material (14) impregnated with a gaseous-phase lubricant that vaporizes at an atmosphere temperature within an outer case (2) is disposed in the inside of the outer case (2) that incorporates a tape mechanism (1) having a magnetic head such as a rotary video head (5). This allows the magnetic head to be in a state of being protected by a coating film of the gaseous-phase lubricant, thereby eliminating the adhesion of foreign substances other than the gaseous-phase lubricant to the magnetic head. As a result, decrease in the reading precision of magnetic data to be caused by the foreign substances can be prevented.

Abstract: A tape drive ejection assembly that controls ejection of a tape cartridge to prevent over ejection errors in a tape drive. The ejection assembly comprises an ejection carriage, a carriage pin, a rotary damper and a spring mounted on a frame. The ejection carriage slides within the frame during insertion and ejection of the tape cartridge. The spring connects between the frame and the ejection carriage and provides the force to eject the tape cartridge. The rotary damper controls movement of the ejection carriage within the frame during ejection of the tape cartridge. The carriage pin includes a rib configured to form a snap connection with the tape cartridge during loading of the tape cartridge. The snap connection between the rib and the tape cartridge secures the tape cartridge to the ejection carriage during and after ejection of the tape cartridge. The connection is not released until a significant external force is applied on the tape cartridge.

Abstract: A coupling for driving a magnetic tape reel uses the interface between a flat surface on the coupling and datum pads on the reel to locate the reel. The coupling includes a drive ring with ring teeth located around a drive shaft. The ring teeth engage mating teeth on the tape reel. The coupling also includes a datum ring having an annular surface located about the drive shaft. The annular surface contacts datum pads on the tape reel to axially position the tape reel relative to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus of the present invention includes: a first arm swingably mounted on a chassis; a second arm swingably mounted on the chassis; and a rotator mounted on the chassis, the rotator including a protrusion for driving the first arm and the second arm, the first arm including a first cam portion which engages with the protrusion, the second arm including a second cam portion which engages with the protrusion, the first cam having a first arc portion, a second arc portion, and a first concave portion formed between the first arc portion and the second arc portion, the second cam portion having a third arc portion, a fourth arc portion, and a second concave portion formed between the third arc portion and the forth arc portion, wherein the first arm, the second arm, and the rotator serve to permit the construction of a simplified cassette loading mechanism

Abstract: A data storage tape drive system includes a data storage tape cartridge and a tape drive mechanism. The data storage tape cartridge includes a tape reel including a circular ring of teeth projecting in a direction generally parallel to an axis of rotation thereof and an engagement surface spaced radially from the circular ring of teeth. The tape drive mechanism includes a drive hub including a circular ring of teeth projecting in a direction generally parallel to an axis of rotation thereof and an engagement feature spaced radially from the circular ring of teeth of the drive hub. When the drive hub is operatively engaged with the tape reel, the teeth of the drive hub are engaged with the teeth of the tape reel and the engagement feature of the drive hub is engaged with the engagement surface of the tape reel so as to control operative engagement between the data storage tape cartridge and the tape drive mechanism.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus including a body having a loading portion, in which a recording medium is accommodated, and a drive portion for recording and/or reproducing the recording medium; a cover joined to the body in such a manner that the cover can be opened/closed so that the loading portion is closed; and a reflecting surface formed on the outer surface of the cover so that the face or the like of a user is always reflected.

Abstract: The magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus of this invention records/reproduces information on/from a magnetic tape by drawing out the magnetic tape from a tape cassette and allowing the magnetic tape to pass around a rotary head cylinder, having a rotary head, for a predetermined arc.

Abstract: In a magnetic-tape apparatus (1) a magnetic tape (2) is conveyed from a supply reel (35) to a take-up reel (39) via a first height guide (25), a first capstan and pressure roller combination (17), a magnetic-head unit (5), a second capstan and pressure roller combination (19), and a second height guide (29). In a method of manufacturing prerecorded magnetic tape (2), before the information is recorded on the magnetic tape and while the magnetic tape is guided by the height guides (25, 29), first the first height guide (25) is adjusted in a direction parallel to the width direction (71) of the magnetic tape during tape transport, the first pressure roller (103) being kept clear of the first capstan (55). Subsequently, the second height guide (29) is adjusted during tape transport, the second pressure roller (105) being kept clear of the second capstan (57).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing fine alignment of a robotic assembly with multiple storage cells in a storage library system. One or more docking targets are fixed inside the library in a predetermined orientation with respect to the cells. One or more mating members are attached to the robotic assembly's hand. The mating members and docking targets are shaped to be self-aligning when pressed together. In operation the robotic hand is coarsely aligned with a selected cell. Next, the robotic hand is moved toward the selected cell causing the mating member(s) to engage with the docking target(s) associated the selected cell. The transverse force produced by the robotic hand pushing the mating member(s) against the docking target(s) causes further alignment. When the mating member(s) is fully aligned with the docking target(s) the robotic hand is finely aligned with the selected cell.

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: The inventive recessed bezel or faceplate allows the tape drive to be recessed within the computer case such that the tape cartridge no longer protrudes from the front of the computer case. The inventive bezel uses finger cavities and a guide mechanism to facilitate tape cartridge insertion and removal.

Abstract: A molded plastic mounting part (15, 16, 23) is formed as a base for function parts in a metal supporting plate (1, 20). The mounting part, in order to be mounted on the support plate, has a bridge element (5, 17) traversing a hole (2, 21) in the metal supporting plate and has retaining elements (7a, 7b) which bear against both plate surfaces (6a, 6b) of the metal supporting plate. To guarantee that the predetermined position of the mounting part with respect to the axis of the hole is maintained in spite of the shrinkage of the plastic material, the plate surfaces of the metal supporting plate (1, 20) have recesses (4a, 4b;) adjacent the hole, which recesses are engaged by projections (11a; 24a to 24d, 25a to 25d) of the retaining elements of the mounting part.

Abstract: A tension lever is pivoted to a chassis at one side of a reel support and has attached thereto in the vicinity of the pivoted portion opposite ends of a tension band reeved around the reel support. First and second two tension springs are provided between and fitted to a control lever and the tension lever each pivoted to the chassis and rotatable to different positions for different tape running modes. The second tension spring is fitted to the control lever with play in the direction of stretch of the spring. For reverse playback, the control lever rotates within the limits of play of the second spring to stretch the first spring only. The control lever stretches both the two springs for usual playback.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement protects an FET power switch against damage from short circuits that may occur in the load connected between the drain terminal and an operating voltage source of the FET. The protection is achieved by the cooperation between a shunt resistor (3) connected between ground and the source terminal (S) of the FET and a gate voltage limiter (7) connected to the gate terminal of the FET. This cooperation limits the short circuit current through the FET until a short circuit detector (DT) provides a control signal that switches the FET off.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus wherein signals are recorded with a ring-type magnetic head to a magnetic recording medium having axis of easy magnetization oblique with respect to a film normal of a magnetic layer of the medium A recording magnetic field generated by the magnetic head is asymmetric with respect to a center line of a gap of the magnetic circuit, and the recording magnetic field in the magnetic layer around a leading edge of the magnetic head is inclined at the same side as the axis of easy magnetization in the magnetic field in a normal plane of the magnetic layer including a direction of relative movement of the magnetic head to the magnetic recording medium when signals are recorded to the medium. Thus, signals can be recorded at a high density. Various types of magnetic head for generating asymmetric magnetic field are provided.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus wherein signals are recorded with a ring-type magnetic head to a magnetic recording medium having axis of easy magnetization oblique with respect to a film normal of a magnetic layer of the medium. A recording magnetic field generated by the magnetic head is asymmetric with respect to a center line of a gap of the magnetic circuit, and the recording magnetic field in the magnetic layer around a leading edge of the magnetic head is inclined at the same side as the axis of easy magnetization in the magnetic field in a normal plane of the magnetic layer including a direction of relative movement of the magnetic head to the magnetic recording medium when signals are recorded to the medium. Thus, signals can be recorded at a high density. Various types of magnetic head for generating asymmetric magnetic field are provided.

Abstract: A cassette type recording and reproducing apparatus in which during an eject operation of a tape cassette, a cam driven lever 28 is kicked by a cam 31 and a cassette discharge lever 51 is rotated by the cam driven lever 28, whereby a tape cassette 1 in a cassette stage is pushed out in a cassette discharge direction by the cassette discharge lever 51. The apparatus is provided with control means 50 for positionally regulating the cam driven lever 28 with some degree of freedom within a fixed range .theta..sub.12 at the intermediate position of a swing range .theta..sub.11 in which the cam driven lever 28 is rotated by the cam 31. Therefore, a cam driven lever can be prevented from violently colliding against a cassette discharge lever in the course of a loading operation of a tape cassette.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the storage and/or reproduction of information on/from an information carrier accommodated in a cartridge. The apparatus comprises a motorized loader for the motorized loading of a cartridge. The apparatus has a mechanism by which the cartridge can be removed from the apparatus in the case of faults.

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: In a magnetic tape drive for a single-reel type magnetic tape cartridge having a leader block coupled to a leading end of a magnetic tape wound therein, a hub for winding the tape pulled out of the cartridge is disposed at rear side of a magnetic head unit for writing data on and reading data from the tape, and has a radial slot formed therein for receiving the leader block of the tape threaded through the unit. The rotational direction of the hub is determined such that the leader block is subjected to an radially-inward force in the slot of the hub at the beginning of a rotational movement of the hub, whereby slippage of the leader block from the slot of the hub can be prevented.

Abstract: A hub lock releasing device of a tape recorder is provided. The hub lock releasing device includes a slide member slidingly installed on a deck and having a releasing pin, a spring for elastically biasing the slide member, an interlocking member interlocked with the slide member, and a cam gear having an interlocking pin being selectively in contact with the interlocking member to rotate the interlocking member. When the cam gear rotates the interlocking pin is detached from the interlocking member, thus the interlocking member rotates and the slide member is moved by the elastic force of the spring and the releasing pin pushes the hub locking member to release the locking of the hub.

Abstract: A cassette holder adapted to hold a tape cassette and to lift and lower said tape cassette therein provided with an opener which is urged by a spring to turn around the axis of an opener support shaft during the lifting and lowering of the cassette holder with the lower end of the cover of the tape cassette abutting against an inclined surface of the opener. Further, an opener kicking portion at the front end of a stand fixed to a chassis abuts against the opener to turn the latter during the lifting and lowering.

Abstract: A tape cassette recording and/or reproducing apparatus using, as a recording medium, a tape cassette having a rectangular plane surface shape includes a body formed to have a rectangular plane surface shape, a recording and/or reproducing unit provided in the body and including a magnetic head for recording and/or reproducing information signals to/from a magnetic tape contained within the tape cassette, and a cassette holding mechanism including a cassette holder into which the tape cassette is inserted with one of a pair of opposing short sides being the front end in the insertion direction thereof. The cassette holding mechanism is disposed with a short side of the body being a supporting end, and is pivotably supported between a position where the inserted tape cassette is fully loaded into the recording and/or reproducing unit and a position where the tape cassette inserted into the cassette holding mechanism is away or detached from the recording and/or reproducing unit.

Abstract: A device for loading and unloading a tape cassette includes a cam disc rotatably supported to a chassis and at least one guide route disposed thereon and extending from near the rotating axis of the cam disc to the periphery thereof so as to be topologically shifted in the rotating direction, and a swinging arm pivoted to the chassis and having a cam follow pin received in the guide route. The tape cassette is transported together with the cassette holder from an inlet port to the tape deck and vice versa. A shift member is adapted to retractively guide the cassette holder by cooperating with the swinging arm.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape recording and playback device, a resilient body is engaged with a head base. At the time of recording and playing back a tape, the head base is pressed and fixed when the resilient body is directly pushed by a lever, and at the time of withdrawing the head, the head base is directly driven by the lever, so that an engaging member of a main base is engaged with a pressing member, and the head base is pressed and fixed. In this way, a force given to the resilient body is reduced at the time of head base movement. It is possible to reduce the required head base drive force at the time of head base movement.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive for reading/writing data on magnetic tape in a cartridge of the type in which a driven roller in the cartridge moves tape past a read/write head in the drive, has a door opening lever disposed parallel to the direction of insertion of the cartridge. The lever is mounted on a pivot at one end on an axis perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the cartridge. The other end of the lever bears against the actuating portion of the door to open the door as the cartridge enters the drive. The lever is moveable about its pivot only to the side of the cartridge to accommodate an insertion of the cartridge into the drive.

Abstract: A cartridge tape drive having a housing with an opening dimensioned to allow endwise insertion of a rectangular cartridge with an access door along a side edge thereof. The cartridge is supported on a stationary support within the housing. The cartridge tape drive is provided with a mechanism which opens the access door, and a mechanism which moves the cartridge laterally within the housing into operative engagement with a magnetic head. The magnetic head is attached to the stationary support.

Abstract: A cassette recording system having both a primary memory and an auxiliary memory associated with the cassette. A mechanism is provided for sequentially reading information from and writing information to the primary memory as well as randomly reading information from and writing information to the auxiliary memory. The auxiliary memory may be used to retain programming information. The system enables a cassette to be transferred from one recorder to another, with the recording schedule, being included in the auxiliary memory associated with the cassette, being similarly transferred.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive for reading and writing data on magnetic tape in a cartridge of the type in which a driven roller in the cartridge moves tape towards a read/write head in the drive which has a one-piece molded chassis. The chassis is suspended at three points in the pan. At each point an interference fit between a planar mounting member on the chassis and a slot in a support member in the pan provides an easy snap-in mounting for the chassis.

Abstract: A double-cassette-type magnetic recording-reproduction apparatus wherein a cam gear allows the second over-stroke lever to shift in advancing and retracting manners and, following these movements, a mode lever and the second head mount are allowed to move to the first through third positions. When the mode lever is located at the first position, the first over-stroke lever is shifted to an operable position and the second head mount is blocked by the second idler lever from its advancing movement. When the mode lever is located at the second position, the shift-blocking state of the second head mount is released, and the first over-stroke lever is not allowed to shift. When the mode lever is located at the third position, the first over-stroke lever and the second head mount are allowed to shift to the operable positions. This construction makes it possible to reduce the number of driving means and cut the cost of production.

Abstract: A one inch high tape drive which can play a tape that is 0.315 inches (8 millimeters) wide. The tape drive includes a head that is defined by a first edge, a second edge and a centerline that is equal distance from each edge. The head is typically 0.64 inches high and includes a transducer which has a centerline that is offset from the centerline of the head by approximately 0.010 inches. The head is coupled to a stepper motor assembly which can move the head from the first edge of the tape to a location 0.010 inches from the second edge of the tape. The 0.010 offset allows a 0.315 inch (8 mm) wide tape to be played in a 1 inch high tape drive that has total tolerances of .+-.0.050 inches.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape recording and playback device, a resilient body is engaged with a head base. At the time of recording and playing back a tape, the head base is pressed and fixed when the resilient member is directly pushed by a drive plate, and at the time of withdrawing the head, the head base driven by the drive plate, through the resilient member, and the head base is pressed and fixed. In this way, a force given to the resilient body is reduced at the time of head base movement. It is possible to reduce the required head base drive force at the time of head base movement.

Abstract: A holder unit receives a cassette therein, the cassette containing a recording tape and having a lid unit thereon. A lid pressing member comprises a pair of sliding portions which come into contact with two opposite end portions of the lid unit of the cassette while the cassette is being withdrawn from the holder unit if the lid unit is in an opened state. The cassette is withdrawn from the holder unit in a certain direction. Each of the pair of sliding portions has a slope which comes into contact with the lid unit, an angle formed between the slope and the certain direction being equal to or less than 15.degree.. The lid pressing member has a cut out portion between the pair of sliding members so that the pressing member comes into contact only with the two end portions of the lid unit and, at least at first, does not come into contact with a middle portion of the lid unit.

Abstract: An improved structure for use in a tape driving device for driving a tape contained in a cartridge.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus using optical magnetic tape, comprises an objective lens for focusing the light generated from a light source, and an acousto optic scanner and an ultrasonic wave generator for vertically or horizontally displacing the focal point of the objective lens in order to scan a light beam onto the optical magnetic tape transferred along the outer periphery of a rotating drum. According to the disclosed principles, recording/reproducing at high speeds is possible, and a high data-transmission speed is obtained with a low rotating speed of the rotating drum, so that the instrument is stabile, small, and simple in construction.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening a tape access door at the forward end of a tape cartridge which pivots about an axis perpendicular to a mount plate of the cartridge. The access door is spring biased to a closed position and includes a slot which opens along a side wall of the door and has a rearward end that angles open on an outer wall of the door. The door opening mechanism itself comprises an elongate door opener frame, a pin extending from a forward end of the door opener frame, a door opener bearing and a pivot shaft for pivotally mounting a rearward end of the door opener frame and a rear end of the opener bearing to a frame of a loader mechanism adjacent a cartridge insertion slot thereof.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus includes a head for performing recording/reproducing, a chassis for positioning the head, a cassette holder for positioning a cassette on the chassis, the cassette including an opening portion through which a recording medium is received or drawn out, a cassette holder supporting member for supporting the cassette holder on the chassis, and a casing which contains these component parts. The cassette holder supporting member has a substantially U-shape, facing three side surfaces of the cassette except the opening portion, and includes integrally formed fastening portions to be secured on the casing. The cassette holder supporting member is fastened to the casing through two fastening portions, and the chassis is directly fastened to the casing in one portion of the chassis.

Abstract: A carriage assembly slidingly receives a tape cartridge whose forward end tape access door is opened during insertion of the cartridge by a user or an automatic picker of a tape library system. A single motor driven cam automatically moves the mated carriage assembly and tape cartridge to engage a head with an exposed segment of magnetic tape. The cartridge stops and the carriage assembly continues to move slightly forward from the tape cartridge. This allows the same motor driven cam to automatically move a pair of clutch assemblies transverse to the cartridge insertion axis into engagement with a pair of reel hubs of the tape cartridge. The engagement of the clutch assemblies unlocks the reels inside the tape cartridge for rotation by a pair of reel motors. A rigid mount plate of the tape cartridge is automatically clamped against a plurality of datums.

Abstract: A media exchange system uses a robot arm assembly to allow tape cartridges and other storage media to be shared among multiple, individual, media storage libraries. One or more media storage libraries are provided for data storage. Each media storage library has its own internal media storage facility that can be accessed at a relatively quick speed. If required, the robot arm assembly can be used to transfer media from one media storage library to another. Additional media storage cells are provided external to the individual media storage libraries. These provide additional tape storage.

Abstract: An automated storage library includes a robotic picker which moves linearly between linear and/or carousel storage shelves to transport data storage cassettes between the shelves and a data transfer device. The picker arm can swing in a vertical arc to access the tape stores on either side of its linear path. The arm also has at least one rotatable wrist and a pair of end effectors. A data storage cassette may be extracted from a data transfer device, the wrist rotated 180.degree., and a new cassette inserted. This reduces the number of times the robot has to visit the tape stores. The vertical arc movement of the picker arm provides for accurate orientation of the effectors with respect to the shelves and the data transfer devices.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium and a magnetic tape cassette are disclosed, comprising a non-magnetic support having formed on one surface only thereof at least two layers including a lower layer and an upper magnetic layer formed thereon, wherein the surface electric resistance (Rs) of the surface of the magnetic layer of said magnetic recording medium is 10.sup.9 .OMEGA./sq or less, the non-magnetic support contains at least three different kinds of particles which vary from each other in at least one property of mean particle diameter and Mohs' hardness, and the opposite surface of the magnetic recording medium comprises the rear surface of the nonmagnetic support having at least 1,000 projections having a height of from 200 nm to 400 nm per 0.1 mm.sup.2, but with the provisos that not more than 1,000 projections are present having a height of from 400 nm to 700 nm per 0.1 mm.sup.2 and not more than 50 projections are present having a height of 700 nm or more per 0.1 mm.sup.2.

Abstract: A cassette accommodating type electronic equipment having an electronic equipment housing which comprises a cassette accommodating portion for accommodating therein a tape cassette in which a recording medium is accommodated, an opening portion through which the tape cassette is inserted into the cassette accommodating portion, a driving device for driving the recording medium accommodated within the cassette accommodated in the cassette accommodating portion, and a lid for opening and closing the opening portion, wherein the housing includes transparent windows formed through surfaces of at least two different portions so that two different portions of the tape cassette accommodated in the cassette accommodating portion can be visually confirmed.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for a magnetic-tape cassette (2) having a movable shutter (16) for closing at least one access opening (10, 11, 12) in a side wall (6) of the cassette (2) comprises a cassette holder (25) for receiving the cassette (2) and an actuating device (77) for moving the shutter (16) of the cassette (2). The apparatus (1) has a movable cassette hold-down device (60) which comprises a hold-down support (66) which at least partly covers the upper wall (4) of the cassette (2), and the actuating device (77) is movably supported on the hold-down support (66).

Abstract: A load/eject system for a magnetic tape recorder receiving a magnetic tape cartridge. The system provides a motor/worm gear/pinion and rack transport mechanism which drives a chassis having grippers and lifters engaged in cammed slots for gripping and lifting a cartridge partially inserted into the recorder and transporting the cartridge to an operating position. The system locks the cartridge in proper longitudinal and vertical position for operating. At that operating position, a lost motion spring arrangement imparts a resilient holding force of the cartridge in a longitudinal direction, and deflectable fingers resiliently clamp the cartridge in a select vertical position.

Abstract: A compact tape drive assembly that has a door which is completely closed when a tape is inserted into the drive unit.

Abstract: A cassette holding device for a tape recorder wherein the shock resistance thereof can be assured sufficiently with a simple construction during transportation and during normal use of the tape recorder and protection of a cassette holder, capstan shafts and a tape cassette and reduction in cost and facility in use of the entire tape recorder can be attained. The device comprises an ejecting member which holds, when it is at advanced position, an arresting member to an advanced position in which a cassette holder can receive therein a tape cassette inserted into the tape recorder. When the arresting member is at a retracted position, the ejecting member is prevented from moving from a retracted position to the advanced position, but when the arresting member is moved .[.form.]. .Iadd.from .Iaddend.the retracted to the advanced position, the ejecting member is allowed to move from the retracted to the advanced position to eject a tape cassette from the tape recorder.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive for driving magnetic tape in a cartridge of the type in which a driven roller in an exposed edge of the cartridge moves the tape past a read/write head in the drive. A drive roller in the drive is rotated by a motor. The drive roller engages an idler capstan which, in turn, engages the driven roller in the cartridge.