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 computer memory backup device which utilizes standardized computer tape cartridges is disclosed. The focus of the invention is upon the techniques for ascertaining the appropriate placement of such cartridges to allow operation of the computer memory backup device. The device being connected to a computer allows for the determination of a cartridge presence through the use of an optical sensor mechanism. The sensor mechanism includes a light emitting diode (l.e.d.), light pipe and phototransistor. During any time that the cartridge is not in the computer memory device or improperly or incompletely inserted the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the l.e.d. will be directed by the light pipe to the phototransistor. In this manner a negative determination is correctly made. When the cartridge is correctly and completely inserted, the pathway of the electromagnetic radiation is blocked between the light pipe and the phototransistor. In this manner a positive determination is correctly made.

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 tray on which a cassette is mounted can be reciprocated between a first projected position and a second set position in the horizontal direction by a carriage system. When the tray is positioned above a cassette drive section, it can be reciprocated up and down by a lifter system while holding the cassette therein. A cassette adapter can house therein a second cassette, smaller in size than the first-mentioned cassette, having a magnetic tape wound arround it, and the cassette adapter is attached to and detached from the ray. The cassette adapter is provided with an unloaded cassette detecting lever to detect whether or not the second cassette, having the magnetic tape, is inserted in the cassette adapter. A lever detecting device, which also serves as a component of the carriage system, detects that the unloaded cassette detecting lever is projected to prevent the tray from being moved from the first to the second position when the tray is on the way of being inserted into a cabinet.

Abstract: A cartridge case having locking notches in both of its side faces is guided by guide rails when it is loaded into an information recording/reproducing apparatus. The cartridge case is locked in its prescribed loaded position by clampers which push the case from both sides thereof. Each clamper has a truncated-cone-shaped roller which is urged by a spring toward the center line of the apparatus and which pushes the insertion-side bottom edge of the locking notch.

Abstract: A take-up pulley is provided with a power input member and a power output member which are radially divided, both of the members being engaged with each other over their peripheral surfaces. An elastic force of an annular elastic member acts on the engagement portion between both the power output member and the power input member in the peripheral direction in order to obtain a predetermined frictional engagement force between the power input member and the power output member.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing information signals with the use of a tape cassette is provided with a pair of reel shafts, each having an engaging member mounted with a bias towards the end of the supporting shaft, and a tape cassette transfer mechanism adapted for shifting the tape cassette inserted by way of the cassette inserting opening in a first direction normal to the reel shafts and guiding or loading the tape cassette for inserting and engaging the reel shafts with a pair of tape reels within the tape cassette.

Abstract: A lid opening mechanism for a DAT cassette, wherein the lid is slightly opened while inserting a tape cassette into its housing, and then the lid is completely opened when the tape cassette is placed on a deck, so that the load applied to the cassette is efficiently reduced and the size of the DAT tape cassette can be minimized.

Abstract: A cassette holder in a recording and/or reproducing apparatus for a magnetic tape cassette includes a pair of circular-arc shaped members which serves to deflect a front pivotal closure member of the magnetic tape cassette to its open position when the magnetic tape cassette is inserted into the cassette holder to be arranged at a fixed position, and a plate member which serves to deflect the front pivotal closure member to its closed position when the magnetic tape cassette arranged at the fixed position is taken out of the cassette holder. The cassette holder is formed by combining two sheet metal members with each other. One of the sheet metal members is integrally formed with the circular-arc shaped members, and the other sheet metal member is integrally formed with the plate member. When the magnetic tape cassette is arranged at the fixed position, the front pivotal closure member is received within a space between the circular-arc shaped member and the plate member.

Abstract: A cassette loading device, wherein, when a rack, formed on a tray supporting a holder for holding a cassette, comes out of mesh with a pinion gear serving as a drive source, the tray itself is engaged with the pinion gear, so that the pinion gear urges the tray, thereby transferring the tray to a position of completion of its horizontal transfer thereby enabling the cassette to be transferred in a stable manner.

Abstract: A cassette loading apparatus for a cassette playing/recording apparatus such as a DAT, VCR, or optical disc apparatus, includes guide slots in a frame for guiding a cassette holder between an insertion position and a loading position, and an opening-closing guide slot for guiding a link lever coupled to a release lever for opening and closing a lid on the cassette as the cassette holder moves between the insertion and loading positions. The opening-closing guide slot includes a yieldable arm for guiding the link lever along the guide slot during normal operation, and for flexing downward in the event that the cassette lid accidentally disengages from the release lever when moving from the loading position, so as to prevent the cassette from becoming jammed in the apparatus and to allow the cassette to be transferred to the insertion position from which it can be removed.

Abstract: The present invention is an end loaded tape drive for an elongate tape cartridge having a door in one of its sides proximate one end of the cartridge. The tape drive includes an elongate table mounted at least partially within an elongate housing upon which the cartridge may rest. The table is movable in an x-y plane defined by an x axis and a y axis. The drive includes a magnetic head which is fixed against movement in an x-y plane. A cartridge door opening mechanism is provided for opening the access door of the cartridge sufficiently to provide access to the tape by the magnetic head. Movement of the table in the y direction actuates the door opening mechanism and movement of the table in the x direction positions the tape in a read/write position. A motor is further provided for moving the length of tape within the cartridge along the magnetic head when the tape is in the read/write position.

Abstract: An actuating device for a drive switch for use in a front-loading type video cassette tape recorder which includes a worm, a wheel gear having a connecting gear, a drive gear, a cam portion having slant surfaces formed on one side surface of the drive gear, and a tact switch having a contact protrusion which contacts the cam portion of the drive gear, whereby the tact switch is actuated by the rotation of the drive gear.

Abstract: A control system for 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 moves the tape cassette in its own plane into data transfer contact with the transducer. Then a pair of tape transport spindles are moved into driving engagement with the tape cassette by a tape transport shift mechanism. Both cassette shift mechanism and tape transport shift mechanism are actuated by a motor driven dual control cam under the control of a digital microprocessor controller.

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.

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: The invention relates to a magnetic tape cassette apparatus with a drive mechanism which serves for playing magnetic tape cassettes, has a cassette loading mechanism to which there belongs a cassette tray (15) which accommodates the magnetic tape cassette and is guided by laterally projecting pins (16) in fixed vertical guideways (6) for the purpose of lowering into a playing position and raising into an eject position, the pins (16) reaching in addition through slots (14) of a slide (9) which slope relative to the vertical, the guideways (6) having have only a vertical longitudinal extension for lowering and raising the cassette tray (15) and the draw-in and eject movement of the magnetic tape cassette being taken over by a cassette catch (17) which is movable by an actuating lever (21) between an eject and a draw-in position, the actuating lever (21) pivotably coupled to the slide (9) simultaneously being moved via the displacement movement of the slide for the purpose of drawing in and ejecting the cassett

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing accidental recording of a tape recorder is disclosed. The apparatus detects the presence or absence of the protecting piece of a tape cassette and outputs control signals for discriminating the allowance or prohibition of the recording. The apparatus utilizes a light sensing device without any switching contacts thereby assuring the reliability of the operation.

Abstract: A cassette insertion device comprising a holder for receiving a tape cassette, the holder having an upper inner surface with a first projection thereon for contacting an upper surface of the tape cassette and a lower inner surface having a second projection adapted to engage a pawl of the tape cassette to unlock a slider of the tape cassette, the first and second projections being laterally separated by a distance greater than or equal to the length of a lower projection formed on a lower surface of the tape cassette.

Abstract: A cassette tape recorder cabinet has an upper cabinet part and a lower cabinet part between which a mechanism base plate is provided to hold a tape cassette inserted into the recorder to drive a tape encased in the tape cassette. The upper and lower cabinet parts have respective front surfaces facing a tape-exposing side of the tape cassette and rear surfaces positioned opposite the front surfaces. The height of the front surface of the upper cabinet part is greater than that of the rear surface thereof, and the height of the front surface of the lower cabinet part is smaller than that of the rear surface thereof.

Abstract: A disk file apparatus wherein a disk cartridge having an optical disk or a magnetic disk stored therein is alternatively loaded between a stocker and a disk driver as a single changer is reciprocated. A first reversing element rotates the changer around a first axis crossing at a right angle with a line connecting the relative directions of a pair of stockers. A second reversing element rotates the changer around a second axis extending toward a linear direction connecting relative directions of the pair of stockers.

Abstract: A cassette loading device of a tape player is equipped with a motor driving capstan and a pinch roller for pressing the tape against the capstan. The power of the capstan motor is transmitted to a power transmission rotator through a driving gear and a clutch gear. The rotating force of the power transmission rotator is then transmitted to the cassette holder driving section through a speed reduction mechanism. Therefore, the cassette holder can be moved and the load or eject of the cassette can be done without complicated motion timing and application of motor for special purpose.

Abstract: The present invention is an end loaded tape drive for an elongate tape cartridge having a door in one of its sides proximate one end of the cartridge. The tape drive includes an elongate table mounted at least partially within an elongate housing upon which the cartridge may rest. The table is movable in an x-y plane defined by an x axis and a y axis. The drive includes a magnetic head which is fixed against movement in an x-y plane. A cartridge door opening mechanism is provided for opening the access door of the cartridge sufficiently to provide access to the tape by the magnetic head. Movement of the table in the y direction actuates the door opening mechanism and movement of the table in the x direction positions the tape in a read/write position. A motor is further provided for moving the length of tape within the cartridge along the magnetic head when the tape is in the read/write position.

Abstract: A cassette tape player utilizes a tape cassette having apertures formed through one side wall of its casing to accept a magnetic head and a pinch roller. The cassette tape player has a body assembly on which the tape cassette is freely loaded or unloaded and a lid supported by the body assembly so as to be freely rotatable for closing and opening the cassette tape player. The tape cassette is inserted into a loading region of the body assembly by closing the lid. A head assembly chassis is supported by one side end portion of the cassette loading portion so that its moves together with the lid. The head assembly also supports a magnetic head holder and the pinch roller. The tape cassette is supported by securing the upper surface wall of the cassette casing by inserting cassette holding members into the pinch roller insertion openings of the tape cassette.

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 operating mode discriminating device for a magnetic tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus which adopts an optical detecting elements is disclosed. As the device has non-contacting type detecting elements, there arises no contacting problems and an accurate determination of the operating mode can be ensured.

Abstract: A cassette holder holds a cassette, and is disposed to be substantially horizontally movable. A loading mechanism includes a guide member for guiding the cassette holder to load or unload the cassette, and a worm wheel for driving the guide member. A worm unit includes a worm, having first and second ends, meshed with the worm wheel, a rotating member coaxially mounted to the first end of the worm, and thrust and radial bearings coaxially mounted between the worm and the rotating member, the worm being driven in accordance with a transmission of rotation from a drive source to the rotating member. A mounting mechanism, to which the worm unit is mounted, includes a first elastic support member for elastically supporting the second end of the worm, and a second elastic support member for elastically supporting the radial bearing.

Abstract: A driving gear is attached to a capstan motor used for driving a capstan. The driving gear is rotated together with the capstan motor. A vertically-movable gear, which is movable in the axial direction thereof, faces the driving gear, and is designed in such a manner as to selectively mesh with the driving gear. The vertically-movable gear is moved up or down by a switch lever, and this switch lever is swung in accordance with the rotation of a mode-switching cam. When the vertically-movable gear is raised by the up swing of the switch lever and brought into mesh with the driving gear, a front loading mechanism moves a cassette holder which holds a tape cassette containing a magnetic tape, and loads the tape cassette in a tape-driving mechanism by utilization of the rotating force of the driving gear transmitted to the front loading mechanism through the vertically-movable gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic tape cassette apparatus (1) having a drive mechanism which is used for playing magnetic tape cassettes, can be operated via actuating rods (13a to 15a) and has a loading mechanism which, by means of an operating rod (13a), a lift lever (3) and an operating lever (21), can draw the magnetic tape cassette (2) into a playing position and raise it and push it out into a removal position, a catch (31) of the operating rod (13a), which catch travels down a pivotal guide (25) of the operating lever (21), pivoting the operating lever (21), with the cooperation of a pushing-out spring (27a), into the removal position when the guide (25) releases this pivoting movement, and the lift lever (3) travelling by a tracking pin (31) down a lift guide (32) of the operating rod (13a) in order, during the displacement of the operating rod (13a), to lower or raise the lift lever (3) according to the lift guide (32), the pushing-out spring (27a) stressing both the operating lever (21) and the op

Abstract: According to this invention, drive posts (4) secured to a cassette holder (3) serving as a cassette loading apparatus for a VTR, for example, for horizontally holding a cassette slide in slide grooves (14) on arm levers (13) provided at arm gears (11), while abutting on one side thereof. Accordingly, by setting greater the width of the slide groove (14a) formed in the arm lever (13a) on the drive side, the center of the drive post (4a) on the drive side is deviated from the center line of the arm lever (13a). As a result, the drive post (4a) on the drive side and the drive post (4b) on the driven side can be set in phase by setting the phase delay of the arm lever (13b) on the drive side and the phase delay of the drive post on the drive side, which are caused by the backlash of gears including drive gears (18) that engage the arm gears (11) at a front loading time, approximately equal to each other.

Abstract: A data transfer apparatus has a casing with an entrance slot in which a magnetic tape cassette is to be inserted. Upon full insertion of the cassette to a preassigned standby position, a cassette shift mechanism is activated to transport the cassette from the standby position to a data transfer position opposite a substantially fixed magnetic head. A load/eject lever on the front panel of the casing is to be manually turned following the shifting of the cassette to the data transfer position, in order to cause a pair of drive spindles to move into driving engagement with the hubs of the cassette.

Abstract: A cassette loading apparatus for a tape deck having a magnetic head includes a tray having a cassette casing for receiving a tape cassette, a movable rack for moving the tray between first and second positions, a mover for moving the cassette casing in a downward direction with respect to the tray, a clamper for pressing down on an upper surface of a cassette contained on the cassette casing when the cassette casing is moved to a downward position, and a cassette pusher for pushing a cassette contained on the cassette casing towards the magnetic head after the cassette casing is moved to the downward position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thin tape recorder of which the chassis is mounted aslant in a case body of a tape recorder case, that is, the chassis declines with an approximate gradient of (L.sub.1 -L.sub.2)/2L so that the space between the chassis and a front wall of the cover becomes gradually wide toward the magnetic head, where L.sub.1 is the thickness of the front end of the tape cassette, L.sub.2 is the thickness of the rear end of the tape cassette, and L is the length from the rear end of a thick portion to the rear end of a thin portion.

Abstract: A tape transport fits within the five and one-quarter inch form factor and has motor driven mechanisms for automatically loading a DC600-type cartridge endwise therein. The transport includes a frame dimensioned to fit within the form factor, and a front panel extending across a forward transvere end of the frame. The front panel has a slot dimensioned so that the cartridge can be endwise inserted through the slot onto a tray movably supported within the frame. A read/write head is mounted to the frame adjacent the tray for reciprocating the head along an axis perpendicular to a base plate of the cartridge. A capstan drive motor is also mounted to the frame adjacent the tray so that a capstan drive roller connected to its shaft can drive a belt capstan roller of the cartridge. Guides associated with the tray permit the same to be moved by a motor driven gear box to automatically carry the cartridge rearwardly and then laterally into engagement with the read/write head and the capstan drive roller.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge is adapted for use in a magnetic tape cassette in lieu of a tape supply reel, such cassette also having a takeup reel for use of that cassette, after reception of the cartridge therein, in apparatus designed to receive magnetic tape in a two-reel-type cassette for transducing magnetic signals relative thereto. A single reel for the tape is in the cartridge, and a tape coupling device is on the magnetic tape at the cartridge for connection of the magnetic tape from the cartridge to the takeup reel. A coupling is on the cassette for interconnection of the magnetic tape from the cartridge via the coupling device to the takeup reel upon insertion of the cartridge loaded with the magnetic tape into the cassette in lieu of a tape supply reel.

Abstract: A magnetic tape apparatus includes a cartridge holder which supports a cartridge magnetic tape. A press lever has a first end which is pivotally supported by a support shaft provided to the cartridge holder and a second end which extends to a position where the press lever presses against the cartridge magnetic tape. A push rod pivotally supported by the press lever is arranged to be adjacent to the press lever. A set spring is arranged at one end of the push rod, for normally biasing the press lever in a first direction about the support shaft. A biasing mechanism is arranged at the other end of the push rod for biasing the press lever in the opposite direction, thereby pressing the cartridge magnetic tape against a magnet clutch.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette transport/accessor assembly is actuated by a sprocket driven, belt drive system. First and second belt drives drive the transport/accessor assembly in horizontal and vertical directions and are tensioned by spring dampener assemblies. Each spring dampener assembly dampens rough and jerky movements and effects smooth and gentle acceleration and deceleration of the transport/accessor assembly. Each spring dampener assembly also provides compensation for belt drive wear, belt stretching and differential thermal expansion and contraction 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 interconnection of a first tape with a second tape has a first joint permitting angular movement of the first tape relative to a remainder of the interconnection about a first axis, and a second joint permitting angular movement of the second tape relative to a further remainder of the interconnection about a second axis parallel to the first axis. A stabilizing member is between the first and second joints. The interconnection is rendered disconnectable along the first axis extending through the first joint.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus for a record carrier in the form of a tape which is accommodated in a cassette and which can be wound onto two reel hubs. The apparatus comprises two winding mandrils for driving the reel hubs and two winding mandril wheels which are coaxial with the winding mandrils and which are rotationally interlocked with the mandrils. A drive arrangement for driving the winding mandril wheels comprises a drive shaft, which is rotatably journalled on a bearing support which is movable transversely of the axes of the winding mandrils, and a drive wheel which is mounted on the drive shaft and which can be driven by a motor.

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: An apparatus for reading and recording information on a tape record medium has the tape wound and advanced along a helical path on the outer cylindrical surface of the drum. A system for writing and reading information on the tape is positioned entirely on the outside of the drum and is stationary relative to the rotation of the drum and movement of the tape thereon. Tape is supplied to the helical path on the drum by one or more tape reels rotatably mounted within the drum and aligned coaxially with the rotational axis of the drum. The drum and tape thereon are rotated at a high rate relative to the stationary read/write system, and the tape is advanced along the helical path at a relative slow rate. The drum and tape thereon are configured in the form of a cartridge, removeable as a unit from the optical system.

Abstract: A tape recorder is disclosed which employs a tape cassette having a cover for protection of a tape and includes a freely openable/closable cassette holder for storage of the tape cassette. In the tape recorder, in a space or a dead space existing on the upper surface of the tape cassette to be stored within the cassette holder and not interfering with the cover of the cassette holder, there is arranged at least a motor for switching the modes of the tape recorder such as a mode for tape loading and the like, so that the effective use of the dead space can be realized.

Abstract: A tape player assembly for a continuous loop magnetic tape cartridge is disclosed. The tape player assembly includes a housing having an opening for receiving the cartridge in a predetermined position. A plate member is pivotally mounted relative to the housing and supports a drive capstan adjacent the cartridge pressure roller. A motor drives the capstan and a transducer head is adjacent the predetermined position of the tape cartridge. A solenoid has a plunger connected to a cam member. Movement of the plunger rotates the cam member and pivots the plate member to space the drive capstan from the pressure roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a tape cartridge for a magnetic instrument comprising a lever to move a holder holding the tape cartridge from a loading/unloading position, to an operative position, springs to urge the holder from the operative position to the loading/unloading position and to urge the tape cartridge so as to remove it from the holder, a lock to lock the holder to the operative position and a protrusion in the holder to engage the tape cartridge within the holder so as to hold the tape cartridge in the holder whereby the tape cartridge is displaced by the inertia of the tape cartridge from the position of engagement of the tape cartridge with the holder to the position of displacement of the holder by the springs where the tape cartridge is removed by the springs.

Abstract: This magnetic tape cassette system is usable in video and other tape cassette recorders, playback machines or other apparatus designed to receive magnetic tape from a two-reel-type cassette for transducing signals relative thereto. The tape has a first tape coupling device and is loaded into a one-reel-type cartridge. The cassette has a takeup reel which has attached thereto a second tape coupling device interconnectable with the first tape coupling device. The cassette has a space for receiving the loaded cartridge in lieu of a tape supply reel and for interconnection of the first and second tape coupling devices upon insertion of the loaded cartridge into that cassette space.

Abstract: An automatic cassette loading apparatus in which a tape cassette containing a magnetic tape is held and transported forwardly and returned between a cassette insertion position and a cassette loaded position. The number of switches is reduced by use of a rotary cam and a drive arm, and a drive motor and the switches are combined on the same printed circuit board.

Abstract: A cassette holder mechanism in a tape player includes an elongated hole formed in a cassette holder and engaging a pin extending from a guide arm so as to allow a limited relative movement of the cassette holder with respect to the guide arm, and includes a positioning spring for urging the cassette holder downwardly so that cassette in the cassette holder is reliably set at a predetermined position in a horizontal configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a tape cartridge for a magnetic instrument comprising a lever to move the tape cartridge from a loading/unloading position to an operative position by displacing relative to a chassis holder in which the tape cartridge is held and a reel drive partly contained in the tape cartridge to drive a reel therein, the reel drive including an engagement portion protrusively disposed in the holder to engage an engaged portion of the reel in the loading/unloading position whereby the tape cartridge is positioned in the holder by inserting the tape cartridge into the holder until the engaged portion of the reel engages the engagement portion of the reel drive.

Abstract: A cartridge drive adapted for endwise loading of tape cartridges has a retractable friction roll to open the tape access door as the cartridge is loaded into the drive. A pivoted cartridge carriage swings the loaded cartridge across the loading path of travel to an operative position in engagement with the drive motor and magnetic head of the drive. In preferred forms, the drive is dimensioned to fit within the "foot print" of a standard 51/4" floppy disk drive.