Abstract: A loading and ejection mechanism includes an inversion gear rotated by a motor in the opposite directions, an eject plate having a rack engageable with the inversion gear, and a mechanism to bring the rack into engagement with the inversion gear, so that the eject plate is moved back and forth by rotation of the inversion gear during loading and ejection so as to move a pack guide up and down and move an eject arm back and forth.

Abstract: A tape player for controlling movement of tape disposed on at least one reel of a tape cartridge, the reel defining a hole therethrough. The tape player is provided with a moving member adapted for cooperation with the hole for rotating the reel, the moving member being rotatable about an axis and slidable along the axis. A mechanism rotates the moving member. The rotating mechanism and the moving member are coupled together when the moving member is slid in one direction. As a result, the tape player is operated by the moving member passing through the hole.

Abstract: A cassette cover opening mechanism has a cassette cover opening member for opening the cassette cover of a tape cassette when the cassette is loaded in a video tape recorder. The opening member has a first abutment portion and a second abutment portion. The first portion abuts against the lower edge of a front plate of the cassette cover to pivot the cover during a first half of the movement of a cassette holder from its first position to its second position. The second portion abuts against the lower edge of one of side plates of the cassette cover to further pivot the cover during a latter half of the movement of the cassette holder.

Abstract: A rotary encoder comprises a case containing a rotary brush setting plate and an idler gear which is associated with an inside gear formed on the brush setting plate and a reduction gear contained in the case and connected to a driving shaft penetrating the case. Brushes on the rotary brush setting plate rotatingly slide on the plural pulse producing conductive patterns formed on inside surface of the case, thereby to effect switching in plural modes as the shaft revolves.

Abstract: A head-mounting plate is movable between a latched play position, a standby position and a withdrawn position. The plate is moved from the play to the standby positions when the end of the tape is reached or when an actuating rod is depressed slightly. The rod has a guide slot for unlatching the plate, and a switching surface for a tape transport drive switch. A pivotal member on the plate clears the drive switch when in a first pivotal position, and opens the switch during return of the plate to the standby position when in a center position. Upon re-depression and movement of the rod in a specific direction, a stop on the rod moves the member to the first pivotal position. After this re-depression the switch is closed during return movement of the rod in the opposite direction, and a servomechanism moves the head plate from the standby to the play positions.

Abstract: A tape cassette loading and ejecting device comprises a cassette holder which accommodates and holds a tape cassette, a moving mechanism for moving the cassette holder between a cassette loading position and a cassette ejecting position, a motor for operating the moving mechanism, and a restricting mechanism for resiliently restricting the cassette holder in the cassette loading position and the cassette ejecting position. The restricting mechanism undergoes a resilient deformation in a final stage of the cassette loading operation and in a final stage of the cassette ejecting operation, and pushes the cassette holder against stoppers so that the cassette holder is positively maintained in the cassette loading position and the cassette ejecting position with a satisfactory precision.

Abstract: A small, high performance magnetic tape transport system for use in recording and reproducing data is adapted to receive a cartridge in which a single supply reel for the magnetic tape medium and the magnetic tape are carried. The cartridge is capable of being easily loaded into the transport system for recording (writing) and reproducing (reading), and is also easily ejected from the system for storage or replacement. A driving mechanism for the reel in the cartridge and a permanent take-up reel or hub are carried by the transport. The separate cartridge driving mechanism and take-up hub are each driven by their own separate motor system. In the embodiment disclosed, means are taught for loading the cartridge into the transport system, positioning and seating the cartridge in contact with the driving mechanism in the transport system, and for ejecting the cartridge from the transport system.

Abstract: A mechanism for switching from one operating function to another upon stoppage of tape movement, including a switching wheel which is driven continuously during operation and actuates a switching member, and a connecting member which moves in the same given direction for releasing a cassette and for reversing a direction of tape travel. A tape stoppage detection means controls the position of the switching member with respect to the switching wheel. The connecting member is latched in a position corresponding to movement of the head mounting plate toward the cassette, and is unlatched either by the switching member upon tape stoppage, or depression of a stop button to permit the head mounting plate to return to a withdrawn position away from the cassette.

Abstract: A cassette loading device for VTR's wherein a reduction drive assembly for coupling a cassette holder to a drive source comprises a first drive mechanism having a small reduction ratio and a second drive mechanism having a great reduction ratio. The cassette holder is driven by the first drive mechanism when transporting a cassette and by the second drive mechanism when completing the loading of the cassette.

Abstract: A tape cassette loading device comprises a cassette holder for accommodating and holding a tape cassette which is inserted therein, a guiding mechanism for guiding the cassette holder so that the cassette holder undergoes a predetermined movement, a driving mechanism which starts to operate when the tape cassette is inserted into the cassette holder, and a loading mechanism driven by the driving mechanism. The cassette holder is movable together with the inserted tape cassette between a cassette inserting position where the tape cassette is inserted and a predetermined loading position where a member of a recording and/or reproducing apparatus relatively enters within the tape cassette. This member is required to carry out recording and reproduction.

Abstract: In a tape player having a pack guide movable up and down with respect to a reel base, a pack stopper movable back and forth relative to the pack guide, a swing plate supported for rotation relative to the pack guide, an inversion spring connected between the pack stopper and the swing plate and an ejection lever connected to the swing lever, so as to complete loading and ejection of a cassette by means of the expansion force of the inversion spring, the ejection mechanism comprises an eject lock arm pivotably supported relative to the pack guide and having one end which extends across the movement path of the pack stopper, a lock plate connected to the other end of the eject lock arm to lock the pack guide at the lifted position, a spring biasing the lock plate in a direction to maintain the locking of the pack guide, and a check arrangement combined with the eject lock arm to engage the pack stopper when the pack stopper moves forwardly to convey the cassette to the ejecting position.

Abstract: A magnetic-tape apparatus (1) comprises at least two buttons (9, 10, 11) for selecting modes of operation of the apparatus and at least one apparatus part (37) to be positioned in conformity with the modes selected by actuation of the button. For positioning the apparatus part (37) the apparatus comprises a servo mechanism (50) which can be driven by a motor (27), which mechanism comprises a first eccentric means (71) arranged on a servo wheel (52), a drive member (73) which is movable by this eccentric means (71), and an actuating member (85) which is movable by the drive member (73) for positioning the apparatus part (37).

Abstract: An ultra-thin streaming tape cassette transport has its magnetic read/write head assembly mounted on a rigid transverse beam. The front wall of the transport through which a cassette is loaded is fixedly spaced in front of that beam and tracks exist between the front wall and the transverse beam for guiding the cassette to locating surfaces on that beam so that the cassette is positioned precisely vertically relative to the head assembly. A base plate which supports the drive spindles and cassette locating pins is hingedly mounted relative to the transverse beam and front wall so that it is movable between a position wherein the spindles and locating pins intercept the plane defined by the tracks to precisely position the cassette in the other two directions relative to the head assembly and a loading position wherein the spindles and pins are disposed below that plane permitting the cassette to be inserted into and withdrawn from the transport.

Abstract: In a cassette tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a tape drive with a rotatable idler which is bodily shiftable for changing the operating mode, a mode changing mechanism has first and second mode selecting slide members mounted on a chassis for independent movements along parallel paths between operative and inoperative positions, a pivot arm carrying the idler and being swingable in opposite directions, for example, for establishing fast-forward and rewind modes, respectively, a coupling member straddling the slide members and being engageable with the pivot arm and with actuating members which are provided on the slide members, respectively, and which engage the coupling member at respective locations thereon spaced apart in a direction transverse to the paths of movement of the slide members, and a spring acting on the coupling member along a line of force which is intermediate the locations where the actuating members engage the coupling member and in a direction for causing the coupling m

Abstract: An adapter for a miniature type tape cassette comprises an adapter case having an external form and size substantially the same as those of a standard type tape cassette, an accommodating part for accommodating the miniature type tape cassette, a tape draw-out mechanism for drawing a tape out of the miniature type tape cassette which is accommodated within the accommodating part, and for forming a tape path within the adapter case, an electrical circuit located within the adapter case, and terminals coupled to the electrical circuit within the adapter case and exposed at a surface of the adapter case. The terminals make contact with a contact of a standard type recording and/or reproducing apparatus when the adapter is inserted into the standard type recording and/or reproducing apparatus, so as to electrically couple the electrical circuit within the adapter case to an electrical circuit within the standard type recording and/or reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A cassette ejection mechanism includes an ejecting plate movably attached to a guide plate and having a pressing element for pressing a magnetic head and a pinch roller, a boosting plate movably attached to the guide plate, and a stop member attached to the guide plate so as to be able to engage the boosting plate to lock the same. After the magnetic head and pinch roller are moved by the pressing element to positions where they do not hinder the movement of a cassette holder, the stop member is pressed by the pressing element to be disengaged from the boosting plate. The boosting plate is urged by an urging element stretched between the ejecting plate and boosting plate to move the cassette holder from its lower position to its upper position.

Abstract: An information storage and retrieval system including an information containing cartridge, specifically a tape cartridge, and an apparatus for retrieving information therefrom is disclosed herein. The cartridge contains its information on magnetic tape within the housing and the latter has an opening for gaining access to the magnetic tape by the retrieval apparatus. At the same time, the cartridge housing carries a cover movable between a first position for covering the opening in order to protect its interior, especially the magnetic tape, from dust and other elements in the ambient surroundings and a second position for uncovering the opening in order to gain access to the tape.

Abstract: A compact magnetic tape cassette suitable for digital recording in which dust is prevented from entering the cassette and contaminating the tape held therein. Slide grooves are formed in upper and lower walls of the case of the cassette, behind a central opening and side openings on either side of the central opening. Slidable guard panels which slide to close the central opening and the side openings and which are substantially U shaped in section have slides which are engaged with the slide grooves. Each of the guard panels has a through-hole in the front wall thereof which is slidable to open the respective side opening when the guard panels are urged against compression springs arranged on side portions of the front wall of the cassette case. The cassette is symmetrical in configuration.

Abstract: A mode selection device of a tape deck includes a power cam driven by a drive gear, a power plate moved by the power cam, first pin formed on the power plate, a key plate configured to engage the first pin when an attraction solenoid attracts a plunger plate and disengage it otherwise, a head plate linked to and concurrently movable with the key plate via a key plate link, a reverse link pivoted by second pin formed on the power plate; and a reverse link responsive to the movement of the head plate to engage or disengage third pin formed on the reverse link. The device is characterized in that the power plate is limited in its withdrawal when the plunger plate is attracted by the solenoid, and in the limited withdrawal of the power plate, the power cam is maintained at an angular position where a non-toothed portion of the power cam is opposed to the drive gear, so that the on and off action of the solenoid in combination with the different positions of the head plate establishes plural tape transport modes.

Abstract: In stopping a tape recorder and taking out a tape cassette, an ejecting operation member is softly pushed in and then released, and an ejection switch is temporarily turned off. Thereupon, an solenoid is deenergized, so that a rotation transmission control member is disengaged from a driven rotator to allow the driven rotator to engage a driving rotator. A movable contact of a motor switch is transferred from a second stationary contact to a first stationary contact. Thus, the rotatory force of a motor is transmitted to the driven rotator through the driving rotator. As the driven rotator rotates, an ejection mechanism is operated.

Abstract: A device of relatively simple construction for holding and latching a tape cartridge (or the like) is disclosed. The device comprises two spaced apart guide rails, one on each side of a recess for accepting a tape cartridge, whereby the guide rails serve to mate with corresponding grooves in the tape cartridge for receiving and guiding the cartridge into position. Two resilient biasing members are positioned adjacent the guide rails, in a one-to-one relationship, for acting against a common face of the cartridge to bias the cartridge against the guide rails. Each biasing member includes a projection for engaging a corresponding notch in the cartridge so as to inhibit the removal of the cartridge. The biasing members are contructed such that an appropriate movement of the cartridge results in the projections disengaging from the notches and allowing the cartridge to be removed (i.e. a separate release mechanism is not required).

Abstract: A door mechanism for a cassette insertion opening in an audio device comprises an inner door pivotally supported along one edge of the cassette insertion opening; an outer door pivotally supported along the opposite edge of the cassette insertion opening and having depressions formed along the edge remote from the pivotal axle and a packing member attached to the periphery of the inner face for forcible contact with the wall surrounding the cassette insertion opening; lock means consisting of lock arms engageable with the depressions of the outer door when the outer door is closed and unlocking arms actuated by the inner door when the inner door is fully opened, the lock means being always biased to the position for locking the outer door and being rotated to the unlocking position upon the actuation of the unlocking arms by the fully opened inner door and upon an operation of a door opening button provided on a front panel of the audio device, for example.

Abstract: Cassette recorder has a spring member which fits into a depression in the rear edgewall of a cassette to sense whether the cassette is properly positioned for recording. The depression preferably is a conical receptacle, and the spring member has a rounded pawl which fits into the receptacle. The spring member also forces the cassette forwardly against a pair of positioning pins which have inclined faces to force the front of the cassette against the base plate of the recorder thereby positively positioning the cassette in place, and means connected to the spring member enable recording only when the member is fully seated into the depression.

Abstract: A tape player of a miniaturized size in which a tape cassette, loaded in a tape cassette receiving portion thereof, partly extends outside of a housing thereof. The tape player is provided with the housing, the tape cassette receiving portion, and a front door mounted freely rotatable at an inlet part of the tape cassette receiving portion so that when the tape cassette is not yet loaded, an end portion of the front door is urged to a position contactable with a front part of the housing, and when the tape cassette is loaded, the end portion is urged to a position allowing the entrance of the tape cassette into the cassette tape receiving portion. The rewind mode is entered by depressing a reel support spindle. The cover for the tape player is locked onto the end of one of the reel support spindles. A spring in the cover holds the tape to the heads. Aligning guides cooperate with the thickened part of the cassette tape to ensure proper tape cassette positioning.

Abstract: A relatively simple latching mechanism for a tape cartridge is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, each latching mechanism (of which there are two in the preferred embodiment) comprises but two separate components. Each latching mechanism comprises one camming member and one buckling column spring. The springs bias the camming members in a first position such that a portion of the camming member protrudes into the path the cartridge will travel as it is inserted into the tape machine. When the cartridge is inserted, the leading edge of the cartridge engages that portion of the camming member. The camming member is pivoted and moves to a second position; the camming member comes to rest in its second position, in engagement with the notch provided as a standard feature on the bottom edge of the cartridge. Removal of the cartridge is accomplished by manually pulling the cartridge out of the tape machine.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved reciprocating type cassette tape recorder which is arranged to effect the function of a selected pushbutton irrespective of a running direction of a magnetic tape by providing pushbuttons exclusive for fast forwarding and rewinding.

Abstract: This invention relates to the performance of a soft-touch magnetic tape recorder/player. More particularly, when a magnetic tape recorder/player operating section is operated, the rotary force of the first rotor rotating irrespective of the tape feeding is transmitted to second rotor, and a tape recorder/player mechanism is operated in a predetermined operating state by the rotary force of the second rotor. In this case, a non-engaging part not engaged with the first rotor is formed in the second rotor, and the non-engaging part normally faces the first rotor. A guide part for rotating the second rotor in a direction to engage the second rotor with the first rotor is formed at the second rotor upon reception of the drive force of a lock member cooperatively operating with the operation of the tape recorder/player operating section.

Abstract: A tape player for controlling movement of tape disposed on at least one reel of a tape cartridge, the reel defining a hole therethrough. The tape player is provided with a moving member adapted for cooperation with the hole for rotating the reel, the moving member being rotatable about an axis and slidable along the axis. A mechanism rotates the moving member. The rotating mechanism and the moving member are coupled together when the moving member is slid in one direction. As a result, the tape player is operated by the moving member passing through the hole.

Abstract: A tape cartridge drive having a movable read/write head has a fail-safe locking mechanism for preventing removal of the cartridge when the head is in contact with the tape. The tape cartridge has a door on the cartridge housing for opening to expose a portion of the tape prior to moving the head into contact with the tape. The cartridge door has a tripping arm which is rotated for opening the cartridge door. The door of the tape drive has a cam that contacts an interposer latch inside the tape drive housing for rotating the tripping arm to open the cartridge door when the door of the tape drive is closed. A pawl latch locks the door of the tape drive and a head moving mechanism moves the head to its operative position. During the first portion of the head movement, a locking pin is placed behind the interposer latch. This locks the latch in position to prevent the possible ejection of the cartridge while the head is in contact with the tape.

Abstract: The cassette loading/ejecting device in a tape player includes a slide plate slidable from front to rear of the tape player and a pack guide connected to the slide plate to carry the cassette inserted into the tape player so as to effect cassette loading and ejection by displacement of the cassette between its inserted position and its play position in accordance with movement of the slide plate, and the cassette loading/ejecting is characterized in that a drive mechanism for transmitting motor rotation to the slide plate is interposed between a one-way rotatable motor and the slide plate, the drive mechanism is provided with a changeover mechanism to invert the rotation transmitted from the motor, the changeover mechanism includes a changeover plate disposed rotatable adjacent to a drive gear linked to the motor, and a changeover gear carried by the changeover plate for engagement with the drive gear, an inversion plate disposed adjacent to one end of the changeover plate for simultaneous rotation with the s

Abstract: A tape cassette having mounted between the two closely adjacent tape reels an oscillating sensor arm in substantially continuous contact with the reeled tape on the two reels, and a digital counter mechanism which is advanced one step for each double oscillation of said arm.

Abstract: A cassette tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus have a cassette holder including a cassette chamber and a cover plate for selectively opening and closing the cassette chamber. A pair of spindles for the support thereon of the reel hubs within the cassette have respective signal transmitting elements axially extending therethrough for transmitting to an associated switch a signal indicating that a corresponding one of the function control buttons has been manipulated. Each of these signal transmitting elements may be either an axially movable motion transmitting rod or a rod-shaped electric conductor. The corresponding function control buttons at least one for each spindle are provided on the cover plate at such positions as they align with the spindles when the cover plate is in the closed position.

Abstract: A latch member permits the cassette of a player-recorder from being ejected completely, once the ejection lever is released. Thereafter, the cassette may be pulled out of the player-recorder. The latch member may flex to accommodate insertion and seating of the cassette within the player-recorder. A projection on the latch member is received in a notch on the ejection lever, which is biased by a spring.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus for a record carrier in the form of a tape contained in a cassette, which comprises at least one reel hub for taking up said record carrier which reel hub is axially accessible from opposite sides, is provided with a cassette holder which is movable between a loading position and an operating position. The cassette holder comprises a carrying member for a reel-hub hold-down means, which member is movable between a rest position and an operating position and for moving the carrying member there is provided at least one actuating member which projects into the path along which the cassette is inserted into the cassette holder.

Abstract: A cassette tape recording/reproducing apparatus of the automatic cassette loading type wherein a cassette casing inserted into a cassette inlet of the apparatus is automatically rested on reel bases. A frictional feed roller is disposed adjacent the cassette inlet and adapted to be forced down by the cassette casing being inserted. A drive for imparting a rotational force to the feed roller includes a motor and a gear train interconnecting the motor to the feed roller. A control element responds to the forcing down of the feed roller to actuate the motor to rotate the feed roller, thereby fricationally carrying the cassette casing into the interior of the apparatus. A pair of loading and unloading plates pivoted on a shaft serves to move down the cassette casing which has been carried in place by the feed roller, thereby resting the cassette casing on the reel bases in mating relationship.

Abstract: An operating lever device for a magnetic recording tape transport apparatus which uses a tape cassette and which sets a magnetic recording tape transport mode in response to an electrical signal from signal generator, comprises a first base plate, a second base plate parallel to the first base plate with a distance therebetween, a first operating lever disposed between the base plates to be movable along the base plates between a first position to stop the signal from the generator and a second position in which the generator is allowed to generate the signal, a second operating lever disposed between the base plates to be movable along the base plates between first and second positions and parallel to the moving direction of the first operating lever, an auxiliary operating lever disposed between the base plates to be movable along the base plates among first, second, third and fourth positions and perpendicularly to a direction of movement of the first and second operating levers, the auxiliary operating le

Abstract: A tape use counting mechanism in a cassette comprising a numbered disc which is advanced one numbered space for each play cycle by friction drive from a supporting tape reel under control of pawls actuated by a lever contacting the reeled tape.

Abstract: A drive for a tape cartridge having an access door along one side edge thereof. The drive includes a housing having a front panel and an elongate tray dimensioned to have the cartridge inserted endwise thereon. The tray is supported within the housing for longitudinal movement from a retracted position in which the tray is substantially contained within the housing to an extended position in which a portion of the tray extends through a slot in the front panel of the housing. A mechanism is provided for opening the access door of the cartridge while the cartridge is supported on the tray and the tray is being moved from its extended position to its retracted position. Another mechanism is provided for moving a read/write head and a capstan drive within the housing between operative engagement and disengagement with the cartridge after the cartridge has been inserted onto the tray and the tray has been moved to its retracted position.

Abstract: A tape recorder with improved cue and review operations is disclosed, wherein there is provided a cue/review engagement part which is engageable with a rotary shaft supporting an idler wheel and is capable of moving said rotary shaft so as to separate the idler wheel from a take-up reel when high speed rewind or fast/forward is desired and the engagement part is also engageable with a pinch roller actuator for disengaging the pinch roller from pressing the tape during cue or review operation.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape cassette having an elastic belt for maintaining the tension of the tape, a second, curved roller is provided between the belt and the floating roller which presses the belt against the tape reels. The two rollers are mounted on a common semi-restrained slidable support plate. The pressure exerted on the second curved roller is transferred to the floating roller by the plate, while the second curved roller, which is biconical, maintains the height of the belt even when the tape is repeatedly wound and rewound over a short section of its length.

Abstract: A tape recorder comprising first and second mode selecting bars for normal- and high-speed operations respectively, a solenoid, a switch for coupling thereto a signal indicative of the presence of a recorded material, and a spring-biased lever having a first magnetic arm portion and a second arm portion pivoted at a point therebetween. The lever is rotatable between a first position toward which its first magnetic arm portion is urged for making contact with the solenoid and a second position in which its first arm portion is away from and unaffected by the energized solenoid. The second arm portion of the lever is engageable with the second bar when the lever is in the first position together with the solenoid being simultaneously energized. A latch bar engages with the first bar when operated and engages with the second bar when the latter is exclusively operated.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing device comprising a cartridge holder adapted to be moved from an unloaded state to a loaded state by a vertical movement of a roller provided on each side portion of the cartridge holder, and a cam hole having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion respectively for holding the roller in upper and lower positions. The cam hole is formed with a projecting portion at its portion changing from the horizontal portion to the vertical portion so that the roller can get over the projecting portion. It is possible to give the "click" touch to the user at the time of transfer from unloaded to loaded state in the disc cartridge inserting operation.

Abstract: An adapter for a miniature type tape cassette comprises an adapter case having an external form an size substantially identical to those of the standard type tape cassette, an accommodating part for accommodating the miniature type tape cassette, and a tape draw-out mechanism provided within the adapter case, for drawing out the tape from the miniature type tape cassette so as to form a predetermined tape path within the adapter case. The tape draw-out mechanism comprises tape draw-out members relatively entering on an inner side of the tape path along the front of the cassette case when accommodating the miniature type tape cassette within the accommodating part, and a manipulation part for operating the tape draw-out members so as to form the predetermined tape path within the adapter.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus including supply and take-up reel stand gears mounted coaxially with each axis of rotation of a supply reel stand and a take-up reel stand, an idler gear adapted to engage the two gears alternatively and interlocking with an output of a forward and reverse rotation driving mechanism, a head plate for supporting a magnetic head and capable of reciprocating so that the head approaches and separates from the tape, and a pinch roller for clamping a tape against a capstan shaft. The pinch roller is supported so that it can be freely brought close to or separated from the capstan shaft and the head plate is provided with an elastic member which urges the pinch roller close to the capstan shaft. When the head plate travels the head approaches the tape during a period in the middle of traveling to a traveling limit.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus of the cassette type which is adapted to employ a small-sized tape cassette, the magnetic tape in the cassette is extracted to be wrapped about and from the both sides of a guide drum to a predetermined angular extent by means of a pair of extracting means. The extracting means have a vertical pin and an inclined pin arranged rotatably about the vertical pin in order that such means may travel in a restricted space of the apparatus. After achievement of the extraction of the tape, the inclined pin is adapted to rotate in such a direction that the tape is further wrapped around the guide drum, so that the tape loading is achieved. A pinch roller is so provided that it travels on the same path as the extracting means at least from the starting position to the predetermined position also in such restricted space.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette apparatus having a pressure roller and a magnetic head on a head bracket, movable to a pause position in which the head contacts a tape in the cassette but the pressure roller is disengaged. Insertion of a cassette into a compartment tensions an ejection spring and a pause spring. A play bracket for moving the magnetic head into a playing position is latched by a pause latch in the playing position. The pause latch can be actuated and reset independently without changing tension in the ejection spring, for automatic unlatching and for easy reset to the playing position.

Abstract: A door opening mechanism in a tape drive opens a door on a tape cartridge to expose a portion of the tape for contact with a movable read/write head. The cartridge is inserted endwise into a receptacle in the tape drive housing. The head is moved to a retracted position away from the cartridge so the head avoids interference with the cartridge being inserted into the receptacle. The door opening mechanism includes a rotating lever having outwardly projecting door sensing and cartridge door opening fingers. The two fingers project from the lever at different elevations and angles. A pivot mounts the lever to rotate about an axis essentially normal to the plane of travel of the cartridge into the receptacle. The lever is retained in an inoperative position with the cartridge sensing finger positioned for contact with a portion of the cartridge housing as the cartridge is inserted toward an operating position in the tape drive.

Abstract: An adapter for a miniature type tape cassette has an external form and size smaller than those of a standard type tape cassette. The adapter comprises an adapter case having an external form and size substantially identical to those of the standard type tape cassette, an accommodating part for accommodating the miniature type tape cassette, a cover provided in a state free to open and close for covering the accommodating part in its closed state, a tape draw-out mechanism provided within the adapter case, for drawing out a tape from the miniature type tape cassette accommodated within the accommodating part and forming a predetermined tape path within the adapter case, and a locking mechanism for engaging with a part of the tape draw-out mechanism when the cover is in its open state, and for locking the tape draw-out mechanism in an immovable state at a position before the tape draw-out mechanism starts a tape draw-out operation.

Abstract: A reproduction control arrangement for a cassette tape deck, in which recording and reproduction are performed by a cassette half having a magnetic tape being mounted on the deck. The control arrangement includes a recording area having control information for record/reproduction of the magnetic tape and being provided on the surface of the cassette half parallel to the direction in which the cassette half is attached to or discharged from the deck; detecting means for detecting the recording area during the cassette tape being mounted on the cassette deck; and a processing unit for controlling reproduction of the cassette tape according to the control information recorded in the recording area. A magnetic recording piece or an optical detectable sheet attached on the surface of the cassette half is used for the recording area.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tape drive member is provided which comprises forming a shaft from an alloy of a soft metal material and a hard metal material, subjecting part of the shaft to sand blasting for roughening, and chemically treating the roughened surface in a solution which is capable of dissolving the soft metal material. A tape drive member manufactured by this method is also provided.