Abstract: A tape cartridge includes a platen roller, a winding up core, and a cartridge casing that accommodates a printing tape, an ink ribbon, the platen roller, and the winding up core. The cartridge casing includes an insertion opening in which a head cover on a cartridge installation portion is inserted when the tape cartridge is installed on the cartridge installation portion. The insertion opening includes an inner wall portion including a first inner wall that is disposed at a printing tape accommodation side of the insertion opening and a second inner wall that is disposed at a winding up core side of the insertion opening, and a facing portion that is a corner portion formed by the first inner wall and the second inner wall and faces a convex portion on one of the corners of the head cover when the tape cartridge is installed on the cartridge installation portion.

Abstract: A medium processing device includes: a cylindrical drum; an inner tape that is withdrawn from an inner reel and are wound onto the drum; an outer tape that is withdrawn from an outer reel and are wound onto the drum together with the inner tape with a paper medium interposed therebetween; a contrasting region that has contrasting physical properties, and that is formed at a terminal-end portion of at least one of the tapes; a detection section that detects the physical properties on a contrasting tape that is one of the tapes formed with the contrasting region; and a controller that controls rotation of the drum based on a detection result of the detection section, wherein a normal tape that is one of the tapes not formed with the contrasting region, has a length that is longer than that of the contrasting tape by an additional length.

Abstract: A data storage system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head, a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic medium over the magnetic head, and a controller electrically coupled to the magnetic head. The data storage system is configured to use at least two different track width formats, where which of the at least two different track width formats used by the system during reading and/or writing of data is selectable. A magnetic tape-based data storage system according to another embodiment includes a magnetic head; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the magnetic head; and a controller electrically coupled to the magnetic head, wherein the system is configured to use at least two different track width formats, wherein which of the at least two different track width formats used by the system during reading and/or writing of data is selectable.

Abstract: A system for and method of properly positioning a media magazine in a mass data storage library.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a biosample cartridge that includes storage slots for holding biosample plates. The cartridge has the same form factor as data tape cartridges to allow the cartridge to be handled by the same robotic mechanisms that handle data cartridges in an automated tape library. One aspect of the disclosure concerns a biosample storage cartridge that has a movable door to provide access to inside the cartridge and a plate holder disposed inside the cartridge. The plate holder includes a plurality of slots for receiving biosample plates that are scanned and processed by the automated tape library.

Abstract: A cartridge detachably attached to a printer apparatus includes a casing, an ink ribbon provided in the casing, a supply spool provided in the casing for supplying the ink ribbon, and a take-up spool provided in the casing for retrieving the ink ribbon. The printer apparatus includes a locking member rotatably supported on the printer apparatus and locking the cartridge to the printer apparatus, a detection device for detecting an installation of the cartridge by detecting a locked state of the locking member, a locking portion for locking the locking member when the cartridge is installed in the printer apparatus, and a guide forcefully and rotatingly displacing the locking member from a locking position when the cartridge is pulled out from the printer apparatus.

Abstract: A storage slot for removably holding and aligning data storage cartridges of differing dimensions. Two bowed leaf springs are positioned within the storage slot, at two side walls and opposite from, respectively, two opposite side walls. The bowed leaf springs extend in a direction parallel to a direction of insertion and withdrawal of a data storage cartridge, and are fixed at the end closest to the opening. A bowed portion of each bowed leaf spring forms a ramp surface towards the opening and towards a corresponding opposite side wall. The bowed leaf springs are located a distance from the corresponding opposite side wall to form an interference fit with the smallest dimensioned data storage. The bowed leaf springs thus provide compression toward a data storage cartridge, to hold and align the data storage cartridge against the opposite side wall.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes a housing, an insertion and ejection mechanism that is provided in an opening formed in the housing and that is configured to insert and eject a magazine, the magazine being arranged to accommodate a cartridge that includes a storage medium, a drive mechanism configured to access the storage medium and a transporting mechanism configured to transport the cartridge to a predetermined position. The insertion and ejection mechanism includes a magazine receiving section having an engagement section configured to be engaged with a portion of the magazine, a guide rail configured to slidably support the magazine receiving section, and a wall member configured to move together with the magazine receiving section along the guide rail and to close the opening upon an ejection of the magazine from the insertion and ejection mechanism.

Abstract: A cartridge loading device 10 for magnetic tape cartridges comprises a first member 12, a second member 14 and a guide arrangement 30, 32, 36, 38 for guiding movement of said second member relative to said first member from a first position to a second position. The first and second members cooperate when in the first position to define a first sized opening having a height sized to receive first sized magnetic tape cartridges having a predetermined height and, when in the second position, cooperating to define a second sized opening that has a height that is greater than the height of the first sized opening and is sized to receive second sized magnetic tape cartridges having a predetermined height that is greater than the height of the first sized magnetic tape cartridges.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide a tape drive capable of securely pressing and holding a thin-type or a thick-type loaded tape cartridge being different in case thicknesses, so as to be vertically immovable. The tape drive D accommodates within it a loading frame 28 for receiving and supporting each tape cartridge 40A, 40B being different in case thicknesses and a holder 29 for holding the tape cartridge 40A, 40B by pressing the cartridge. The side wall 31 of the loading frame is provided with a pair of upper and lower sensors 34, 35 for identifying the thin-type and the thick-type loaded tape cartridges. The holder 29 is displaced to a height position matching with the loaded tape cartridge 40A, 40B based on the tape cartridge size detected by the sensors 34, 35.

Abstract: A magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that selectively loads a first tape cassette accommodating a first magnetic tape or a second tape cassette accommodating a second magnetic tape having a width greater than the width of the first tape. The apparatus includes a rotating drum unit including a lower stationary drum and an upper rotating drum, and a loading mechanism that, if the first tape cassette is loaded, pulls the first magnetic tape out of the first tape cassette and winds it onto the rotating drum unit through a first winding angle so as to form a first tape path and, if the second tape cassette is loaded, pulls the second magnetic tape out of the second tape cassette and winds it onto the rotating drum unit through a second winding angle greater than the first winding angle so as to form a second tape path.

Abstract: The disk apparatus according to the present invention includes a tray which is elevationally movably disposed within a casing of apparatus integrating a disk reproducing system mechanism and holds a disk to be reproduced thereon, and the tray is provided with a disk supporting section supporting the peripheral edge of the disk such that the recording surface of the disk is floated on the tray.

Abstract: An audio cassette adapter with cable and connector storage in the body of the cassette. Internal cable storage is facilitated by an internal retractable mechanism that reduces the amount of storage external to the audio cassette adapter housing. In one embodiment, the internal retractable mechanism includes a cable support around which the cable is wound and a separate support driver engaged with the cable support that drives the cable support.

Abstract: A cartridge holder is disclosed that includes a cartridge supporting member that supports an inserted cartridge corresponding to a first cartridge or a thicker second cartridge; a cartridge upper face holding member that is normally positioned at a first height position for holding down the first cartridge; a cartridge upper face holding member supporting mechanism configured to move the cartridge upper face holding member with respect to the cartridge supporting member; and a lock mechanism configured to lock the cartridge upper face holding member in the first height position. The cartridge supporting member and the cartridge upper face holding member define a cartridge accommodating space. The lock mechanism remains locked when the first cartridge is inserted, and unlocks when the second cartridge is inserted. When the second cartridge is inserted, the cartridge upper face holding member is raised, and the size of the cartridge accommodating space is changed.

Abstract: A flexible docking bay is disclosed. The flexible docking bay comprises a body having a cartridge-receiving portion defining a front region that defines an opening and a rear region that defines a rear bounding wall. A cartridge-encasing wall extends from the opening to the rear bounding wall. The flexible docking bay comprises a sled-receiving feature configured to engage a cartridge. The sled-receiving feature is movably coupled with an interior surface of the cartridge-encasing wall. If the cartridge has physical attributes that when fully inserted into the receiving portion of the flexible docking bay is not fixed by a holding mechanism that secures the sled-receiving feature in a first position, then the cartridge and the sled-receiving feature travel past the holding mechanism to a second position. Otherwise, the cartridge and the sled-receiving feature are held in the first position.

Abstract: A recording apparatus capable of recording data either in a current-used format or a new format on a recording medium accommodated in a current-used tape cassette or a new tape cassette. The recording apparatus comprises a first writing prohibition detection switch to be inserted to an discrimination hole formed on both cassettes and receded in accordance with an open/close state of a writing prohibition discrimination hole provided on the current-used cassette, a second writing prohibition detection switch to be receded in accordance with an open/close state of a writing prohibition discrimination hole formed in the new tape cassette, and a cassette type detection switch to be inserted to an discrimination hole formed in the new tape cassette and receded by a side surface of the current-used cassette. A control circuit discriminates a new tape cassette from the current-used tape cassette.

Abstract: A cartridge loading device for magnetic tape cartridges comprises a first member 12, a second member 14, a guide arrangement 30, 32, 36, 38 for guiding movement of the second member relative to the first member from a first position to a second position and a locking system 80, 82, 84 for locking the second member in the first position. A second sized opening is sized to receive second sized magnetic tape cartridges having a predetermined height that is greater than the height of the first sized magnetic tape cartridges. The locking system is arranged to lock the second member in its first position and is actuable by insertion of a second sized cartridge into the first sized opening to release the second member to permit movement from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A cartridge loading apparatus 300 comprises a cartridge loading device 10 for magnetic tape cartridges and a mounting 302 for the device. The cartridge loading device comprises a first member 12, a second member 14 and a guide arrangement for guiding movement of the second member relative to the first member from a first position to a second position. The first and second members cooperating when in the first position to define a first sized opening having a height sized to receive first sized magnetic tape cartridges having a height that is greater than the height of the first sized opening. The cartridge loading device has a front end at which cartridges are inserted into the opening, a rear end and opposite sides extending between the front and rear ends.

Abstract: A data drive for detecting loading/unloading positions and media type is provided. The drive includes: a drive base; a receiver for receiving a storage media device, the receiver being movably coupled to the drive base and translatable from an unloaded position to a loaded position; a media flag, for detecting a media type of the storage media device, movably coupled to the receiver and translatable from a first position to a second position when the storage media device is inserted into the receiver; a media flag sensor fixedly coupled to the drive base for detecting movement of the media flag; a receiver flag, for detecting position of the storage media device, fixedly coupled to the receiver; and a receiver flag sensor fixedly coupled to the drive base for detecting movement of the receiver flag.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that is arranged to receive a tape cassette accommodating a tape recording medium that is selectively loaded thereto. The apparatus includes a rotating drum unit having a rotating head, and a loading mechanism that is configured to pull the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette out of the loaded tape cassette, wind the tape recording medium around the rotating drum unit, and form a tape path. The loading mechanism includes a short loading pole that is adapted for a first tape cassette accommodating a narrow tape recording medium and a long loading pole that is adapted for a second tape cassette accommodating a wide tape recording medium, which short pole and long pole are positioned at the same height, and a loading pole raising mechanism that is configured to raise the long loading pole when the second tape cassette is loaded.

Abstract: Various types of recording cartridges, each of which has a case which rotatably accommodates a reel on which a recording tape is wound, are provided with grasped portions with concave portions at side walls of the case and which a grasping device of a same, external library with accommodating chambers can grasp from both sides. A height from a floor surface of the accommodating chamber to the grasped portions when the cartridge is accommodated in the accommodating chamber of the library is made to be the same regardless of a type of the recording tape cartridge, and an interval between a pair of corner portions of the grasped portions, which corner portions are near a removal opening of the library, are made to be the same regardless of the cartridge type. A pair of corner portions of the grasped portions, which corner portions are deeper in the library, are chamfered.

Abstract: A tape guide system for supporting magnetic tape about a rotary scan drum of a data transfer apparatus is disclosed. The tape guide system comprises a tape guide connected to an arm. The tape guide has a deployed position in which a supporting surface of the tape guide supports the magnetic tape and a non-deployed position in which the supporting surface is spaced from and non-aligned with a surface of the tape to be supported. The arm is arranged to be driven about an axis of rotation towards the deployed position. The axis of rotation of the arm is inclined such that, in the deployed position at least part of the supporting surface of the tape guide is substantially aligned with the surface of the tape to be supported. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A cartridge loading device 10 for magnetic tape cartridges includes a first member 12, a second member 14 movable relative to the first member from a first position to a second position and a guide arrangement for guiding movement of the second member between its first and second positions. The guide arrangement includes a projection 38 received in an elongate guide track 32 defining a line of movement having a first end that defines the first position of the second member 14 and a second end that defines its second position. The cartridge loading device also has a locking system that includes a pivotable locking member 82 engageable with the projection 38 for locking the second member in its first position. The cartridge loading device can receive two different sizes of cartridge that correspond to the two positions of the second member.

Abstract: A magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that selectively loads a first tape cassette accommodating a first magnetic tape or a second tape cassette accommodating a second magnetic tape having a width greater than the width of the first tape. The apparatus includes a rotating drum unit including a lower stationary drum and an upper rotating drum, and a loading mechanism that, if the first tape cassette is loaded, pulls the first magnetic tape out of the first tape cassette and winds it onto the rotating drum unit through a first winding angle so as to form a first tape path and, if the second tape cassette is loaded, pulls the second magnetic tape out of the second tape cassette and winds it onto the rotating drum unit through a second winding angle greater than the first winding angle so as to form a second tape path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data cartridge library operable with at least one data cartridge magazine, drive bay and universal electronics bay. The data cartridge library generally comprises a frame that defines an interior space wherein a multi piece-data cartridge magazine capable of holding a plurality of data cassettes, an adjustable drive bay for holding various form factor drives accessible by an operator through an opening in the drive bay to remove or insert drives, and a transport assembly for moving and inserting one of the data cartridges from a magazine to one of the drives, via a different opening in the drive bay, for data recording purposes can reside. The library can further comprise a user interface allowing a user to communicate with the library and an entry/exit port through which a magazine can be inserted/removed. The data cartridge library can also comprise a universal electronics bay, not comprised by the frame, which is capable of holding electronics other than a power supply.

Abstract: A tape drive arrangement is configured to automatically adapt to drive different size tape cassettes and includes a sensor that senses the size of a tape cassette inserted into the tape drive. A controller is automatically responsive to the signals provided by the sensor to move drive spindles to respective different positions to drive different size tape cassettes.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for receiving and streaming storage tape by a tape head from storage tape cartridges of varying formats in a single tape drive. In one example, an exemplary tape drive system includes a receiver, a reel driver system configured to selectively drive at least two cartridges having different cartridge formats, and a drive leader system configured to selectively couple with at least two different cartridge leader formats associated with the at least two different cartridge formats.

Abstract: A media detection system includes a light source mounted within a cartridge receiving chamber defined by a cartridge engaging assembly. A cartridge referencing member has an arm portion mounted to the cartridge engaging assembly and a head portion located within the cartridge receiving chamber at a position adjacent the light source. The cartridge referencing member is deflected by a data cartridge within the cartridge receiving chamber so that when no data cartridge is located within the cartridge receiving member, the cartridge referencing member is not deflected and the cartridge referencing member blocks light from the light source. When a data cartridge is located within the cartridge receiving member, the cartridge referencing member blocks less light from the light source. A detector assembly mounted within the cartridge receiving chamber detects whether light from the light source is blocked or not blocked.

Abstract: A holder for the selected loading of a large or small cassette. A pair of positioning-restriction elements is provided inside the cassette holder at a distance enough for the small cassette to be loaded therebetween. A cassette detector detects the large cassette when it is loaded through the cassette opening. A drive mechanism moves the restriction elements from positions allowing the small cassette to be loaded to positions where the restriction elements allow the large cassette TO be loaded. A pair of flaps is positioned so that each flap is closer to the front-end section of the cassette opening than the positioning-restriction elements. The distance between the flaps allows the small cassette to be loaded therebetween. The flaps are opened so the large cassette can be loaded and they obstruct the small cassette from being loaded when at least either of the flaps is pushed by the small cassette.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the cassette type of a cassette, which contains a recording medium in the form of tape for recording and/or replaying information using an apparatus having a measurement device for measuring the tape thickness and the tape length of the recording medium, and for producing a control variable for indicating the cassette type or for initiating cassette-type-dependent functions of the apparatus. The steps include determining a value for the tape thickness, determining a value for the tape length, and logically linking the value for the tape thickness and the value for the tape length to one another, to ascertain the cassette type.

Abstract: A cassette deck that can use either a large cassette or a small cassette and can move the small cassette with certainty to a position at which the small cassette can be taken out manually. The cassette deck includes a housing, and a mounting and discharging mechanism capable of mounting and discharging any of a small cassette and a large cassette. The mounting and discharging mechanism includes a moving mechanism for pushing at a rear face of the small cassette to move the small cassette to a position at which the small cassette can be manually taken out. The moving mechanism provided on a lid member includes a pivotal arm mounted for pivotal back and forth movement over approximately 180 degrees on the inner side of the housing.

Abstract: A cartridge adapter (16) that allows for a smaller form factor cartridge (14) to be used with a tape drive (12) is provided herein. The cartridge (14) includes a cartridge reel (18) and a reel lock (22). The reel lock (22) is movable between a locked position (26) and an unlocked position (24). The tape drive includes a receiver (34) and a release (28). The release (28) is movable relative to the receiver (34). The cartridge adapter (16) includes an adapter housing (100) and a transfer device (30). The adapter housing (100) fits within the receiver (34). The adapter housing (100) includes a cartridge slot (116) that receives the cartridge (14). As provided herein, the transfer device (30) includes a first device section (122) that engages the release (28) and a second device section (124) that engages the reel lock (22) so that movement of the release (28) results in movement of the reel lock (22).

Abstract: A cassette auto-changer includes a cassette accommodating portion, a plurality of recording and/or reproducing units, a cassette transport mechanism and a controller. The cassette accommodating portion stores assigned recording format information for the cassettes which can be accommodated therein, and includes gates for reading the stored format information and supplying the format information to the controller in response to a read signal from the controller. The cassette accommodating portion also senses the size of the cassettes accommodated therein.

Abstract: The sensor for detecting a medium having a cut-out portion on a movable tray, according to the present invention, comprises: a rotatable first flag which is rotationally urged, the first flag, when contacting with the moved tray, being rotated in the anti-urging direction; a rotatable second flag which is rotationally urged in the reverse direction to the first flag, the rotation of the first flag being restricted by a stopper provided on the first flag; a flag detector which is turned on or off by the rotation of the second flag; and a cut-out portion detector for entering the cut-out portion of the medium.

Abstract: A tape mini-cartridge is functionally compatible with a larger industry standard tape cartridge. A mini-cartridge adapter adapts the mini-cartridge to be compatible with a standard tape drive by presenting the standard structural and functional appearances to the tape drive as presented by the larger standard tape cartridge. Since the standard cartridge has a plurality of structural elements including reel locks, leader buckle guide, and write protect flag engaged by the standard drive, the cartridge adapter effectively transfers these engagements and forces to and from the mini-cartridge in a manner providing full structural interchangeability with the standard tape cartridge.

Abstract: A tape mini-cartridge is functionally compatible with a larger industry standard tape cartridge. A mini-cartridge adapter adapts the mini-cartridge to be compatible with a standard tape drive by presenting the standard structural and functional appearances to the tape drive as presented by the larger standard tape cartridge. Since the standard cartridge has a plurality of structural elements including reel locks, leader buckle guide, and write protect flag engaged by the standard drive, the cartridge adapter effectively transfers these engagements and forces to and from the mini-cartridge in a manner providing full structural interchangeability with the standard tape cartridge.

Abstract: A casette adapter in which an S-casette (first casette) of the professional digital video format is housed and having a shape identical with an different-sized M-casette (second casette) operate without fail under a simple constitution, without accompanying any fear of damage on a tape. The cassette adapter capable of housing an S-cassette (2) comprises an adapter (1) whose shape is identical to an different-sized M-cassette. Reels (5, 6) and a reel brake releasing member (7) of the S-cassette (2) are exposed while the S-cassette is mounted in the cassette adapter. The adaptor (1) includes a rear door (12) capable of opening and closing.

Abstract: A take-up reel sensor measures a rotation cycle of a take-up reel of a loaded tape cassette in a take-up operation. A changing rate calculating section calculates a changing rate of the rotation cycle measured by the take-up reel sensor. A type discriminating section discriminates the tape cassette as a thick hub type or a thin hub type based on the rotation cycle measured by the take-up reel sensor, while it discriminates the tape cassette as the thin hub type or a VHS-C type based on the changing rate calculated by the changing rate calculating section. A system controller conducts a high speed take-up mode suitable for the type of the tape cassette discriminated by the type discriminating section. Accordingly, the take-up mode can be controlled by employing only the rotation cycle of the take-up reel.

Abstract: A first tape cassette adapted to be interchangeably used with a second tape cassette of a different thick case thickness is provided. A first tape cassette includes a first case having a first total thickness. The first case having a bottom face which is formed with an indentation and a first depression formed within the indentation. The indentation is used for positioning the cassette in a plane parallel to its bottom face. The second tape cassette includes a second case having a second total thickness that is smaller than the first total thickness of the first case. The second case has a bottom face which is formed with a second reference depression opened towards the bottom face. The second reference depression is for positioning the second tape cassette in a plane parallel to its bottom face.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus includes a main shutter for closing a cartridge-holder opening, which is rotated in the cartridge-inserting direction when inserting one of the large and small cartridges so as to open the cartridge-holder opening. An auxiliary shutter is disposed in front of the main shutter with respect to the cartridge-inserting direction so as to restrain the position of the small cartridge with respect to the cartridge-holder opening.

Abstract: A multi-cassett loading and unloading system having a housing which has defined locations for different size cassettes such as the Standard (large size) and Mini (small size) cassettes of the DVC (digital video) format, which are distinguished by different center-to-center spacing of the tape reels. The housing is movable horizontally and vertically during the loading and unloading operations. An element of a connection between the housing and a mobile member engages and thereby detects which size cassette is in the housing. A linkage between the mobile member and the driving members adjusts a spacing of the driving members responsive to horizontal translation of the mobile member by the housing.

Abstract: On the upper surface of a cartridge case 4, there are formed a pair of press protrusions 4a situated on both sides thereof, a recess 4b situated between the two press protrusions 4a, first and second swelled portions 4c and 4d situated at the front and rear ends of the recess 4b of the cartridge case 4 and stopper protrusions 4e formed so as to continuously extend from both sides of the rear end of the second swelled portion 4d, the configurations of the front and rear end surfaces with respect to the direction in which the disc cartridge 3 is inserted being different from each other.

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: An apparatus performs recording and/or reproduction of signals by a head of a drum with which a tape-like recording medium is brought into contact while being moved under a fixed tension from a reel engaging a supply reel base to a reel engaging a take-up reel base. An arm retains a tension post which presses against the recording medium, forming a predetermined path to detect a tension thereof. One end of the arm is pivotally supported, and the arm is urged by a spring so as to allow the tension post to elastically press against the recording medium. At least one end of a band brake for loading a braking torque on the supply reel base is locked to the arm.

Abstract: A casette adapter in which an S-casette (first casette) of the professional digital video format is housed and having a shape identical with an different-sized M-casette (second casette) operates without fail under a simple constitution, without accompanying any fear of damage on a tape. The casette adapter capable of housing an S-casette (2) comprises an adapter (1) whose shape is identical to an different-sized M-casette. Reels (5, 6) and a reel brake releasing member (7) of the S-casette (2) are exposed while the S-casette is mounted in the casette adapter. The adaptor (1) includes a rear door (12) capable of opening and closing. The rear door (12) comprises contacts (14) for reading identification signal by contacting the identification terminal of S-casette, wirings (16) for coupling the contacts (14) with an identification terminal (15) provided in a same location as that of M-casette and a lever (18) for opening/closing an anti-erasing window in linkage with the anti-erasing gear of S-casette (2).

Abstract: The present invention is related to a tray loading type magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus. The tray loading type magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus includes a deck mechanism for accommodating different size tape cassettes, a cassette housing covered and fixed at the upper surface of the deck mechanism, a cassette tray combined with the cassette housing in such a manner that the cassette tray can be rectilinearly moved back and forth and being capable of selectively accommodating different size tape cassettes, a tray loading device for loading the cassette tray and a cassette holder receiving device for receiving a previously received tape cassette in the cassette tray in a predetermined position of the deck mechanism. Thus, a new formed tray loading type magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus for accommodating different sized tape cassettes, capable of simplifying its formation, reducing fabricating cost and using in a home is provided.

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

Abstract: A tape drive for accommodating tape cartridges of different sizes and capacities is provided with a tape insertion opening, a first guide at a first side of the tape insertion opening, and a second guide at a second side of the tape insertion opening. The first and second guides are separated from one another to provide a first opening width that accommodates insertion of tape cartridges of a first size between the first and second guides. The first and second guides are movable within the tape insertion opening to provide a second opening width that accommodates insertion of tape cartridges of a second size.

Abstract: A tape drive arrangement and method for driving a cartridge roller in a tape cartridge that advances tape in a tape cartridge. The tape drive has a drive motor and having a rotatable outer housing, and a cartridge roller contact surface around the outer housing of the drive motor. The drive motor is positioned within the tape drive so that the cartridge roller of a tape cartridge that has been inserted into the tape drive directly contacts the cartridge roller contact surface. The cartridge roller is directly driven by the drive motor upon rotation of the outer housing of the drive motor.

Abstract: An opening device is provided for opening a lid of a tape cassette in a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus which can be constructed to receive a first and second tape cassette having different sizes. The opening device includes first and second opening sections for opening the lid of the tape cassette which has been loaded in the apparatus. The first and second opening sections are integrally formed and disposed on a predetermined position on a main base of the apparatus, thus resulting in a more compact size.