Abstract: A tape cassette adapter which is useful for a tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus such as a video tape recorder and draws a tape out of a compact cassette by the movement of a tape drawing mechanism from an inoperative position to an operative position. The tape cassette adapter comprises an engaging member which engages to rotate synchronously with a take-up reel drive shaft of the standard size magnetic tape cassette apparatus, a take-up reel drive mechanism for rotating the take-up reel of the compact cassette, and a joint mechanism of rotational power transmission between the rotational member and the take-up reel drive mechanism. Consequently the tape cassette adapter is able to be mounted on apparatuses smoothly, even if the position of the take-up reel drive shaft deviates from a standard position.

Abstract: An adapter for a miniature type tape cassette has an external form and size smaller than those of a standard type tape cassette, which is designed for a recording and/or reproducing apparatus of a type different from a standard type recording and/or reproducing apparatus cooperating with the standard type tape cassette. The adapter comprises an adapter case having an external form and size substantially equal 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 a tape out of the miniature type tape cassette so as to form a predetermined tape path within the adapter case.

Abstract: A miniature type tape cassette used with respect to a standard type recording and/or reproducing apparatus which performs recording and/or reproduction when loaded with a standard type tape cassette and with respect to a recording and/or reproducing apparatus of a type different from the standard type recording and/or reproducing apparatus comprises a cassette case having a size smaller than that of the standard type tape cassette, and a tape accommodated within the cassette case.

Abstract: A tape recording device consisting of a main module operative as a portable tape recorder including a first tape drive system and an adapter module having a second tape driving mechanism with which the first tape drive system of the main module may be arranged in cooperative relationship when the main module is coupled with the adapter module, the second tape driving mechanism including a large inertia flywheel through with which the first tape drive system of the main module cooperates when the main module is coupled with the adapter module.

Abstract: A cassette adapter for use with an information signal recording and/or reproducing apparatus and adapted to receive a smaller cassette containing magnetic tape wound on normally locked supply and take-up reels comprises a rotational force transmission device for winding the magnetic tape on the take-up reel, and a crank device connected to the rotational force transmission device for withdrawing the magnetic tape from the smaller cassette. A reel release device can be provided to operate in synchronism with the crank device, the reel release device being operative to a first position for releasing one of the reels for rotation, and being operative to a second position for releasing both of the reels for rotation. The rotational force transmission device can control movement of the take-up reel during a rewind operation sufficient to maintain the magnetic tape in a continuously tensioned state.

Abstract: An adapter for an eight track cartridge playing machine having a transfer roller to engage the conventional capstan and suitable motion transmitting means to drive an upright capstan in a cassette housing. Playback heads are carried on a carrier which may be raised or lowered to the desired level in accordance with which of a vertical bank of cartridge receivers is to be activated. Two cartridges are carried in each receiver and the receivers are independently pivotable so that a control knob may be turned to pivot the receiver and bring the selected cartridge into engagement with the drive capstan, and into operative association with the selected playback head.

Abstract: A tape cassette loaded with respect to a recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a reel driving mechanism including at least one reel driving shaft, comprises a cassette case, a supply side reel and a take-up side reel provided within the cassette case, for winding a tape, and a positioning part for positioning the cassette case. One reel of said supply side and take-up side reels is constructed so that the reel driving shaft of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus is inserted into this one reel from a lower direction thereof to engage therewith when the tape cassette is loaded into the recording and/or reproducing apparatus, and driven at a center part of this one reel. The other reel of the supply side and take-up side reels is constructed so as to be rotated by a rotation transmitting mechanism at a part other than a center part thereof.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying a cassette inserted in a tape deck apparatus by using constants stored in memory corresponding to known types of cassettes; controlling the drive means of the apparatus to carry out a cassette identification sequence involving moving the tape to different positions and comparing actual positions to theoretical positions based on the use of a pre-selected set of constants, and selecting the correct set of constants identifying the cassette in the apparatus according to the comparison.

Abstract: A tape recorder which can be used as a card reader is disclosed. The tape recorder includes a tape recorder body provided with a movable tape guide for regulating a tape running at a position in front of a magnetic head, and an adapter which can be inserted in a cassette chamber of the body for forming a guide groove for a "talking" card. The adapter has an opening communicated to the guide groove at the end surface opposed to the head for inserting the head and a pinch roller, the head and the pinch roller being moved to the position of the guide groove through the opening when inserting the adapter. The card is run along the guide groove by contacting the card with the head, and movement of the tape guide is prevented by a peripheral edge of the head opening, the tape guide being positioned to extend from the front end of the head to the rear. Accordingly, the tape guide does not obstruct the passage of the card over the head.

Abstract: A magazine adapted to be received at a station having spaced side guide members for receiving a portion of the magazine therebetween. The magazine comprises a hub portion; an endless length of tape having a portion wound in a coil about the hub portion and a minor portion extending from the innermost wrap of the coil along a path around the side surface of the coil to the outermost wrap of the coil; and a case including a first case portion enclosing the path for the strip material around the side surface of the coil which is adapted to be received between the guide members, and a second case portion enclosing the coil which can be wider than the first case portion to provide clearance space for a coil wider than the first case portion.

Abstract: A magnetic recording reproducing apparatus is made ready to operation by insertion thereto of a pack housing an endless recording medium. When a magnetic card is inserted into the apparatus with the pack inserted thereto, the contents, informations or data recorded on the magnetic card are read out and recorded on the endless recording medium and then the recorded contents, informations or data are reproduced from the endless recording medium. After passage of the magnetic card through the apparatus, the reproduction from the endless recording medium will repeatedly continue. When a magnetic card is inserted into the apparatus without any pack inserted thereto, a direct reproduction from the magnetic card is performed.

Abstract: A cassette type magnetic recording and reproducing device comprises a housing, a cassette receiving portion provided therein, at least one magnetic head and pinch roller provided at least at the same position in the cassette receiving portion, a first pair of drive shafts for a small tape cassette provided in the cassette receiving portion, and a second pair of drive shafts for a large tape cassette provided in the same cassette receiving portion.

Abstract: A cassette type magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus comprises a housing, a cassette receiving portion provided therein, at least one magnetic head and a pinch roller provided at the same position in the cassette receiving portion, a first pair of drive shafts for a large tape cassette provided in the charging portion, and a recess portion formed at the center of the cassette receiving portion for receiving an adapter for a small tape cassette. The pair of drive shafts for the large cassette is arranged in the recess portion for the adapter and a second pair of drive shafts for the small cassette is provided in the adapter and driven through a transmission hub engaged with the first pair of drive shafts.

Abstract: A tape cassette is disclosed which comprises a miniature tape cassette and an adaptor therefor, which when combined together has substantially the same configuration and the same size as a standard tape cassette used in a recorder-player. The adaptor includes at least one tape hub-like transmission member which is adapted to be engaged with and driven by a drive shaft of the recorder-player, and when it is combined with the miniature tape cassette, at least one tape winding hub of the latter is driven by the transmission member of the adaptor for rotation, thus taking up a tape thereon. The miniature tape cassette can also be used alone.

Abstract: A cassette adapter of this invention is incorporated into a reel drive type tape recorder to permit the use of a capstan drive type tape cassette. The cassette adapter houses a capstan drive type tape cassette and is incorporated into a tape cassette insertion position of the reel drive type tape recorder. The torques of reel shafts of the reel drive type tape recorder cause the reel shaft of the cassette adapter to be rotated and at the same time cause a switch for the capstan shaft drive motor to be switched ON.

Abstract: An adapter is disclosed for use in playing reel-to-reel magnetic tapes on a conventional tape cartridge player. The adapter includes a mounting portion whose configuration is generally complimentary to the configuration of a conventional tape cartridge and adapted to be inserted into a tape cartridge receiving recess of the player in place of such tape cartridge; and a supporting portion adapted to support a pair of tape reel mounting spindles. The mounting portion is designed and the reels are driven in a manner permitting the reels to alternatively function as supply and take-up reels incident to inversions of the mounting portion when inserted within the recess of the player.

Abstract: A tape recorder in which a cassette tape and a magnetic card are co-used. The tape recorder comprises an electrical means for recording and reproducing informations, a cassette chamber for charging a cassette tape therein, and a running guide for guiding a magnetic card. The running guide is provided in the cassette chamber. The magnetic card is run along the running guide so as to slidably touch with a magnetic head.

Abstract: The specification discloses a cartridge-loading tape recorder in which a fixed reference plane is provided for the tape relative to the head by means of cooperating locating means and arms which rise and engage the cartridge when the recorder door is closed behind it. The motor and drive are mounted in a heat isolating motor mount in a track and are biased into engagement with the tape to accomodate variations in the tape cartridge. The recorder is sturdily constructed, being based on a generally H-shaped extruded chasis which defines a platform, side walls and guide rails for the tape cartridge.

Abstract: A magnetically recording and reproducing apparatus selectively applicable to a tape cartridge and a tape cassette and having a first magnetic tape head for playing the tape contained in the cartridge and a second magnetic tape head for recording and reproducing the cassette tape. This apparatus comprises an entryway formed and adapted for receiving the cassette or the cartridge, a holder normally disposed in the entryway for receiving and conveying the cassette, a first means responsive to the cartridge being placed in its partially inserted position of the entryway for moving the holder downward out of the entryway thereby permitting the cartridge to be pushed deeper into the entryway so as to bring the cartridge tape into cooperative engagement with the cartridge tape head, and a second means responsive to the cassette being placed in its fully received position of the holder for moving the holder downward so as to bring the cassette tape into cooperative engagement with the cassette tape head.

Abstract: In a cassette and card recording and/or reproducing apparatus; a housing is provided to receive a cassette with a run of the magnetic tape therein being coincident with a recording medium transport path, or to guide a card having a magnetic stripe affixed thereto so as to be disposed in said transport path, a head carriage is movable normal to the transport path and carries a magnetic head engageable with the magnetic tape or stripe in the transport path when the carriage is moved to an operative position, a pinch roller is mounted on the head carriage and cooperates with a rotated capstan for driving either the tape or card therebetween in the transport path upon movement of the carriage to its operative position, a tape guide member is urged to project into the transport path for guiding a tape in such path relative to the head in response to movement of the carriage to its operative position in the cassette mode of operation of the apparatus, and a mode change-over mechanism is selectively actuable for est

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus is provided which is selectively applicable for tape cartridges and tape cassettes and which is formed with an entryway into which a tape cartridge or a tape cassette is to be inserted. A first magnetic tape head is located deeper in the entryway for playing the tape contained in the cartridge and a second magnetic tape head is located below the entryway for playing the tape contained in the cassette. A holder for receiving and conveying the tape cassette is positioned in the entryway when neither the tape cartridge nor the tape cassette is inserted into the entryway. Also a holder positioning mechanism is provided for moving the holder downward out of the entryway when the tape cartridge is inserted into the entryway, thereby permitting the tape cartridge to be pushed deeper into the entryway so that the cartridge tape can come into cooperative engagement with the first magnetic tape head.

Abstract: Apparatus that includes a magnetic tape recorder is also provided with FM and AM radio signal tuners and a TV audio signal tuner. The signals received by any of these tuners can be either recorded or monitored independently. However, when an FM signal is being recorded in the magnetic tape recorder, the apparatus is so constructed that a TV signal cannot be monitored by the TV signal tuner. Conversely, when a TV signal is being recorded, the FM tuner cannot monitor an FM signal. When an AM signal is being recorded, either an FM or a TV signal can be monitored and, conversely, when either an FM or a TV signal is being recorded, an AM signal can be monitored.

Abstract: A dual capstan tape transport mechanism having a magnetic tape trained along a path for movement successively between an upstream capstan and pressure roller, past record and play heads, and between a downstream capstan and pressure roller. A motor drives the downstream capstan directly and drives the upstream capstan indirectly, and slightly slower, through an overrunning clutch. Separate solenoids move the pressure rollers to press the tape against the respective capstans. The mechanism is selectible to play either an improved dual capstan type cartridge with both capstans, or to play a conventional single capstan type cartridge with the downstream capstan alone. Tape guide posts, aligning the tape and providing wrap around the heads, and a shield engageable with the backside of the tape opposite the play head, are movable with the upstream pressure roller through openings in the housing of the dual capstan cartridge.

Abstract: A miniature tape module, in the form of a continuous-loop tape cartridge, is engageable with an adaptor so that the cartridge/adaptor composite may be received by a conventional type of cassette player for playing back a programme recorded on tape of the miniature cartridge. Whereas the cassette normally intended for this conventional player has a total playing time of some 45 minutes, and is thus equivalent to a long playing record disc, the miniature cartridge has a playing time of some 6 minutes and is thus equivalent to a singles record disc.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering apparatus having an announcement mechanism for playing an announcement message to a caller in response to a signal being received from the public telephone network indicating that the caller wishes to call the number to which the automatic telephone answering device is connected. The automatic telephone answering device has a housing containing circuitry for controlling the announcement text. The housing also has an empty space to receive a hand-operated dictating machine, which dictating machine has a tape mechanism therein for recording a message from the caller. Circuits are provided for controlling and sequencing the operation of the announcement text and the time period during which the caller can record information on the tape in the dictating machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for playing conventional reel-to-reel magnetic tapes in a conventional magnetic tape cartridge player and comprising frame means including a portion having a configuration generally complementary to the configuration of the usual magnetic tape cartridge and adapted to be inserted in the usual magnetic tape player in lieu thereof; means provided on the frame means for supporting the usual magnetic tape storage reel and tape take-up reel, and for moving the tape from the storage reel, across the magnetic sound head and capstan of the tape player, and onto the take-up reel whereby the magnetic signals on the reel-to-reel tape may be transduced, amplified and played back through the speaker system of the tape player.

Abstract: A dual cassette tape recorder comprises a cassette receiving means adapted to receive either a compact tape cassette or microtape cassette. The cassette receiving means is associated with a capstan and a pinch roller adapted to engage and drive a tape in the compact cassette, and with a pair of a capstan and a pinch roller adapted to engage and drive a tape in the micro-cassette. Drive means is provided for driving the both capstans. An interlocking lever is provided which detects a displacement of the pinch roller associated with the compact cassette during a recording or playback operation for operating the pinch roller associated with the micro-cassette, thus permitting a satisfactory recording or playback operation when either type of cassette is mounted in the cassette receiving means.

Abstract: A record playback unit for recordings on magnetic tapes disposed both in endless loop formations in cartridges and in reel-to-reel cassettes, wherein both are insertable into a single opening in the playback unit. A transducer and drive wheel assembly for the tape of the cassette is normally positioned to be inserted into the opening in the edge wall of the cassette together with a drive wheel for the tape of the cassette.When a cartridge is inserted, its upper forward edge is detected by a limit switch, which is not actuated by an inserted cassette. The limit switch controls a solenoid or motor causing the cassette drive and transducer assembly to retract out of the way of the cartridge, to permit the cartridge to be pushed fully into the housing and to engage the cartridge-contained tape with a drive wheel and transducer at the far end of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for recording and/or reproducing signals relative to magnetic tapes provided in magazines of different configurations. Retaining means are provided for retaining and holding magazines of two different sizes and configurations, with respect to a common magnetic transducer for recording on and/or reproducing from the tapes of both magazines, depending upon which magazine is prepositioned on a support for the transducer. A common drive means may be provided for the tape of either magazine, thereby substantially simplifying the apparatus. In another form, auxiliary drive means is provided for the tape of one magazine, which auxiliary drive operates either separately from the drive for the tape of a magazine of a different shape or cooperates therewith. A removable or retractable retaining means for one of the magazines is provided, to permit the other magazine to be held in place without intervention thereby.

Abstract: A tape-operating apparatus adapted for use either with an endless loop type cartridge or a coplanar type cassette which comprises a movable frame carrying cassette tape operating means including a magnetic head and a lock mechanism for keeping the movable frame in an operative position, wherein the lock mechanism is operatively coupled to cartridge tape track-changing means, and the movable frame is disengaged from the lock mechanism when the cartridge tape track-changing means is put into operation.

Abstract: A tape-operating apparatus adapted for use either with an endless loop type cartridge or a coplanar type cassette which comprises a fixed frame; a movable frame movably fitted to the fixed frame; cassette tape-operating means provided on the movable frame; and guiding means for guiding the movable frame from an inoperative position to an operative position so that the movable frame is lifted obliquely upward and then horizontally moved.

Abstract: A tape-operating apparatus adapted for use either with an endless tape type cartridge or a coplanar type cassette which comprises a fixed frame having a common free space for admission of said cartridge and cassette; a movable frame for supporting cassette tape operating device including a magnetic head; and actuating means for setting the movable frame in an operative position, wherein the actuating means is not put into operation by the inserted cartridge but by the inserted cassette.

Abstract: A device for directly indicating the programs being reproduced from a particular track of a magnetic tape located within a tape cartridge. The tape cartridge includes an opening in the front of the cartridge with a four-sided program indicator shaft adjacent to the opening and containing indicia indicative of the particular programs being played on a particular track. A drive shaft along one side of the cartridge engages the program indicator shaft, with the drive shaft in turn being engaged through an aperture in the cartridge by a push shaft mounted within a magnetic tape reproduction apparatus. The push shaft is actuated by an appropriate solenoid means in electrical parallel with program indicator lights in the magnetic tape reproduction apparatus such that a change of channel being reproduced from the magnetic tape will cause extension of the push shaft and consequential rotation of the program indicator shaft to a new position indicating the programs currently being reproduced.

Abstract: The record/play apparatus has a well for receiving a tape cassette or cartridge, means defining a card channel for a recording card, a switch array for controlling such functions as record, play and erase and a mode switch for selecting card or tape operation. The mode switch can operate to switch the erase and record/play circuits between cassette and card heads, or can operate in conjunction with a cam arrangement for providing selective drive for either the card or tape transports. The apparatus also has another mode of operation preferably selectable via the mode switch which permits interaction between the card and tape heads whereby a message can be transferred from the tape cassette to the card. In an alternate embodiment a separate card drive motor is provided for selective card drive.

Abstract: A cassette adapter for a tape recorder which can mount thereon a miniature cassette which is smaller than a standard compact cassette and which comprises mechanisms and an electric circuit which are essential for effecting reproduction of the miniature cassette from the tape recorder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic recording tape cartridge assembly for use with conventional eight-track cartridgetype tape machines. The tape cartridge assembly comprises a miniature tape cartridge element engageable with a tape cartridge adaptor unit which is employed to hold and insert the cartridge element into the tape machine. The cartridge element includes an endless loop of magnetic recording tape onto which is recorded a single musical selection of approximately 3 to 4 minutes in length. In the preferred embodiment, the adaptor has a single cartridge receiver end portion including mounting pin members on which the cartridge element is placed and held stationary. The cartridges are interchangeable with the adaptor allowing a single adaptor unit to be used with a plurality of cartridge elements. In a modified form of the invention, the cartridge adaptor unit includes cartridge receiver portions at each end allowing two cartridges to be carried on the adaptor.

Abstract: A tape duplicator having component parts capable of duplicating magnetic tape in cassette form or reel form to cassette form or reel form interchangeably without special units, having the same capstan drive to drive both the cassette and the reel tapes interchangeably, and provided with an automatic volume control which is fully compensated to adjust the volume level to the set level and which avoids excessive high volume levels in beginning recording and high noise levels during silent spots in the tapes.

Abstract: Adapter apparatus to be received within the cassette holder of a conventional cassette record-playback apparatus to permit miniature tape cassettes to be used in the record-playback apparatus, and record-playback apparatus useful with said adapter apparatus. The adapter apparatus is configured to be received within the location normally occupied by a tape cassette of standard size and configuration, and includes a receptacle into which a miniature tape cassette may be placed. The adapter includes drive apparatus which is selectively engaged to be driven by the capstan and pressure roller of the record-playback apparatus and which drives the forward takeup reel of the miniature tape cassette. One or more magnetic heads are provided in the adapter apparatus for engagement with the tape carried in the miniature cassette.