Programmed track selecting apparatus

Claim 1

A programmed track selecting apparatus for a multiple tape cartridge player in which a plurality of multi track endless magnetic tape cartridges are utilized and which includes a cartridge changing device for exchanging the tape cartridge to and from a play position in response to a cartridge changing signal, and a track changing device having rotary cam means for positioning a magnetic head to synchronize with the tracks thereby scanning across the tape in a cartridge, solenoid means for intermittently and rotatably driving the rotary cam means whenever energized, and a control circuit means for energizing the solenoid in response to the passage of the ending of each track in play, comprising: a rotary switch means rotatably operated by and synchronized with said rotary cam means, said rotary switch means including a plurality of first switch means corresponding in number to the number of individual tracks on the tape and second switch means for generating said cartridge changing signal, said first and second switch means being successively closed in response to rotation of said rotary switch means; a plurality of track selecting switches corresponding in number to the number of individual tracks on said tape for effecting designation of the track to be played; and a plurality of series connections connecting the track selecting switches in series with the respective first switch means corresponding to the individual tracks on said tape, said series connections being incorporated in said control circuit means, said solenoid means being operable to be energized to rotatably drive the rotary cam means and thereby move the magnetic head past a non-selected track when a first switch means corresponding to a closed track selecting switch is closed by rotation of said rotary switch means and to be deenergized to stop rotation of the rotary cam means and thereby position said magnetic head at a selected track when a first switch means corresponding to an open track selecting switch is closed by rotation of said rotary switch means, the track corresponding to an open track selecting switch being automatically selected and played.