Fine tuning and reset mechanism for tape players and the like

Claim 2

In a cartridge-type tape player having means for receiving a tape cartridge in insertion therein and a transducer head over which a magnetic tape in the cartridge is moved during operation of the player, the improvement comprising: adjustment means for moving the transducer head from one position to another in a direction transverse to the direction of tape travel, and reset means responsive to movement of the tape cartridge relative to the transducer head for cancelling any adjustment made to the position of the transducer head by said adjustment means.

Claim 3

The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein insertion of a tape cartridge into the tape player to a playing position at which the magnetic tape is in contact with the transducer head renders said reset means inoperative, thereby permitting said adjustment means to be employed to move the transducer head from one position to another in a direction transverse to the direction of tape travel, and wherein removal of the cartridge from the tape player is accompanied by actuation of said reset means, which actuation cancels any adjustment previously made to the transducer head through said adjustment means.

Claim 4

The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further characterized by a fixed support member which extends longitudinally in a direction transverse to the direction of tape travel, and wherein the transducer head is mounted on a bracket which is carried on said support member for movement along the length thereof.

Claim 5

The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said adjustment means is comprised of an actuator member rotatably mounted on said support member, follower means on said actuator member, intermediate means positioned on and movable along the length of said support member, said intermediate means being positioned between said bracket and said actuator member, said intermediate means having cam means in engagement with said follower means, whereby rotation of said actuator means and the accompanying rotation of said follower means relative to said cam means will impart movement of said bracket along the length of said support member.

Claim 6

The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 further characterized by resilient means for urging said bracket member and said intermediate means towards said actuator member.

Claim 7

The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said cam means includes a neutral surface in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said support member, oPerating surfaces on either side of said neutral surface, said operating surfaces being in oppositely inclined planes relative to the longitudinal axis of said support member, whereby said adjustment means will be in a ''''neutral'''' position when said follower means is in contact with said neutral surface, and whereby movement of said follower means across one or the other of said oppositely inclined operating surfaces will impart movement of said intermediate means and said bracket in opposite directions along said support member.

Claim 8

The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said reset means is comprised of an operating member movable relative to said support member in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of a tape cartridge relative to said support member, means for resiliently urging said operating member into a ''''reset'''' position at which the operating member is in contact with and holding said follower means in the ''''neutral'''' position, and laterally extending means on said operating member engageable by a cartridge, whereupon insertion of a cartridge into the tape player will cause said operating member to move out of said ''''reset'''' position to an inoperative position out of engagement with said follower means.

Claim 9

The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further characterized by means permitting said actuator member to be remotely rotated from a location exterior of the tape player.

Claim 10

In an apparatus adapted to slidably receive a tape cartridge containing a magnetic tape, and having a transducer head in contact with the tape during operation of the apparatus, the improvement comprising: adjustment means for adjusting the position of the transducer head, and means associated with said adjustment means and operatively responsive to removal of the tape cartridge from the apparatus for cancelling the adjustments previously made to the transducer head by said adjustment means.

Claim 11

In an apparatus adapted to slidably receive a tape cartridge containing a magnetic tape, and having a transducer head in contact with the tape during operation of the apparatus, the improvement comprising: adjustment means for adjusting the position of the transducer head, and means associated with said adjustment means and operatively responsive to removal of the tape cartridge from the apparatus for cancelling the adjustments previously made to the transducer head by said adjustment means.