Audio cassette player with automatic cassette selection - extracts cassettes from slots in a rotatable drum held by solenoid-operated catch

摘要

This audio tape cassette player has a selection mechanism that extracts the required cassette from ones stored in slots in a drum. The drum is rotated on a horizontal shaft by an electric motor. When the drum reaches the required angle, the motor stops, and a solenoid-operated catch holds it steady. A U-shaped lifting bracket that runs through the hollow drum, is then driven upwards by motors, to lift the cassette and press it into the playing position. The travel of the bracket is limited by position-detecting microswitches. The selection of the angular position occupied by the required cassette is made by means of circuits connected to conducting tracks around the circumference of the drum by sprung wire contacts. The cassettes are prevented from falling out of the drum by a collar which is only open at the top.