Card handling apparatus

An apparatus for recording and/or reproducing information signals in a record track extending parallel with an edge of a rectangular card, comprising:

• means defining a card supporting surface with guides thereon for guiding a card in movement over said surface in forward and return directions parallel to said edge of the card;
• transducer means positioned to scan the record track on a card during said movement of the latter;
• a capstan roller engageable with a card on said surface for driving the card in said forward and return directions in response to rotation of said capstan roller in a first direction and a second direction, respectively;
• a reciprocating actuating member movable manually in one direction;
• spring means connected with said actuating member and being loaded in response to movement of the latter manually in said one direction to provide motive power for movement of said actuating member in the opposite direction when said actuating member is released;
• gear means connecting said actuating member with said capstan roller for rotating the latter in said first direction at any desired speed in response to the manual movement of said actuating member in said one direction and for rotating said capstan roller in said second direction in response to the movement of the actuating member in said opposite direction by said spring means;
• speed regulating means for establishing a substantially uniform predetermined speed of rotation of said capstan roller only in said second direction;
• and
• switch means responsive to the position of said actuating member for causing operation of said transducer means only during the return movement of a card by the rotation of said capstan roller in said second direction at said predetermined speed.