Telephone answering apparatus with control in response to segment of the endless tape loop

A magnetic record and playback device including, tape drive means operable at a plurality of speeds, switching means operable to render said tape drive means operated at a first speed, a two-sided magnetic recording tape loop formed of a continuous strip with ends joined and having a 180.degree. twist in the loop when disposed in the assembled configuration on said drive means, the improvement comprising:

• first and second light conditioning segments included in said tape;
• first and second light sources;
• first light responsive means operated in response to positioning of said first light conditioning segment of said tape proximal to said first source;
• said first light responsive means including a light sensitive device and relay means, said light sensitive device operated in response to light from said first light source conditioned by said first light conditioning segment, to operate said relay means to render said tape drive means inoperable;
• and second light responsive means operated in response to positioning of said second light conditioning segment of said tape proximal to said second light source;
• said second light responsive means including a light sensitive device and relay means, said light sensitive device operated in response to light from said second light source conditioned by said second light conditioning segment, to operate said relay means to render said tape drive means operable at a second speed.