Memory cartridge system with adapter

A memory cartridge system comprising:

• a compact memory cartridge;
• an adapter for accommodating said compact memory cartridge, such that the shape of said adapter with said compact memory cartridge mounted thereon is the same as that of a standard memory cartridge having a predetermined size;
• guide means for slidably guiding said compact memory cartridge along said adapter when said compact memory cartridge is mounted on said adapter, said guide means including first and second guide members having different shapes for preventing incorrect settings of right and left sides of said compact memory cartridge;
• and lock means for locking said compact memory cartridge in position so that said compact memory cartridge does not become detached from said adapter;
• said lock means comprising:
• a lock lever which engages a recess of said compact memory cartridge in a lock position;
• a spring for biasing said lock lever in a direction from a lock release position to said lock position;
• and
• an operating member exposed outside said adapter for moving said lock lever to said lock release position wherein said operating member is disposed within a loading chamber of said reproducing apparatus so as to inhibit access to said operating member, when said adapter is loaded within said loading chamber.

A memory cartridge system comprising:

• a compact memory cartridge having a first connector;
• an adapter for accommodating said compact memory cartridge, such that the shape of said adapter with said compact memory cartridge mounted thereon is the same as that of a standard memory cartridge having a predetermined size;
• guide means for guiding said compact memory cartridge slidably along said adapter when said compact memory cartridge is mounted on said adapter, said guide means comprising first and second guide members having shapes for preventing incorrect settings of the right and left sides of said compact memory cartridge;
• and lock means for locking said compact memory cartridge in position so that said compact memory cartridge does not become detached from said adapter;
• said lock means comprising:
• a lock lever which engages a recess of said compact memory cartridge in a lock position;
• a spring for biasing said lock lever in a direction from a lock release position to said lock position;
• and
• an operating member exposed outside said adapter for moving said lock lever to said lock release position wherein said operating member is disposed within a loading chamber of said reproducing apparatus so as to inhibit access to said operating member, when said adapter is loaded within said loading chamber;
• a second connector, coupled to said first connector when said compact memory cartridge is mounted on said adapter;
• and
• a third connector, electrically connected to said second connector, and coupled to a fourth connector of a reproducing apparatus when said adapter with said compact memory cartridge mounted thereon is loaded within said reproducing apparatus.