Abstract: A tape reel assembly (14). The tape reel assembly (14) includes three discrete components. The components include a top flange (40), bottom flange (50) and hub (60). Teeth (65) are operatively connected to the hub (65). The flanges (40, 50) are preferably made from metal.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge incorporating a belt-driven design with improved performance characteristics. The tape cartridge includes a housing, first and second tape hubs, a storage tape, a drive roller, first and second corner rollers, and a drive belt. The housing defines a head access window. The first and second tape hubs are rotatably mounted within the housing. The storage tape is wound about the first and second hubs to form first and second tape packs thereabout. The drive roller is also rotatably mounted within the housing. Similarly, the first and second corner rollers are rotatably mounted within the housing. The drive belt is stretched about the drive roller, the first and second tape packs, and the first and second corner rollers. Finally, the first and second hubs are symmetrically arranged relative to the head access window. This symmetrical arrangement optimizes cartridge performance.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly (14). The tape reel assembly (14) includes three discrete components. The components include a top flange (40), bottom flange (50) and hub (60). Teeth (65) are operatively connected to the hub (65). The flanges (40, 50) are preferably made from metal.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge including a housing, first and second tape reels, a storage tape, first and second corner guides and an idler wrap guide. The housing defines a head access window. The tape reels are rotatably disposed within the housing, with the storage tape extending between the tape reels. The first and second comer guides are disposed within the housing at opposite sides of the head access window. Finally, the idler wrap guide is disposed within the housing and defines a tape path extending from the first tape reel to the idler wrap guide, and from the idler wrap guide to the first corner guide. The idler wrap guide is configured to frictionally dampen lateral movement of the storage tape upon rotation of the tape reels to greatly reduce servo off track events.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge (10) includes two tape guides (23, 24). The tapes guides (23, 24) have a foil (43, 143, 243) which is constructed from material which causes a wear pattern (200) to be formed in the foil (43), thereby removing localized forces and spreading out the forces and thereby decreasing the tape pressure.

Abstract: A clearance-type tape guide for guiding a recording tape along a tape path having two tape reels. The tape slidably engages the tape guide along a surface having a length L1. The tape travels along the tape path for a distance L2 between the tape guide surface and the closer of the tape reels. According to the invention, L1≧0.3 L2.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel pin, the tape reel assembly, and a storage tape. The tape reel assembly is rotatably associated with the tape reel pin and includes a hub, a spherical piece and a sleeve. The spherical piece is insert molded within an axial bore of the hub and provides a thrust surface. The sleeve is also insert molded within the axial bore of the hub and provides a journal bearing surface. In accordance with a method of the present invention, the tape reel assembly is formed as part of an injection molding process, whereby a core pin precisely positions the spherical piece and co-axially centers the sleeve relative to an outer, tape winding surface of the hub.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel pin, the tape reel assembly, and a storage tape. The housing includes a first housing section and a second housing section. The tape reel pin extends in a generally perpendicular fashion relative to an interior surface of the first housing section. With this configuration, the tape reel pin forms a cylindrical side surface and terminates in a leading end. The tape reel assembly is rotatably associated with the tape reel pin and includes a hub and a sleeve. The hub defines an axial bore. In one preferred embodiment, the tape reel assembly further includes opposing flanges connected to the hub. Regardless, the sleeve is disposed within the axial bore and forms a thrust surface. Finally, the storage tape is maintained by the hub.

Abstract: A data cartridge (10) includes a yoke (30) on which the tape packs are mounted around hubs (46 and 47). Idler rollers (44 and 45) are also mounted on the yoke (30). The yoke (30) has a slot (40) through which a fixed pin (41) is positioned. The fixed pin (41) is connected to the housing (11) of the cartridge (10). The yoke has a spring (43) has one end attached to the yoke (33), connecting pin (42) and the second end is connected to the fixed pin (41). Therefore the yoke (30) is urged by the spring tension in a direction toward the hubs (46 and 47). The yoke (30) is free to move in two degrees of freedom as the tape packs move from one hub (46) to the other hub (47).

Abstract: The data cartridge drive belt of this invention comprises a layer of a low stiffness belt material and a layer of a high stiffness belt material. By inserting the belt into the tape cartridge so that the high stiffness belt material is adjacent to the tape pack and the low stiffness material is away from the tape pack the neutral axis in the belt is shifted toward the tape pack.

Abstract: An elongated tape guide for magnetic tape transported in a data cartridge provides an elongated support wall to guide the tape. The elongated tape guide has a tape guide wall and at least one flange for supporting an edge of the tape as it moves across a transducer. The tape guide can be formed to a desired cross section and then bent to provide the desired path. Suitable hard surface materials and dry lubricants can be used on the surface and impregnated with a dry lubricant. The guide wall is provided with a light transmitting aperture for transmitting light when apertures in the tape indicating a tape end align with the aperture in the guide wall.

Abstract: A tape cartridge comprising a flat base plate and component parts mounted on the plate, including pins that are nominally perpendicular to the base plate and which support and facilitate tape transfer within the cartridge; the plate comprising an aluminum alloy having a yield stress in the range from about 25,000 to 30,000 psi. The base plate preferably comprises from about 0.5 to 3 parts by weight Si and from about 0.1 to 0.7 parts by weight Fe, based on 100 parts of the aluminum alloy. The base plate of the present invention may optionally comprise one or more of the following: up to about 1 part by weight Mn; up to about 2 parts by weight Mg; and mixtures thereof; based on 100 parts of the aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A compliant tape guide for magnetic tape transported in a belt driven data cartridge which resiliently engages one edge of a tape and urges the tape to a position against a fixed flange. The compliant tape guide includes a spring strip having a flange end and a spring finger to load the flange end against the tape. The compliant guide reduces tape edge wear as well as providing for better tracking of the tape.

Abstract: A base plate for use in a data cartridge using pre-coated aluminum. The coating is applied before cutting the aluminum into a base plate shaped article.