Abstract: Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool, and a drive system. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by the drive assembly. The system further includes a clutch configured to resist movement of the barrier system unless directed by the drive system, and to release the barrier to allow manual egress when power to the drive system fails. The system further includes a latch configured to retain the barrier in a retracted position and to prevent the barrier from deploying when power fails and the clutch releases.

Abstract: Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool, and a drive system. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by the drive assembly. The system further includes a clutch configured to resist movement of the barrier system unless directed by the drive system, and to release the barrier to allow manual egress when power to the drive system fails. The system further includes a latch configured to retain the barrier in a retracted position and to prevent the barrier from deploying when power fails and the clutch releases.

Abstract: A fiber optic splice organizer stores optical fiber splices and sufficient slack to permit the fibers to be readily separated, such as for reorganization or to remake a splice. Multiple hinges connect a plurality of fiber trays side by side to provide pivotable connections between trays. A flat orientation of the trays enables splicing and coiling of fibers as they are loaded into a tray. The trays then pivot into a fiber storage position. Special features of the hinges provide support for fibers and splices as they are loaded into the trays. The hinges protect the fibers as the trays are pivoted as well as when the trays are in their folded position for storage without requiring buffer tubes. Multiple architectures for the organization of fibers are enabled without violating minimal bend radii, and while providing for ease of separation of individual fibers or groups of fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic splice organizer stores optical fiber splices and sufficient slack to permit the fibers to be readily separated, such as for reorganization or to remake a splice. Multiple hinges connect a plurality of fiber trays side by side to provide pivotable connections between trays. A flat orientation of the trays enables splicing and coiling of fibers as they are loaded into a tray. The trays then pivot into a fiber storage position. Special features of the hinges provide support for fibers and splices as they are loaded into the trays. The hinges protect the fibers as the trays are pivoted as well as when the trays are in their folded position for storage without requiring buffer tubes. Multiple architectures for the organization of fibers are enabled without violating minimal bend radii, and while providing for ease of separation of individual fibers or groups of fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic splice organizer stores optical fiber splices and sufficient slack to permit the fibers to be readily separated, such as for reorganization or to remake a splice. Multiple hinges connect a plurality of fiber trays side by side to provide pivotable connections between trays. A flat orientation of the trays enables splicing and coiling of fibers as they are loaded into a tray. The trays then pivot into a fiber storage position. Special features of the hinges provide support for fibers and splices as they are loaded into the trays. The hinges protect the fibers as the trays are pivoted as well as when the trays are in their folded position for storage without requiring buffer tubes. Multiple architectures for the organization of fibers are enabled without violating minimal bend radii, and while providing for ease of separation of individual fibers or groups of fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic splice organizer stores optical fiber splices and sufficient slack to permit the fibers to be readily separated, such as for reorganization or to remake a splice. Multiple hinges connect a plurality of fiber trays side by side to provide pivotable connections between trays. A flat orientation of the trays enables splicing and coiling of fibers as they are loaded into a tray. The trays then pivot into a fiber storage position. Special features of the hinges provide support for fibers and splices as they are loaded into the trays. The hinges protect the fibers as the trays are pivoted as well as when the trays are in their folded position for storage without requiring buffer tubes. Multiple architectures for the organization of fibers are enabled without violating minimal bend radii, and while providing for ease of separation of individual fibers or groups of fibers.

Abstract: An air dam (35) is place between free tape (13) extending to a reel (11) and the reel (11). During high speed winding operations, the air dam (35) interrupts air flow toward the convergence (17) of the free tape (13) with the reel (11). This reduces a tendency for air entrainment in tape (15) packed on the reel (11) during the high speed winding operations.

Abstract: A read/write tape head structure is utilized to access data from a tape, the tape including plural parallel tracks and exhibiting a tape width W1. The read/write tape head structure includes a fixed tape support which supports linear travel of the tape thereover. The fixed tape support exhibits a width W2 which is substantially the same as tape width W1. A transducer associated with the fixed tape support provides read/write capabilities and exhibits a width w which is less than either W1 or W2. An actuator moves the transducer transversely across tape width W1 to enable a positioning thereof at each of a plurality of parallel tracks on the tape. The actuator moves the transducer so that it physically remains within width W2 of the fixed tape support.

Abstract: A recording tape take-up reel assembly, comprising an annular hub having a top, a bottom, an axis of rotation and a radial surface, a first and second sub flange concentric with the annular hub, each sub flange having a top surface, a bottom surface and an outside circumferential edge surface, wherein the edge surface is adapted to have a tape wound thereon, and wherein the bottom surface of the first sub flange is concentrically attached to the top surface of the hub and the top surface of the second sub flange is concentrically attached to the bottom surface of the hub; and a first and second main flange concentric with the annular hub and the sub flanges, each main flange having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the first main flange is concentrically attached to the top surface of the first sub flange and the top surface of the second main flange is concentrically attached to the bottom surface of the second sub flange.