Abstract: An apparatus for locking a rotatable portion of a storage device is provided. The apparatus comprises a component irrotatably engaged with the rotatable portion, the component having first teeth for engaging second teeth disposed on a surface irrotatable with respect to the component. A spring is disposed between the component and the reel to urge engagement of the first teeth and the second teeth. The component is slidably engaged with the reel such that by pulling on the component, the component slides with respect to the reel and the first teeth disengage from the second teeth, thereby permitting the reel and the component to rotate. A method for accessing media disposed on the reel includes pushing the reel away from a bottom portion of the storage device, pulling down on the component to disengage the first teeth from the second teeth, and rotating the reel to access the media.

Abstract: The write protect mechanism provides a method for identifying the write protect state of the tape media enclosed in a tape cartridge from at least two orientations. A write protect switch on the front side of the tape cartridge housing moves to block the write protect aperture on the side of the tape cartridge housing when the write protect switch is in the write enable position and away from the aperture in the write protect position. A write protect indicator on the tape cartridge top cover includes a window that allows the user to view the position of the write protect switch by viewing the top of the switch. The top of the switch may include an arrow that moves corresponding to the position of the write protect switch, thus providing a means for the user to determine the write protect state. Human readable icons or color combinations on the write protect switch and/or adjacent to the write protect indicator clearly indicate the write protect state of the tape media enclosed within the tape cartridge.

Abstract: A protective cartridge case for housing a storage cartridge is provided. The protective cartridge case includes a housing having a top and bottom portion for enclosing a storage cartridge, the top and bottom portions having major surfaces that oppose each other along a vertical direction, and a latch member for selectively securing the top portion and bottom portion in a closed position. The latch member secures the top and bottom portion in a closed position with substantially zero tension on the latch member in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A protective cartridge case for housing a storage cartridge having at least one reel is provided. The protective cartridge case includes a housing for enclosing the storage cartridge therein, the housing including a top portion and a bottom portion having opposing major inner surfaces in a closed position. A first absorbing member is disposed adjacent the inner surface of the top portion and a second absorbing member is disposed adjacent the inner surface of the bottom portion. The protective case further including a first absorbing member disposed adjacent the inner surface of the top portion and a second absorbing member disposed adjacent the inner surface of the bottom portion for absorbing forces on the cartridge during a shock event. Additional absorbing members may be disposed adjacent minor side surfaces of the housing for cushioning minor side surfaces of the cartridge.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge includes a housing having a reel disposed between an upper and a lower portion of the housing, the reel capable of movement within the cartridge housing. The data storage cartridge further includes a locking mechanism, where the locking mechanism selectively restricts movement of the reel within the cartridge housing. The reel may be selectively unlocked and locked to reduce the potential for damage during handling. The locking mechanism may be integrally formed with the cartridge housing, e.g., the locking mechanism is not removed from the cartridge when unlocked. In one example, the locking mechanism may include a cam actuator, where rotation of the cam actuator selectively restricts movement of the reel. The cam may be coaxially aligned with the reel and accessible from an exterior of the cartridge housing.

Abstract: The tape cartridge improved boss door provides a sleeve between the lower boss for the torsion spring to rotate around to decrease the stress applied to the top coil of the torsion spring. An improved catch contacts the top leg of the torsion spring at a point distant from the torsion spring coils to further reduce the force applied to the torsion spring and the frictional drag as the torsion spring rotates around the sleeve, thus decreasing the failure rate of the tape cartridge due to premature failure of the torsion spring.

Abstract: The 1U rack mount equipment enclosure with increased structural support, supports internal components without adding to the over all height of the 1U form factor. The peripheral device is mounted between front supports which bear the weight of the peripheral device. A central support provides support necessary to prevent deflection of the front supports. Rear supports between the central support and the rear side provide support to prevent the central support from bending due to the force placed on the central support by the front supports.

Abstract: The write protect mechanism provides a method for identifying the write protect state of the tape media enclosed in a tape cartridge from at least two orientations. A write protect switch on the front side of the tape cartridge housing moves to block the write protect aperture on the side of the tape cartridge housing when the write protect switch is in the write enable position and away from the aperture in the write protect position. A write protect indicator on the tape cartridge top cover includes a window that allows the user to view the position of the write protect switch by viewing the top of the switch. The top of the switch may include an arrow that moves corresponding to the position of the write protect switch, thus providing a means for the user to determine the write protect state. Human readable icons or color combinations on the write protect switch and/or adjacent to the write protect indicator clearly indicate the write protect state of the tape media enclosed within the tape cartridge.

Abstract: A peripheral mounting system for installing, removing and replacing peripheral devices from a chassis without the use of tools. A pair of side brackets secured to the chassis provide slots into which fasteners connected to the side of the peripheral device are installed to restrain the peripheral device. In an embodiment, clips protruding outward from the side of the slots allow the fasteners to slide into position while also retaining the peripheral device in the installed position. The pair of side brackets in conjunction with the fasteners on the peripheral device provide a means for mounting the peripheral device without requiring additional area above or below the peripheral device. A cover latching mechanism may securely latch the cover closed and provides additional retention of the peripheral device in the vertical direction.

Abstract: The present tape cartridge leader for single reel tape cartridges having improved connection performance includes an ovular aperture for mating with the take-up leader stem and tab. The ovular aperture comprises a stem and tab receiving aperture and a tab receiver segment wherein the tab receiver segment has a longitudinal length substantially greater than 0.15 inches.

Abstract: The 1U rack mount equipment enclosure with increased structural support, supports internal components without adding to the over all height of the 1U form factor. The peripheral device is mounted between front supports which bear the weight of the peripheral device. A central support provides support necessary to prevent deflection of the front supports. Rear supports between the central support and the rear side provide support to prevent the central support from bending due to the force placed on the central support by the front supports.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly for a singe reel tape cartridge for enclosing the tape media and retracting the leader tab when the tape cartridge is not in use. The sliding door assembly includes a sliding door to enclose the tape media, an auxiliary leader retractor to retract the leader tab, and an actuator integrally connected between the sliding door and the auxiliary leader retractor. When the sliding door is moved between the open and closed position the actuator pivots the auxiliary leader retractor to a corresponding open or closed position.

Abstract: A peripheral mounting system for installing, removing and replacing peripheral devices from a chassis without the use of tools. A pair of side brackets secured to the chassis provide slots into which fasteners connected to the side of the peripheral device are installed to restrain the peripheral device. In an embodiment, clips protruding outward from the side of the slots allow the fasteners to slide into position while also retaining the peripheral device in the installed position. The pair of side brackets in conjunction with the fasteners on the peripheral device provide a means for mounting the peripheral device without requiring additional area above or below the peripheral device. A cover latching mechanism may securely latch the cover closed and provides additional retention of the peripheral device in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly for a singe reel tape cartridge for enclosing the tape media and retracting the leader tab when the tape cartridge is not in use. The sliding door assembly includes a sliding door to enclose the tape media, an auxiliary leader retractor to retract the leader tab, and an actuator integrally connected between the sliding door and the auxiliary leader retractor. When the sliding door is moved between the open and closed position it actuates the auxiliary leader retractor that pivots to a corresponding open or closed position.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly for a singe reel tape cartridge for enclosing the tape media and retracting the leader tab when the tape cartridge is not in use. The sliding door assembly includes a sliding door to enclose the tape media, an auxiliary leader retractor to retract the leader tab, and an actuator integrally connected between the sliding door and the auxiliary leader retractor. When the sliding door is moved between the open and closed position it actuates the auxiliary leader retractor that pivots to a corresponding open or closed position.

Abstract: A retracting door assembly that overcomes the requirement for providing excessive area within the tape drive for the retracting door to open and close and for the retracting door during operation. When the tape cartridge is inserted into the tape drive, an engaging apparatus pivotally attached to the retracting door makes contact with the indentation in the tape drive. As the tape cartridge is inserted further into the tape drive, the engaging apparatus is pushed into the tape cartridge and draws the pivotally attached retracting door into the tape cartridge. Drawing the retracting door into the tape cartridge while it is opening reduces the arch the retracting door travels internal to the tape drive as it is opening, thus reducing the area within the tape drive required for operation.

Abstract: A helical scan transport apparatus for reading and writing data on to a magnetic recording tape which is wound on a supply reel rotatably mounted within a removable tape cartridge includes a chassis having a front end portion and rear end portion. An elevator assembly is mounted on the chassis at the front end. The elevator assembly is configured to receive the tape cartridge and to position the tape cartridge in a loaded position. A take-up reel assembly is coupled to the chassis at the rear end position. A helical deck is mounted on a central portion of the chassis between the elevator assembly and the take-up reel assembly. The helical deck includes a rotary read/write head, a substantially linear tape loading path between the elevator assembly and the take-up reel assembly, and a movable guide for the seizing the tape from the tape loading path and for at least partially wrapping the tape around the rotary head.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly for a singe reel tape cartridge for enclosing the tape media and retracting the leader tab when the tape cartridge is not in use. The sliding door assembly includes a sliding door to enclose the tape media, an auxiliary leader retractor to retract the leader tab, and an actuator integrally connected between the sliding door and the auxiliary leader retractor. When the sliding door is moved between the open and closed position it actuates the auxiliary leader retractor that pivots to a corresponding open or closed position.