Abstract: A universal tape path subassembly that forms a data storage tape supply and path and fits within tape cartridge housings of varying form factors. The universal subassembly includes registration datum features and surfaces that can be made accessible externally to a tape cartridge (containing the tape path subassembly) for aligning the tape path subassembly relative to a drive unit adapted to receive the tape cartridge.

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 is disclosed. The helical transport includes a chassis having a front end portion and a 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 portion. 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 seizing the tape from the tape loading path and for at least partially wrapping the tape around the rotary head.

Abstract: A universal tape path subassembly that forms a data storage tape supply and path and fits within tape cartridge housings of varying form factors. The universal subassembly includes registration datum features and surfaces that can be made accessible externally to a tape cartridge (containing the tape path subassembly) for aligning the tape path subassembly relative to a drive unit adapted to receive the tape cartridge.

Abstract: A coupling for driving a magnetic tape reel uses the interface between a flat surface on the coupling and datum pads on the reel to locate the reel. The coupling includes a drive ring with ring teeth located around a drive shaft. The ring teeth engage mating teeth on the tape reel. The coupling also includes a datum ring having an annular surface located about the drive shaft. The annular surface contacts datum pads on the tape reel to axially position the tape reel relative to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A data storage tape drive system includes a data storage tape cartridge and a tape drive mechanism. The data storage tape cartridge includes a tape reel including a circular ring of teeth projecting in a direction generally parallel to an axis of rotation thereof and an engagement surface spaced radially from the circular ring of teeth. The tape drive mechanism includes a drive hub including a circular ring of teeth projecting in a direction generally parallel to an axis of rotation thereof and an engagement feature spaced radially from the circular ring of teeth of the drive hub. When the drive hub is operatively engaged with the tape reel, the teeth of the drive hub are engaged with the teeth of the tape reel and the engagement feature of the drive hub is engaged with the engagement surface of the tape reel so as to control operative engagement between the data storage tape cartridge and the tape drive mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving a tape cartridge with respect to a read/write head in a media system, wherein the tape cartridge includes a tape stored on tape reels. The apparatus includes a housing having a base, and a plurality of flexures extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the base and having first and second ends. The first ends are attached to the housing. A deck is configured for holding a tape cartridge with the tape exposed at one end of the deck. The deck is attached to the second ends of the flexures. The flexures are sufficiently flexible to allow movement of the deck with respect to the base for moving the tape toward and away from the read/write head. A shuttle interlock mechanism is positioned between the deck and a movable shuttle for selectively locking the shuttle with respect to the deck to prevent damage to the read/write head. A substantially H-shaped flexure connects the deck to a vertically movable motor plate to prevent backlash.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge having a misinsertion notch. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel and a storage tape. The housing includes a base and a cover, each defining a front, a back, a first side and a second side. The misinsertion notch is defined in the base, extending from the front of the base and along the first side of the base. The misinsertion notch has a length less than approximately one-half a length of the first side of the base for facilitating proper insertion into a receiving frame.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge having a reinforcing tape reel lock. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing defined by a first housing section and a second housing section, a hub pin extending from an interior surface of the first housing section, a tape reel assembly rotatably maintained by the hub pin and a storage tape wrapped about the tape reel assembly. The tape reel assembly includes a hub, opposing tape flanges and a brake body. The hub includes a tape receiving portion interiorly secured to a post, the post defining an axial bore sized to receive the hub pin. The brake body is retractably associated with an axial end of the hub and includes a braking surface and an interior support surface. The braking surface is configured for selective engagement with the second housing section. The interior support surface is configured to abut the post of the hub.

Abstract: A tape guide in a tape cartridge for use with a tape drive includes a fixed shaft and a cylindrical sleeve positioned around the shaft. The sleeve has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the sleeve engages the shaft such that there is friction between the sleeve and the shaft. This friction is overcome by friction between tape and the outer surface of the sleeve when the tape engages the outer surface of the sleeve causing the sleeve to rotate around the shaft as the tape moves. The friction between the tape and the outer surface of the shaft decreases below the friction between the sleeve and the shaft once the tape moves at a velocity sufficient to develop an air film between the tape and the outer surface of the sleeve causing the sleeve to cease rotation around the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving a tape cartridge with respect to a read/write head in a media system, wherein the tape cartridge includes a tape stored on tape reels. The apparatus includes a housing having a base, and a plurality of flexures extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the base and having first and second ends. The first ends are attached to the housing. A deck is configured for holding a tape cartridge with the tape exposed at one end of the deck. The deck is attached to the second ends of the flexures. The flexures are sufficiently flexible to allow movement of the deck with respect to the base for moving the tape toward and away from the read/write head. A shuttle interlock mechanism is positioned between the deck and a movable shuttle for selectively locking the shuttle with respect to the deck to prevent damage to the read/write head. A substantially H-shaped flexure connects the deck to a vertically movable motor plate to prevent backlash.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge having an exposed base plate datum for improved tape registration. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing defined by a first housing section and a second housing section, a base plate, at least one tape reel and a storage tape. The base plate is disposed within the housing and includes a reference portion that is exposed through a protected opening in the first housing section. In one preferred embodiment, the first housing section protects the base plate, including the reference portion. The at least one tape reel is rotatably associated with the base plate. Finally, the storage tape is maintained by the at least one tape reel within the housing. Upon insertion of the data storage tape cartridge into a tape drive, a registration device engages the reference portion of the base plate to determine and precisely control location of the storage tape relative to a read/write head.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving a tape cartridge with respect to a read/write head in a media system, wherein the tape cartridge includes a tape stored on tape reels. The apparatus includes a housing having a base, and a plurality of flexures extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the base and having first and second ends. The first ends are attached to the housing. A deck is configured for holding a tape cartridge with the tape exposed at one end of the deck. The deck is attached to the second ends of the flexures. The flexures are sufficiently flexible to allow movement of the deck with respect to the base for moving the tape toward and away from the read/write head. A shuttle interlock mechanism is positioned between the deck and a movable shuttle for selectively locking the shuttle with respect to the deck to prevent damage to the read/write head. A substantially H-shaped flexure connects the deck to a vertically movable motor plate to prevent backlash.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge having a misinsertion notch. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel and a storage tape. The housing includes a base and a cover, each defining a front, a back, a first side and a second side. The misinsertion notch is defined in the base, extending from the front of the base and along the first side of the base. The misinsertion notch has a length less than approximately one-half a length of the first side of the base for facilitating proper insertion into a receiving frame.

Abstract: A device senses a mechanical shock to a component, such as a tape cartridge, and provides indication thereof to a reader mechanism upon inquiry by the reader mechanism. The device, secured to the component, includes a sensing structure which reacts to a shock event. The device also includes a transmission for transmitting the occurrence of a shock event prior to use of the component upon appropriate inquiry by the reader mechanism.

Abstract: A plug inserted into the access opening of a tape cartridge to prevent movement of the reel inside the cartridge. Damage to the tape media is thus prevented by contact of the reel with the tape media. The plug may also be used to seal the access opening and eliminate environmental contamination which would otherwise enter therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for making minute adjustments to a rotary adjuster, such as head alignment of a helical scan device, includes reduction means for receiving an angular displacement and transmitting a reduced angular displacement to an adjustment tool. The adjustment tool is inserted into the top of a rotary adjuster of the helical scan device. The reduction means allows for a complete turn of the knob to produce a minute adjustment to the helical scan device. The adjustment apparatus may be mounted to the helical scan device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for profiling the velocity of a leader block to optimize thread time in a helical scan transport uses a substantially triangular velocity profile. Local changes in acceleration and tape back tension are used to dynamically control the position of the leader block to avoid collisions with guide posts and other transport components adjacent the tape path.