Abstract: The improved magnetic tape cartridge includes a leader block retainer mechanism that provides a positive locking function to automatically secure the leader block in place in the opening of the magnetic tape cartridge housing. The leader block retainer mechanism comprises detent members springably attached to both the top and bottom sides of the housing, juxtaposed to the opening, to engage corresponding features on the leader block to resist withdrawal of the leader block from the housing.

Abstract: The take-up reel is used in conjunction with a leader block that securely fastens the magnetic tape in the leader block such that the magnetic tape exits an aperture at one end of the leader block. The take-up reel accepts this leader block and completely seats it in an aperture contained in the take-up reel hub to ensure that no segment of the leader block protrudes from the take-up reel hub. The top and bottom plates of the take-up reel include guide slots to automatically position and align the leader block that is transported by the tape threading arm from the magnetic tape cartridge.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which threads a tape media leader block from a 3480-type cartridge to a takeup reel by aligning the tape media directly above the tape threading path, seating the leader block in the takeup reel, and lowering the tape media downwards onto the helical tape threading path guides by concurrently lowering the takeup reel and the tape cartridge onto the associated drive motor spindles. When the tape media is thus positioned in the tape threading path, the helical scan mechanism can then operate in conventional fashion to wrap a length of the tape media around the scanner for reading and writing data on the tape media.

Abstract: A mechanism for defining a write protect state of a data storage media enclosed in a housing of a data storage element is disclosed. The mechanism includes an aperture formed in an exterior surface of the housing, wherein the aperture has a first region and a second region. A member is movably secured within the aperture and is manually moveable between a first position wherein the member is positioned proximate the aperture first region, and a second position wherein the member is positioned proximate the aperture second region. A first human intelligible mark is placed on the housing proximate the aperture first region. The first human intelligible mark depicts a portion of a predetermined symbol corresponding to one of a write enabled state and a write protect state of the data storage media. A second human intelligible mark is placed on the member. The second human intelligible mark depicts a remaining portion of the symbol.

Abstract: A buffered access system for loading and unloading media from a storage library system without interfering with the operation of the robotic arm within the storage library, while maintaining the security and integrity of the system, and increasing the overall storage capacity of the storage library. The buffered access system includes an automatic stack loader coupled to the exterior of the library module enabling the operator to stack multiple data cartridges to be input into the library module and to remove data storage cartridges automatically stacked in an output tray. The automatic stack loader retrieves and inserts the data storage cartridges in sequence from and into the library module through a cartridge access port to a turntable mechanism located in the interior of the library module.

Abstract: A linear threading apparatus for threading a tape through a predetermined path in a tape transport mechanism. The tape transport mechanism typically has an elevator assembly to receive a single-reel tape cartridge having a web of tape and a leader block, a tape drive assembly for reading and writing data on the tape, and a take-up reel assembly for receiving the tape. The linear threading mechanism includes a platform having a cam track positioned above the predetermined path that the tape is to travel. The platform has a linear bearing mechanism which provides a linear track from a point proximate to the elevator assembly to a point proximate to the take-up reel. A linear arm is attached to and travels freely over the linear bearing mechanism. Pivotally attached to the linear arm is a threading arm which is coupled with and travels in the cam track as the linear arm travels along the linear bearing mechanism. The linear arm is connected to and controlled by a belt and motor assembly.

Abstract: A universal data storage element presents a data storage element of uniform form factor while enables the selection of media types to provide variable data recording characteristics. Using multiple types of media in an automated library system or a manually operated media storage retrieval system is now possible with a uniform form factor exists in all of the data storage elements. Physical characteristics of the media are identified by a plurality of coding apertures outside the data storage element. A drive element decodes and identifies the type of media from the apertures.

Abstract: The improved leader block uses a substantially rectangular body that is equipped with two tape guide projections which form, in conjunction with the front of the body, a U-shaped channel open at one end and adapted to received the end of the magnetic tape that extends through the opening in the housing of the magnetic tape cartridge. The size and shape of this U-shaped channel substantially corresponds to the dimensions of the magnetic tape in order to precisely align the magnetic tape within the channel and with reference to the leader block body. The section of the front of the leader block body that constitutes the bottom of the U-shaped channel includes a plurality of parallel oriented, spaced apart grooves inscribed therein. These grooves extend from the top tape guide projection to the bottom tape guide projection in order to provide slots to receive corresponding projections that are included on the surface of the cover of the leader block.

Abstract: The magnetic tape cartridge having a self docking leader block makes use of guide slots formed in the interior surface of the top and bottom plates of the cartridge housing, juxtaposed to the leader block opening in the housing, to mate with corresponding projections on the leader block. The guide slots are open at one end to capture the projections on the leader block and shaped to precisely guide the leader block along a predefined path into the opening.

Abstract: The universal data storage element presents a of uniform form factor that enables the user to vary the contents to include a selection of media types to provide variable data storage and/or recording characteristics. The physical characteristics of the media located within the data storage element are identified by a coding arrangement located on the exterior housing of the data storage element. The data storage element self identification apparatus consists of a plurality of coding apertures arranged in a linear array and located along one edge of the exterior housing of the data storage element. These coding apertures are placed as a function of the type of media contained within the data storage element or various data management characteristics of this media. The coding apertures are implemented by inserting a block into a corresponding recess in the front of the housing. One of the apertures is manually definable by a slide mechanism to enable a user to set the write protect status of the media.

Abstract: The improved magnetic tape cartridge includes a leader block latch mechanism that includes an arm pivotally connected to the magnetic tape cartridge housing. A first end of the latch arm is accessible to the tape drive via an aperture in the magnetic tape cartridge housing and engagable with a feature on the leader block. The latch arm is normally in a first position where the first end of the latch arm engages a feature on the leader block to prevent its withdrawal from the magnetic tape cartridge housing. A spring biases the latch arm in the first position to maintain the leader block locked status as the preferred state. The tape drive uses a leader block latch release pin which enters the magnetic tape cartridge through an aperture in the housing to reposition the latch arm to a second position where the leader block is free to exit the magnetic tape cartridge housing.