Abstract: A roller includes an outer cylindrical portion and an inner cylindrical portion arranged concentrically with the outer cylindrical portion. A plurality of connection spokes are provided for connecting the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion to each other, wherein each of the connection spokes are connected along a non-linear connection path with respect to an axis extending between the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion of the roller to provide a tunable spring constant in the roller.

Abstract: A cartridge tape door opener for DC2000 and TRAVAN tape cartridges. The present invention utilizes a rotatable arm to engage a rear edge of a tape door located on the tape cartridges. The interaction of the rotatable arm with the tape door edge causes the tape door to rotate open allowing access to magnetic tape inside the tape cartridge by a read/write head. This rotatable arm is spring loaded such that once the tape door is opened, the arm can be moved to the side and out of the way of an TRAVAN tape cartridge. When a DC2000 tape cartridge is used, the rotatable arm acts as a fixed door opening rail and does not rotate. By utilizing this new tape door opener, both types of tape cartridges may be used in a single tape drive.

Abstract: A positioning system for a magnetic head for a tape drive has a tiltable lead screw between the magnetic head and a guide pin, providing reduced backlash with a low cost mechanism. Placing the lead screw between the magnetic head and the guide pin creates a pivot point at the guide pin, reducing backlash. Making the lead screw tiltable enables low precision, low cost mounting of the lead screw. Azimuth and zenith precision are controlled primarily by the guide pin, which is also low cost. Azimuth is adjustable by setting a screw that controls the angle between the drive chassis and the head motion system baseplate.

Abstract: An alignment and latching apparatus for a drive mechanism for data tape mini-cartridges. The alignment and latching apparatus enables the drive to use a new mini-cartridge while retaining backward compatibility with older smaller mini-cartridges. The mini-cartridges have a plastic top cover and a rigid metal baseplate. For some embodiments, an alignment datum is defined by three reference points on the bottom of the mini-cartridge baseplate. In other embodiments, the alignment datum is split with two reference points on the top of the baseplate and one reference point on bottom of the baseplate. Alignment and latching forces are applied on both the plastic cover and onto the baseplate. In some embodiments, alignment force on the top cover is provided by flat springs. In alternative embodiments, alignment force on the top cover is provided by spring loaded rollers.

Abstract: A tape drive for a data tape mini-cartridge. Cartridges of interest have an internal capstan for an internal drive belt driven by a drive roller in the tape drive. The tape drive has a drive roller directly on a rotating exterior surface of the motor. In one example embodiment, the motor has an external rotor. In an example embodiment, no part of the motor diameter extends below or above the data cartridge. No intermediate rollers or belts are required. The motor stator is preferably mounted onto a metal support plate for heat conduction from the stator into the support plate. The motor preferably has space between the rotor and the support plate for air to flow into the stator for convection cooling. In addition, the motor rotor preferably includes cooling fins and air flow holes for additional convection cooling. A spring is mounted between the motor support plate and a chassis to provide a force holding the drive roller against the cartridge capstan.

Abstract: A tape drive having a protection barrier to keep improperly inserted tape cartridges from damaging the read/write head. In a first embodiment of the invention, a short protection wall is positioned in front of the read/write head. This protection wall prevents a tape cartridge inserted sideways into the tape drive from contacting the read/write head. The protection wall also prevents a partially opened cartridge door from striking the read/write head. In a second and third embodiment of the invention, one or more protection pins are used to protect the read/write head. These protection pins also keep a cartridge inserted sideways into the tape drive or a cartridge door partially opened from striking the read/write head.

Abstract: The data storage cartridge drive is designed to securely accommodate and align more than one size cartridge. Reference surfaces are provided for cartridge to drive alignment in a manner so as to enhance stability, particularly during periods when the drive may experience shock or vibration. An additional reference surface is provided to supply added resistance to shock and vibration.

Abstract: An alignment and latching apparatus for a drive mechanism for data tape mini-cartridges. The alignment and latching apparatus enables the drive to use a new mini-cartridge while retaining backward compatibility with older smaller mini-cartridges. The mini-cartridges have a plastic top cover and a rigid metal baseplate. For some embodiments, an alignment datum is defined by three reference points on the bottom of the mini-cartridge baseplate. In other embodiments, the alignment datum is split with two reference points on the top of the baseplate and one reference point on bottom of the baseplate. Alignment and latching forces are applied on both the plastic cover and onto the baseplate. In some embodiments, alignment force on the top cover is provided by flat springs. In alternative embodiments, alignment force on the top cover is provided by spring loaded rollers.

Abstract: A magnetic head positioning mechanism for a tape backup device includes a carriage carrying the head that has an opening with a substantially conical surface, a guide rod extending through the carriage that restricts translation of the carriage to motion along a predetermined axis, a lead screw extending into the opening in the carriage that is driven by a stepper motor via a gear train, a follower nut threaded on the upper portion of the lead screw for translating the carriage and head along the axis as the lead screw is rotated by the stepper motor, and a spring for urging the carriage into contact with the follower nut. The base end of the lead screw has a conical indentation that contacts and rotates on the rounded end of a protrusion extending from the chassis. The relative positions of this indentation and protrusion can be reversed, if desired. The follower nut includes a rounded (or spherical) surface for contacting the conical surface within the opening in the carriage.

Abstract: A striker bar assembly includes a striker bar body having a recess at each of its opposite ends opening through top, bottom and end wall surfaces. The striker bar body has a flat impact surface perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces. Generally T-shaped end members have legs for disposition in the striker body recesses. The wall surfaces of the striker body and legs of the members are spaced to provide a gap into which dampening material is provided. The gaps at each end of the striker bar assembly are of identical width in a front-to-back direction.

Abstract: A paper shear includes a flat disk with unsharpened edges pivotally mounted on an assembly carried by the printer carriage. The paper shear is pivoted between paper shearing engaged and disengaged positions relative to a shear platen. The mounting assembly includes a linear actuator and a mounting plate cooperable to pivot the paper shear into the engaged position at an extreme end of carriage travel and maintain it in the engaged position upon movement of the carriage in the opposite direction to shear the paper. The actuator and plate are then relatively displaced at the opposite extreme end of travel to pivot the paper shear into its disengaged position, whereby printing can be resumed.

Abstract: A printer has one or more tractor sets for continuously feeding paper along first and second paper paths. One tractor set may be pivoted between positions for feeding paper from the front or bottom of the printer along the first paper path. Where one tractor set is used, it may be removed from the first feed path and disposed along the second paper path to feed paper along the second paper path for printing. Where two tractor sets are provided, the second set is disposed along the second paper path to feed the paper along the second path for printing. The tractor sets are detachable and usable in each of the three tractor set feed positions. Other features include eccentric bearings, resilient roller assemblies, an integrally molded mainframe and a cartridge assembly having a one-way ribbon advance clutch and a tensioning device before the mobius loop.

Abstract: A printer has one or more tractor sets for continuously feeding paper along first and second paper paths. One tractor set may be pivoted between positions for feeding paper from the front or bottom of the printer along the first paper path. Where one tractor set is used, it may be removed from the first feed path and disposed along the second paper path to feed paper along the second paper path for printing. Where two tractor sets are provided, the second set is disposed along the second paper path to feed the paper along the second path for printing. The tractor sets are detachable and usable in each of the three tractor set feed positions. Other features include eccentric bearings, resilient roller assemblies, an integrally molded mainframe and a cartridge assembly having a one-way ribbon advance clutch and a tensioning device before the mobius loop.