Abstract: A data tape drive senses the ambient temperature and the relative humidity of the environment in which the tape drive is operating. The tension exerted on the data tape by the tape drive is then adjusted as a function of the temperature and/or humidity. When the tape is more rigid at low temperature/humidity, the tension is increased. At nominal temperature/humidity, a nominal tape tension is used. However, under elevated conditions a lower tension is utilized to avoid damaging the tape. The sensors also may be used to completely prohibit drive and tape operation when the tape drive is in an extreme environment that is beyond an acceptable design range. Tape acceleration profiles due to atmospheric conditions are changed based on the propensity of the tape to stick to the head.

Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and storage library for storing data. A data storage cartridge includes a data storage device and the data storage device includes a storage medium and a power supply. A transfer station includes an interface capable of mating with the data storage cartridge to perform data transfer operations with respect to the storage medium in the data storage device.

Abstract: An electrical connection of a transfer station releasably, repeatably electrically couples with respect to a matching connection of a portable cartridge. A substrate in the portable cartridge has electrical contacts on a facing surface. In the transfer station, a matching circuitized flexible substrate has electrical contacts on a facing surface thereof, which are arranged to match the portable cartridge electrical contacts when in a face-to-face relationship. An elastomeric compression element, at the rear of the matching substrate, has individual protruding compression members contacting the rear surface and registered with corresponding individual electrical contacts. Elongated electrical contacts are registered with two adjacent individual compression members.

Abstract: A device for mechanically isolating the media tape reel of a data tape cartridge from its outer protective housing utilizes a compliant, cylindrical object. The object prevents relative movement between the reel and the housing in three degrees of freedom. The object is inserted into an opening in the housing of the tape cartridge for applying force against the reel. The compliant nature of the object allows it to be retained in the opening and engage the hub of the reel. The reel is pushed and held against an inner surface of the housing to prevent axial, radial, and rotational motion of the reel relative to the housing.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge having an data storage device, such as an encased magnetic disk drive assembly, is, in one embodiment, of generally an exterior dimensional form factor of a tape cartridge having a leader block with a hole therethrough for engagement by a threading pin. To distinguish the cartridge from a tape cartridge, the cartridge shell comprises a blocking portion at the location of the leader block hole. A transfer station both identifies the cartridge and indicates the presence of the cartridge at an end of travel in a cartridge receiver, employing an optical source and an opposed sensor directed toward the leader block hole when a cartridge is at the end of travel. In another embodiment, an encased magnetic disk drive assembly is supported and mounted in a cartridge shell by a shock mount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to dispose a tape around the hub portion of a rotatable reel disposed within a tape cartridge, said hub including a pair of flanges extending outwardly therefrom and arranged to contain said tape, each of said flanges having an inner surface, said tape disposed on said hub such that a first edge of a first portion of said tape is disposed on the inner surface of a first flange and such that neither of the edges of a second portion of the tape are disposed on the inner surface of that first flange.