Abstract: A tape guide roller, for use with a tape drive that is configured to receive a length of tape, includes a roller body having an outer surface with one or more grooved areas and one or more non-grooved areas. The one or more grooved areas make up seventy-five percent or less of the outer surface, and the one or more non-grooved areas make up at least twenty-five percent of the outer surface. Furthermore, the one or more grooved areas are configured to affect traction between the roller body and the tape as the tape passes over the roller body.

Abstract: A tape guide roller is provided for use with a tape drive configured to receive a length of tape. The tape guide roller includes a roller body having an outer surface for receiving the tape thereon, and flanges on opposite ends of the roller body. At least one of the flanges has a portion with a serpentine configuration in cross-section.

Abstract: A tape guide roller, for use with a tape drive that is configured to receive a length of tape, includes a roller body having an outer surface with one or more grooved areas and one or more non-grooved areas. The one or more grooved areas make up seventy-five percent or less of the outer surface, and the one or more non-grooved areas make up at least twenty-five percent of the outer surface. Furthermore, the one or more grooved areas are configured to affect traction between the roller body and the tape as the tape passes over the roller body.

Abstract: A tape drive, which is configured to receive a tape cartridge having a cartridge leader attached to magnetic tape, includes a take-up reel and a drive leader that is attachable to the cartridge leader. The drive leader has an attachment location attached to the take-up reel and a tapered portion proximate the attachment location.

Abstract: A data storage device is provided with a housing having an access opening, a pair of tape reels and dual sided data tape. The access opening is adjacent to a tape path for access of each tape side. A tape drive is provided with a pair of read/write heads, each having a first position to receive the tape, and a second position for engaging one side of the tape for performing a read/write function. A method is disclosed for reading and/or writing data with a data storage device by providing a housing having an access opening, a pair of tape reels, and dual sided tape. The data storage device is loaded to a tape drive having a pair of read/write heads that are actuated to engage the data tape sides. The tape is conveyed along the pair of read/write heads while a read/write function is performed.

Abstract: A tape drive, which is configured to receive a tape cartridge having a cartridge leader attached to magnetic tape, includes a take-up reel and a drive leader that is attachable to the cartridge leader. The drive leader has an attachment location attached to the take-up reel and a tapered portion proximate the attachment location.

Abstract: A tape drive, which is configured to receive a tape cartridge having a cartridge leader attached to magnetic tape, includes a take-up reel and a drive leader that is attachable to the cartridge leader. The drive leader has an attachment location attached to the take-up reel and a tapered portion proximate the attachment location.

Abstract: A data storage device is provided with a housing having an access opening, a pair of tape reels and dual sided data tape. The access opening is adjacent to a tape path for access of each tape side. A tape drive is provided with a pair of read/write heads, each having a first position to receive the tape, and a second position for engaging one side of the tape for performing a read/write function. A method is disclosed for reading and/or writing data with a data storage device by providing a housing having an access opening, a pair of tape reels, and dual sided tape. The data storage device is loaded to a tape drive having a pair of read/write heads that are actuated to engage the data tape sides. The tape is conveyed along the pair of read/write heads while a read/write function is performed.

Abstract: A tape transport roller for a tape drive includes a roller body having a longitudinal axis and first and second grooves that each run obliquely to the axis. The grooves are configured to vent air disposed between the roller body and magnetic tape traveling across the roller body.