Abstract: A tape drive apparatus is for a tape medium having a magnetic segment for magnetically transducing information and an identification segment carrying a medium identification pattern and a segment identification pattern. The tape drive apparatus has a data transfer apparatus configured to transfer data between the tape medium and the tape drive apparatus, a reader configured to read a signal representative of the identification segment, a detector configured to detect the segment identification pattern in the signal, and a decoder configured to decode the medium identification pattern in response to the detection of the segment identification pattern.

Abstract: A tape medium has an identification segment located on a transparent leader segment of the tape medium for optical detection of the segment identification pattern. The segment identification pattern and the medium identification pattern have a predefined spatial relationship, enabling photo-optical detection of the segment identification pattern and reading of the medium identification pattern. The medium identification pattern carries various medium identification information, such as tape manufacturer, tape serial number and a tape medium property.

Abstract: A tape medium has an identification segment located on a transparent leader segment of the tape medium for optical detection of the segment identification pattern. The segment identification pattern and the medium identification pattern have a predefined spatial relationship, enabling photo-optical detection of the segment identification pattern and reading of the medium identification pattern. The medium identification pattern carries various medium identification information, such as tape manufacturer, tape serial number and a tape medium property.

Abstract: In a tape cartridge, a flexible spacer flexibly biases each winding of the spool of tape into alignment with a previous winding of the tape on a flangeless spool.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing data which employ a hard disk memory media which is operably supported within a cartridge shell to form a disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can be employed in the manner of a tape cartridge wherein the disk cartridge can be stored in a communicatively isolated condition until required for read/write operations whereupon the disk cartridge can be communicatively linked to another device which transmits data to, or receives data from, the disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can adhere to a given tape cartridge form factor so as to enable both tape cartridges and disk cartridges to be employed together in a single automated library system.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for enabling the mounting of a computer peripheral device to a peripheral device bay of a computer system comprises a mounting rail adapted to slideably engage a profile in the peripheral device bay. The mounting apparatus further includes an adhesive element adapted to attach the mounting rail to a side surface of the computer peripheral device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tape cartridge includes: a housing; a reel rotatably disposed in the housing; a reel lock operatively coupled to the reel, the reel lock operative between a first position in which the reel is locked and a second position in which the reel is unlocked; one of the housing or the reel lock having an insert and the other of the housing or the reel lock having a receiver, the insert sized and shaped to fit closely into the receiver and the insert slidable in the receiver; and a damper operatively coupled between the housing and the reel lock when the reel lock is in the second position.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a mounting rail that is attachable to a side surface of a peripheral device. The peripheral device side surface has a first key profile engageable with a second key profile of the mounting rail so that the mounting rail can be attached to the peripheral device. Alternatively, the mounting rail is attached to the side surface of the peripheral device by use of an adhesive member.

Abstract: A retention spring for a tape cartridge that both secures a leader pin and operates as a wide angle guide for directing the leader pin into the access port of the cartridge as the tape is being rewound onto the supply reel. The retention spring includes pairs of opposing guides, retention grooves, and binding elements. The guides define an entry for receiving a portion of the leader pin while the retention grooves define a retention slot for at least partially surrounding a portion of the leader pin. The binding elements each define a transition between one guide and one retention groove while providing resistance as the leader pin is urged between the entry and the retention slot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing data which employ a hard disk memory media which is operably supported within a cartridge shell to form a disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can be employed in the manner of a tape cartridge wherein the disk cartridge can be stored in a communicatively isolated condition until required for read/write operations whereupon the disk cartridge can be communicatively linked to another device which transmits data to, or receives data from, the disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can adhere to a given tape cartridge form factor so as to enable both tape cartridges and disk cartridges to be employed together in a single automated library system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing data which employ a hard disk memory media which is operably supported within a cartridge shell to form a disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can be employed in the manner of a tape cartridge wherein the disk cartridge can be stored in a communicatively isolated condition until required for read/write operations whereupon the disk cartridge can be communicatively linked to another device which transmits data to, or receives data from, the disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can adhere to a given tape cartridge form factor so as to enable both tape cartridges and disk cartridges to be employed together in a single automated library system.

Abstract: A retention spring for a tape cartridge that both secures a leader pin and operates as a wide angle guide for directing the leader pin into the access port of the cartridge as the tape is being rewound onto the supply reel. The retention spring includes pairs of opposing guides, retention grooves, and binding elements. The guides define an entry for receiving a portion of the leader pin while the retention grooves define a retention slot for at least partially surrounding a portion of the leader pin. The binding elements each define a transition between one guide and one retention groove while providing resistance as the leader pin is urged between the entry and the retention slot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing data which employ a hard disk memory media which is operably supported within a cartridge shell to form a disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can be employed in the manner of a tape cartridge wherein the disk cartridge can be stored in a communicatively isolated condition until required for read/write operations whereupon the disk cartridge can be communicatively linked to another device which transmits data to, or receives data from, the disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can adhere to a given tape cartridge form factor so as to enable both tape cartridges and disk cartridges to be employed together in a single automated library system.

Abstract: A retention spring for a tape cartridge that both secures a leader pin and operates as a wide angle guide for directing the leader pin into the access port of the cartridge as the tape is being rewound onto the supply reel. The retention spring includes pairs of opposing guides, retention grooves, and binding elements. The guides define an entry for receiving a portion of the leader pin while the retention grooves define a retention slot for at least partially surrounding a portion of the leader pin. The binding elements each define a transition between one guide and one retention groove while providing resistance as the leader pin is urged between the entry and the retention slot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing data which employ a hard disk memory media which is operably supported within a cartridge shell to form a disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can be employed in the manner of a tape cartridge wherein the disk cartridge can be stored in a communicatively isolated condition until required for read/write operations whereupon the disk cartridge can be communicatively linked to another device which transmits data to, or receives data from, the disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can adhere to a given tape cartridge form factor so as to enable both tape cartridges and disk cartridges to be employed together in a single automated library system.

Abstract: A resilient treadmill deck having a plurality of rigid and elastomeric spacers interconnecting the deck of treadmill with a pair of side members that form the frame of the treadmill to dampen the noise and vibration caused by the operation of the treadmill as well as to dampen the noise created by the user of the treadmill while providing a resilient surface for the user of the treadmill.