In Container Patents (Class 360/132)
  • Patent number: 8199433
    Abstract: A tape cartridge includes a housing and a length of magnetic tape disposed within the housing. Additionally, the tape cartridge includes at least one cartridge memory chip disposed within the housing and at least one RFID reader operably connected to at least one of the cartridge memory chips and configured to write at least one message to the cartridge memory chip based on a received RFID signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Randolph E. Stiarwalt
  • Patent number: 8194349
    Abstract: A recording medium cartridge includes: a recording medium that is a magnetic tape recording information; a reel body including a central shaft that takes up the recording medium and two frame plates that sandwich the taken up recording medium and face each other in a direction along the central shaft; a communication section performing communications wirelessly; and a destruction mechanism that destroys, in response to reception of a predetermined wireless signal in the communication section, the recording medium at least to the extent that reading of information by a reading device reading information from the recording medium is impossible. The destruction mechanism includes: a heating element attached to at least one of the two frame plates and supplied with electric power to generate heat, and an electric power supply section supplying electric power to the heating element in response to the reception of the wireless signal in the communication section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Junichi Sato
  • Patent number: 8174792
    Abstract: An opening-closing mechanism for a record medium is arranged to include a moving body moves, on which an inserting slot and a revolving door are provided; a supporting means for causing the revolving door to support by the moving body in openable and closeable manner in the form of opening in; a movement transmission means for enabling an opening and closing operation of the revolving door on condition of the movement of the moving body; and a concave space movably receives therein the moving body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yabashi, Noboru Yamaguchi, Takashi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8144428
    Abstract: The present invention provides a recording tape cartridge that when loaded in a drive device, generation of abrasion dust from a case can be restrained. The recording tape cartridge includes: a case in which a single reel with a recording tape being wound thereon is rotatably accommodated; a first region of the case, through which a plate spring provided in a drive device passes during loading of the recording tape cartridge into the drive device; and a second region of the case, which is disposed at a position higher than the first region and with which the plate spring comes into contact with pressure after the recording tape cartridge is loaded into the drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Shiga
  • Patent number: 8131263
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to using wireless identification tags (e.g., RFID tags) with backup media. In aspects, a wireless identification tag may be attached to, incorporated into, or otherwise associated with backup media, a container holding the backup media, or a location (e.g., a shelf) associated with the backup media. In response to a signal, this wireless identification tag may provide an identifier that uniquely identifies the wireless identification tag. This identifier may be associated with a data set that is stored or to be stored on the backup media. The wireless identification tag may be used to locate the backup media and to identify what is on particular backup media. In some embodiments, the wireless identification tag may store backup information thereon that may be subsequently retrieved and used identify what is on its associated backup media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Serguei N. Endrikhovski, Paul Michel Elrif
  • Publication number: 20120039002
    Abstract: A tape drive assembly for data storage on a magnetic tape includes a tape head, a cartridge receiver and a controller. The cartridge receiver selectively receives a cartridge having a test tape formatted at a predetermined location with standard drive compatible format with increased data redundancy enabling tape drives to read data in the presence of excessive errors in tape drives that exceed the capabilities of the native drive format error corrections code. The test tape is able to operate in a drive, with multiple defective heads, that said drive would not operate with a normal format tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: SALIBA TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: George A. Saliba
  • Patent number: 8091783
    Abstract: A cartridge reader device includes an RFID unit that reads cartridge memory (CM) data from an RFID tag of a data cartridge, a bar code unit that reads a bar code of the data cartridge, and a housing that encloses the RFID unit and the bar code unit. The housing encloses the RFID unit and the bar code unit and defines at least one receiving area configured to accept the data cartridge and enables the bar code unit to read the bar code data from the bar code of the data cartridge. The reader device further includes a pair of mirrors positioned within the housing that direct light emitted by the bar code reader to the bar code of the data cartridge along a u-shaped path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Robert S. Jackson, Jody L. Gregg, G. Phillip Rambosek
  • Patent number: 8089727
    Abstract: A data storage cartridge comprises data storage media configured to store data for read and/or write access, wherein the data may be arranged in a plurality of partitions; and a plurality of cartridge memories. A control system, for example of a data storage drive, is configured to allocate at least portions of capacity of the data storage media to cartridge memories of the data storage cartridge; and to provide information defining the allocated portions of capacity to the cartridge memories. Each of the cartridge memories may have a separate user and thus provide access for that user to separate partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Allen Keith Bates, Nils Haustein, James William Johnson, Craig Anthony Klein, Daniel James Winarski
  • Publication number: 20110273801
    Abstract: The invention is to provide a packing method for recording tape cartridges and a package of recording tape cartridges, which can prevent tape performance from being affected by humidity change when the recording tape cartridge is carried and can compact a storage case can be provided. In a packing method for recording tape cartridges and a package of recording tape cartridges of the invention, a plurality of recording tape cartridges are stored in a storage case, each of the recording tape cartridges including a case having an upper case and a lower case and accommodating therein a reel on which a recording tape is wound, at least one recording tape cartridge, in which at least one of the upper case and the lower case is formed of a resin material having a humidity controlling effect, is stored in the storage case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yosuke SUMIYA
  • Patent number: 8049991
    Abstract: A cartridge for use by print-disabled users to play digital audio content and a player having a receptacle for receiving the cartridge are provided. The cartridge includes a random-access digital storage device storing the digital audio content and having a connector providing access to the digital audio content; and a casing permanently housing the digital storage device and allowing access to the connector of the digital storage device. The casing has a form facilitating handling of the cartridge by the print-disabled users which includes bevelled edges, and has dimensions comparable to dimensions of a standard compact audio cassette. Preferably, the cartridge has a hole extending through the casing at its back end and a sloped surface on the bottom side of the casing at the back end. The receptacle has a form and shape facilitating insertion of the cartridge therein. It has a lower surface defining an elevated ramp along which the cartridge slides as it is inserted into the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Gilles Pépin, Alain Pare, Dominic R. Labbé, Gerard M. Chevalier, Thomas D. Haubert, Joseph A. Juratovac, Jeffrey R. Held, Jeffrey Michael Witt, Gregg Charles Vanderheiden, David Paul Kelso, Frank Kurt Cylke, Jean Marie Moss, Michael Gilbert Katzmann, Robert Edward Fistick, Michael Montfort Moodie, Alice Kathryn Baker
  • Patent number: 8049992
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tape reel, a recording tape cartridge, a take-up reel, a pullout member and a drive device that can control fluctuation of a recording tape in the axial direction of a hub and can, even when the recording tape is thinned in accompaniment with an increase in recording capacity, prevent the occurrence of tape edge damage. A tape reel 20 includes: a hub 22 on which is wound a recording tape T on which is recorded servo signals S that are a reference for tracking by a recording/playback head 88 of a drive device 70; and flanges 24 and 26 provided integrally at both end portions of the hub 22, wherein the diameter of a substantially central portion of the hub 22 is formed larger than the diameters of each of the end portions of the hub 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Shiga
  • Patent number: 8027122
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Vanderheyden, Richard H. Dee, Peter R. Coburn, William T. Veno
  • Patent number: 8014102
    Abstract: A data storage device has a cartridge with tape having data and landing zones. One of the landing zones is aligned with a head during stopping of advancement of the tape to minimize damage. A data storage system is provided with a data storage device with data and landing zones, a read/write head, a motor for driving the tape and a processor for identifying the landing zone locations. A method for minimizing damage to data tape conveys base film along a coating head while intermittently dispensing a magnetic layer and a rougher coating layer to form landing zones. A method for minimizing damage to data storage tape provides a cassette with tape having intermittent data and non-data regions, that is inserted into a tape drive and a read or write function is performed. The tape is advanced to align a non-data region with a head and advancement is discontinued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Kientz, Mark L. Watson
  • Patent number: 7975925
    Abstract: A cartridge reader device includes an RFID unit that reads cartridge memory (CM) data from an RFID tag of a data cartridge, a bar code unit that reads a bar code of the data cartridge, and a housing that encloses the RFID unit and the bar code unit. The housing defines a first receiving area configured to accept the data cartridge when the data cartridge is enclosed in a case, which enables the bar code unit to read the bar code data from the bar code of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is enclosed in the case, and a second receiving area configured to accept the data cartridge when the data cartridge is not enclosed in the case, which enables the bar code unit to read the bar code data from the bar code of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is not enclosed in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Robert S. Jackson, Jody L. Gregg, G. Phillip Rambosek
  • Publication number: 20110149438
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a unique identifier for data storage media is disclosed herein. The servo track of the data storage media is encoded one or more times with media manufacturer's data. The media manufacturer's data includes a variety of information including the unique identifier. The unique identifier differentiates among different media manufacturers, different spools or pancakes from which a given media comes from, and different media within a given spool or pancake. The unique identifier scheme is configured to facilitate standardization among media manufacturers while providing error correction and flexibility for future changes in format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Quantum Corporation
    Inventors: John A. KOSKI, Matthew V. Ball
  • Patent number: 7940496
    Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed with a housing sized for a tape drive. A tape reel is mounted for rotation within the housing and a guide is mounted in the housing spaced apart from the tape reel. A first end of a data tape segment is mounted to the tape reel and a second end is not mounted to the tape reel. A structural tape segment has a pair of ends mounted between the first and second ends of the data tape segment for structurally enhancing an intermediate region of the data tape segment. In another embodiment, a structurally enhanced intermediate region is advanced to a read/write region of the data storage device during storage of the device for preventing inadvertent damage to the data tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Vanderheyden
  • Publication number: 20110102943
    Abstract: A magnetic recording tape according to one embodiment includes a plurality of servo tracks, each servo track comprising a series of magnetically defined bars, wherein an average height of the bars is less than about 50 microns, wherein about eight to about twenty six data bands are present on the tape. A magnetic recording tape according to another embodiment includes a plurality of servo tracks, each servo track comprising a series of magnetically defined bars, wherein an angle between at least some of the bars is greater than about 10 degrees, wherein an average height of the bars is less than about 50 microns. A magnetic recording tape according to another embodiment includes at least about eight data bands, the data bands being defined between servo tracks, wherein about eight to about twenty six data bands are present on the tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Glenn Biskeborn, Wayne Isami Imaino
  • Patent number: 7918412
    Abstract: A recording tape cartridge that can secure the attached region of an RFID in a case is provided including: a case that has an upper case and a lower case and houses a reel around which a recording tape is wound; a restricting wall that is formed at least in the lower case and defines an area in which the reel is housed; a housing portion that is formed between the restricting wall and the corner of the case; and a planar RFID that is provided in the housing portion such that the rotational axis direction of the reel is a normal line direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Takenoshita, Shozo Onmori, Yosuke Sumiya
  • Publication number: 20110075296
    Abstract: A recording tape cartridge in which an ability to assemble a security tag into a case is excellent is provided. A recording tape cartridge includes: a case that accommodates a reel on which a recording tape is wound; a security tag having a substantially pillar shape, that is provided within the case, and that is adapted to transmit to and receive from an exterior; and a holding portion formed in the case, that holds the security tag by having the security tag fitted with the holding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yosuke SUMIYA, Shozo ONMORI
  • Patent number: 7911726
    Abstract: A data storage cartridge comprises data storage media configured to store data for read and/or write access, wherein the data may be arranged in a plurality of partitions; and a plurality of cartridge memories. A control system, for example of a data storage drive, is configured to allocate at least portions of capacity of the data storage media to cartridge memories of the data storage cartridge; and to provide information defining the allocated portions of capacity to the cartridge memories. Each of the cartridge memories may have a separate user and thus provide access for that user to separate partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Allen Keith Bates, Nils Haustein, James William Johnson, Craig Anthony Klein, Daniel James Winarski
  • Patent number: 7907363
    Abstract: A data storage cartridge comprises data storage media configured to store data for read and/or write access, wherein the data may be arranged in a plurality of partitions; and a plurality of cartridge memories. A control system, for example of a data storage drive, is configured to allocate at least portions of capacity of the data storage media to cartridge memories of the data storage cartridge; and to provide information defining the allocated portions of capacity to the cartridge memories. Each of the cartridge memories may have a separate user and thus provide access for that user to separate partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Allen Keith Bates, Nils Haustein, James William Johnson, Craig Anthony Klein, Daniel James Winarski
  • Patent number: 7881013
    Abstract: A recording tape cartridge houses a reel including a hub around which recording tape is wound and at least part of which is formed by a resin. The rigidity (modulus of elasticity) y in the radial direction of the hub and the creep deformation ratio x of the recording tape satisfy the conditions of y?87.3 exp(21.6x) and x>0.1. By setting the rigidity of the reel hub to match the creep deformation ratio of the recording tape so as to satisfy this relationship, creep deformation of the recording tape can be controlled at the smallest cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Ren Ishikawa, Minoru Sueki
  • Patent number: 7861961
    Abstract: A system for utilizing a tape leader in a tape drive system. The tape drive system receives a first tape leader and buckles the first tape leader to a drive reel leader. Then the tape drive system threads the first tape leader and a second tape leader connected to the first tape leader through a tape path within the tape drive system using the drive reel leader. After threading the first tape leader through the tape path, the tape drive system retracts head protect pins while the second tape leader is still in the tape path. Subsequent to retracting the head protect pins, the tape drive system performs read/write operations on a data storage media, which is coupled to the first tape leader via the second tape leader inserted between the first tape leader and the data storage media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Vanderheyden, Fred Winslow Livermore
  • Publication number: 20100309582
    Abstract: A recording medium cartridge includes: a recording medium that is a magnetic tape recording information; a reel body including a central shaft that takes up the recording medium and two frame plates that sandwich the taken up recording medium and face each other in a direction along the central shaft; a communication section performing communications wirelessly; and a destruction mechanism that destroys, in response to reception of a predetermined wireless signal in the communication section, the recording medium at least to the extent that reading of information by a reading device reading information from the recording medium is impossible. The destruction mechanism includes: a heating element attached to at least one of the two frame plates and supplied with electric power to generate heat, and an electric power supply section supplying electric power to the heating element in response to the reception of the wireless signal in the communication section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Junichi Sato
  • Patent number: 7841554
    Abstract: A recording tape cartridge can prevent release of rotation locking of a reel with respect to a case accompanying dropping of the recording tape cartridge. The tape recording cartridge is configured to rotatably accommodate within a case a reel that has magnetic tape wound on a reel hub. Within the reel hub, external teeth of a brake gear, of a brake member that is supported so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the case, mesh with an engaged gear having internal teeth, preventing rotation of the reel with respect to the case. Lock portions of lock members are inserted between the reel positioned biased to a bottom panel side by a compression coil spring, and a top panel, thereby preventing movement of the reel with respect to the case in the reel axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Takenoshita, Kazuo Hiraguchi
  • Patent number: 7813081
    Abstract: A tape cartridge includes a case, a magnetic tape stored in the case, and a write protect structure for blocking information recording onto the magnetic tape, in which the write protect structure includes, for example, a slidable write protect member and a retention member (e.g., a guide wall) capable of retaining the write protect member in a specified position, and the retention member is capable of reversibly retaining the write protect member at least in a first position and a second position and irreversibly retaining the write protect member in a third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Sogabe
  • Patent number: 7780106
    Abstract: The present invention provides a recording tape cartridge with a retention structure capable of stabilizing and retaining a memory board without deformation of the memory board. A recording tape cartridge includes a case for accommodating a reel on which recording tape is wound, the case formed by an upper case and a lower case and a non-contact memory board, on which various information is stored and which is disposed at a specific angle within the case. The lower case is formed with a position control member of substantially a C-shape in plan view for controlling the position of the memory board, and a support member for supporting the bottom face of the memory board at substantially the central portion thereof. The upper case is formed with retaining members that face portions of the top face of the memory board at both ends in the memory board length direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Sumiya, Yasushi Hatano
  • Patent number: 7780107
    Abstract: A recording tape cartridge includes a case that comprises an upper case and a lower case and houses a reel around which recording tape is wound. A regulating wall that defines an area in which the reel is housed is formed on the upper case and on the lower case. An attachment member is held between the regulating wall of the upper case and the regulating wall of the lower case so as to be disposed on an outer peripheral surface side of the regulating wall. The attachment member holds an RFID. There is provided a recording tape cartridge that can ensure an attachment region for an RFID inside a case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Shozo Onmori, Yosuke Sumiya, Kenji Takenoshita
  • Patent number: 7770835
    Abstract: A recording tape cartridge comprises: a case that comprises an upper case and a lower case and houses a reel around which recording tape is wound; a regulating wall that is formed at least on the lower case and defines an area in which the reel is housed; a holding wall that is formed a predetermined space away from an outer peripheral surface of the regulating wall; and an RFID that is housed in the space between the regulating wall and the holding wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Sumiya, Kenji Takenoshita, Shozo Onmori
  • Publication number: 20100142090
    Abstract: A library apparatus includes: a housing, a record medium storage shelf that stores information record media having a barcode for identification; an input-output device in which the information record medium is loaded and which inputs and outputs information to and from the loaded information record medium; a robot that transfers the information record medium between the record medium storage shelf and the input-output device; and a controller that controls operation of the robot; a read unit that is detachably attached to the robot and reads the barcode of the information record medium; and a read unit storage that stores the read unit detached from the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Kiyotaka Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7733598
    Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge and tape drive is disclosed in which drive mounted guides are received in a cutout of a data storage cartridge. A read/write head is moved through an access opening into engagement with a data storage tape between the drive mounted guides. The drive mounted guides closely control lateral positioning of the tape as it passes across the read/write head. The read/write head and the drive mounted guides are moved relative to each other and into engagement with the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Willems, Kathryn L. Baker
  • Patent number: 7724472
    Abstract: A system, a method, and article of manufacture are employed to clean the input/output transducers on tape drives, verified by the tape drives reading alphanumeric information from data tracks and servo tracks of a cleaner tape. An aggressive cleaning frontcoat section of the cleaner tape can be used to provide additional cleaning action, and the cleanliness of the data read elements, data write elements, and the servo heads. A less-abrasive cleaning section may be used to clean less difficult types of contaminants. In this manner, the cleanliness of the data read elements, the data write elements, and the servo heads can be verified. A cleaning section may also be used as a leader section of a self-characterization section. Alternatively, a magnetic data tape section may be included for self-characterization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Biskeborn, Ernest S. Gale, James M. Karp, Lee C. Randall, Daniel J. Winarski
  • Publication number: 20100103558
    Abstract: The magnetic tape library device is configured, including: a front magazine and a rear magazine for housing a large number of magnetic tape cartridges; a device main body in which the both magazines are housed in a parallel state in a freely slidable manner; an accessor mechanism for transporting the cartridge taken out from the magazines; and a magnetic tape drive which loads the magnetic tape cartridge and reads/writes data. A magazine pullout mechanism for pulling out the rear magazine and a magazine extracting mechanism for extracting the rear magazine from the device main body are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Sudou, Hiroaki Ishii, Satoshi Wada
  • Patent number: 7690594
    Abstract: A recording tape cartridge is provided that includes a leader pin attached, directly or through a leader tape, to an end portion of a recording tape, and includes flange portions formed at both ends thereof, an opening formed at a case, and from which the leader pin is pulled out; holding portions formed at an upper case and a lower case respectively, and holding respectively the flange portions of the leader pin in the vicinity of the opening; an overhang portion formed at at least one of the holding portions, and overlaping with the flange portion at an inner surface side thereof when the leader pin is held at the holding portions; and an elastic deformable engaging portion formed at at least one of the holding portions to urge the flange portion in an axial direction of the leader pin when the leader pin is held at the holding portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Takenoshita, Kiyoo Morita, Kazuo Hiraguchi
  • Publication number: 20100053814
    Abstract: A magnetic storage medium includes: burst lines each including magnetic bodies placed in a nonmagnetic body in a predetermined repetitive pattern repeated in the radial direction, the burst lines arranged in the circumferential direction at predetermined intervals, wherein the phases of the predetermined repetitive patterns are shifted in the radial direction relative to a circumferential line at least between the adjacent ones of the burst lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Motomichi Shibano
  • Patent number: 7672755
    Abstract: There is provided a library device which can be restored to working order quickly and reliably even when a control board containing information necessary for the operation of the library device is replaced. The library device includes a cell array which consists of an array of multiple cells each of which contains one cartridge containing a magnetic tape, magnetic tape drives in which the cartridges are removably mounted and which access the storage medium contained in the cartridges, a robot which transfers the cartridges between the cell array and the magnetic tape drives, a main control board which controls the operation of the entire library device, a barcode label which represents ID information for identification of the library device, and cell flags which are marks used to recognize the locations of the cells composing the cell array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Shinobu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7660063
    Abstract: A data storage cartridge comprises data storage media configured to store data for read and/or write access, wherein the data may be arranged in a plurality of partitions; and a plurality of cartridge memories. A control system, for example of a data storage drive, is configured to allocate at least portions of capacity of the data storage media to cartridge memories of the data storage cartridge; and to provide information defining the allocated portions of capacity to the cartridge memories. Each of the cartridge memories may have a separate user and thus provide access for that user to separate partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Allen Keith Bates, Nils Haustein, James William Johnson, Craig Anthony Klein, Daniel James Winarski
  • Patent number: 7658344
    Abstract: A method to write information to, or retrieve information from, an information storage medium disposed within a portable data storage cartridge moveably disposed in a data storage and retrieval system, wherein the data storage and retrieval system further comprises a data storage device. The portable data storage cartridge comprises a moveable curved door slidingly disposed within the enclosure, and a tape reel rotatably disposed within the enclosure, wherein the moveable curved door and the tape reel are non-concentric. The method retrieves the portable data storage cartridge from a storage slot, transports that portable data storage cartridge to a data storage device, disposes the portable data storage cartridge in the data storage device. The method further moves the moveable curved door from said a position to a second position, and reads information from and/or writes information to, the information storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Reed A. Hancock, James A. Jackmond, Linda S. Daanen, legal representative, Joseph C. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 7656608
    Abstract: The aspects of the present invention provide a device for tracking, a method for tracking, and a method for building the device for tracking the location of a media cartridge. The device includes a first antenna connected to a media unit. The device also includes a second antenna connected to the media unit, wherein the second antenna has a range that is longer than the first antenna. The device also includes a switch, wherein the switch allows the media cartridge to operate in a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the first antenna is operable, and wherein in the second mode the second antenna is operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dale R. Eichel
  • Publication number: 20100002338
    Abstract: A servo controlling method of the present invention is a servo controlling method for controlling a position of a magnetic head against a magnetic tape that is accommodated in a cartridge and has at least a data track and a servo track, and the method includes the steps of: reading tape variance information from a magnetic tape cartridge (23) side, the magnetic tape cartridge (23) being composed of a cartridge (20) and a magnetic tape (21); reading a servo signal recorded in the servo track by the magnetic head and converting the servo signal into head position information; and controlling the position of the magnetic head according to an off-track value based on the tape variance information and an off-track value calculated from the head position information. With this configuration, even in the case where a recording track width is narrowed and a tape speed is increased, the magnetic head can follow a recording track accurately at a high speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Shinji KAWAKAMI, Toshio Kawakita
  • Publication number: 20090296277
    Abstract: A hard disk drive (HDD) docking station includes a housing having a push-plate opening; a HDD support provided in the housing for supporting a HDD therein; a plate member mounted near a bottom in the housing and connected at a first edge to a fulcrum; a mating connector seat connected to the plate member for engaging with a connector provided on the HDD; a restoring spring normally pushing the plate member upward; a pivot shaft turnably connecting a supporting member to a second edge of the plate member opposite to the fulcrum; and a push plate extended from the second edge of the plate member to partially project from the push-plate opening. When the push plate is downward pushed, the plate member is caused to pivotally turn downward about the fulcrum, so that the mating connector seat is also moved downward to separate from the HDD connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Jui-Shu Huang
  • Patent number: 7566020
    Abstract: A tape cartridge includes a case having a first through-hole and a second through-hole in the bottom of a first container, a reel disposed within the case and having a cylindrical hub portion with a bottom, a tape wound around the hub portion such that the tape can be fed out, and a reel lock mechanism that allows the reel to be immovably supported. The reel lock mechanism includes an interposing member that can move vertically in the thickness direction of the case, and a support member. The support member includes a first pedestal portion that, in a state in which the reel has been put in contact with the second container and the interposing member has been put in contact with the reel, is positioned immediately below the interposing member and thus immovably supports the interposing member; and an operating portion that is disposed in the first through-hole and allows, with a predetermined operation, support of the interposing member and release of support of the interposing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Sogabe
  • Publication number: 20090180214
    Abstract: A tape cassette has a cassette housing with first and second tape reels retaining tape mounted inside the housing. First and second electric motors are also mounted within the cassette housing respectively driving the first and second reels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Erik Solhjell
  • Patent number: 7556215
    Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge is disclosed. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a reel assembly including a hub rotatably disposed within the housing, a storage tape wound onto the tape reel assembly, and a leader attached to a leading end of the storage tape. In this regard, the storage tape includes a primary tape portion extending from the hub to a first end and a transition tape coupled to the first end of the primary tape portion and extending to a leading end, wherein the transition tape is thicker than the primary tape portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Fred W Livermore, Saeed A Fahimi, G. Phillip Rambosek, Peter A. Ridl, William J. Vanderheyden
  • Publication number: 20090128955
    Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge includes first and second housing sections. The first housing section includes a plurality of posts while the second housing section includes a plurality of receptacles. The plurality of receptacles is configured to receive and couple to a respective one of the plurality of posts to provide a housing characterized by an absence of removable fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Jason E. Moses, Nathan M. Gilsrud, Timothy R. Barr
  • Publication number: 20090122446
    Abstract: A data storage tape guiding system is configured to guide a data storage tape along a tape path crossing a read/write head. The data storage tape guiding system includes data storage tape supply components and data storage tape take-up components. An entirety of the supply components is disposed on a common first plane on a first side of the read/write head. An entirety of the take-up components is disposed on a common second plane on a second side of the read/write head. The common first plane is different than the common second plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas W. Johnson, James L. Albrecht, Geoffrey A. Lauinger, Gregory W. Visich
  • Patent number: 7530518
    Abstract: Sliding resistance at a time when a locking member is moved between a locking position and an unlocking position with respect to a reel can be lessened, and deformation of a flange welded to a hub also can be suppressed. In a recording tape cartridge 10 in which a reel 20, at which an upper flange 24 is welded to a hub 22, is singly and rotatably accommodated within a case 12, a locking member 70 is configured to be able to rotate within a plane orthogonal to a rotation axis direction of the reel 20 around a position which is different from a rotational center of the reel 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Hiraguchi
  • Patent number: 7522381
    Abstract: A recording medium built-in cartridge of the present invention includes: a case; a recording medium housed in the case; and at least one humidity control member disposed in the case and including at least one humidity control material that absorbs moisture in the case when a humidity in the case is a first humidity or higher and emits the moisture to the case when the humidity in the case is a second humidity or lower, the second humidity being lower than the first humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Sogabe, Tsugihiro Doi
  • Patent number: 7520462
    Abstract: To provide a recording tape cartridge that can prevent removal of a leader pin from holding portions when the recording tape cartridge is out of use and in which manufacturing cost can be reduced, the recording tape cartridge includes a case; a leader pin including flange portions; an opening from which the leader pin is pulled out; a holding portions formed at an upper case and a lower case respectively, and holding respectively the flange portions of the leader pin in the vicinity of the opening; an overhang portion formed at at least one of the holding portions, and overlapping with the flange portion at an inner surface side thereof when the leader pin is held at the holding portions; and a claw portion formed at the overhang portion, the leader pin being able to enter in or exit from the overhang portion by being elasticity deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Takenoshita, Kiyoo Morita, Kazuo Hiraguchi
  • Patent number: 7516913
    Abstract: A cartridge case for a magnetic tape cartridge made up of two mating shell halves are provided with a retaining structure for retaining an in-cartridge memory tag at a given angle in the cartridge case. The retaining structure comprises supporting brace members in one mating shell halve which has an angled surface extending at an elevation angle equal to the given angle and holding brace members in the other mating shell halve which has an angled leading surface extending at a depression angle equal to the elevation angle of the angled surface of the support brace member and a angled trailing surge extending at a depression angle greater than the angled leading surface between which the in-cartridge memory tag is held tightly in position in the cartridge case when the two mating shell halves are temporarily or finally coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Teruo Ashikawa