Abstract: A combination includes a family of cartridge drives (12) including a first cartridge drive and a second cartridge drive, and a family of cartridges (14) including a first cartridge and a second cartridge. The first cartridge drive includes a first protrusion pattern (32), and the second cartridge drive includes a second protrusion pattern (32) that is different than the first protrusion pattern (32). The first cartridge includes a first recess pattern (62) that receives the first protrusion pattern (32) thereby allowing full insertion of the first cartridge into the first cartridge drive. The second cartridge includes a second recess pattern (62) that receives the second protrusion pattern (32) thereby allowing full insertion of the second cartridge into the second cartridge drive. The second protrusion pattern (32) can impede full insertion of the first cartridge into the second cartridge drive.

Abstract: A tape cartridge (54) for use in a tape drive (46) having a tape head (260) includes a cartridge housing (272), a cartridge reel (274) and a tape (278). The cartridge reel (274) is rotatably secured to the cartridge housing (272). The tape (278) is secured to the cartridge reel (274). The tape (278) can include a storage tape (278D) that stores data and a lapping tape (278L) that laps the tape head (260). In one embodiment, the storage tape (278D) and the lapping tape (278L) are spliced together. The ratio of storage tape (278D) to lapping tape (278L) can be at least approximately 0.01:1. The lapping tape (278L) can include a diamond material having a grit of between approximately 0.1 micron and 1.0 micron. In one embodiment, the tape (578) can include a first lapping tape (578L1) and a second lapping tape (578L2) that has a different grit than the first lapping tape (578L1). In another embodiment, the tape (678) also includes a cleaning tape (678CL) that cleans the tape head (260).