Abstract: A tape drive has a front panel with an opening therein for receiving tape cartridges, and contains tape drive electronics. For transferring data into and out the tape drive electronics, the tape drive electronics includes a USB or Firewire serial data port, and the front panel of the tape drive has an access opening therein, behind which the serial port is mounted, so that a serial cable connector can be plugged into the serial port from the front panel of the tape drive. Alternatively, a data transfer cartridge can be inserted into the opening of the tape drive that is normally used for tape cartridges, the data transfer cartridge having a front side that is accessible via the opening in the front panel of the drive, and a USB or Firewire connector is disposed in the front side of the data transfer cartridge.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for qualifying peaks in a signal as representing data bits, the signal containing data bits superimposed with background signals, a peak is qualified as representing a data bit when a first derivative of the peak exceeds a threshold value simultaneously with the original signal exceeding a positive or negative threshold of a hysteresis comparator. The respective positive and negative thresholds of the hysteresis comparator are alternatingly and continually adjusted by setting the negative hysteresis threshold dependent on the amplitude of a most recent positive peak in the incoming signal, and setting the positive hysteresis threshold dependent on the amplitude of a most recent negative peak in the incoming signal.

Abstract: An improved magnetic head is disclosed for stable pole tip to tape contact pressure despite head wear and tape tension variations. A magnetic head which contacts the magnetic tape comprises a ferromagnetic body. A recess is provided in this ferromagnetic body. A ferromagnetic core has pole tips which are located in the recess and which are arranged for contact with the magnetic tape. A non-magnetic material is arranged along each side of the magnetic core pole tips in the recess. Relative hardnesses of the ferromagnetic body, ferromagnetic core pole tips, and nonmagnetic material are chosen so that as the tape wears away on contact surfaces of the magnetic core pole tips, non-magnetic material, and ferromagnetic body, the core pole tips protrude relative to adjacent portions of the ferromagnetic body and the non-magnetic material so that the tape rides on the protruding pole tips of the core.

Abstract: A mouse system is disclosed for data entry and control and wherein a rolling force of the ball is made adjustable to suit an operator's preference. A friction pad or a magnetic force may be applied to the ball to change and adjust the ball rolling force. Alternatively, a free roller in contact with the ball has its rotational force adjustable by friction or magnetic forces acting on the free roller or its axle. The mouse system disclosed is designed ergonomically to ease operator fatigue and increase an operator's efficiency.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly, for use in a tape drive wherein a tape is moved past the head assembly in a longitudinal direction and the tape exhibits transverse tape movement cross-correlated by obtaining repeated measurements at the same longitudinal position of the tape, and wherein a minimum longitudinal distance exists for which the cross-correlation is maintained, has a carrier with first and second gap and coil arrangements disposed on the carrier. The respective gaps in the first and second gap and coil arrangements are disposed on the carrier separated by a spacing which is less than the aforementioned minimum longitudinal distance.

Abstract: The invention pertains to developments for manipulating and referencing a magnetic tape cassette in a magnetic tape device involving loading, read/write and tape drive operation, and unloading. To load and unload the tape cassette, a tape drive bridge on which the magnetic head is mounted is disposed in a standby position out of the way of the path of movement of the tape cassette into and out of the recorder housing. A gripper disposed for longitudinal movement on a gear rack in the recorder housing, is arranged to bite the cassette to automatically carry the cassette inwardly to its fully loaded position and then again move the cassette outwardly to its unloaded position. A lever arm arrangement is provided to appropriately open the dust cover door on the tape cassette, to expose the cassette tape for operational engagement by the magnetic head, as the tape cassette approaches its fully loaded position within the recorder housing. The gear rack serves to activate this lever arm for opening the dust cover.

Abstract: A computer keyboard mouse system wherein a mouse assembly is integrated into a front or side wall of a keyboard of the computer. A control ball of the mouse assembly protrudes from the front or side wall for control by the operator. To protect against forces directed against the ball of the mouse assembly which could damage it, a ball retaining member is spring loaded such that excessive forces to be protected against will cause the ball to be pushed into the front or side wall. Mouse control keys may be provided adjacent to the mouse assembly on the front or side wall. Also, the control keys can be one or more designated keys of the keyboard itself.

Abstract: In a small size computer, and particularly a portable personal computer, a streaming mode tape recorder is coupled via a plug connector for data protection or backup. A plug connector via which the tape recorder is connected includes line connections for data signal lines and control signal lines as well as power supply lines. The plug connector, when the tape recorder is not plugged in is covered by a pivotable door arranged at a wall surface of the computer housing, the door also including means for securing the tape recorder in the plugged position.

Abstract: A mouse or track ball has a roller ball mounted within a housing by three free rollers in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the roller ball. An inner core of the roller ball is provided of a magnetic material having either bumps or holes at an outer periphery thereof. The inner core is coated with a non-magnetic material providing an outer smooth and round surface for the ball.

Abstract: A rectangular cylindrical suspension for a data storage drive unit such as a tape drive, the suspension secured into a computer housing, providing resilient leaf springs on a bottom wall and protrusions on a top wall for clasping the data storage drive unit within the cylinder spaced from the top, bottom and side walls of the suspension to create a resilient holding of the data storage drive. The cylindrical suspension can be fashioned of ferromagnetic materials to provide a magnetic shielding as well as a suspension. The suspension prevents dimensional distortion within the data storage drive unit caused by fixedly attaching the suspension to the computer housing where dimensional tolerances may not be accurate.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive for magnetic tape housed within a cartridge is provided which includes a rectangular access through which the cartridge is inserted into the drive and a wiping member operatively positioned at an edge of the access such that the cartridge is contacted during insertion into the drive. The wiping member is so constructed and coupled to electrical ground that electrostatic charge on the cartridge is bled to electrical ground, the wiping member being made of a conductive polymer or plastic material.

Abstract: The invention pertains to developments for manipulating and referencing a magnetic tape cassette in a magnetic tape device involving loading, read/write and tape drive operation, and unloading. To load and unload the tape cassette, a tape drive bridge on which the magnetic head is mounted is disposed in a standby position out of the way of the path of movement of the tape cassette into and out of the recorder housing. A gripper disposed for longitudinal movement on a gear rack in the recorder housing, is arranged to bite the cassette to automatically carry the cassette inwardly to its fully loaded position and then again move the cassette outwardly to its unloaded position. A lever arm arrangement is provided to appropriately open the dust cover door on the tape cassette, to expose the cassette tape for operational engagement by the magnetic head, as the tape cassette approaches its fully loaded position within the recorder housing. The gear rack serves to activate this lever arm for opening the dust cover.

Abstract: A magazine for data carriers, for use with a rotatable opening element, has a housing with a box-like base, the base having an open top and a cover formed by separable cover halves being disposed over the top of the base. The base has at least one receptacle therein for receiving a data carrier, such a magnetic tape cartridge. The magazine is intended for insertion in a data reader, which removes the data carrier from the magazine and inserts it in a drive for reading the data therefrom. The halves of the housing are mounted on the base for respective rotation around first and second axes parallel to a longitudinal edge of the base, and disposed inwardly of all edges of the base. A rotatable opening element is engageable with at least one of the housing halves to cause the housing halves to rotate around their respective axes, when the magazine is moved toward the opening element, to move the halves apart, over the sides of the base, to open the magazine to permit removal of a data carrier therefrom.

Abstract: A hinged door is provided for covering the slot opening in a magnetic recorder housing through which tape cassettes are loaded and unloaded. The door rotates inwardly of the recorder housing when opened. A specially configured fulcrum device is disposed within the recorder housing and connected to the door to normally bias the door closed. For loading a cassette into the recorder housing, the biasing force exerted by the fulcrum device on the door is overcome by the force of the operator pressing the inwardly facing, leading edge of the cassette against the door. Upon unloading of a cassette from the recorder housing, the bottom surfaces of the cassette engage a cam surface connected on the fulcrum device and the cassette is pressed down on the cam surface so as to again overcome the biasing force on the fulcrum, such that the door is swung open in advance of the cassette being ejected from the recorder housing.

Abstract: A head positioning assembly having a magnet housing and fixed suspension vertically positionable by a worm gear/screw shaft arrangement and further positionable for fine tuning by a magnet mounted within the magnet housing and an electrical coil surrounding the magnet and attached to a head mount structure holding the magnetic head. The head mount structure is fine-tuned, vertically positionable with respect to the magnet housing by magnetic force on the coil induced by select and varying electrical current through the coil.

Abstract: A magazine containing a number of standardized magnetic tape cartridges, for loading into an automated device in which a selected cartridge can be removed from the magazine and inserted into a data reader, has a number cartridge receptacles therein formed by a number of dividers extending the width of the magazine. Each divider consists of electrically conductive polymer, and has an electrical connector at a bottom thereof which extends through a bottom of the magazine, and which engages an electrically conductive path to ground in a base element on which the magazine rests within the device, thereby providing an electrostatic discharge path for each cartridge in each receptacle. Each divider also has an element extending into the receptacle, which is engaged by the cartridge as it is being inserted into the receptacle.

Abstract: A belt system is disclosed for transferring a data carrier between a magazine and a data reader for use in a data carrier loader of the type wherein the data reader is moved, within the loader housing, over the stationary magazine in the housing to transfer a data carrier therebetween. The belt system includes two belt assemblies, which are carried on the data reader and which are disposed for engaging opposite lateral sides of a data carrier in the magazine. A mechanical linkage is provided for moving the assemblies toward and away from the lateral sides of the data carrier, the linkage being a reciprocating linkage which can be moved in either direction by means of an internally threaded element, which engages a pivotable element of the linkage, the internally threaded element being moved by a rotating threaded rod received therein.

Abstract: A loader data carriers, such as magnetic tape cartridges, of the type having a housing with a data reader therein which is movable over a magazine containing a number of data carriers, so as to be positionable above a selected data carrier for transfer between the magazine and the data reader, has a drawer which carries the magazine and which is slidable into and out of the loader housing. A drive motor is contained in the housing for moving the data reader over the drawer, and the reader carries transfer assemblies, such as roller-driven belts, to effect the transfer of the data carriers between the magazine and the reader. The drawer has engagement elements mounted thereon which can engage the transfer assemblies, so that the same motor which is used to move the data reader over the drawer can be used to slide the drawer into and out of the loader housing, when the transfer assemblies are engaged with the engagement elements.