Abstract: A cartridge loading device 10 for magnetic tape cartridges comprises a first member 12, a second member 14 and a guide arrangement 30, 32, 36, 38 for guiding movement of said second member relative to said first member from a first position to a second position. The first and second members cooperate when in the first position to define a first sized opening having a height sized to receive first sized magnetic tape cartridges having a predetermined height and, when in the second position, cooperating to define a second sized opening that has a height that is greater than the height of the first sized opening and is sized to receive second sized magnetic tape cartridges having a predetermined height that is greater than the height of the first sized magnetic tape cartridges.

Abstract: A tape cartridge includes a housing and a tape reel that is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The tape reel is adapted to cooperably engage a reel drive member of a data transfer apparatus that, in use, applies a drive torque to the tape reel to rotate the tape reel about the axis of rotation. The cooperable engagement of the tape reel and reel drive member is such as to secure the tape reel to the reel drive member to at least substantially prevent tipping of the tape reel with respect to the reel drive member.

Abstract: A cartridge loading device for magnetic tape cartridges comprises a first member 12, a second member 14, a guide arrangement 30, 32, 36, 38 for guiding movement of the second member relative to the first member from a first position to a second position and a locking system 80, 82, 84 for locking the second member in the first position. A second sized opening is sized to receive second sized magnetic tape cartridges having a predetermined height that is greater than the height of the first sized magnetic tape cartridges. The locking system is arranged to lock the second member in its first position and is actuable by insertion of a second sized cartridge into the first sized opening to release the second member to permit movement from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A cartridge loading apparatus 300 comprises a cartridge loading device 10 for magnetic tape cartridges and a mounting 302 for the device. The cartridge loading device comprises a first member 12, a second member 14 and a guide arrangement for guiding movement of the second member relative to the first member from a first position to a second position. The first and second members cooperating when in the first position to define a first sized opening having a height sized to receive first sized magnetic tape cartridges having a height that is greater than the height of the first sized opening. The cartridge loading device has a front end at which cartridges are inserted into the opening, a rear end and opposite sides extending between the front and rear ends.

Abstract: A tape cartridge includes a housing and a tape reel that is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The tape reel is adapted to cooperably engage a reel drive member of a data transfer apparatus that, in use, applies a drive torque to the tape reel to rotate the tape reel about the axis of rotation. The cooperable engagement of the tape reel and reel drive member is such as to secure the tape reel to the reel drive member to at least substantially prevent tipping of the tape reel with respect to the reel drive member.

Abstract: A cartridge loading device 10 for magnetic tape cartridges includes a first member 12, a second member 14 movable relative to the first member from a first position to a second position and a guide arrangement for guiding movement of the second member between its first and second positions. The guide arrangement includes a projection 38 received in an elongate guide track 32 defining a line of movement having a first end that defines the first position of the second member 14 and a second end that defines its second position. The cartridge loading device also has a locking system that includes a pivotable locking member 82 engageable with the projection 38 for locking the second member in its first position. The cartridge loading device can receive two different sizes of cartridge that correspond to the two positions of the second member.