Abstract: A cartridge case has the same general geometry and dimensions of a Magstar cartridge, but with modified lateral sides with recessed surfaces and additional gripping notches that permit the alternative use of the cartridge with either a Magstar or an LTO type of automated picker. The width of the bottom rear portion of the cartridge is reduced to conform to the width of a standard LTO cartridge and LTO gripping notches are provided by increasing the depth of the locating notches of the Magstar format to the size required for engagement by the fingers in the gripper arms of an LTO automated picker. As a result of this modification, the cartridge of the invention can be alternatively handled by either Magstar or LTO type of automated pickers.

Abstract: A tape movement constraint is provided for a tape drive system which moves a tape longitudinally along a tape path across a tape head, the tape having longitudinal tracks. The tape head has a track following servo system for moving the head laterally for following lateral movement of the tracks, where the tape is subject to lateral transient movement. A tape roller bearing closely adjacent the tape head is rotatable about a central axis parallel to the cylindrical peripheral surface, allowing the tape freedom of movement in the longitudinal direction. The tape roller bearing has a frictional cylindrical peripheral surface for contacting and engaging the surface of the tape and constraining movement of the tape in the lateral direction, thereby reducing the rate of the lateral transient movement of the tape to allow the track following servo system to follow the reduced rate lateral transient movement of the longitudinal tracks.

Abstract: A cartridge case has the same general geometry and dimensions of a Magstar cartridge, but with modified lateral sides with recessed surfaces and additional gripping notches that permit the alternative use of the cartridge with either a Magstar or an LTO type of automated picker. The width of the bottom rear portion of the cartridge is reduced to conform to the width of a standard LTO cartridge and LTO gripping notches are provided by increasing the depth of the locating notches of the Magstar format to the size required for engagement by the fingers in the gripper arms of an LTO automated picker. As a result of this modification, the cartridge of the invention can be alternatively handled by either Magstar or LTO type of automated pickers.

Abstract: A tape cartridge contains a spool of tape with a leader block on one end that inserts into a tape storage reel. The tape has a leader segment that is attached to the leader block and a media segment that is attached to the leader segment with a small piece of adhesive tape. The leader tape is much thicker and stiffer than the media segment, but is only a few meters long. The media segment is a thin, high capacity magnetic tape that fills the remainder of the cartridge. The leader block is loaded into the reel and the leader segment is wound around the hub to create several protective layers prior to winding the magnetic tape on the reel. The leader tape reduces the wear on the magnetic tape during loading and unloading, and reduces the effect of any discontinuity formed between the leader block and the hub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compliant edge guiding and following system for recording tape. Two tape bearings are provided which define a tape path, each having a bearing surface for supporting lengthwise travel of the recording tape along the tape path. A movable tape head is positioned in the tape path between the tape bearings. The movable tape head includes a track following servo for moving the head laterally to follow lateral movement of the recording tape and maintain alignment therewith. A set of compliant tape edge guides are positioned at opposite edges of the tape path. The compliant tape edge guides of the set are a matched pair and are spaced apart laterally a distance substantially equal to the nominal width of the recording tape and positioned substantially equidistant from the centerline of the tape path. Separate sets may be positioned in the lengthwise direction on each side of, and each set closely spaced from, the movable tape head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single reel tape cartridge having a supply reel positioned within a central cavity of a shell. The supply reel is coupled to the attachment end of a length of recording tape which is wound in a sequence of wraps from an inner circumference to a maximum outer circumference when the length of recording tape is fully wound on the supply reel. A tape guide and bearing assembly positioned within the central cavity closely adjacent the maximum outer circumference, faces towards an aperture in the shell and away from the supply reel. The tape guide and bearing assembly defines a tape path for the outermost wrap from the supply reel to the tape guide and bearing assembly, across an aperture in the shell for interfacing the outermost wrap with the tape head of the tape drive at the aperture. The tape path then extends to an isolator, e.g.

Abstract: A mechanically operated cleaning apparatus is provided for a magnetic tape drive of the type which has a tape cartridge transport device. Reciprocal movements of the cartridge transport device actuates movements of the cleaning apparatus which causes a cleaning device, such as a brush, to wipe multiple times across the ABS of a magnetic head to remove debris therefrom. A frame is provided for mounting the magnetic head and the cartridge transport device. A guide apparatus is mounted on the frame and supports the cleaning device for guiding the cleaning device between the first and second lateral locations so that the cleaning device wipes across the ABS as it moves between said locations. An actuator device is mounted on the frame and is connected to the guide apparatus. The actuator device is actuated by reciprocal movements of the cartridge transport device for moving the cleaning device across the ABS to remove debris therefrom.