Abstract: A tape drive system and method of operating a tape drive system are provided. The tape drive system may include: a stationary base; at least one guide projection mounted to the stationary base; and a receiver for receiving a tape cartridge and transporting the tape cartridge from an ejected position to a loaded position, the receiver including at least one guide slot mating with one of the guide projections, each guide slot being shaped to allow the receiver to move a first distance in a horizontal direction and a second distance in a vertical direction. The method of loading a tape cartridge into a tape drive system having a stationary base and at least one guide projection mounted to the stationary base may include: receiving a tape cartridge in a receiver having at least one guide slot having a first portion and a second portion; and moving the receiver from an ejected position to a loaded position.

Abstract: A reel driver device for driving a magnetic tape cartridge supply hub is provided. The reel driver includes a cylindrical reel driver having a toothed upper surface configured to engage a supply reel hub, spline elements disposed along an axial direction of the reel driver, and a stop element. At least one of the spline elements is disposed a first distance from the teeth, and the stop element is disposed a second distance from the teeth, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The spline elements are disposed circumferentially around the hub of the spindle motor allowing for reduced radial runout, and the stop element disposed the second distance from the teeth may abut a reel plate registered to a portion of the motor for reduced axial runout.

Abstract: A tape drive (10) for use with a cartridge (24) having a storage tape (30) that moves along a tape path (32) includes a drive housing (12) defining a drive interior (62), a circuit assembly (42) that generates heat, and a thermal insulator (44). In one embodiment, the thermal insulator (44) is positioned between a portion of the storage tape (30) and the circuit assembly (42). The thermal insulator (44) can be formed from a flexible, plastic material and/or can have a thermal conductivity of less than approximately 50 W/mK to decrease the transfer of heat between the circuit assembly (42) and the storage tape (30). The drive interior (62) can have a first region (64) that includes a portion of the tape path (32), and a second region (66) that includes the circuit assembly (42).

Abstract: A tape drive (10) for use with a cartridge (24) having a storage tape (30) that moves along a tape path (32) includes a drive housing (12) defining a drive interior (62), a circuit assembly (42) that generates heat, and a thermal insulator (44). In one embodiment, the thermal insulator (44) is positioned between a portion of the storage tape (30) and the circuit assembly (42). The thermal insulator (44) can be formed from a flexible, plastic material and/or can have a thermal conductivity of less than approximately 50 W/mK to decrease the transfer of heat between the circuit assembly (42) and the storage tape (30). The drive interior (62) can have a first region (64) that includes a portion of the tape path (32), and a second region (66) that includes the circuit assembly (42).

Abstract: A shield assembly (48) for a tape head (34) of a tape drive (14) includes a head shield (60) that selectively moves between a first position (75A) wherein the tape head (34) is substantially exposed, and a second position (75B) wherein the tape head (34) is substantially shielded. In the first position (75A), a shield aperture (124) exposes the tape head (34) to a storage tape (26). The shield assembly (48) can include a first shield mover (62) that biases the head shield (60) to the first position (75A), and a second shield mover (64) that selectively overcomes the bias of the first shield mover (62) to move the head shield (60) to the second position (75B). The head shield (60) is positioned across the tape head (34) at a shield wrap angle &thgr;2 that is greater than a tape wrap angle &thgr;1 of the storage tape (26). A surface of the head shield (60) can include a cleaning region (120) that includes a head cleaning material.

Abstract: A take-up reel for use in a tape drive for minimizing print through errors, or data transfer from one layer of tape on the take-up reel to an adjacent layer of tape on the take-up reel. The take-up reel is configured to allowing portions of the buckle, coupling the take-up leader to the supply leader, to recess into the take-up reel. The relatively even and concentric configuration of leaders tape and buckle when wound onto the take-up reel prevents the application of significant non-uniform pressure to the data tape wound thereover, which reduces print through sources of data error.

Abstract: An improved tape drive (10) includes a cartridge receiver (18) and a buckler (20). The cartridge receiver (18) receives a cartridge (22) having a cartridge leader (28). The buckler (20) selectively retains a drive leader (32) of the tape drive (10). The tape drive (10) and cartridge (22) include a buckle (30) that securely couples the drive leader (32) of the tape drive (10) to the cartridge leader (28) of the cartridge (22). The buckler (20) includes one or more buckler retainers (96) and a deflector (121). The buckler retainers (96) selectively engage the drive leader (32) and move the drive leader (32) relative to the cartridge leader (28) to couple the drive leader (32) to the cartridge leader (28). The deflector (121) selectively deflects a portion of the drive leader (32) during buckling to enhance the reliability of buckling with certain types of cartridges (22).

Abstract: A method and device to support a storage tape of a tape drive in the event of a loss of tape tension. Flexible bristles are provided between a tape guide and tape rollers to prevent the storage tape from “falling” below the tape guide and tape rollers and maintaining the storage tape in a position to return between the tape roller flanges when tape tension is regained. In one embodiment, a plurality of flexible bristles are provided along a lower portion of the tape guide. The bristles extend toward a bottom flange of each tape roller in a direction generally perpendicular to the tape path. In another embodiment, the flexible bristles extend radially from the bottom flange of each tape roller. In either embodiment, the bristles are rigid enough to support the storage tape and flexible enough to enable a tape buckle to traverse between the tape guide and tape roller.

Abstract: An improved tape drive is provided herein. The tape drive includes a cartridge receiver and a buckler. The cartridge receiver receives a cartridge having a cartridge leader. The buckler selectively retains a drive leader of the tape drive. The tape drive and cartridge include an improved buckle which securely couples the drive leader of the tape drive to the cartridge leader of the cartridge. As provided herein, the buckler includes a pair of spaced apart buckler retainers which selectively engage a buckle bar of the drive leader. The buckler selectively moves the buckle bar relative to the cartridge leader to couple the drive leader to the cartridge leader.

Abstract: A tape drive and cartridge are provided herein. The tape drive and cartridge include an improved buckle which securely couples a take-up leader of the tape drive to a cartridge leader of the cartridge. As provided herein, the buckle includes a first buckle component and a second buckle component which securely retain the take-up leader to the cartridge leader. More specifically, the first buckle component includes a buckle bar and the second buckle component includes a pair of spaced apart receivers which engage the buckle bar to securely retain the take-up leader to the cartridge leader. Importantly, the unique buckle provided herein inhibits leader runaway and has improved durability.

Abstract: A piston rod assembly is provided for operation in an outer cylinder. The piston rod assembly includes a first rod having first and second regions, wherein the first region has a hole transversely aligned relative to the longitudinal axis of the first rod. A hollow, cylindrical bushing is disposed within the hole of the first rod. A second rod has first and second regions, the first region of the second rod being removably secured to the second region of the first rod. A packing sleeve for fluidly sealing the piston rods and outer cylinder includes a cylindrical shell having first and second portions circumferentially and adjustably disposed about at least the second region of the first rod and the first region of the second rod. First packings include a plurality of stacked annular seals mounted in the first portion of the cylindrical shell of the packing sleeve, such that the inner surfaces of the seals are in slidable and sealable contact with the outer surface of the first rod.

Abstract: An improved control mechanism for submerged reciprocating hydraulic pumps comprising, in combination with pump cylinders, pistons and valves, a two-stage flow reversing mechanism in which action of the pump pistons drives a valve pilot means between two rest positions; relocation of the pilot means in turn causes relocation of a spatially separated spool mechanism between two rest positions, thereby causing reversal of flow of fluid while the pump is driven by a one-way pressurizing pump. The two-stage reversing mechanism eliminates the possibility of having the reciprocating mechanism come to rest in a "dead center" or equilibrium position. The spool is mounted concentrically with the pump shaft, optimizing flow potential. The mechanism is relatively easy to assemble and repair.