Abstract: An apparatus for locking a rotatable portion of a storage device is provided. The apparatus comprises a component irrotatably engaged with the rotatable portion, the component having first teeth for engaging second teeth disposed on a surface irrotatable with respect to the component. A spring is disposed between the component and the reel to urge engagement of the first teeth and the second teeth. The component is slidably engaged with the reel such that by pulling on the component, the component slides with respect to the reel and the first teeth disengage from the second teeth, thereby permitting the reel and the component to rotate. A method for accessing media disposed on the reel includes pushing the reel away from a bottom portion of the storage device, pulling down on the component to disengage the first teeth from the second teeth, and rotating the reel to access the media.

Abstract: Described herein are integrated cleaning devices for cleaning data tapes and/or data head transducers, tape drives including such cleaning devices, and methods of using these cleaning devices and tape drives including the cleaning devices. Cleaning devices for cleaning data tapes and/or data head transducers may include a base having a passage for a data tape, a data tape cleaner attached within the passage, and a transducer head cleaner attached within the passage.

Abstract: In one example of one aspect of the invention, a data storage cartridge is provided. The data storage cartridge includes a housing having a reel disposed between an upper and lower portion of the housing, the reel capable of movement within the cartridge housing. The data storage cartridge further includes a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism selectively restricts movement of the reel within the cartridge housing. The reel may be selectively unlocked and locked to reduce the potential for damage during handling. The locking mechanism may be integrally formed with the cartridge housing, e.g., the locking mechanism is not removed from the cartridge when unlocked. In one example, the locking mechanism may include a cam actuator, wherein rotation of the cam actuator selectively restricts movement of the reel. The cam may be coaxially aligned with the reel and accessible from an exterior of the cartridge housing.