Abstract: A compact tape drive for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges. The compact tape drive has a tape threading mechanism that extracts the leader block from the magnetic tape cartridge and threads the leader block into a takeup reel that is located juxtaposed to the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. A separate magnetic tape wrap mechanism having a plurality of cooperatively operative tape wrap arms is also provided to position the magnetic tape around a set of tape guides and the read/write head. The magnetic tape wrap mechanism functions both to thread the magnetic around the takeup reel, spanning the space in front of the read/write head, and then to wrap the magnetic tape around the read/write head. In addition, the tape elevator, electronics and other standard tape drive assemblies are included in a predefined volume.

Abstract: The present compact tape drive for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges that functions to implement the tape drive in a minimum predefined volume. The compact tape drive comprises a tape threading mechanism that extracts the leader block from the magnetic tape cartridge and threads the leader block into a takeup reel that is located juxtaposed to the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. The read/write head is located adjacent to the takeup reel and the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. A separate magnetic tape wrap mechanism comprising a plurality of cooperatively operative tape wrap arms is also provided to position the magnetic tape around a set of tape guides and the read/write head. The magnetic tape wrap mechanism functions both to thread the magnetic tape around the takeup reel, spanning the space in front of the read/write head, and then to wrap the magnetic tape around the read/write head.

Abstract: A universal media module for use with a data storage library system containing at least one storage array for holding at least one universal media module. The universal media module is removable from the storage array. The universal media module is capable of containing a variety of media cartridges of various sizes, and the media cartridges may vary in size in at least one dimension. The universal media module has a housing having a top wall, bottom wall, side walls, rear wall, and an open front; a mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the data storage library system; and at least one media storage slot formed by supporting members engaging the side walls of the housing and extending along the side walls from the open front to the rear wall.

Abstract: The present compact tape drive for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges that functions to implement the tape drive in a minimum predefined volume. The compact tape drive comprises a tape threading mechanism that extracts the leader block from the magnetic tape cartridge and threads the leader block into a takeup reel that is located juxtaposed to the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. The read/write head is located adjacent to the takeup reel and the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. A separate magnetic tape wrap mechanism comprising a plurality of cooperatively operative tape wrap arms is also provided to position the magnetic tape around a set of tape guides and the read/write head. The magnetic tape wrap mechanism functions both to thread the magnetic tape around the takeup reel, spanning the space in front of the read/write head, and then to wrap the magnetic tape around the read/write head.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for guiding a tape across a transducer, and a method for making the mechanism. The mechanism has one rolling guide on either side of the transducer. Each guide has a tapered surface and a flange at one end of the tapered surface. Each tapered surface biases one edge of the tape against a flange to fix the tape's position in the transverse direction on opposite sides of the transducer. The taper of the first and second guides are oriented in opposite directions.