Abstract: A single reel data storage tape cartridge is described that includes a housing having a tape access window. A single tape reel assembly is rotatably disposed within the housing and includes a hub about which a storage tape is wrapped. A tape guide is disposed within the housing adjacent the single tape reel assembly, opposite the tape access window, and is configured to define a pathway of the storage tape from the single tape reel assembly to the tape access window and limit lateral motion of the storage tape.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge (10) includes a door and door spring assembly (30). The door and door spring assembly (30) includes a door member (31) and an elongate member (32) having a first end (31a) operatively connected to the door member (31). A spring (33) is mounted on the elongate member (32). A slidably mounted stop (34) is operatively connected to the housing (12). The stop (34) has a containment member, wherein the spring is maintained in position by the stop (34).

Abstract: A leader for use with a tape reel including a first end, a second end spaced from the first end, and an elongated section extending between the first end and the second end. The second end has a connection feature configured to be selectively coupled with a second leader. The elongated section defines a smoothing indenture that does not extend through the thickness of the leader. The smoothing indenture is positioned to receive the connection feature as the leader tape is wound about a tape reel and is configured to limit embossment of a storage tape otherwise associated with the leader in the wound state.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge including a housing, a tape reel assembly, a brake assembly, a centering device, and a storage tape. The tape reel assembly includes a hub, opposing top and bottom flanges, and drive teeth. The drive teeth extend in an axial fashion relative to the hub and are provided for engagement by a tape drive chuck. The centering device is provided to support the tape reel assembly in a centered position relative to the tape reel opening in the locked state. The centering device includes a rib and a corresponding groove. The rib is formed by one of the bottom flange and the base, whereas the groove is formed by another of the bottom flange and the base. The groove is configured to selectively receive the rib, thereby supporting the tape reel assembly in the center position. The centering device prevents the tape reel assembly from laterally shifting relative to the tape reel opening when the data storage tape cartridge is vertically oriented.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge has a housing (12) and a tape reel assembly (14) rotatably mounted in the housing (12). An unlocking member (170) is constructed from a filled thermoplastic and a wear member (185) is operatively connected to the unlocking member (170) forming a wear surface.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge (10) includes a switch (50). The switch (50) has a handle (56) that extends through an opening (30) and the switch (50) has a sensor member (55) which extends in a second opening (40). The switch (50) is held in position with a spring positioning post pin (42).

Abstract: A data storage cartridge includes a length of magnetic tape wound on a pair of tape reels within a housing to define a tape path. A tape guide disposed along a portion of the tape path includes a top and bottom flange. Each flange is resilient so that it acts to resiliently guide an edge of the tape. This minimizes violent crashes of a tape edge against the tape guide. Each flange may have a plurality of spaced resilient finger guides for directly contacting the edges of the tape. The finger guides serve to independently exert a force on the edges of the tape, thereby guiding the tape.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge (10) includes a housing (12) having a first section (13) and a second section (14) operatively connected to each other. A first positioning member (40) and second positioning member (50) are operatively connected to the housing and are in axial alignment with each other. A leader pin (30) is positioned in the positioning members (40 and 50). Springs (60 and 70) secure the leader pin (30) in position. A flexible locking post (82) provides a snap fit in an opening (92) and provides for two perpendicular pairs of locking surfaces to form a snap fit between the sections (13 and 14).

Abstract: A leader block assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The leader block assembly is configured to hold a free end of a storage tape and includes a generally rectangular body having opposing sides, a leading end, a trailing end terminating in an end surface, and first and second ears. The ears are formed in an opposing fashion at the trailing-end and extend radially relative to the sides along a substantial portion of a width of the trailing end. In this regard, the cars are configured to substantially prevent longitudinal sliding movement of the end surface upon insertion of the leader block assembly into a tape drive take-up reel. In one preferred embodiment, the leader block assembly includes a base block and a tape clamp, with the first ear being formed on the base block and the second ear being formed on the tape clamp.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge (10) includes a housing (12) having a first section (13) operatively connected to a second section (14). A chip retaining section (30) includes a forward stop (33), first lateral stop (34), second lateral stop (35) and a rear-positioning member (31) having an angled support surface (32). A memory chip (50) is positioned on the rear-positioning member (31). A chip retaining post (40) extends toward the memory chip (50) wherein the chip (50) is positioned laterally by the lateral stops and the post maintains the memory chip (50) in position on the rear-positioning member (31).

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for maintaining a data storage tape. The tape reel assembly includes a first flange, a second flange and a hub ring. The first flange includes a first plate and at least one loop member extending in a generally axial fashion from an inner face of the top plate at a radius R1. The second flange includes a second plate and at least one leg extending in a generally axial fashion from an inner face of the bottom plate. The leg is positioned to selectively engage the loop member. Finally, the hub ring is provided separately and is free of material extending across an inner diameter thereof. The hub ring further defines an outer winding surface and inner surface having a minimum radius R2. The hub ring is assembled between the first plate and the second plate. In this regard, the radius R2 is greater than the radius R1 such that the loop member and the leg extend and interact within an area defined by the inner surface of the hub ring.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge having a misinsertion notch. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel and a storage tape. The housing includes a base and a cover, each defining a front, a back, a first side and a second side. The misinsertion notch is defined in the base, extending from the front of the base and along the first side of the base. The misinsertion notch has a length less than approximately one-half a length of the first side of the base for facilitating proper insertion into a receiving frame.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge having a reinforcing tape reel lock. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing defined by a first housing section and a second housing section, a hub pin extending from an interior surface of the first housing section, a tape reel assembly rotatably maintained by the hub pin and a storage tape wrapped about the tape reel assembly. The tape reel assembly includes a hub, opposing tape flanges and a brake body. The hub includes a tape receiving portion interiorly secured to a post, the post defining an axial bore sized to receive the hub pin. The brake body is retractably associated with an axial end of the hub and includes a braking surface and an interior support surface. The braking surface is configured for selective engagement with the second housing section. The interior support surface is configured to abut the post of the hub.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge having an exposed base plate datum for improved tape registration. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing defined by a first housing section and a second housing section, a base plate, at least one tape reel and a storage tape. The base plate is disposed within the housing and includes a reference portion that is exposed through a protected opening in the first housing section. In one preferred embodiment, the first housing section protects the base plate, including the reference portion. The at least one tape reel is rotatably associated with the base plate. Finally, the storage tape is maintained by the at least one tape reel within the housing. Upon insertion of the data storage tape cartridge into a tape drive, a registration device engages the reference portion of the base plate to determine and precisely control location of the storage tape relative to a read/write head.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge having a misinsertion notch. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel and a storage tape. The housing includes a base and a cover, each defining a front, a back, a first side and a second side. The misinsertion notch is defined in the base, extending from the front of the base and along the first side of the base. The misinsertion notch has a length less than approximately one-half a length of the first side of the base for facilitating proper insertion into a receiving frame.

Abstract: A single reel data tape cartridge housing includes a base and a cover. The base includes four outer side walls which are formed with at least one step such that the outer walls step to a decreased thickness toward their free end. The cover includes four outer side walls which are formed with at least one step such that the outer walls step to a decreased thickness toward their free end. The base and cover also include four inner walls which are formed with two steps such that the inner walls step to a decreased thickness toward their free end. The inner and outer walls of the cover complementarily mate with the inner and outer walls of the base. A projection can be placed within pockets in the base and cover to locate the base and cover during assembly.

Abstract: A videocassette housing includes a base connected to a cover. Cover bosses are received within respective base bosses, and the cover is connected to the base by fasteners passing through the base bosses and cover bosses. The cover bosses extend only slightly beyond the centerline of the cassette and seat at the bottom of the base bosses. There is very little clearance between the bosses and the base boss has an inner surface defined by a plurality of ribs axially and equiangularly located along a circle.

Abstract: A tape reel includes a cylindrical hub having a cylindrical tape winding surface, an upper flange and a lower flange. A cylindrical mounting portion is formed on the inner opening of the upper flange and has a free end portion and a hub receiving portion on the outer surface. The free end portion is located closer to the free end of the mounting portion and is thinner than the hub receiving portion. The hub has a free end on which the upper flange is mounted. The inner surface of the hub includes a main portion and a flange receiving portion located closer to the free end than the main portion. The flange receiving portion is thinner than the main portion. The hub receiving portion is received in the flange receiving portion when the upper flange is mounted on the hub. The hub inner surface also includes a flash receiving portion located closer to the free end than the flange receiving portion. The flash receiving portion is thinner than the flange receiving portion.

Abstract: A solid dose ballistic projectile formed entirely of a cohesive mixture comprising biologically active material, in the form of grindable solid particles having an average diameter between about 7 and 25 micrometers, and biologically inert binder, and capable of withstanding the stresses imparted thereon when the projectile is propelled ballistically from a barrel and implanted in the flesh of a living animal.