Abstract: Disclosed is a portable tape cartridge for containing two separate lengths of recording tape for providing rapid access to data by a single tape drive. Two access openings on the inboard side (with respect to the tape drive) of the tape cartridge are respectively positioned toward the left or right. Two sets of tape bearings each respectively supports a length of tape at each of the access openings, and each length of tape is wound on two tape spools. The left set of tape bearings and tape spools are positioned with respect to each other identically to the positioning of the right set of tape bearings and tape spools with respect to each other. This allows the cartridge to be translated sidewise by the tape drive for reading and writing on the left or the right length of tape.

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.