Abstract: A motor vehicle turn signal lamp containing a electronic circuit that fits into a standard automotive turn signal lamp socket without modification, with the added feature that it will stop flashing after a set time even if the driver has forgotten to cancel the turn signal. Special circuitry within the bulb housing allows it to operate uninterrupted on the pulsing, intermittent power normally delivered by an external turn signal system. Because the lamp has the same external size and shape as an ordinary turn signal lamp, the desirable self canceling feature can be added to any vehicle simply by changing out the original lamps and replacing them with the object of this invention.

Abstract: A data cartridge contains a battery powered clock that can be read by a media drive. The clock's value is written to the tape as a timestamp, and the timestamp is associated with a data set. The drive is designed such that the clock's value cannot be altered by the host system before being written to the tape. For further security, a confirmation value may be generated based upon the data set and the clock's value. The confirmation value is written to the tape in association with the data set and time stamp. Subsequent modification of the data set can be detected by retrieving the confirmation value from the storage medium, calculating a new confirmation value based upon the data set's current contents, and comparing the two confirmation values. If the two values are not equal, then the data set has been modified since the time represented by the timestamp.

Abstract: In one example, a dual source tracking servo system includes a head assembly having a data transducer, a primary position detector for sensing the position of a magnetically stored data track, and a secondary position detector for sensing the position of a fixed reference associated with a magnetic storage medium. A controller is configured for adjusting the position of the head assembly in response to a weighted average of the sensed position of the magnetically stored data track and the fixed reference, wherein the position of the magnetically stored data track is weighted more than the position of the fixed reference. The primary position detector may include one or more dedicated servo read elements associated with the head assembly and the secondary position detector may include a magnetic or optical sensor. The fixed reference may include a tape edge or servo track.

Abstract: A tape media identification code for use with tape media enclosed in a tape cartridge having a form factor that is compatible with old generation tape drives. The present tape media identification code is recognized by new generation tape drives that take advantage of additional features of the enclosed tape media. Old generation tape drives are unable to recognize the present tape media identification code, thus treating the enclosed tape media as previous generation tape media. While old generation tape drives are unable to take advantage of the additional features of the enclosed tape media, the old generation tape drive is able to record and/or read data from the enclosed tape media. In an embodiment, the tape media identification code identifies a length of tape media having a length of cleaning media attached thereto.

Abstract: In one example, a dual source tracking servo system includes a head assembly having a data transducer, a primary position detector for sensing the position of a magnetically stored data track, and a secondary position detector for sensing the position of a fixed reference associated with a magnetic storage medium. A controller is configured for adjusting the position of the head assembly in response to a weighted average of the sensed position of the magnetically stored data track and the fixed reference, wherein the position of the magnetically stored data track is weighted more than the position of the fixed reference. The primary position detector may include one or more dedicated servo read elements associated with the head assembly and the secondary position detector may include a magnetic or optical sensor. The fixed reference may include a tape edge or servo track.

Abstract: The single reel tape cartridge with tape reel centering features provides one or more features to center the tape reel with respect to the interior surfaces of the tape cartridge housing and a rotatably driven feature, such as a drive chuck, in the tape drive that rotates the tape reel. The single reel tape cartridge with tape reel centering features provides mechanical positioning and centering of the tape reel with respect to the drive chuck of the tape drive when the tape cartridge is in any orientation and constrains lateral movement of the tape reel to prevent the tape reel from contacting the interior surfaces of the tape cartridge housing. This is accomplished by the use of a spring that applies a bias force to press the tape reel against the drive chuck in the tape drive, which rotates the tape reel. One end of the spring is seated in a spring sleeve that is formed in the center of the interior surface of the top section of the tape cartridge housing. The other end of the spring engages the tape reel.

Abstract: A tape media identification code for use with tape media enclosed in a tape cartridge having a form factor that is compatible with old generation tape drives. The present tape media identification code is recognized by new generation tape drives that take advantage of additional features of the enclosed tape media. Old generation tape drives are unable to recognize the present tape media identification code, thus treating the enclosed tape media as previous generation tape media. While old generation tape drives are unable to take advantage of the additional features of the enclosed tape media, the old generation tape drive is able to record and/or read data from the enclosed tape media. In an embodiment, the tape media identification code identifies a length of tape media having a length of cleaning media attached thereto.

Abstract: The single reel tape cartridge with tape reel centering features provides one or more features to center the tape reel with respect to the interior surfaces of the tape cartridge housing and a rotatably driven feature, such as a drive chuck, in the tape drive that rotates the tape reel. The single reel tape cartridge with tape reel centering features provides mechanical positioning and centering of the tape reel with respect to the drive chuck of the tape drive when the tape cartridge is in any orientation and constrains lateral movement of the tape reel to prevent the tape reel from contacting the interior surfaces of the tape cartridge housing. This is accomplished by the use of a spring that applies a bias force to press the tape reel against the drive chuck in the tape drive, which rotates the tape reel. One end of the spring is seated in a spring sleeve that is formed in the center of the interior surface of the top section of the tape cartridge housing. The other end of the spring engages the tape reel.

Abstract: A staggered calibration track comprising a plurality of calibration tracks for use positioning a tape drive tape head for reading and writing data to and from multiple data tracks. The staggered calibration track is written by positioning the write head to a predetermined location and moving the tape media horizontally as the vertical position of the tape head is incremented in a stepwise alignment. Locating one of the plurality of calibration tracks is accomplished by positioning the read head at the predetermined location corresponding to the edge of the particular calibration track and moving the tape media horizontally as the read head output is recorded. The particular calibration tracks vertical position is derived using the average read head output.

Abstract: A lateral tape sensor for a tape drive having a tape head that is not capable of moving vertically as quickly as tape media, wherein the sensor senses lateral movement of tape media as it moves along a tape path between a storage reel and a take-up reel. The lateral tape motion sensor comprising a means for sensing the position of at least one edge of the tape media and a means for comparing the at least one edge position to predetermined thresholds to determine if the tape media moved laterally. When the lateral movement exceeds predetermined thresholds, the tape drive processor and control circuits respond to prevent accidentally overwriting data previously written on an adjacent track during a write operation, to adjust the tape head to locate data being read following lateral tape motion that occurs during a read operation or to warn the user of poor tape media quality.

Abstract: The forced air cooling fan comprises a flat disk surface having a series of circumferentially spaced apertures each including a V-shaped fan blade connected across the aperture perpendicular to the periphery of the disk-shaped surface. The V-shaped fan blade includes a pivoting device having a first blade member of one side and a second blade member of the opposing side of the pivoting device. In one position of the V-shaped fan blade, the first blade member covers a first portion of the aperture and the second blade members directs the flow of air downwardly through a second portion of the aperture. V-shaped fan blades allow the direction of the forced air to remain relatively constant when the rotational direction of the drive mechanism is reversed.

Abstract: According to the present method a plurality of vertically adjacent reference tracks corresponding to a plurality of vertically adjacent data tracks are written to the tape media so that each data track includes a dedicated reference track that is used to locate that data track. To locate a desired data track, the tape head assembly is used to locate a boundary between a reference track corresponding to a desired data track and an adjacent reference track. Using the boundary as a reference point, the tape head assembly is aligned with the desired reference track and the tape media wound through the tape path to read or right data to the corresponding track.

Abstract: The forced air cooling fan comprises a flat disk surface having a series of circumferentially spaced apertures each including a V-shaped fan blade connected across the aperture perpendicular to the periphery of the disk-shaped surface. The V-shaped fan blade includes a pivoting device having a first blade member of one side and a second blade member of the opposing side of the pivoting device. In one position of the V-shaped fan blade, the first blade member covers a first portion of the aperture and the second blade members directs the flow of air downwardly through a second portion of the aperture. V-shaped fan blades allow the direction of the forced air to remain relatively constant when the rotational direction of the drive mechanism is reversed.

Abstract: A staggered calibration track comprising a plurality of calibration tracks for use positioning a tape drive tape head for reading and writing data to and from multiple data tracks. The staggered calibration track is written by positioning the write head to a predetermined location and moving the tape media horizontally as the vertical position of the tape head is incremented in a stepwise alignment. Locating one of the plurality of calibration tracks is accomplished by positioning the read head at the predetermined location corresponding to the edge of the particular calibration track and moving the tape media horizontally as the read head output is recorded. The particular calibration tracks vertical position is derived using the average read head output.

Abstract: The sensing assembly comprises a microprocessor, a cam, and a position sensor that provide feedback on the disconnection status of a buckle between a takeup leader and a tape cartridge leader. The microprocessor uses the position sensor to detect a first position and a second position of the takeup leader in the tape path. The microprocessor uses the movement between the first position and the second position to determine if the takeup leader and the tape cartridge leader are disconnected prior to ejecting the tape cartridge. The cam permits the load motor operation to be briefly paused during the sensing.

Abstract: A roller guiding method for delivery of magnetic tape media along a tape path between a tape drive employing a single reel and a tape cartridge employing a single reel. The roller guiding system comprises a plurality of guide rollers configured to adjust the path of travel of the tape media during tape drive operation to maintain tracking of the tape media with a tape head.

Abstract: A reel motor (40) for rotatebly driving a take-up reel (30) rotatably attached onto an upper surface of a chassis (20) of a tape drive (10) comprises a motor board (41), a rotor (42) rotatably attached onto the motor board, and a stator (43) fixedly mounted to the motor board in close proximity to the outside of the rotor. The rotor has air flow means (423a, 423b) for flowing air in and out between the interior and the exterior of the tape drive. The air flow means may be at least one fin (423a) or at least one hole (423b).

Abstract: A retracting door assembly that overcomes the requirement for providing excessive area within the tape drive for the retracting door to open and close and for the retracting door during operation. When the tape cartridge is inserted into the tape drive, an engaging apparatus pivotally attached to the retracting door makes contact with the indentation in the tape drive. As the tape cartridge is inserted further into the tape drive, the engaging apparatus is pushed into the tape cartridge and draws the pivotally attached retracting door into the tape cartridge. Drawing the retracting door into the tape cartridge while it is opening reduces the arch the retracting door travels internal to the tape drive as it is opening, thus reducing the area within the tape drive required for operation.

Abstract: A lateral tape sensor for a tape drive having a tape head that is not capable of moving vertically as quickly as tape media, wherein the sensor senses lateral movement of tape media as it moves along a tape path between a storage reel and a take-up reel. The lateral tape motion sensor comprising a means for sensing the position of at least one edge of the tape media and a means for comparing the at least one edge position to predetermined thresholds to determine if the tape media moved laterally. When the lateral movement exceeds predetermined thresholds, the tape drive processor and control circuits respond to prevent accidentally overwriting data previously written on an adjacent track during a write operation, to adjust the tape head to locate data being read following lateral tape motion that occurs during a read operation or to warn the user of poor tape media quality.

Abstract: The system for detecting the edge of a moving data storage medium measures the ambient noise level of the magneto-resistive read head when the magneto-resistive read head is completely off the magnetic tape media. The system for detecting the edge of a moving data storage medium sets a signal threshold that is a predetermined increase over the magneto-resistive read head output signal generated by the ambient noise. The system for detecting the edge of a moving data storage medium then moves the magneto-resistive read head on to the magnetic tape media, where an increase in the magneto-resistive read head output signal is generated due to the friction of the moving magnetic tape coming into contact with the magneto-resistive read head, causing an increased noise level.