Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus and/or method involving respective sets of interleaved pressure cells, which operate to inflate and deflate independently of one another. The pressure cells further provide shear relief by deflecting along a direction of movement, such as along a shear direction of an upper surface coupled to the pressure cells. Such deflection may, for example, be implemented with elongated pressure cells and along a direction that is perpendicular to a length thereof. Shear relief in this regard may be facilitated by undercut regions of the respective pressure cells, at which location the pressure cells are coupled to an underlying surface and which is smaller in dimension relative to an overlying portion of the pressure cell.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus and/or method involving respective sets of interleaved pressure cells, which operate to inflate and deflate independently of one another. The pressure cells further provide shear relief by deflecting along a direction of movement, such as along a shear direction of an upper surface coupled to the pressure cells. Such deflection may, for example, be implemented with elongated pressure cells and along a direction that is perpendicular to a length thereof. Shear relief in this regard may be facilitated by undercut regions of the respective pressure cells, at which location the pressure cells are coupled to an underlying surface and which is smaller in dimension relative to an overlying portion of the pressure cell.

Abstract: A fluid flow coupling assembly includes an inlet housing defining an inlet channel communicating with a first bushing recess and an outlet housing defining an outlet channel communicating with a second bushing recess. The assembly includes a bushing defining a flow bore communicating between the inlet channel and the outlet channel and a first bushing section disposed in the first bushing recess and a second bushing section disposed in the second bushing recess. The inlet and outlet housings are coupled to the bushing such that the inlet housing rotates about the bushing independently from the outlet housing. The first bushing section is retained between opposing walls of the first bushing recess and the second bushing section is retained between opposing walls of the second bushing recess.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge has a housing, at least one tape reel assembly rotatably disposed within the housing, a storage tape wound about a tape winding surface of the tape reel assembly, and a brake assembly. The brake assembly includes a brake plate and a brake button. When the brake assembly is an unlocked position, a depression in the brake plate mates with a protruding member of the brake button to limit vibration of the brake assembly, thereby limiting noisy vibration of cartridge.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for use in a tape drive system for winding and unwinding storage tape is disclosed. The tape reel assembly includes a plastic hub that defines a tape winding surface. In this regard, the hub is formed of microcellular foam.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a tape reel assembly. The tape reel assembly includes a hub defining a tape-winding surface and driven teeth defining an engagement surface. In this regard, the driven teeth are formed from a polymer including a lubricating additive.