Abstract: A write protect mechanism includes an indicator element configured for movement within a channel to indicate a write condition and a write protect condition of a data storage diskette. The indicator element can be integrally molded with the diskette housing. The indicator element is disengaged from the housing, rotated approximately ninety degrees, and reinserted in the channel prior to closing the diskette. The diskette permanently retains the indicator element within the channel. The indicator element may include spring members for exerting a bias against structures formed along side walls of the channel during movement. The spring members may include indentations for engaging the structures formed on the side walls. The structures are aligned with positions indicating either the write condition or write protect condition of the diskette.

Abstract: A prism is provided for deflecting light through the tape information holes in the tape of a data cartridge. The prism includes a substantially hollow main prism body. The inside surface of the angled prism surface is formed in steps, so that light passing into the angled portion passes in the normal direction through a step, is reflected off of the angled surface, and then passes in the normal direction through the adjacent side of the step, or the adjacent side of the next step. In this fashion, minimal plastic material is required for the prism, while light reflection is restricted to only a single surface. An alternative embodiment provides steps on the internal surface of a mirror, instead of a prism.