Abstract: In a method of electronically measuring reel off-center run-out and reel hub mismatch, tape speed data related to a tape coupled with an operating drive reel is electronically measured. The tape speed data is correlated with drive reel rotation angles. The correlated tape speed data is translated to drive reel hub radii variations with respect to the drive reel rotation angles. The drive reel hub radii variations comprise an operational measure of reel off-center run-out and reel hub mismatch of the drive reel.

Abstract: In a method of electronically measuring reel off-center run-out and reel hub mismatch, tape speed data related to a tape coupled with an operating drive reel is electronically measured. The tape speed data is correlated with drive reel rotation angles. The correlated tape speed data is translated to drive reel hub radii variations with respect to the drive reel rotation angles. The drive reel hub radii variations comprise an operational measure of reel off-center run-out and reel hub mismatch of the drive reel.

Abstract: A cartridge carrier has a base with a recessed plate, a top surface, and a bottom surface. An locking ejection mechanism is coupled to the base. A guide may be coupled to the top surface of the base to receive the cartridge and an interposer board may be coupled to the guide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the detachment of an end of tape from a hub filler during movement of the hub filler along a guide rail during an unloading operation of a tape drive mechanism. Detachment is prevented by a retracting tape dragging the hub filler along the guide rail, so as to maintain adequate tension that prevents detachment of the tape from the hub filler. The hub filler, which is coupled to the tape, guide arm, and guide rail, provides adequate drag force to maintain tension in the tape and prevent damage to the tape or the tape drive mechanism.

Abstract: A dual hub reel for a tape drive comprises an inner hub operatively connectable to a motor and a flexible leader connected at a first to the inner hub so as to be wound on to the inner hub when driven, to rotate by the motor. An outer hub is disposed about the inner hub and has an opening through which the flexible leader extends. The outer hub is arranged on the inner hub and is selectively freely rotatable about the inner hub or locked against the inner hub to rotate with the inner hub. A locking element is responsive to pressure supplied by a tape wrap to press against the inner hub and lock the outer hub to the inner hub by interaction of an engagement surface against the inner hub.

Abstract: A dual hub take-reel for a tape drive comprises an inner hub operatively connectable to a motor and a flexible leader connected at a first to the inner hub so as to be wound on to the inner hub when driven, to rotate by the motor. An outer hub is disposed about the inner hub and has an opening through which the flexible leader extends. The outer hub is arranged on the inner hub and is selectively freely rotatable about the inner hub or locked against the inner hub to rotate with the inner hub. A locking element is responsive to pressure supplied by a tape wrap to press against the inner hub and lock the outer hub to the inner hub by interaction of an engagement surface against the inner hub.

Abstract: A tape drive apparatus with an arrangement for capturing, retaining and releasing a leader pin from the tape cartridge provides a leader pin holding assembly having a body and a swing pivotally coupled to the body. Upon movement into the tape cartridge, the swing is controllably pivoted against the force of a spring into an open position to capture the leader pin within the tape cartridge. Closing the swing retains the leader pin between the swing and the body of the leader pin holding assembly. A minimum number of external actuators is achieved by employing a hub leader that controls the opening and closing of the swing with relation to the body.

Abstract: A dual hub take-reel for a tape drive comprises an inner hub operatively connectable to a motor and a flexible leader connected at a first to the inner hub so as to be wound on to the inner hub when driven, to rotate by the motor. An outer hub is disposed about the inner hub and has an opening through which the flexible leader extends. The outer hub is arranged on the inner hub and is selectively freely rotatable about the inner hub or locked against the inner hub to rotate with the inner hub. A locking element is responsive to pressure supplied by a tape wrap to press against the inner hub and lock the outer hub to the inner hub by interaction of an engagement surface against the inner hub.

Abstract: A tape drive apparatus with an arrangement for capturing, retaining and releasing a leader pin from the tape cartridge provides a leader pin holding assembly having a body and a swing pivotally coupled to the body. Upon movement into the tape cartridge, the swing is controllably pivoted against the force of a spring into an open position to capture the leader pin within the tape cartridge. Closing the swing retains the leader pin between the swing and the body of the leader pin holding assembly. A minimum number of external actuators is achieved by employing a hub leader that controls the opening and closing of the swing with relation to the body.

Abstract: A tape drive having a cartridge receiving area for receiving a cartridge containing a recording medium on a supply reel is disclosed. The tape drive has a take-up reel. The take-up reel includes a take-up rotatably mounted to the tape drive and a pair of flanges mounted on either side of the take-up hub. A magnetic read/write head is disposed between the cartridge receiving area and the take-up reel. A pair of fixed guide assemblies is disposed symmetrically about the magnetic read/write head. Each of the fixed guide assemblies has a fixed guide mount fixed to the tape drive, a fixed guide attached to a top of the fixed guide mount, and a spring/pressure pad having at least one pressure pad mounted to the fixed guide, wherein the pressure pad applies pressure to a top edge of the recording medium when the tape drive is operational. The tape drive also has a forward guide roller and a rearward guide roller disposed symmetrically about the magnetic read/write head.

Abstract: A method of loading a tape from a single reel tape cartridge into a take-up reel. Position sensors detect position of a guide arm as a tape loading mechanism loads and unloads tapes from a single reel tape cartridge. The position sensors are accurate and eliminate problems that occur from small misalignments of hub filler access with the access of the take-up reel. Further, the position sensors enable the hub filler to consistently attach to a leader pin at the end of the tape of the single reel tape cartridge without frequent malfunctions.

Abstract: A leader pin assembly for attachment to tape as a generic and space-efficient interface between tape and equipment which manipulates the tape, and a method for making the same. The leader pin assembly preferably includes a leader pin, an elastomer element, and a clip. The leader pin is barbell-shaped, having enlarged ends and at least one pair of flanges each spaced a distance from a respective enlarged end to define a pair of recesses and a center section of the leader pin. The center section of the leader pin is sized to permit tape to be wound around the center section, with the elastomer element surrounding the tape and with the clip snugly surrounding the elastomer element to keep the tape securely in place around the center section of the leader pin. The end surfaces of the leader pin may have an outward curve to ensure smooth movement across equipment surfaces during leader pin assembly manipulation. Also the edges of the leader pin may be radiused.

Abstract: A method of loading a tape from a single reel tape cartridge into a take-up reel. Position sensors detect position of a guide arm as a tape loading mechanism loads and unloads tapes from a single reel tape cartridge. The position sensors are accurate and eliminate problems that occur from small misalignments of hub filler access with the access of the take-up reel. Further, the position sensors enable the hub filler to consistently attach to a leader pin at the end of the tape of the single reel tape cartridge without frequent malfunctions.

Abstract: A compact tape drive which can capture the end of a tape which is stored in a single reel cartridge and draw it into an operative position within the drive has a take-up coupler at the end of a flexible leader. This flexible leader is connected at its other end to the take-up hub of the tape drive. The take-up coupler is arranged to engage a coupler which is provided either at the end of the tape in the cartridge, or to an end of a flexible leader which is interposed between the cartridge coupler and the magnetic tape. Upon insertion of the cartridge, the tape drive induces coupling between the take-up and cartridge couplers and winds the take-up leader onto the take-up hub. The take-up hub is provided with a recess arrangement which allows the interconnected couplers to be snugly received in a manner which prevents the circularity of the tape winds from being disturbed.

Abstract: A compact tape autoloader fitting within a 51/4" form factor is disclosed. The tape autoloader moves a read/write head into close proximity with a selected one of a plurality of tape cartridges stored in a magazine. The tape cartridge is then moved a small distance for read/write operations. The tape cartridge is retained/released by a cartridge retaining mechanism. A picking mechanism engages the tape cartridge for movement to/from the magazine. A clamping mechanism clamps the released tape cartridge into a specific location in alignment with the read/write head. A cartridge door opening mechanism opens a tape cartridge door so that the tape can be brought into engagement with the read/write head.

Abstract: A tape drive loading mechanism and method of loading a tape leader pin from a single reel cartridge to a take-up reel housed within a transport cabinet includes a hub filler having a slot for receiving the tape leader pin. The hub filler is connected to a load arm that controls the movements of the hub filler. The tape drive loading mechanism includes a load gear arm having gear teeth extending along a linear side portion and along an arcuate portion for approximately 180.degree.. The gear teeth are engaged with a plurality of gears that are driven by a motive element. The motive element, in combination with several guide tracks, forces the load gear arm and the connected load arm to transport the hub filler and tape leader pin through an arcuate path and along a linear path to a loaded position on the take-up reel.

Abstract: A leader pin assembly for attachment to tape as a generic and space-efficient interface between tape and equipment which manipulates the tape, and a method for making the same. The leader pin assembly preferably includes a leader pin, an elastomer element, and a clip. The leader pin is barbell-shaped, having enlarged ends and at least one pair of flanges each spaced a distance from a respective enlarged end to define a pair of recesses and a center section of the leader pin. The center section of the leader pin is sized to permit tape to be wound around the center section, with the elastomer element surrounding the tape and with the clip snugly surrounding the elastomer element to keep the tape securely in place around the center section of the leader pin. The end surfaces of the leader pin may have an outward curve to ensure smooth movement across equipment surfaces during leader pin assembly manipulation. Also the edges of the leader pin may be radiused.