Abstract: The improved leader block uses a substantially rectangular body that is equipped with two tape guide projections which form, in conjunction with the front of the body, a U-shaped channel open at one end and adapted to received the end of the magnetic tape that extends through the opening in the housing of the magnetic tape cartridge. The size and shape of this U-shaped channel substantially corresponds to the dimensions of the magnetic tape in order to precisely align the magnetic tape within the channel and with reference to the leader block body. The section of the front of the leader block body that constitutes the bottom of the U-shaped channel includes a plurality of parallel oriented, spaced apart grooves inscribed therein. These grooves extend from the top tape guide projection to the bottom tape guide projection in order to provide slots to receive corresponding projections that are included on the surface of the cover of the leader block.

Abstract: The magnetic tape cartridge having a self docking leader block makes use of guide slots formed in the interior surface of the top and bottom plates of the cartridge housing, juxtaposed to the leader block opening in the housing, to mate with corresponding projections on the leader block. The guide slots are open at one end to capture the projections on the leader block and shaped to precisely guide the leader block along a predefined path into the opening.

Abstract: A computer-aided design system and a process generates a graphic display of a blend between a plurality of geometric primitive shapes including other blends. An interactive terminal controls a geometric modeler to generate and modify visual graphic displays of primitive geometric shapes at a display screen of the interactive terminal. Logic structures generate both a blend and blends. Each logic structure is implemented with an individual distinct blending algorithm to accomplish a localized superelliptical blend and blends according to user selections including: a plurality of geometric primitive shapes to be blended, a blend operation, and a blend function. A memory, registers and gates in the system store and manage data.

Abstract: The universal data storage element presents a of uniform form factor that enables the user to vary the contents to include a selection of media types to provide variable data storage and/or recording characteristics. The physical characteristics of the media located within the data storage element are identified by a coding arrangement located on the exterior housing of the data storage element. The data storage element self identification apparatus consists of a plurality of coding apertures arranged in a linear array and located along one edge of the exterior housing of the data storage element. These coding apertures are placed as a function of the type of media contained within the data storage element or various data management characteristics of this media. The coding apertures are implemented by inserting a block into a corresponding recess in the front of the housing. One of the apertures is manually definable by a slide mechanism to enable a user to set the write protect status of the media.

Abstract: The improved magnetic tape cartridge includes a leader block latch mechanism that includes an arm pivotally connected to the magnetic tape cartridge housing. A first end of the latch arm is accessible to the tape drive via an aperture in the magnetic tape cartridge housing and engagable with a feature on the leader block. The latch arm is normally in a first position where the first end of the latch arm engages a feature on the leader block to prevent its withdrawal from the magnetic tape cartridge housing. A spring biases the latch arm in the first position to maintain the leader block locked status as the preferred state. The tape drive uses a leader block latch release pin which enters the magnetic tape cartridge through an aperture in the housing to reposition the latch arm to a second position where the leader block is free to exit the magnetic tape cartridge housing.

Abstract: The tape having a surface with a low coefficient of friction consists of a conformable substrate manufactured of polycarbonate or mylar. Rods of alumina, having cylindrical cross section, are adhesively bonded to the substrate. These rods are parallel to each other, spaced apart at regular intervals and oriented lengthwise across the narrow dimension of the tape. The cylinders of alumina are tapered at both ends so that there is a smooth transition at either edge of the tape. The cylinders of alumina having a very low coefficient of friction and an extremely long lifetime, to thereby provide a surface with a low coefficient of friction for the tape transport path of a magnetic tape drive.

Abstract: A locking hub for the file reel of a magnetic tape drive has three arcuate locking members which move radially outward to engage the annular peripheral center surface of the file reel throughout almost its entire center periphery. Camming surfaces on the actuator mate with cam surfaces at the center of each locking member so that the entire locking member is moved radially outward.

Abstract: A universal measured service system for a central office exchange senses the condition of relays in the line equipment for each line as well as the conditions of the linefinders. The system associates the outgoing lines of each linefinder with the incoming line connected to the linefinder by identifying an incoming line placing a call that is connected to a linefinder in the exchange at about the same time that a specific linefinder has connected an incoming line to its outgoing line. Once an incoming line has been identified as being connected to an outgoing line of the linefinder, the number called through the incoming line can be determined by counting the dial pulses on the linefinder outgoing line. The system is also capable of accommodating 200-line linefinders arranged in subgroups by also sensing signals from the linefinder group relays identifying which subset of incoming lines is being accessed by the linefinders.

Abstract: A credential holder adapted to display identification data while worn upon an upper horizontally disposed border or selvage of an upright garment layer, or to display the data while manually held. The holder is composed of three flat data-bearing rectangular panels which, when unfolded, has an L-shaped outline. The panels of the unfolded holder are selectively foldable one upon the other to several laminated positions in each of which at least the data face of one of the panels is exposed to view. The three panels also may be folded into a compact package in which all of the data faces are concealed.The holder is further characterized by the provision of a detachable supplemental folder laterally adjustable and coincidable with the fold lines of the panels.

Abstract: A combination identification storage and display case adapted to serve the dual purpose of storing an attached insignia member therein and of fitting in a garment pocket while displaying the member on the pocket exterior.