Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to specimen processing assemblies including (a) a lower plate (10), (b) an upper plate (30) complementary to the lower plate, and (c) a chamber formed therefrom. In some embodiments, the formed chamber is adapted to perform an unmasking operation, e.g. antigen retrieval and/or target retrieval. In some embodiments, the specimen processing assemblies are configured to maintain a specimen-bearing substrate (15) horizontal during all processing steps. The present disclosure is also directed to systems including one or more independently operable specimen processing assemblies.

Abstract: By removing the aerodynamic fin forces from the fin lock mechanism, achieved by actuating the fin control system to apply a controlled force that counters the aerodynamic forces acting on the control fins, the system can reduce the transmission of aerodynamic forces onto the fin lock mechanism, which makes the fin lock mechanism easier to unlock with less force. Accordingly, a method for unlocking a fin lock mechanism that releasably holds one or more missile control fins in a locked position, where the control fins are prevented from rotating, includes the steps of (i) applying an alternating positive and negative rotational force to a control fin; (ii) monitoring the position of the control fin during the applying step; and (iii) while the position of the control fin does not exceed a predetermined value, repeating the applying step for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A fin lock assembly 12 for locking and unlocking missile fins 20 includes a piston 34 movable along a piston axis 44 between a locked position for preventing a fin from rotating and an unlocked position for allowing the fin to rotate. The fin lock assembly includes a camshaft 46 rotatable between a locked position and a relatively-rotated unlocked position about a cam axis 50 that is transverse the piston axis. The camshaft has an eccentric portion 66 connected to the piston such that rotation of the camshaft between the locked position and the unlocked position moves the piston between its corresponding locked and unlocked positions. The fin lock assembly includes a torsion spring 72 connected to the camshaft to bias the camshaft toward its unlocked position. A latch mechanism 100 holds a plurality of camshafts in their locked positions and simultaneously releases the camshafts to release their fins.

Abstract: By removing the aerodynamic fin forces from the fin lock mechanism, achieved by actuating the fin control system to apply a controlled force that counters the aerodynamic forces acting on the control fins, the system can reduce the transmission of aerodynamic forces onto the fin lock mechanism, which makes the fin lock mechanism easier to unlock with less force. Accordingly, a method for unlocking a fin lock mechanism that releasably holds one or more missile control fins in a locked position, where the control fins are prevented from rotating, includes the steps of (i) applying an alternating positive and negative rotational force to a control fin; (ii) monitoring the position of the control fin during the applying step; and (iii) while the position of the control fin does not exceed a predetermined value, repeating the applying step for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A fin lock assembly 12 for locking and unlocking missile fins 20 includes a piston 34 movable along a piston axis 44 between a locked position for preventing a fin from rotating and an unlocked position for allowing the fin to rotate. The fin lock assembly includes a camshaft 46 rotatable between a locked position and a relatively-rotated unlocked position about a cam axis 50 that is transverse the piston axis. The camshaft has an eccentric portion 66 connected to the piston such that rotation of the camshaft between the locked position and the unlocked position moves the piston between its corresponding locked and unlocked positions. The fin lock assembly includes a torsion spring 72 connected to the camshaft to bias the camshaft toward its unlocked position. A latch mechanism 100 holds a plurality of camshafts in their locked positions and simultaneously releases the camshafts to release their fins.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge and tape drive is disclosed in which drive mounted guides are received in a cutout of a data storage cartridge. A read/write head is moved through an access opening into engagement with a data storage tape between the drive mounted guides. The drive mounted guides closely control lateral positioning of the tape as it passes across the read/write head. The read/write head and the drive mounted guides are moved relative to each other and into engagement with the tape.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge is provided with a combination tape including a data storage tape, an intermediate portion and a leader. A servo track and media information region is provided on the intermediate portion of the tape. The servo track is read by a servo track reader of a data storage apparatus. The media information region is read by the read/write head of the data storage apparatus.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge is provided with a combination tape including a data storage tape, an intermediate portion and a leader. A servo track and media information region is provided on the intermediate portion of the tape. The servo track is read by a servo track reader of a data storage apparatus. The media information region is read by the read/write head of the data storage apparatus.

Abstract: A tape drive for use with a tape cartridge having a cartridge leader includes a drive body, a take-up reel supported by the drive body, and a drive leader connected to the take-up reel. The tape drive further includes a leader connecting mechanism for connecting the drive leader to the cartridge leader, and an elevator assembly configured to receive the tape cartridge and to position the tape cartridge with respect to the drive body. The elevator assembly is also configured to actuate the leader connecting mechanism.

Abstract: A storage medium load and unload apparatus for diverting a storage medium insertion impact force is provided. The load and unload apparatus comprises a shuttle having a first pin with a first radius extending from a side surface of the shuttle and a protrusion having a posterior edge extending from the side surface. The protrusion posterior edge is displaced a first distance from a center of the pin. A fixed side plate has a flange with a vertical edge, and a first slot with an anterior edge and a curved posterior edge. A first width is provided between the anterior edge and the curved posterior edge of the first slot. The vertical edge of the flange is displaced a second distance from the anterior edge of the first slot. The first pin is engaged with the first slot. A sum of the first width and the second distance is greater than the sum of the first distance and the first radius.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a data storage cartridge. The apparatus includes a shuttle, a frame, and a lift mechanism. The shuttle is adapted to receive the data storage cartridge. The frame is adapted to receive the shuttle and has a stop. The lift mechanism is configured to move the shuttle between an unloaded position and a loaded position. The stop inhibits movement of the shuttle when the shuttle is in the unloaded position.

Abstract: A guiding assembly in a tape drive employing a single reel for preventing damage to a tape head during the loading and unloading of magnetic tape media from a tape cartridge also employing a single reel. The guiding assembly having a cam that controls the rotational acceleration of a tape guide to obtain a mechanical advantage as the tape guide is pivoted between a retracted position defining a first tape path for reading and writing data and an engaged position defining a second tape path for loading and unloading the tape media.

Abstract: A guiding assembly in a tape drive employing a single reel for preventing damage to a tape head during the loading and unloading of magnetic tape media from a tape cartridge also employing a single reel. The guiding assembly having a cam that controls the rotational acceleration of a tape guide to obtain a mechanical advantage as the tape guide is pivoted between a retracted position defining a first tape path for reading and writing data and an engaged position defining a second tape path for loading and unloading the tape media.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for maintaining a data storage tape. The tape reel assembly includes a first flange, a second flange and a hub ring. The first flange includes a first plate and at least one loop member extending in a generally axial fashion from an inner face of the top plate at a radius R1. The second flange includes a second plate and at least one leg extending in a generally axial fashion from an inner face of the bottom plate. The leg is positioned to selectively engage the loop member. Finally, the hub ring is provided separately and is free of material extending across an inner diameter thereof. The hub ring further defines an outer winding surface and inner surface having a minimum radius R2. The hub ring is assembled between the first plate and the second plate. In this regard, the radius R2 is greater than the radius R1 such that the loop member and the leg extend and interact within an area defined by the inner surface of the hub ring.

Abstract: A compliant tape guide having a compliant member with optimized planar stiffness. The compliant tape guide includes a top support plate, a bottom support plate, a bearing piece, the compliant member and a biasing member. The bearing piece extends between the top and bottom support plate in a generally perpendicular fashion. The compliant member is associated with an inner surface of the bottom support plate and includes a base, opposing legs, an edge receiving surface and a planar stiffness body. The opposing legs extend from the base. The edge receiving surface is attached to the opposing legs opposite the base to define an opening. The planar stiffness body is disposed within the opening and is configured to increase an in-plane stiffness of the compliant member in a plane substantially parallel to a plane of the base. Finally, the biasing member is associated with the compliant member to bias the edge receiving surface into engagement with a storage tape during use.