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 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 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.