Abstract: Magnetic tape systems, magnetic tape and reel systems, magnetic tape drives and methods of manufacturing the systems and drives comprise, for the magnetic tape system, two lengths of magnetic tape of substantially equal width dimension; and a cleaning tape positioned between and joining the two lengths of magnetic tape, forming a combined multi-part tape having the cleaning tape contained between the two lengths of magnetic tape. In the tape drive, the tape, two reels, each reel supporting at least a distal end of the combined multi-part tape, and a magnetic tape head assembly are contained in a common enclosure, such that the magnetic tape drive is self-contained. Manufacturability is enhanced by having a very long combined multi-part tape made from two lengths of magnetic tape joined together by a cleaning tape.

Abstract: Magnetic tape systems, magnetic tape and reel systems, magnetic tape drives and methods of manufacturing the systems and drives comprise, for the magnetic tape system, two lengths of magnetic tape of substantially equal width dimension; and a cleaning tape positioned between and joining the two lengths of magnetic tape, forming a combined multi-part tape having the cleaning tape contained between the two lengths of magnetic tape. In the tape drive, the tape, two reels, each reel supporting at least a distal end of the combined multi-part tape, and a magnetic tape head assembly are contained in a common enclosure, such that the magnetic tape drive is self-contained. Manufacturability is enhanced by having a very long combined multi-part tape made from two lengths of magnetic tape joined together by a cleaning tape.

Abstract: A method to write information to, or retrieve information from, an information storage medium disposed within a portable data storage cartridge moveably disposed in a data storage and retrieval system, wherein the data storage and retrieval system further comprises a data storage device. The portable data storage cartridge comprises a moveable curved door slidingly disposed within the enclosure, and a tape reel rotatably disposed within the enclosure, wherein the moveable curved door and the tape reel are non-concentric. The method retrieves the portable data storage cartridge from a storage slot, transports that portable data storage cartridge to a data storage device, disposes the portable data storage cartridge in the data storage device. The method further moves the moveable curved door from said a position to a second position, and reads information from and/or writes information to, the information storage medium.

Abstract: A seven-sided housing for an information storage medium, where one of the seven sides is moveable in two planes to allow access to an information storage medium disposed therein. A portable data storage cartridge, which includes an information storage medium disposed in the housing. A method to read information from, and/or write information to, the information storage medium is disposed within the portable data storage cartridge. An information storage and retrieval system, which includes one or more of the portable data storage cartridges. A method to read information from, and/or write information to, an information storage medium disposed in the data storage cartridge. An information storage and retrieval system, which includes a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein for writing information to and/or retrieving information from, an information storage medium disposed within the portable data storage cartridge.