Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for cleaning a tape media within a tape cartridge are described, particularly removable cleaning device inserts, and cartridges adapted to use cleaning device inserts. Removable cleaning device inserts generally include a holdfast surface and one or more tape cleaners comprising a cleaning surface. A holdfast surface may be used to secure the cleaning device insert within a tape cartridge. Tape cartridges for use with a cleaning device insert may include a housing at least partly enclosing a tape pathway, and an accessway through the housing for loading a cleaning device insert into the tape pathway within the tape cartridge housing. A tape media may be cleaned by inserting a cleaning device insert having a tape cleaner with a cleaning surface into a tape cartridge and contacting the cleaning surface to a tape traveling along the tape pathway.

Abstract: In one exemplary aspect of the present invention a method for cleaning a media drive transducer head is provided. The method includes transporting a portion of a cleaning tape over a transducer head under a first set of conditions, the first set of conditions associated with a cleaning process of the transducer head, and transporting the portion of the cleaning tape over the transducer head under a second set of conditions, the second set of conditions associated with a writing process.

Abstract: A flexible tube-bending mandrel has a longitudinally-split shank link that is unthreaded, but recessed to receive a nut that threadedly engages the bolt for holding the link to a mandrel shank. The mandrel center links are longitudinally split for ease of assembly of their ball-and-socket interconnections and have their socket ends externally threaded to receive an internally-threaded ball segment that holds the center link sections in assembled condition and effectively restrains relative longitudinal motion of the two mating link sections.