Abstract: Magnetic media for use in a magnetic tape drive (30) an identification window segment (identification window segment 3108) having an electromagnetic transmissiveness which varies along at least a portion of its in a manner chosen to provide a predetermined media or cartridge signature when the media is transported at a selected linear velocity. Preferably, the identification window segment is situated between essentially opaque sections of the media, such as magnetic recording/reproducing segment (3106) and a cleaning segment (3104). Upon insertion into a magnetic tape drive, the magnetic tape is transported past a detector assembly (100) which directs a beam of electromagnetic radiation through the tape. Transport of the identification window segment past the detector assembly thus results in generation of a signal having a waveform with an amplitude which varies in accordance with the varying electromagnetic transmissiveness of the window.

Abstract: Media (31) for use in a magnetic tape drive (30) has a magnetic recording/reproducing segment (3106) for magnetically transducing information; a cleaning segment (3104); and, an identification window segment (3108). The identification window segment is situated intermediate the magnetic recording/reproducing segment and the cleaning segment, and has an electromagnetic transmissiveness which differs from the magnetic recording/reproducing segment and the cleaning segment. Preferably, the identification window segment is transparent to a predetermined wavelength range (e.g., infrared) while the magnetic recording/reproducing segment and the cleaning segment are opaque to the same predetermined wavelength range. The identification window segment has a dimension (e.g., length L) chosen to provide a predetermined media or cartridge signature when the media is transported at a selected linear velocity.

Abstract: A data tape cartridge is formed on a baseplate of polymeric material which supports mounting pins and tape guides thereon for supporting tape components in rigid and dimensionally-stable manner using integrally formed bosses to support the mounting pins and guides. Additional stability against flexure is achieved using a matrix pattern of integrally-formed webs or ribs and sidewalls in the baseplate and by attaching a top plate substantially about the entire perimeter of the sidewalls. Lateral forces exerted against rotatable components on the mounting pins are transferred to the baseplate and top plate by the mounting pins that are supported in both plates. A midguide support is integrally formed in the baseplate to support a guide pin at critical location adjacent the location along the tape path in the cartridge at which a tape transducer interacts with tape.

Abstract: A tape guide for operation in contact with the back side of magnetic tape exhibits an increase in the coefficient of friction between the tape guide and the tape with increased wear of the guide surface associated with repeated passes of tape in sliding engagement over the tape contacting surface of the guide. The resulting increased frictional drag on magnetic tape with wear of the tape guide improves overall performance by reducing instantaneous speed variations (ISV) in the tape attributable to translational vibrations in the tape over the life of the tape and tape guide. The tape contacting surface of the tape guide includes a metal alloy including copper zinc, nickel and lead that may be integrally incorporated into the tape guide or plated thereon at least in the tape contacting region thereof.

Abstract: A data tape cartridge is formed on a baseplate of polymeric material which supports mounting pins and tape guides thereon for supporting tape components in rigid and dimensionally-stable manner using integrally formed bosses to support the mounting pins and guides. Additional stability against flexure is achieved using a matrix pattern of integrally-formed webs or ribs and sidewalls in the baseplate and by attaching a top plate substantially about the entire perimeter of the sidewalls. Lateral forces exerted against rotatable components on the mounting pins are transferred to the baseplate and top plate by the mounting pins that are supported in both plates. A midguide support is integrally formed in the baseplate to support a guide pin at critical location adjacent the location along the tape path in the cartridge at which a tape transducer interacts with tape.

Abstract: A data tape cartridge is formed on a baseplate of polymeric material which supports mounting pins and tape guides thereon for supporting tape components in rigid and dimensionally-stable manner using integrally formed bosses to support the mounting pins and guides. Additional stability against flexure is achieved using a matrix pattern of integrally-formed webs or ribs and sidewalls in the baseplate and by attaching a top plate substantially about the entire perimeter of the sidewalls. Lateral forces exerted against rotatable components on the mounting pins are transferred to the baseplate and top plate by the mounting pins that are supported in both plates. A midguide support is integrally formed in the baseplate to support a guide pin at critical location adjacent the location along the tape path in the cartridge at which a tape transducer interacts with tape.

Abstract: A data tape cartridge is formed on a baseplate of polymeric material which supports mounting pins and tape guides thereon for supporting tape components in rigid and dimensionally-stable manner using integrally formed bosses to support the mounting pins and guides. Additional stability against flexure is achieved using a matrix pattern of integrally-formed webs or ribs and sidewalls in the baseplate and by attaching a top plate substantially about the entire perimeter of the sidewalls. Lateral forces exerted against rotatable components on the mounting pins are transferred to the baseplate and top plate by the mounting pins that are supported in both plates. A midguide support is integrally formed in the baseplate to support a guide pin at critical location adjacent the location along the tape path in the cartridge at which a tape transducer interacts with tape.

Abstract: A multi-armed spring in a data tape cartridge is formed from a planar sheet of resilient material and is shaped and mounted to maintain loose components in place during assembly, and to press tape hubs and belt rollers toward a base portion of the cartridge, thereby to provide tension and lateral position for the tape within the cartridge. The spring has five arms extending from a central mounting region, with first arm and a second arm extending substantially in opposite directions from the central region to corner belt rollers. A third arm extends from the central region in a direction perpendicular to the aligned first arm and second arm to a drive roller for the belt. A fourth arm extends from the central region in an angular direction intermediate the right angle formed by the first arm and third arm to a tape hub, and a fifth arm extends from the central region in an angular direction intermediate the right angle formed by the second arm and third arm to another tape hub.