Abstract: Apparatus is described for improving a magnetic clutch assembly for holding a magnetic tape reel. The magnetic clutch assembly has a center pole piece which is positioned during loading of the tape reel in an aperture of the tape reel base. The center pole piece distal end includes a non-magnetic pole piece which reduces the influence of the magnetic force on the tape reel during loading.

Abstract: A single reel magnetic tape cartridge includes a leader block for interfacing with an automatic threading system in a tape drive. The leader block has a slot in its leading surface that precedes an enlarged receiving cavity. The cavity and slot interface with a coupling device in a positive connection to unwind the tape from the reel into the tape drive.

Abstract: A single reel tape cartridge is disclosed for an automatic threading tape drive. The reel includes layers of magnetic tape with a leader block attached to the free end of the tape. The leader block is held in a receiving well in one corner of the cartridge when the cartridge is out of a tape drive. The leader block interconnects with a threading pin in the drive for threading the tape through the drive to a take-up reel hub. The leader block includes conforming sections that fit the leader block into a U-shaped channel in the hub to provide a smooth hub periphery for the layers of tape.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge is disclosed in which a length of magnetic tape is wound on a single reel with the free end of the tape permanently connected to a generally rectangular-shaped leader block. The cartridge completely surrounds the reel of magnetic tape except for an opening provided at one corner of the cartridge. This opening permits tape wound on the reel to be unwound as the leader block is moved away from the cartridge, preferably by an automatic threading mechanism. The cartridge is characterized by one corner of the cartridge through which the tape passes being provided with a leader block receiving well in which the bottom of the well surface defines the opening in the cartridge through which the tape moves.

Abstract: A reel for web material such as magnetic recording tape is disclosed. The reel may be advantageously employed in a reel-to-reel magnetic tape transport where magnetic tape is wound under tension that is converted to radial forces which subject layers of the tape disposed over discontinuities associated with the reel hub to adversely affect the transducing relationship between the flux gap and the transducer of the recording surface of the tape.The section of the cylindrical tape receiving surface which is associated with a discontinuity is formed to function as a cantilever beam with the distal end of the beam being aligned with the discontinuity. The outer portion of the hub is made of relatively compressible material, while the inner portion is relatively solid. Compressibility of the outer portion is enhanced by providing a plurality of circumferentially disposed cylindrically shaped openings which also function to relieve radially induced forces on the tape layers.