Abstract: A data cartridge which is edge loaded must be loaded before the access door is opened, permitting the head to enter the cartridge but entry and opening of the door can be accomplished when the head is moved vertically from a first lowered position to an upper operative position against the tape and to permit movement of the head to the upper operative position, the tape must be temporarily moved from its path in the cartridge to permit vertical movement of the magnetic head without contacting the tape. The present invention permits tape movement and head positioning upon operation of a cam shaft with a front knob.

Abstract: A tape spool including two flanges interconnected by a hub providing a cylindrical tape winding surface is adapted for mounting on and rotation around a cylindrical pin extending from one of two spaced, parallel walls of a data cartridge by providing a bore extending through the hub and one of the flanges which closely but freely fits said pin, and a bearing protrusion extending from the other of the flanges into the bore wherein the extension of the pin from its cartridge wall is greater than the length of the bore to the bearing protrusion so that the spool is suspended above the wall for free rotation about the pin. Oscillation of the spool on the pin may be prevented by also providing a wear-button protrusion extending from the other of the flanges opposite and coaxial with the bore and a spring which extends from the remaining cartridge wall to contact the wear-button protrusion and force the spool into contact with the pin.

Abstract: A tape cartridge of the type including walls defining an enclosure in which a magnetic tape is directed along a tape guidance path adjacent an edge of the cartridge for access by a magnetic transducer further includes at least three pins bearing against one or both major surfaces of the tape in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the tape, an enlarged shoulder extending from each of the pins toward the tape to bear upon an edge of the tape and provide a containment force parallel to the plane of the tape and in a direction transverse to the direction of tape motion. The shoulders of the pins are arranged alternately along the tape path so that the shoulders of successive pins bear against opposite edges of the tape, and the planes containing the shoulders are spaced a distance equal to or less than the width of the tape to ensure contact between all of the shoulders and the tape edges and positive confinement of the tape in the direction transverse to tape motion.

Abstract: A head positioning mechanism for a multitrack data cartridge recorder including a stepper motor, lead screw and screw follower assembly for incrementally moving a record/playback head transverse to the path of a magnetic recording tape to enable accurate positioning of the head at any given track across the tape.