Abstract: A tape guide device adapted for a magnetic tape transport system is disclosed. A biasable flat spring, mounted on a barrel roller mechanism, frictionally engages the top edge of magnetic tape. The spring is mounted in order to allow simple adjustment of both the force applied to the top edge of the magnetic tape and the contact angle between the tape and the spring at the arc-radius of the barrel roller.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval subsystem in a data processing system includes a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges, a host computer, and a library storage module storing the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges in substantially upright positions. The library storage module includes a first cylindrical array of storage cells centered about a vertical axis, a second cylindrical array concentrically arranged about the first array, and a library tape unit including a plurality of tape drives, each of the tape drives being adapted to receive one of the magnetic tape cartridges in a substantially horizontal transducing position. A robot within the library storage module is used to transfer selected ones of the magnetic tape cartridges between their substantially upright positions and the substantially horizontal transducing positions at a selected tape drive.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval subsystem in a data processing system includes a plurality or magnetic tape cartridges, a host computer, and a library storage module storing the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges in substantially upright positions. The library storage module includes a first cylindrical array of storage cells centered about a vertical axis, a second cylindrical array concentrically arranged about the first array, and a library tape unit including a plurality of tape drives, each of the tape drives being adapted to receive one of the magnetic tape cartridges in a substantially horizontal transducing position. A robot within the library storage module is used to transfer selected ones of the magnetic tape cartridges between their substantially upright positions and the substantially horizontal transducing positions at a selected tape drive.

Abstract: A system for establishing a water-tight seal along a joint between articulated slats of the type which might be used along the inner edge of a retractable awning includes the use of male and female connection elements along opposite edges of the slats and a resilient strip of material bridging the space between connected male and female elements to prevent the passage of water through the joint.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval subsystem in a data processing system includes a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges, a host computer, and a library storage module storing the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges in substantially upright positions. The library storage module includes a first cylindrical array of storage cells centered about a vertical axis, a second cylindrical array concentrically arranged about the first array, and a library tape unit including a plurality of tape drives, each of the tape drives being adapted to receive one of the magnetic tape cartridges in a substantially horizontal transducing position. A robot within the library storage module is used to transfer selected ones of the magnetic tape cartridges between their substantially upright positions and the substantially horizontal transducing positions at a selected tape drive.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive unit for storage of digital data is disclosed which features vertically disposed supply and take-up reels, double long folded over buffer columns to permit rapid acceleration of the part of the tape in the vicinity of the magnetic head, and dual isolation pockets for additional motion control of the tape. In a preferred embodiment, the inner surfaces of the tape path are lined with glass beaded adhesive tape to prevent friction; fence posts may also be provided to prevent planar contact between the magnetic tape and the walls of the unit. A vacuum capstan is desirably used. In this way, high acceleration and tape speeds are made possible in a tape transport capable of being mounted in the industry standard 19 inch wide mounting rack.