Abstract: A media cartridge includes a housing, a tape, and at least two tape position sensor openings in the housing adjacent the information storage tape. The tape position sensor openings are separated by a distance that is less than the height of the tape.

Abstract: A media cartridge includes a housing, a tape, and at least two tape position sensor openings in the housing adjacent the information storage tape. The tape position sensor openings are separated by a distance that is less than the height of the tape.

Abstract: A method is provided of cleaning one or more read/write heads of a magnetic tape recording system using a magnetically recordable cleaning tape in the system. The system performs a cleaning operation including pulling a portion of the cleaning tape through the system so as to clean the or each head. A log is recorded on the cleaning tape of the sequence of operations so as to provide a history of usage of the cleaning tape.

Abstract: A medium for use in a tape drive apparatus has a first portion having magnetically stored information and a second portion having a bar code. In one embodiment the bar code is located on a transparent leader segment of the tape medium for optical detection. The bar code is printed on a splicing tape that joins the magnetic portion and the end portion of the magnetic medium.

Abstract: A tape medium has an identification segment located on a transparent leader segment of the tape medium for optical detection of the segment identification pattern. The segment identification pattern and the medium identification pattern have a predefined spatial relationship, enabling photo-optical detection of the segment identification pattern and reading of the medium identification pattern. The medium identification pattern carries various medium identification information, such as tape manufacturer, tape serial number and a tape medium property.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for enabling the mounting of a computer peripheral device to a peripheral device bay of a computer system comprises a mounting rail adapted to slideably engage a profile in the peripheral device bay. The mounting apparatus further includes an adhesive element adapted to attach the mounting rail to a side surface of the computer peripheral device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tape cartridge includes: a housing; a reel rotatably disposed in the housing; a reel lock operatively coupled to the reel, the reel lock operative between a first position in which the reel is locked and a second position in which the reel is unlocked; one of the housing or the reel lock having an insert and the other of the housing or the reel lock having a receiver, the insert sized and shaped to fit closely into the receiver and the insert slidable in the receiver; and a damper operatively coupled between the housing and the reel lock when the reel lock is in the second position.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a mounting rail that is attachable to a side surface of a peripheral device. The peripheral device side surface has a first key profile engageable with a second key profile of the mounting rail so that the mounting rail can be attached to the peripheral device. Alternatively, the mounting rail is attached to the side surface of the peripheral device by use of an adhesive member.