Abstract: A system and method for direct measurement of torque is disclosed herein. The system includes a torque transducer and a contact arm, wherein the torque transducer, contact arm, and pivot point of the device being measured are positioned along a rotational axis of the pivot point of the device. A cartridge door of a tape cartridge may be measured.

Abstract: In one example of one aspect of the invention, a data storage cartridge is provided. The data storage cartridge includes a housing having at least one opening, a reel rotatably disposed within the housing and accessible through the opening, the reel capable of translating axially, a biasing member for biasing the reel toward the opening, and an absorbing member disposed between the reel and a portion of the housing opposite the opening. In one example, the absorbing member includes a spring constant value of greater than 30 ounces per inch. The absorbing member may be disposed to engage and dampen the motion of the reel when the reel is displaced beyond a desired distance.

Abstract: A tape cartridge housing allowing for both pre-shell closure and post-shell closure insertion of an auxiliary memory unit is provided. A flexible tape cartridge housing allows a manufacturer of tape cartridges to select whether to incorporate an auxiliary memory unit into the tape cartridge during the manufacturing process while a tape cartridge is still not fully assembled, during the end of the manufacturing process when the tape cartridge top and bottom shells have been combined, or after the manufacturing process when the tape cartridge is ready for operation.

Abstract: A cartridge adapter (16) that allows for a smaller form factor cartridge (14) to be used with a tape drive (12) is provided herein. The cartridge (14) includes a cartridge reel (18) and a reel lock (22). The reel lock (22) is movable between a locked position (26) and an unlocked position (24). The tape drive includes a receiver (34) and a release (28). The release (28) is movable relative to the receiver (34). The cartridge adapter (16) includes an adapter housing (100) and a transfer device (30). The adapter housing (100) fits within the receiver (34). The adapter housing (100) includes a cartridge slot (116) that receives the cartridge (14). As provided herein, the transfer device (30) includes a first device section (122) that engages the release (28) and a second device section (124) that engages the reel lock (22) so that movement of the release (28) results in movement of the reel lock (22).