Abstract: A tape cartridge including a repositionable memory element is provided. The tape cartridge includes a cartridge housing that includes a supply reel having a magnetic tape media spooled thereon and a memory element to communicate with a tape cartridge handling device via a wireless connection. In one embodiment of the invention, the memory element is connected to the cartridge housing using an attachment apparatus that provides a detachable connection with the cartridge housing. The attachment apparatus includes a positioning mechanism for repositioning the memory element following attachment to the tape cartridge housing to align the memory element with a mating transceiver in the tape-handling device to facilitate communication exchange therebetween.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly (10) includes a cartridge (12) and a cartridge retainer (14). The cartridge (12) includes a reel (22) having a rotational axis (46) and a flange (48, 50). The cartridge (12) also includes a cartridge housing (16) that rotatably secures the reel (22). The cartridge housing includes one or more interior surfaces (19, 21). The reel (22) is adapted to tilt relative to the cartridge housing (16). The cartridge housing (16) includes a plurality of ribs (30) each having a chamfer (72). The ribs (30) can be disposed on an upper housing section (18) and/or a lower housing section (20) of the cartridge housing (16). The reel (22) has a contact tilt angle &thgr;1 relative to the interior surface (19, 21), and at least one of the chamfers (72) has a chamfer angle &thgr;2 relative to the interior surface (19, 21) that is substantially similar to the contact tilt angle &thgr;1. The flange (48, 50) contacts the chamfer (72) so that the flange (48, 50) is substantially parallel with the chamfer (72).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for identifying a single reel tape cartridge format, in a single reel tape handling device, from a plurality of available formats. According to one aspect of the invention, cartridge identification information is provisioned on a single reel tape cartridge leader. The cartridge identification information is detectable by the tape handling device and usable to identify a format of the tape cartridge from a plurality of available formats. The cartridge identification information includes at least one feature on the tape cartridge leader having characteristics indicative to the tape handling device of the format of the tape cartridge presented to the tape handling device.

Abstract: A universal tape path subassembly that forms a data storage tape supply and path and fits within tape cartridge housings of varying form factors. The universal subassembly includes registration datum features and surfaces that can be made accessible externally to a tape cartridge (containing the tape path subassembly) for aligning the tape path subassembly relative to a drive unit adapted to receive the tape cartridge.

Abstract: A tape storage system (10) includes a rack assembly (14), a plurality of cartridges (20), a first tape drive (66) and a second tape drive (106). The rack assembly (14) includes a rotatable magazine mount (22), a cartridge magazine (16) secured to the magazine mount (22), and a magazine mover (26) to rotate the cartridge magazine (16). The tape storage system (10) also includes a first transport assembly (28) to transport one of the cartridges (20) between the cartridge magazine (16) and the first tape drive (66). Uniquely, the cartridge magazine (16) rotates to position one of the cartridges (20) over the first transport assembly (28). The tape storage system (10) can also include a second transport assembly (32) for transporting one of the cartridges (20) between the cartridge magazine (16) and the second tape drive (106). With this design, the rack assembly (14) can efficiently transport two different sized cartridges (20A, 20B).

Abstract: A universal tape path subassembly that forms a data storage tape supply and path and fits within tape cartridge housings of varying form factors. The universal subassembly includes registration datum features and surfaces that can be made accessible externally to a tape cartridge (containing the tape path subassembly) for aligning the tape path subassembly relative to a drive unit adapted to receive the tape cartridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a break-resistant tape cartridge. Reinforcing ribs on the housing and door of the cartridge protect against breakage. The reel and brake of the cartridge employ short teeth with widened roots that strengthen the teeth and reduce shear forces which might cleave the teeth from the reel or the brake. An extra lobe on the hinge of the door reinforces the hinge. The door and the housing are made of a plastic that lacks glass fibers or has a reduced glass fibers content. Furthermore, the plastic without glass fibers improves wear-resistance, and reduces production of debris that can damage the tape and devices that read the tape. The result is a cartridge which is less prone to breakage and wear. The reel may be used in applications other than tape cartridges.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge having an integral key is provided for use within a magnetic tape drive having a tape cartridge guide assembly adapted for use with the integral key. The integral key is defined on the exterior of the cartridge housing and comprises a raised fixture or tab. The tape cartridge guide assembly includes at least one slit portion. During use, the tape cartridge having the integral key is inserted into the tape drive, the integral key is aligned and permitted to traverse the slit portion for enabling the cartridge to enter the subsystem.