Abstract: A tape transport which is sized to fit within an 8 inch form factor or footprint, to accommodate prevailing mini/micro computer applications, and including operative components which are capable of automatically receiving IBM Corporation's 3480-type tape cartridge and the web of tape which it contains for appropriate introduction to the transport for presentation to a high performance magnetic recording head. This permits a use of the 3480 tape cartridge in a transport apparatus which is capable of fitting within an 8 inch form factor or footprint, and which is therfore acceptable for use in connection with many mini/micro computer applications, yet which is capable of providing high performance (parallel track, high transfer rate) storage and retrieval due to its compatability (and interchangeability) with the format used by the IBM Corporation in connection with its 3480 tape cartridge.

Abstract: A tape support which provides several different functions in a reel-to-reel tape drive is disclosed. The tape support provides means for sensing tension in the tape, buffers or decouples the tape at the magnetic head from any perturbations arising at the take-up reel, and reliably guides the tape along the tape path. The tape travels along an arcuate surface of the tape support on an air bearing. A port in the arcuate surface senses pressure between the tape and the arcuate surface. This pressure is communicated to a transducer which provides an output representing the tension on the tape. Flanges on the ends of the tape support provide guiding of the tape over the air bearing and also provide venting of the air bearing to prevent tape vibration. A purge line expels a gaseous medium out of the sense port thereby keeping the sense port clear of contaminants.

Abstract: Apparatus for threading cartridge magnetic tape over a predetermined data processing path to a takeup reel. A cam track is provided in a cover over the path. The track has a beginning point for positioning a longitudinal cam member into engagement with a leader block exposed through an opening in the cartridge. The track terminates over the takeup reel rotational axis. A bifurcated linkage member is connected at one end to said longitudinal cam member, and to a drive motor. Rotation of the linkage member positions the longitudinal cam member between ends of the track engaging the leader block and threading it through the path and into a slot on the takeup reel.

Abstract: An air bearing for forming an air cushion with a tensioned medium between first and second flanges located on opposite ends of a cylindrical surface. The cylindrical surface includes a plurality of air emitting apertures for forming an air interface with the tensioned medium. The flanges and cylindrical surface include an undercut which serves to reduce the formation of seals by the edges of the tape medium with the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A web transport, such as a reel-to-reel magnetic recorder, includes a web regulator between one reel and a transducing station. In a constant tension web transport, web regulator ensures a relatively constant length of web between the transducing station and the one reel. In a preferred form the regulator is a vacuum chamber having a narrow web receiving opening and a wider cavity such that as the web forms a bight in the chamber into said wider cavity, air flows past the web to regulate bight size in accordance with web tension tending to maintain a constant web length.

Abstract: An automatic threading apparatus using a pantocam for a magnetic tape transport is disclosed. A leader block attached to the free end of the tape in a cartridge is connected to a pick-up pin attached to one end of a broken arm linkage. The broken arm linkage has its second end fastened to a rotatable shaft. The extension of the broken arm linkage is controlled by a follower link which includes a bearing that follows a cam groove. Rotating the broken arm linkage causes the tape from the cartridge to follow the tape path, such as a cucumvoluted path, in a sweeping motion past air bearing guides and a transducer into a take-up reel. The threading pin remains in contact with the leader block which forms a smooth surface for the tape with the take-up reel.

Abstract: In a cartridge comprised of a base member including a hub for receiving a wound web and a shell cover to generally enclose the winding surface of the hub, the shell cover has been modified to prevent unintentional disengagement of the shell from the base. The base member and shell each carry a portion of a locking mechanism which enables them to be releasably locked together in a hub enclosing relationship. The locking mechanism normally requires a separate tool to disengage it when separation of the base and shell is desired. This invention concerns modification of the cartridge and shell which prevents unintentional disengagement of the base and shell due to kinetic shocks, such as dropping on a hard surface.