Abstract: An apparatus includes a guide system having first and second opposing guide walls with guide features extending from the first and second guide walls. The guide features support a data storage device when the data storage device is positioned between the first and the second opposing guide walls. The apparatus also includes a slidable member operably coupled to the first guide wall. The slidable member includes a top portion having retention features and a bottom portion having a lifting member. The lifting member enables lifting of the data storage device by the slidable member when the data storage device is within the guide system. The slidable member further includes a bent latch-release portion between the top portion and the bottom portion. The bent latch-release portion biases the data storage device towards the second guide wall.

Abstract: A tape drive for use with a tape may comprise a head for performing read and/or write operations on the tape, a drive leader that is cooperable with the tape for moving the tape through the tape drive, and a retraction mechanism for retracting the tape, the drive leader and/or a cartridge leader attached to the tape away from the head to allow at least a portion of the drive leader to pass by the head without contacting the head. The retraction mechanism may include a movable pin that is engageable with the tape, the cartridge leader and/or the drive leader, the pin being movable from a first position proximate the head to a second position disposed further away from the head than the first position.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to a printhead cleaning web assembly drive train are disclosed.

Abstract: A tape drive assembly (20) for the transmission of data relative to a magnetic storage tape (278) includes a tape head (260), a cartridge receiver (268) and a controller (44). The cartridge receiver (268) selectively receives a cartridge (54) having a lapping tape (478) that laps the tape head (260). The controller (44) dynamically adjusts one of (i) a tension of the lapping tape (478) relative to the tape head (260), (ii) an oscillation frequency of the tape head (260) relative to the lapping tape (478), and (iii) a lateral velocity of the lapping tape (478) relative to the tape head (260). The controller (44) can use an algorithm to adjust these conditions. The algorithm can be based on the pliability of the lapping tape (478), a curvature of the tape head (260) and/or the grit of the lapping tape (478).

Abstract: A combination includes a family of cartridge drives (12) including a first cartridge drive and a second cartridge drive, and a family of cartridges (14) including a first cartridge and a second cartridge. The first cartridge drive includes a first protrusion pattern (32), and the second cartridge drive includes a second protrusion pattern (32) that is different than the first protrusion pattern (32). The first cartridge includes a first recess pattern (62) that receives the first protrusion pattern (32) thereby allowing full insertion of the first cartridge into the first cartridge drive. The second cartridge includes a second recess pattern (62) that receives the second protrusion pattern (32) thereby allowing full insertion of the second cartridge into the second cartridge drive. The second protrusion pattern (32) can impede full insertion of the first cartridge into the second cartridge drive.

Abstract: A tape cartridge capable of reliably identifying difference in type among tape cartridges without causing a tape drive side to have increased costs is provided. On the outer surface of a main case, an identification indicator is formed in a stripe shape having a grain printed portion and a mirror surface portion arranged alternately toward a loading direction of a magnetic tape cartridge onto a tape drive. An indicator format of the identification indicator on the magnetic tape cartridge, which is displaced and moved in the loading direction when loading operation of the magnetic tape cartridge onto the tape drive is conducted, is read by an optical reader mounted on the tape drive. This makes it possible to obtain type information on the magnetic tape cartridge on the tape drive side.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge which can lead to smaller drive devices. The recording tape cartridge includes a case, an opening, a covering member and guide grooves. The case is substantially rectangular and rotatably accommodates a single reel on which recording tape is wound. The opening is provided by cutting away a corner portion at a drive device loading side of the case. The opening is for drawing out a leader member to which an end portion of the tape is attached. The covering member is provided inside the case and is formed in a substantially circular arc shape in plan view. The covering member moves along a predetermined circular circumference to open and close the opening. The guide grooves are provided at inner faces of the case and guide the covering member. End portions of groove walls of the guide grooves that face leader member exit/entry openings are chamfered.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge for enabling size reduction of a drive device. A substantially rectangular case rotatably accommodates a single reel on which a recording tape is wound. An opening, for drawing out a leader member attached to an end portion of the tape, is formed by cutting away a corner portion of the case at a side of loading into a drive device. A covering member, which is formed to be substantially circular arc-shaped in plan view, moves on a predetermined circular circumference at a side wall portion which is parallel with a drive device loading direction, to open and close the opening. An operation portion protrudes from the covering member and is operated by an opening member provided at the drive device. The operation member moves at one side of the position of a movement path of the covering member that is closest to the side wall in plan view, the one side being bounded by this position.

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 data storage cartridge having an data storage device, such as an encased magnetic disk drive assembly, is, in one embodiment, of generally an exterior dimensional form factor of a tape cartridge having a leader block with a hole therethrough for engagement by a threading pin. To distinguish the cartridge from a tape cartridge, the cartridge shell comprises a blocking portion at the location of the leader block hole. A transfer station both identifies the cartridge and indicates the presence of the cartridge at an end of travel in a cartridge receiver, employing an optical source and an opposed sensor directed toward the leader block hole when a cartridge is at the end of travel. In another embodiment, an encased magnetic disk drive assembly is supported and mounted in a cartridge shell by a shock mount.

Abstract: In the cartridge, the opening is formed diagonally to an arrow A direction by cutting away a corner portion at a drive device loading side of a case, and the opening faces both the arrow A direction and an arrow B direction. A leader pin and a magnetic tape are drawn out along the minimal length path from the opening. An operation projection of a door of the opening is pushed to move rearward by an operation of loading the case into the drive. The door, which is curvedly formed in a circular arc shape, rotates to turn at an outer side of a pin stand and the reel without deviating from a movement path along the curved form, and opens/closes the opening aperture.

Abstract: In the cartridge, the opening is formed diagonally to an arrow A direction by cutting away a corner portion at a drive device loading side, and the opening faces both the arrow A direction and an arrow B direction. A leader pin and a magnetic tape are drawn out along the minimal length path from the opening. An operation projection of a door is exposed through a slit which is formed in a case non-continuously with the opening. The operation projection is pushed to move rearward, the door, which is curvedly formed in a circular arc shape, rotates to turn on a movement path along the curved form at an outer side of a pin stand and the reel, and the opening opens/closes.

Abstract: At both sides of an opening (14) of a cassette case (10a), there are formed tape guides (18) having guide faces (18a), and a magnetic tape (T) is stretched between the guide faces (18a). On back faces (18b) of the guide faces (18a) of the tape guides (18), are formed cam grooves (26) for guiding an open/close lid (320) which covers the stretched magnetic tape (T). In lower parts of the back faces (18b) and backward of the cam grooves (26), there are formed projections (28) provided with position detecting holes (28a). Molding sink preventive recesses are formed only at positions on the back faces (18b) forward of the cam grooves (26) and above the projections (28).

Abstract: When a sheet cassette having a roll of paper is attached to a body of a printer, a leading edge of a sheet is always brought to position at a certain position. When the sheet cassette is not attached to the printer body, a stopper, provided near an end of a lever, protrudes to the outside from an opening, so that the leading edge of the sheet, which has passed between a pair of correcting rollers, abuts against the stopper. When the sheet cassette is attached to the printer body, the lever rotates in a clockwise direction, so that the stopper retracts in the opening.

Abstract: An improved detectable spool for use with a ribbon includes an improved hub which includes a core and an indication member. The indication member is a generally planar metallic member that is substantially embedded in the core, with the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs. In at least one embodiment the indication member is a monolithically formed single-piece member, while in another embodiment the indication member is a multi-component member.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge which can enable size-reduction of a drive device. A substantially rectangular case rotatably accommodates a single reel on which a recording tape is wound. An opening, for drawing out a leader member attached to an end portion of the tape, is formed by cutting away a corner portion of the case at a side of loading into a drive device. A covering member, which is formed to be substantially circular arc-shaped in plan view, moves on a predetermined circular circumference at a side wall portion which is parallel with a drive device loading direction, to open and close the opening. An operation portion protrudes from the covering member and is operated by an opening member provided at the drive device. The operation member moves through the position of a movement path of the covering member that is closest to the side wall in plan view.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge has a substantially rectangular case. An upper case and a lower case are joined together by peripheral walls thereof abutting each other. A reel, on which a recording tape T is wound, is rotatably accommodated in the case. An opening for pulling-out of an end portion of the recording tape T is formed in the case. A shielding member, which opens and closes the opening, is held slidably in the case. A projection (operation portion), which engages with an engaging mechanism of a drive device, is formed at the shielding member. A slit is formed in a peripheral wall such that the projection is slid in a state of being exposed. A distal end surface of the projection exposed from the slit is formed so as to be substantially flush with the peripheral wall when the shielding member closes the opening.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge in which, even if impact is applied to a vicinity of an opening of a case due to a drop or the like, a leader pin does not fall out from pin holding portions. The recording tape cartridge has a case which is substantially rectangular, and at which an upper case and a lower case formed of synthetic resin are joined together with peripheral walls thereof abutting one another, and which rotatably accommodates a single reel on which a recording tape is wound; an opening, formed at a corner portion of the case at a side of loading the case into a drive device, for pulling-out of a leader pin attached to an end portion of the recording tape; and pin holding portions formed at an inner surface of the upper case and an inner surface of the lower case, and holding the leader pin in a vicinity of the opening. A draft of a ridge line portion of the case in a vicinity of the opening is 1° or less.

Abstract: A tape cassette, in which a mouth portion opened forward, upward, and downward is provided in a front portion of a cassette shell containing tape reels around which a tape-like magnetic recording medium is wound, and part of the tape-like recording medium is positioned so as to cross the front end of the mouth portion, includes a front lid positioned on the front side of part of the tape-like recording medium positioned so as to cross the front end of the mouth portion; a slider movable forward and rearward, the slider being provided on the cassette shell; and a back lid positioned on the rear side of part of the tape-like recording medium positioned so as to cross the front end of the mouth portion, the back lid being separated rearward from the tape-like recording medium along with rearward movement of the slider. The tape cassette is characterized in that the back lid is supported on the slider, and each of the slider and the back lid is made from a good conductor, for example, stainless steel.

Abstract: A gripped part structure of recording tape cartridges of different types housed in a same library, with each recording tape cartridge including a case housing therein recording tape, and two gripped parts that are gripped by a gripping mechanism of the library, wherein the gripped parts are formed in the case, and a distance from a side wall of the case facing the gripping mechanism of the library to the gripped parts, a height of the gripped parts in a thickness direction of the recording tape cartridge is identical for each recording tape cartridge regardless of the type of recording tape cartridge, and a distance between the gripped parts cartridge is identical for each recording tape cartridge regardless of the type of recording tape cartridge.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge which can prevent inclination of a case relative to a loading direction when a door is moved in an aperture opening direction by an operation of loading the cartridge into a drive device. The aperture is closed by a door provided at a corner portion between a front wall and a right wall. An engaging protrusion fixed at the drive device is engaged with an operation protrusion of the door by the operation of loading the cartridge into the drive device in an arrow A direction, and the aperture is opened. At this time, an engaging member provided at a bucket which moves in the arrow A direction with the case engages with an engagement surface of a cell retention notch provided at a left end portion of the case. Thus, torque that acts on the case in accordance with opening of the aperture is counteracted.

Abstract: A tape cassette having a case body including an upper case and a lower case, a recessed portion formed on the side of a lower surface of the case body, and a slider so provided in the case body as to be slidable for opening and closing the recessed portion, is disclosed. The tape cassette further has a lock member positioned at an opening of the lower case to lock the slider in respective positions where the recessed portion is closed and opened, and a biasing member, supported at its two side ends with the opening being interposed therebetween by an inner surface of the lower case, for biasing the slider to a lock position.

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: An improved tape drive (10) includes a cartridge receiver (18) and a buckler (20). The cartridge receiver (18) receives a cartridge (22) having a cartridge leader (28). The buckler (20) selectively retains a drive leader (32) of the tape drive (10). The tape drive (10) and cartridge (22) include a buckle (30) that securely couples the drive leader (32) of the tape drive (10) to the cartridge leader (28) of the cartridge (22). The buckler (20) includes one or more buckler retainers (96) and a deflector (121). The buckler retainers (96) selectively engage the drive leader (32) and move the drive leader (32) relative to the cartridge leader (28) to couple the drive leader (32) to the cartridge leader (28). The deflector (121) selectively deflects a portion of the drive leader (32) during buckling to enhance the reliability of buckling with certain types of cartridges (22).

Abstract: A data cartridge includes a length of magnetic tape which is formed at one end with a first pattern of holes to enable identification of the end of the tape and a second pattern of holes located within the first pattern of holes and configured to provide a binary code to enable automatic identification of the cartridge type or tape type. The binary code provides for a least significant bit and a most significant bit in a hexadecimal configuration.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus is disclosed which has a first state in which a tape cassette is placed on a chassis and a second state which includes a PLAY mode, a REV mode and a STOP mode. The apparatus comprises: a reel base rotatably mounted on the chassis via a shaft and engaging with a reel which holds the magnetic tape wound thereon in the tape cassette; a tension post allowing the magnetic tape to pass around a periphery thereof in the second state; and a tension arm supporting the tension post at a fixed position of the tension arm, the tension arm being swingably mounted on the chassis, the reel base including a drum portion rotating integrally with the reel base. The apparatus further comprises: a tension band having a center portion passing around the drum portion and one end swingably held by the tension around the arm; and a tension band regulating arm movably supported by the chassis, the tension band regulating arm holding the other end of the tension band.

Abstract: A tape cartridge and cartridge drive system for controlling the compatibility of first and second tape cartridges having the same form factor in first and second tape drives. The system permits backward compatibility of the first tape cartridge in the second tape drive, while prohibiting the second tape cartridge from being used in the first tape drive. The second tape cartridge includes a tab projecting distally from a recess. The tab is positioned to contact the door actuator surface on the first tape drive so as to prevent insertion of the second tape cartridge into the first tape drive. The tab defines a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the insertion direction smaller than a gap in the door actuator assembly of the second tape drive to permit the second tape cartridge to be inserted into the second tape drive, whereby the second tape cartridge is compatible only with the second tape drive.

Abstract: A data storage cassette includes an upper cassette half and a lower cassette half and containing therein a tape for storing data. The cassette has an outer shape of a predetermined dimension, and the lower cassette half is formed with a reel lock release hole. A discrimination hole is formed through the lower cassette half at a location adjacent to the reel lock release hole for discriminating the data storage cassette from another cassette having an outer shape of a dimension substantially identical with the abovementioned predetermined dimension of the outer shape of the data storage cassette. A data recording and reproducing device has a discrimination switch or a fixed pin for identifying the presence of the discrimination hole during a loading operation of the data storage cassette into the device and enabling only the data storage cassette to be loaded and set in the device.

Abstract: A sensing assembly for use in determining if magnetic tape within a single reel tape cartridge properly connects to a takeup reel within a tape drive during loading of the tape cartridge, so that the magnetic tape can be wound between the tape cartridge and the tape drive as data is transferred to or from the magnetic tape. The sensing assembly comprises at least one sensing apparatus for providing feedback on connection status to prevent connection failures from rendering the tape drive inoperable.

Abstract: A recording medium device including a cartridge body within which a tape-shaped recording medium on which information signals are recorded is accomodated, wherein a cartridge discrimination opening (hole) indicating the specification of the recording medium device is provided at the bottom surface side of the cartridge body and positioned in the corner of the portion of the back (face) side opposite to the front side of the cartridge body from which the tape shaped recording medium is drawn out. In addition, a recording and/or reproducing apparatus with a detection mechanism for detecting the cartridge discrimination opening (hole) is provided. The cartridge discrimination opening (hole) is provided in the area where it was previously known to provide plural recording medium specification openings (holes) but which are not provided in the cartridge body.

Abstract: A multi-cassett loading and unloading system having a housing which has defined locations for different size cassettes such as the Standard (large size) and Mini (small size) cassettes of the DVC (digital video) format, which are distinguished by different center-to-center spacing of the tape reels. The housing is movable horizontally and vertically during the loading and unloading operations. An element of a connection between the housing and a mobile member engages and thereby detects which size cassette is in the housing. A linkage between the mobile member and the driving members adjusts a spacing of the driving members responsive to horizontal translation of the mobile member by the housing.

Abstract: A casette adapter in which an S-casette (first casette) of the professional digital video format is housed and having a shape identical with an different-sized M-casette (second casette) operates without fail under a simple constitution, without accompanying any fear of damage on a tape. The casette adapter capable of housing an S-casette (2) comprises an adapter (1) whose shape is identical to an different-sized M-casette. Reels (5, 6) and a reel brake releasing member (7) of the S-casette (2) are exposed while the S-casette is mounted in the casette adapter. The adaptor (1) includes a rear door (12) capable of opening and closing. The rear door (12) comprises contacts (14) for reading identification signal by contacting the identification terminal of S-casette, wirings (16) for coupling the contacts (14) with an identification terminal (15) provided in a same location as that of M-casette and a lever (18) for opening/closing an anti-erasing window in linkage with the anti-erasing gear of S-casette (2).

Abstract: A tape drive for accommodating tape cartridges of different sizes and capacities is provided with a tape insertion opening, a first guide at a first side of the tape insertion opening, and a second guide at a second side of the tape insertion opening. The first and second guides are separated from one another to provide a first opening width that accommodates insertion of tape cartridges of a first size between the first and second guides. The first and second guides are movable within the tape insertion opening to provide a second opening width that accommodates insertion of tape cartridges of a second size.

Abstract: A tape drive includes a receiver adapted to receive a cartridge having a cartridge leader, a buckler which selectively retains a drive leader of the tape drive, and a buckler motor coupled to the buckler. The buckler motor selectively moves the buckler relative to the receiver to selectively couple and de-couple the drive leader to the cartridge leader. Importantly, this reduces the force necessary to insert the cartridge into the receiver. Further, with the use of buckler motor, the leaders are unbuckled before the cartridge is ejected. This allows for better control over the eject speed and eject distance of the cartridge.

Abstract: An improved tape drive is provided herein. The tape drive includes a cartridge receiver and a buckler. The cartridge receiver receives a cartridge having a cartridge leader. The buckler selectively retains a drive leader of the tape drive. The tape drive and cartridge include an improved buckle which securely couples the drive leader of the tape drive to the cartridge leader of the cartridge. As provided herein, the buckler includes a pair of spaced apart buckler retainers which selectively engage a buckle bar of the drive leader. The buckler selectively moves the buckle bar relative to the cartridge leader to couple the drive leader to the cartridge leader.

Abstract: A tape drive arrangement and method for driving a cartridge roller in a tape cartridge that advances tape in a tape cartridge. The tape drive has a drive motor and having a rotatable outer housing, and a cartridge roller contact surface around the outer housing of the drive motor. The drive motor is positioned within the tape drive so that the cartridge roller of a tape cartridge that has been inserted into the tape drive directly contacts the cartridge roller contact surface. The cartridge roller is directly driven by the drive motor upon rotation of the outer housing of the drive motor.

Abstract: A head assembly forming a field replaceable unit (FRU) is assembled and adjusted such that head-to-tape path alignments are accurately made completely independently of an associate tape drive device. The head assembly includes an aluminum base having a magnet and shield assembly attached to a back thereof. A head is attached to a rigid beam with a voice coil formed thereon and the head and beam are flexibly attached to the base with the voice coil functionally located for movement within the magnet assembly. A flag on the beam is sensed by an optical sensor attached to the base such that a horizontal position of the head can be sensed. An azimuth arm is attached to the front of the base having an azimuth and penetration datum affixed thereto. The azimuth arm is moved horizontally in relation to a mount plate of a data cartridge for azimuth adjustment. The penetration datum is adjusted for the penetration alignment relative to the mount plate.

Abstract: A casette adapter in which an S-casette (first casette) of the professional digital video format is housed and having a shape identical with an different-sized M-casette (second casette) operates without fail under a simple constitution, without accompanying any fear of damage on a tape. The casette adapter capable of housing an S-casette (2) comprises an adapter (1) whose shape is identical to an different-sized M-casette. Reels (5, 6) and a reel brake releasing member (7) of the S-casette (2) are exposed while the S-casette is mounted in the casette adapter. The adaptor (1) includes a rear door (12) capable of opening and closing. The rear door (12) comprises contacts (14) for reading identification signal by contacting the identification terminal of S-casette, wirings (16) for coupling the contacts (14) with an identification terminal (15) provided in a same location as that of M-casette and a lever (18) for opening/closing an anti-erasing window in linkage with the anti-erasing gear of S-casette (2).

Abstract: A simple and compact opening and shutting apparatus for a film cartridge which has a cylindrical body. The apparatus includes an opening section projecting over the body. The opening section has a film opening and a film cover which opens and shuts the film opening. The apparatus also includes a chamber which holds the cartridge and has a loading opening for loading the cartridge into the chamber. A cartridge cover opens and shuts the loading opening, and there is provided a lock for the film cover. A driver couples the cartridge cover, and a connector connects the lock with the driver so that the film cover is opened when the cartridge cover is shut. The connector is arranged in a concave area which is formed by the surface of the cylindrical body of the cartridge and the opening section projecting over the body.

Abstract: A magnetic-tape-cassette apparatus includes a tape deck having winding mandrels (5) which are rotatably supported on bearing spindles (3), these winding mandrels being adapted to engage winding-mandrel holes in the magnetic-tape cassette (11), and each have at least one coupling fin (10a, 10b, 10c) arranged on its circumference. To facilitate lowering of the cassette (11) onto the winding mandrels (5) and to preclude any problems which could then arise, the winding mandrels (5) are mounted on the bearing spindles (3) so as to be axially movable in a range of axial movement and are each pre-loaded towards a preferred axial position by at least one spring (9).

Abstract: A tape drive for accommodating tape cartridges of different sizes and capacities is provided with a tape insertion opening, a first guide at a first side of the tape insertion opening, and a second guide at a second side of the tape insertion opening. The first and second guides are separated from one another to provide a first opening width that accommodates insertion of tape cartridges of a first size between the first and second guides. The first and second guides are movable within the tape insertion opening to provide a second opening width that accommodates insertion of tape cartridges of a second size.

Abstract: An apparatus and processes for making and using the same, for holding tape media for use in compact computer tape drives. Tape media cartridges for use in compact computer tape drives have a single reel for holding the tape media, and include a leader block coupled to the tape media. When inserted into the tape drive, a leader block handling mechanism within the tape drive grips the leader block and threads the tape media on a take up reel in the tape drive. The apparatus permits the leader block handling mechanism to more easily grip the leader block, and promotes more compact designs for tape media cartridges and tape drives.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes a rack mechanism by which a cassette compartment can be easily removed from a mechanical deck regardless of any position at which reel tables are moved. In a recording and/or reproducing apparatus such as a video cassette recorder in which a space between two reel tables can be moved by a reel table movement mechanism and small and large tape cassettes of different size are selectively mounted on the reel tables, a rack mechanism has a pair of parallel racks which can be relatively moved through a pinion, one rack has an engagement recess formed on one end portion thereof, the other rack has an engagement recess formed on one end portion thereof, the engagement recess being positioned over the one rack and a cassette compartment includes a drive lever which is moved in the height direction in response to the insertion of tape cassettes of different size.

Abstract: In an apparatus which is capable of selectively using a plurality of cassettes of different sizes, a cassette lid opening mechanism includes a first opening member arranged to open the lid of a first cassette by abutting on the lid when the first cassette is inserted into the apparatus, a second opening member arranged to open the lid of a second cassette which is smaller than the first cassette by abutting on the lid when the second cassette is inserted into the apparatus, and a moving mechanism arranged to move the second opening member when detecting the first cassette.

Abstract: A centering mechanism for centering cassettes in a defined location in a housing of a cassette loading/unloading system for recording/playback apparatus, each of the cassettes having a shell with a bottom face and an information carrier within the shell, and each of the cassettes having a similar cavity with a standard profile on the bottom face of the cassette which provides access to the information carrier.

Abstract: A simple and compact opening and closing apparatus for a film cartridge which has a cylindrical body. The apparatus includes an opening section projecting over the body. The opening section has a film opening and a film cover which opens and closes the film opening. The apparatus also includes a chamber which holds the cartridge and has a loading opening for loading the cartridge into the chamber. A cartridge cover opens and closes the loading opening, and there is provided a lock for the film cover. A driver couples the cartridge cover, and a connector connects the lock with the driver so that the film cover is opened when the cartridge cover is closed. The connector is arranged in a concave area which is formed by the surface of the cylindrical body of the cartridge and the opening section projecting over the body.

Abstract: A cassette case which allows positioning and fixing of a hub without biting of a hub pawl, and enhances the convenience with which the case is used. A plate-like portion comes at its edge into contact with a corner of a peak of a hub pawl without the plate-like portions of the projection coming at their edges into engagement with the hub pawl when a cover section of a storage case has been closed relative to a casing section. The sum of pushing forces exerted on the hub pawl by the plate-like portion causes the hub to rotate to thereby introduce the hub pawl into a space formed between the plate-like portions. In order to carry out the above-mentioned operation, the plate-like portion is designed to have an edge extending in a direction from a front to a rear, and vice versa, of a magnetic tape cassette to be encased in the storage case, and the plate-like portion is designed to have an edge making a predetermined angle with the above-mentioned direction.

Abstract: A door opening member automatically opens a door of a recording-medium cartridge in an operation position thereof as the recording-medium cartridge is loaded in a loading device. A maintaining and retreating mechanism maintains the door opening member in the operation position when the door opening member opens the door of the recording-medium cartridge. The maintaining and retreating mechanism allows the door opening member to retreat from the operation position after the door opening member has opened the door of the recording-medium cartridge.

Abstract: A cassette transport configuration provides a cassette insertion slot for introducing a cassette cartridge, guide rails for guiding and positioning each cassette cartridge and a plurality of cassette detecting elements for detecting the correct positioning of each cassette. The detecting elements are spaced apart on an upper inner portion of the insertion slot.

Abstract: A magnetic tape library apparatus having mechanisms for reengaging a disengaged leader block of any magnetic tape cartridge entered. The apparatus comprises a cell unit having a plurality of cells each accommodating a magnetic tape cartridge, a magnetic tape drive unit for writing and reading data to and from the magnetic tape in the magnetic tape cartridge, and an accessor for automatically switching magnetic tape cartridges between the cell unit and the magnetic tape drive unit. The magnetic tape library apparatus further comprises a stacker for stacking a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges entered externally, and a delivery mechanism for selecting one of the magnetic tape cartridges stacked in the stacker for delivery to the accessor. Adjacent to the delivery mechanism is a hammer mechanism that hits the leader block for engagement with a latch.