Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the movement of an elevator mechanism in a tape drive system. The mechanism of the present invention employs a tachometer to detect the magnetic decoupling of a cartridge from a cartridge reel motor. A holding torque is placed on the cartridge reel motor. A voltage or current ramp is supplied to the elevator mechanism, wherein the elevator mechanism raises and magnetically decouples the tape cartridge from the cartridge reel motor. As the coupling force is broken, the torque placed on the cartridge reel motor causes the motor to turn. The tachometer detects the magnetic decoupling of the cartridge from the cartridge reel motor by sensing the angular displacement of the motor. In response, the controller decreases the voltage or current ramp to adapt to the load reduction on the elevator mechanism, and thereby more smoothly continue the elevator motion.

Abstract: A tape drive ejection assembly that controls ejection of a tape cartridge to prevent over ejection errors in a tape drive. The ejection assembly comprises an ejection carriage, a carriage pin, a rotary damper and a spring mounted on a frame. The ejection carriage slides within the frame during insertion and ejection of the tape cartridge. The spring connects between the frame and the ejection carriage and provides the force to eject the tape cartridge. The rotary damper controls movement of the ejection carriage within the frame during ejection of the tape cartridge. The carriage pin includes a rib configured to form a snap connection with the tape cartridge during loading of the tape cartridge. The snap connection between the rib and the tape cartridge secures the tape cartridge to the ejection carriage during and after ejection of the tape cartridge. The connection is not released until a significant external force is applied on the tape cartridge.

Abstract: A holder mechanism unit holds a case. A driving mechanism unit drives the holder mechanism unit so as to cause the holder to convey the case between a first position and a second position. An arm moves the case from the second position to a third position which is located on the opposite side of the second position to the first position as a result of being driven by the driving mechanism unit. An arm driving member drives the arm to move the case from the second position to the third position as a result of being driven by the driving mechanism unit.

Abstract: The cassette holder for magnetic tape cassettes includes locking devices (14,15) for locking the reel hubs of a magnetic tape cassette mounted on a transversely displaceable sliding element (3). Control wedges (9,10) are formed on both sides of the sliding element (3) which, as a magnetic tape cassette is inserted, come into contact with an enlargement (24,25) formed on the flat faces of the magnetic tape cassette (23) so as to displace the sliding element (3) laterally. The sliding element (3) with its locking devices (14) is thus aligned exactly with the position of the reel hubs (26) for engagement of the locking devices (14,15) with the reel hubs (26).