Abstract: A roll device includes a feeding roll in which a web is wound, a winding roll configured to wind the web fed from the feeding roll, and a partition disposed between an outermost winding portion of the web fed from the feeding roll and an inner winding portion of the web overlapped with the outermost winding portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide tape drives and methods for operating a tape drive. In one embodiment, tape head wrap angles are dynamically adjusted to increase or decrease contact pressure of magnetic tape on modules of a tape head. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to extend the lifespan of tape drives and components, and enable usage of tape media having increased smoothness and areal density.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide tape drives and methods for operating a tape drive. In one embodiment, tape head wrap angles are dynamically adjusted to increase or decrease contact pressure of magnetic tape on modules of a tape head. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to extend the lifespan of tape drives and components, and enable usage of tape media having increased smoothness and areal density.

Abstract: An optical data storage device includes an optical storage tape having one or more optical storage layers. A plurality of optical pickup units reads and/or writes data to the optical storage tape. A feed reel provides the optical storage tape to the optical pickup units. A guiding wheel that guides the optical storage tape when the optical storage tape is in the vicinity of the optical pickup units during read and/or write operations. Finally, a take-up reel receives the optical storage tape from the guiding wheel.

Abstract: A tape mounting apparatus for a magnetic tape data storage device which includes a movable structure movably attached to a base. The movable structure moves partially within the base and is powered by a motor unit. The moveable structure has at least a load position and a transport position. A tape guide device is positioned within the movable structure such that a tape passes over the tape guide device and between a tape reading head and the tape guide device. The base is attached to a body of a magnetic tape data storage drive.

Abstract: A tape guide is provided for use in routing a tape media, used in a computer or other application, along a pre-specified path of travel. The tape guide is oriented along a vertical axis and comprises three sections or components joined together to form an integral guide structure. Upper and lower sections both comprise frustoconical sections, the respective dimensions of the two frustoconical sections being equal to one another in a useful embodiment. A tape is wrapped around the guide, whereby the tape is directed along its path of travel. As the tape moves, the upper and lower sections apply downwardly and upwardly directed biasing forces, respectively, to maintain the moving tape in an equilibrium position in order to avoid contact between the edges of the tape and any guide structure.

Abstract: A tape drive having a single reel data storage cartridge disposed therein is provided. The single reel data storage cartridge includes a housing having an access window and a reel rotatably disposed within the housing and having storage tape wound on the reel. A guide surface is further disposed within the housing such that the tape extends from the reel to the guide surface before extending to the access window. The tape drive includes at least a first guiding element, a data transducer, and a take-up reel, wherein the storage tape extends from the supply reel to the guide surface before extending through the access window to the first guiding element, and the storage tape is guided within the tape drive adjacent a data transducer, and wound on the take-up reel.

Abstract: In one example of one aspect of the invention, a single reel data storage cartridge is provided. The single reel data storage cartridge includes a housing having an access window and a reel rotatably disposed within the housing and having storage tape wound on the reel. A guide surface is further disposed within the housing such that the tape extends from the reel to the guide surface before extending to the access window. The guide surface thereby increases the tape path from the reel to guiding elements within a tape drive to reduce the force imparted on the tape edge during guiding.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a ribbon transport mechanism of a ribbon feed system includes a supporting structure carrying a plurality of ribbon transport devices including a ribbon storage spool, a ribbon take-up spool, and at least one ribbon guide around which roller the ribbon is passed, a ribbon feed path including the ribbon guide, between the storage and take-up spools and through an operating station where a work operation is carried out which utilises the ribbon, the ribbon transport mechanism in use, transporting the ribbon along the ribbon feed path between the storage and take-up spools, the apparatus including a mounting structure for mounting at least one of the ribbon transport devices so as to permit the respective device to move relative to the supporting structure in response to changes in ribbon tension occurring in the ribbon feed path, and a sensor device which is sensitive to such movements to provide an input which is dependant upon the extent of such spool movement, to a controller, th

Abstract: In order to provide a recording tape cassette in which a recording tape can run stably even if a non-recording surface side of the recording tape warps, there is provided a recording tape cassette including a guide shaft, around which the recording tape is wound such that the non-recording surface side thereof contacts the guide shaft, for feeding the recording tape to an outside of the recording tape cassette. outside diameter of the guide shaft becames larger the closer it is to a central portion of the guide shaft in an axial direction.

Abstract: A tape guide for limiting lateral tape movement within a tape transport system component, such as a data storage tape cartridge. The storage tape, having a tape width, extends between two tape reels along a tape path defined, at least in part, by the tape guide. The tape guide includes a tape contact face, a top flange and a one bottom flange. The tape guide is configured to define an effective tape path width between the top and bottom flanges that is less than the tape width. During use, the tape guide biases the tape path to minimize lateral motion of the storage tape.

Abstract: A subambient pressure feature for assisting in guidance of storage tape within a tape transport system such as a data storage tape cartridge and/or a tape drive. The storage tape is extended between two tape reels along a tape path defined, in part, by a tape guide. The tape guide includes a curved tape-receiving surface defined by an entrance side and an exit side. The subambient pressure feature is located along the tape path and is adapted to induce frictional engagement between the tape and at least a portion of the tape-receiving surface at speeds of not less than 1 meter/second to suppress lateral tape motion.

Abstract: A tape guide for limiting lateral tape movement within a tape transport system component, such as a data storage tape cartridge. The storage tape, having a tape width, extends between two tape reels along a tape path defined, at least in part, by the tape guide. The tape guide includes a tape contact face, a top flange and a one bottom flange. The tape guide is configured to define an effective tape path width between the top and bottom flanges that is less than the tape width. During use, the tape guide biases the tape path to minimize lateral motion of the storage tape.

Abstract: A subambient pressure feature for assisting in guidance of storage tape within a tape transport system such as a data storage tape cartridge and/or a tape drive. The storage tape is extended between two tape reels along a tape path defined, in part, by a tape guide. The tape guide includes a curved tape-receiving surface defined by an entrance side and an exit side. The subambient pressure feature is located along the tape path and is adapted to induce frictional engagement between the tape and at least a portion of the tape-receiving surface at speeds of not less than 1 meter/second to suppress lateral tape motion.

Abstract: An image recording material magazine is provided that has a constitution such that a roll-form image recording material rotatably provided within a casing is drawn out through a slot provided along its whole length in the longitudinal direction with a resilient plate having a force pressing it so as to close the slot and with a cloth member abutting against the plate, the plate being fixed to a support part, which is provided within the magazine in the vicinity of the slot, at an angle that allows a force pressing the material in its thickness direction to be generated when the material is drawn out. The plate is formed from a polyolefin based resin plastic sheet having a water absorption of 0.01 wt % or less, has its surface embossed, and has its tip portion formed with a curved surface so that the embossed surface abuts against the image recording material.

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: A recording tape cassette has a reel which has a hub around which a recording tape is wound, and a flange which is mounted to an end portion of the hub and in which a concave portion is formed at an inner surface of the flange. The reel is rotatably accommodated in a case. A distance of a path of the recording tape from an inner peripheral edge portion of an outer side of the concave portion to an outer peripheral edge portion of the flange, is longer than a distance of a path of the recording tape from the outer peripheral edge portion of the flange to a tape guide at which the recording tape which is drawn out from the reel is first guided.

Abstract: In order to provide a recording tape cassette in which a recording tape can run stably even if a non-recording surface side of the recording tape warps, a recording tape cassette including a guide shaft, around which the recording tape is wound such that the non-recording surface side thereof contacts the guide shaft, for feed out the recording tape outside a case of the recording tape cassette, the guide shaft being formed such that the closer a central portion of the guide shaft in an axis direction of the guide shaft is, the larger an outside diameter of the guide shaft becomes, is provided.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette for use in an apparatus having a light source and a light sensor (5a, 5b) for detecting a tape end by the difference of light transmittance of a tape. The magnetic tape cassette (1) is composed of a cassette housing for having a transparent or semi-transparent upper half (1b) and a lower half (1a), and the reel being connected with the tape, and a light exit (7A, 7B) being opposed to the light sensor (5a, 5b) when the tape cassette is loaded to a predetermined position in the apparatus, for passing light from the light source to the light sensor through the light exit, wherein a light path (4a, 4b) of the light emitted from the light source crosses a travel path of the tape, a light-shielding member (2a, 2b) for limiting the light emitted from the light source, placed contiguous to the light exit, and a rib (81, 83) being formed in the upper half and the lower half (1a, 1b) wherein a plurality of triangular shaped prisms (83a) is formed serially on at least one side of the rib (83).

Abstract: A tape guide that has textured surface over which the tape passes. The textured surface has a surface roughness exceeding the flying height of the tape above the surface. This new irregular surface topography reduces the air bearing and allows limited contact between the tape guide and the tape while minimizing tape distortion that can occur with other surface topographies.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge (10) includes two tape guides (23, 24). The tapes guides (23, 24) have a foil (43, 143, 243) which is constructed from material which causes a wear pattern (200) to be formed in the foil (43), thereby removing localized forces and spreading out the forces and thereby decreasing the tape pressure.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge including a housing, first and second tape reels, a storage tape, first and second corner guides and an idler wrap guide. The housing defines a head access window. The tape reels are rotatably disposed within the housing, with the storage tape extending between the tape reels. The first and second comer guides are disposed within the housing at opposite sides of the head access window. Finally, the idler wrap guide is disposed within the housing and defines a tape path extending from the first tape reel to the idler wrap guide, and from the idler wrap guide to the first corner guide. The idler wrap guide is configured to frictionally dampen lateral movement of the storage tape upon rotation of the tape reels to greatly reduce servo off track events.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge includes a length of magnetic tape wound on a pair of tape reels within a housing to define a tape path. A tape guide disposed along a portion of the tape path includes a top and bottom flange. Each flange is resilient so that it acts to resiliently guide an edge of the tape. This minimizes violent crashes of a tape edge against the tape guide. Each flange may have a plurality of spaced resilient finger guides for directly contacting the edges of the tape. The finger guides serve to independently exert a force on the edges of the tape, thereby guiding the tape.

Abstract: A clearance-type tape guide for guiding a recording tape along a tape path having two tape reels. The tape slidably engages the tape guide along a surface having a length L1. The tape travels along the tape path for a distance L2 between the tape guide surface and the closer of the tape reels. According to the invention, L1≧0.3 L2.

Abstract: The surface of the base plate of the data cartridge is treated with chromate so as to coat the surface with a conductive film, with which the grounding means such as the elastic arms and cartridge positioning rollers provided on the chassis of the data cartridge drive come in contact when the data cartridge is loaded in a data cartridge drive.

Abstract: A lifter device, and a method of maintaining contact between a magnetic tape in a tape cartridge and an external read/write device using the lifter device that provides tension on the tape sufficient to maintain contact between the tape and a read/write device that physically contacts the tape within a bay portion of the tape cartridge.

Abstract: A tape cassette comprising a housing made up of upper and lower casings, a pair of reels around which a tape is wound and contained altogether in the housing, and a pair of cylindrical resin tape guides having a height greater than the width of the tape, said tape guides being securely fitted to corresponding tape guide posts also having a height greater than the width of the tape and provided in the lower casing. Each tape guide post has a press-fit rib formed in one piece with it on the side where the tape does not come in contact with the tape guide on it. The rib has a vertical height greater than half that of the tape guide and serves to make the dimensions of the tape guide post surface on the tape-contacting side greater than the inside diameter of the tape guide before being press-fitted.

Abstract: A compliant tape guide having a compliant member with optimized planar stiffness. The compliant tape guide includes a top support plate, a bottom support plate, a bearing piece, the compliant member and a biasing member. The bearing piece extends between the top and bottom support plate in a generally perpendicular fashion. The compliant member is associated with an inner surface of the bottom support plate and includes a base, opposing legs, an edge receiving surface and a planar stiffness body. The opposing legs extend from the base. The edge receiving surface is attached to the opposing legs opposite the base to define an opening. The planar stiffness body is disposed within the opening and is configured to increase an in-plane stiffness of the compliant member in a plane substantially parallel to a plane of the base. Finally, the biasing member is associated with the compliant member to bias the edge receiving surface into engagement with a storage tape during use.

Abstract: A tape guide in a tape cartridge for use with a tape drive includes a fixed shaft and a cylindrical sleeve positioned around the shaft. The sleeve has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the sleeve engages the shaft such that there is friction between the sleeve and the shaft. This friction is overcome by friction between tape and the outer surface of the sleeve when the tape engages the outer surface of the sleeve causing the sleeve to rotate around the shaft as the tape moves. The friction between the tape and the outer surface of the shaft decreases below the friction between the sleeve and the shaft once the tape moves at a velocity sufficient to develop an air film between the tape and the outer surface of the sleeve causing the sleeve to cease rotation around the shaft.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for guiding a tape across a transducer, and a method for making the mechanism. The mechanism has one rolling guide on either side of the transducer. Each guide has a tapered surface and a flange at one end of the tapered surface. Each tapered surface biases one edge of the tape against a flange to fix the tape's position in the transverse direction on opposite sides of the transducer. The taper of the first and second guides are oriented in opposite directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compliant edge guiding and following system for recording tape. Two tape bearings are provided which define a tape path, each having a bearing surface for supporting lengthwise travel of the recording tape along the tape path. A movable tape head is positioned in the tape path between the tape bearings. The movable tape head includes a track following servo for moving the head laterally to follow lateral movement of the recording tape and maintain alignment therewith. A set of compliant tape edge guides are positioned at opposite edges of the tape path. The compliant tape edge guides of the set are a matched pair and are spaced apart laterally a distance substantially equal to the nominal width of the recording tape and positioned substantially equidistant from the centerline of the tape path. Separate sets may be positioned in the lengthwise direction on each side of, and each set closely spaced from, the movable tape head.

Abstract: In a tape cartridge in which a magnetic tape wound around a pair of tape reels is driven by a drive belt and in which a traveling of the tape is guided by a tape guide,there is arranged a construction which has upper and lower flanges each of which is a generally circular plate and has a center opening at a center portion and a tape guide, the tape guide including an upper fixing portion which passes through the center opening of the upper flange for having the upper flange secured thereto through caulking, a tape guide portion which guides traveling of the tape and a lower fixing portion which passes through both the center opening of the lower flange and a fixing bore of the base plate for having both the lower flange and the base plate secured thereto through caulking, so that the tape guide is stood on the base plate and guides at the tape guide portion the magnetic tape which runs between the pair of tape reels.

Abstract: A lifter device is provided, with an adhesive for attaching the lifter device to a magnetic tape cartridge, the cartridge including a magnetic tape, and a bay portion where the magnetic tape is exposed outside of the tape cartridge. A read/write device can physically contact the tape in the bay portion of the cartridge. The lifter device provides tension on the tape sufficient to maintain contact between the tape and the read/write device.

Abstract: A belt-drive tape cartridge includes tape guides arranged on both sides of a recess of a base plate for receiving a magnetic head, each tape guide having flanges formed at upper and lower ends thereof, and a drive roller arranged to be offset with respect to the center position of the base plate. A reproducing apparatus adapted to belt-drive tape cartridges includes a drive capstan roller having a diameter increased in accordance with the offset amount of the drive roller of the tape cartridge, or arranged to be offset with respect to the center position of a cartridge compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invertible portable tape container for containing two separate lengths of recording tape for providing rapid access to data. The container may be inserted into a tape drive, preferably by an automated data storage library robot, in either of two relatively inverted positions, allowing rapid access to either of the two separate lengths of recording tape. A generally rectangular housing includes two access openings, respectively to the right side and to the left side. Four tape spools are positioned within the housing, with the spools at one side inverted with respect to those on the other side. Separate sets of tape bearings each supports one of the lengths of recording tape at one of the access openings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable tape cartridge for containing two separate lengths of recording tape for providing rapid access to data by a single tape drive. Two access openings on the inboard side (with respect to the tape drive) of the tape cartridge are respectively positioned toward the left or right. Two sets of tape bearings each respectively supports a length of tape at each of the access openings, and each length of tape is wound on two tape spools. The left set of tape bearings and tape spools are positioned with respect to each other identically to the positioning of the right set of tape bearings and tape spools with respect to each other. This allows the cartridge to be translated sidewise by the tape drive for reading and writing on the left or the right length of tape.

Abstract: An elongated tape guide for magnetic tape transported in a data cartridge provides an elongated support wall to guide the tape. The elongated tape guide has a tape guide wall and at least one flange for supporting an edge of the tape as it moves across a transducer. The tape guide can be formed to a desired cross section and then bent to provide the desired path. Suitable hard surface materials and dry lubricants can be used on the surface and impregnated with a dry lubricant. The guide wall is provided with a light transmitting aperture for transmitting light when apertures in the tape indicating a tape end align with the aperture in the guide wall.

Abstract: Tape guides for guiding a magnetic tape in a tape cassette including a two-half cassette housing one half of which holds a pair of tape reels and a length of magnetic tape wound on the reels, said housing half having openings formed on the front side for supply and takeup of the tape, said tape guides being located at both corners of the front side and adjacent the openings, are made basically of a composite resin material of polyethylene and polypropylene resins and contain a carbon black and an anisotropic inorganic filler.

Abstract: An air dam (35) is place between free tape (13) extending to a reel (11) and the reel (11). During high speed winding operations, the air dam (35) interrupts air flow toward the convergence (17) of the free tape (13) with the reel (11). This reduces a tendency for air entrainment in tape (15) packed on the reel (11) during the high speed winding operations.

Abstract: A guidance system for tape in a tape cartridge includes two corner guides and an optional third guide. The two corner guides may be angled to produce a bow in the tape. If provided, the third guide is readily adjustable during manufacture to an exact predetermined distance from the two corner guides, thereby avoiding problems due to build-up of manufacturing tolerances. A method of constructing such a system provides an interference fit ferrule on a pin as the third guide, such that the position of the ferrule can be adjust to the exact position desired during manufacture.

Abstract: A tape guide structure, for use in a video cassette recorder ("VCR") into which a tape cassette is loaded, comprises a guide post and a post cap. The guide post is provided with a lower cylindrical portion and an upper cylindrical portion with a diameter less than that of the lower portion. The guide post is fixed to a deck. The post cap is provided with a head portion with a slant surface and is fixed on top of the guide post. According to the tape guide structure of the present invention, even though the tape cassette is loaded into the VCR with the tape loosened to the extend that it passes over the central axis of the guide post, the tape comes in contact with the slant surface of the head portion, thereby allowing the tape to be loaded into a correct position.

Abstract: A data tape cartridge is formed on a baseplate of polymeric material which supports mounting pins and tape guides thereon for supporting tape components in rigid and dimensionally-stable manner using integrally formed bosses to support the mounting pins and guides. Additional stability against flexure is achieved using a matrix pattern of integrally-formed webs or ribs and sidewalls in the baseplate and by attaching a top plate substantially about the entire perimeter of the sidewalls. Lateral forces exerted against rotatable components on the mounting pins are transferred to the baseplate and top plate by the mounting pins that are supported in both plates. A midguide support is integrally formed in the baseplate to support a guide pin at critical location adjacent the location along the tape path in the cartridge at which a tape transducer interacts with tape.

Abstract: A tape cassette in which fixed guide pins (9), (10) are disposed at positions in which a wrapping angle at which a magnetic tape is wound around the fixed guide pins (9), (10) when the magnetic tape is transported is reduced that is the position at which the tape wrapping angle does not exceed 40.degree. wherein, a frictional force generated between the fixed guide pins (9), (10) and the magnetic tape (3) when the magnetic tape (3) is transported is reduced as compared with a conventional tape cassette, whereby a load on a motor for transporting the magnetic tape (3) is reduced, resulting in a life of a battery being extended.

Abstract: A tape guide for a digital tape mini-cartridge providing decreased tape wander in a direction transverse to the intended path. The guide provides an increased area of tape having increased transverse stiffness without interfering with an adjacent drive wheel. In one embodiment, the guide is cylindrical and has a cylindrical cut-out to provide clearance for an adjacent cylindrical drive wheel. Preferably, the guide has top and bottom flanges. If a top flange of the guide is present, the cut-out continues through the top flange of the guide. The top flange of the guide may be relatively thin to fit below a top flange of the adjacent drive wheel. Alternatively, the top flange of the guide may have a larger cut-out to avoid interference with the top flange.

Abstract: An automatic photographic processor apparatus automatically produce a set of photographic prints, e.g. identification photos or self-portraits, in a short period of time when a human object or client takes an image of himself or herself.

Abstract: A tape cassette having a tape guide for contacting with a magnetic tape provided as a tape coil within a main cassette body, and guiding the running of the magnetic tape, is disclosed. The tape guide for guiding the magnetic tape is molded with a lower cassette half integrally from an ultra high molecular resin having a molecular weight ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 for simplifying the assembling process and reducing production costs as well as preventing adverse effects of deviation from true verticality of the tape guide on the magnetic tape during recording/reproduction or fast feed/rewind to assure stable tape running.

Abstract: A tape cassette includes tape reels and a cassette main body formed of an upper shell and a lower shell. In such a tape cassette, a tape reel position restricting portion serving as a reinforcing member for the lower shell is provided on the lower shell at a position outside an outer periphery of the lower flange. The tape reel position restricting portion includes a high rib; an intermediate rib being lower than the high rib within a range not to obstruct passing of a tape end detecting light beam, and being positioned in a tape end detecting light path; and a low rib being lower than the intermediate rib, and being positioned in a tape path region. The intermediate rib and the low rib are preferably disposed outside the high rib.

Abstract: A tape cassette comprising a cassette casing composed of an upper half casing and a lower half casing, a pair of hubs around which a magnetic tape is wound and which are rotatably fitted into circular peripheral walls formed in the cassette casing, and tape guide members formed in the cassette casing at positions through which the magnetic tape wound around the hubs is traveled, wherein the thickness of the flat surface walls and the thickness of the outer peripheral walls of the upper and lower half casings are respectively uniform.

Abstract: The coaxial reel tape cartridge uses a lengthy tape path within the tape cartridge to reduce the stresses on the tape medium as it is transported between the two reels. The tape is drawn from each reel around a corresponding rotating guide element which is coplanar with the tape reel. The tape is then transported along one side of the tape cartridge exterior housing to a corresponding hydrostatic bearing which is located at a corner of the tape cartridge adjacent the tape access opening. The hydrostatic bearing is coplanar with the tape guide, but at a slight angle with the vertical to thereby impart a slight twist to the tape as it traverses the length of the tape cartridge. The two hydrostatic bearings are located inside of and at opposite ends of the tape cartridge exterior housing, flanking the tape access opening. The two hydrostatic bearings are attached to a base plate which maintains the hydrostatic bearings coplanar with respect to each other.

Abstract: A tape guide for a digital tape mini-cartridge providing decreased tape wander in a direction transverse to the intended path. The guide provides an increased area of tape having increased transverse stiffness without interfering with an adjacent drive wheel. In one embodiment, the guide is cylindrical and has a cylindrical cut-out to provide clearance for an adjacent cylindrical drive wheel. Preferably, the guide has top and bottom flanges. If a top flange of the guide is present, the cut-out continues through the top flange of the guide. The top flange of the guide may be relatively thin to fit below a top flange of the adjacent drive wheel. Alternatively, the top flange of the guide may have a larger cut-out to avoid interference with the top flange.