Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic tape cartridge including a reel-rotation restraining member which restricts rotation of a reel when not used and allows the rotation of the reel when used. The reel-rotation restraining member has a restraining member, an urging member, and an unlocking member. The restraining member has a restraining gear which meshes with a locking tooth portion, and the restraining member is supported by a support portion of the cartridge case.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic tape cartridge including a reel-rotation restraining member which restricts rotation of a reel when not used and allows the rotation of the reel when used. The reel-rotation restraining member has a restraining member, an urging member, and an unlocking member. The restraining member has a restraining gear which meshes with a locking tooth portion, and the restraining member is supported by a support portion of the cartridge case.

Abstract: In a recording medium cartridge in which a recording medium is housed within a cartridge case, a write protection member is installed in the opening of the cartridge case to inhibit data from being written to the recording medium. The write protection member is provided with a recognition window. Within the cartridge case, identification display is installed so that it is visible through the recognition window.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge comprises: a cartridge case including an opening portion, an upper cartridge and a lower cartridge, the upper cartridge having a supporting shaft; a reel, around which a magnetic tape can be wound, accommodated in the cartridge case, wherein the magnetic tape can be drawn out from the opening portion of the cartridge case; a lid pivotably attached to the supporting shaft in order to open and close the opening portion; and a lid spring being a torsion coil spring having a coil portion through which the lid spring is attached to the supporting shaft so as to urge the lid to close the opening portion. In the magnetic tape cartridge, it is preferable that the coil portion is a compressive spring.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic tape cartridge, in which the mating of the lower half and the upper half can be easily performed and is applicable to automated assembly, when the magnetic tape cartridge having a sliding door is assembled. The rib 81 projects from the upper section of the first guide wall 24a in the direction of the opposite second guide wall 24b. On the other hand, the groove 55, which faces the rib 81, is carved on the inner side surface 54a of the sliding door 5. The rib 81 engages with the groove 55, thereby restricting the vertical displacement of the sliding door 5. Also the engagement of the rib 81 and the groove 55 guides the sliding door 5 in the guide channel freely.

Abstract: There is provided a tape cartridge which is capable of reliably preventing dropout of a magnetic tape without lowering durability. A tape cartridge includes a cartridge body formed by a pair of cartridge halves, one of the cartridge halves being formed with an insertion hole permitting insertion of a driving shaft of a record/playback apparatus, and a tape reel formed by a hollow cylindrical hub and a pair of flanges, the tape reel being accommodated within the cartridge body, with a tape wound around the hub. A center line average height Ra of a surface of the hub is defined to be not smaller than 0.005 &mgr;m and not larger than 0.04 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention aim at providing a magnetic tape cartridge, which can be assembled using an automated products line by enabling the assembling operation of a spring member and a slide door with ease.

Abstract: This invention aims at providing a spring member exhibiting excellent function in pushing a door member covering a tape outlet towards the closed position, while occupying smaller space.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge is equipped with a cartridge case in which a single reel with magnetic tape wound on the outer periphery of a reel hub is rotatably housed. The cartridge is further equipped with a locking member, and a plurality of ribs extending in the axial direction and formed in the inner periphery of the reel hub. The locking member is provided within the reel hub so that it is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position in the axial direction of the reel. The locking member locks the reel to restrain rotation of the reel when not being used. A first radial clearance between the locking member and the ribs at the locking position is set to a value smaller than a second radial clearance between the locking member and the ribs at the unlocking position.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes a cartridge casing formed by upper and lower casing halves mated together and a single reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is supported for rotation in the cartridge casing by the upper casing half. A memory holding structure holds a non-contact type memory element with its recording surface held substantially at 45° to the bottom surface of the cartridge casing.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge including a housing, a tape reel assembly, a brake assembly, a centering device, and a storage tape. The tape reel assembly includes a hub, opposing top and bottom flanges, and drive teeth. The drive teeth extend in an axial fashion relative to the hub and are provided for engagement by a tape drive chuck. The centering device is provided to support the tape reel assembly in a centered position relative to the tape reel opening in the locked state. The centering device includes a rib and a corresponding groove. The rib is formed by one of the bottom flange and the base, whereas the groove is formed by another of the bottom flange and the base. The groove is configured to selectively receive the rib, thereby supporting the tape reel assembly in the center position. The centering device prevents the tape reel assembly from laterally shifting relative to the tape reel opening when the data storage tape cartridge is vertically oriented.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel pin, the tape reel assembly, and a storage tape. The tape reel assembly is rotatably associated with the tape reel pin and includes a hub, a spherical piece and a sleeve. The spherical piece is insert molded within an axial bore of the hub and provides a thrust surface. The sleeve is also insert molded within the axial bore of the hub and provides a journal bearing surface. In accordance with a method of the present invention, the tape reel assembly is formed as part of an injection molding process, whereby a core pin precisely positions the spherical piece and co-axially centers the sleeve relative to an outer, tape winding surface of the hub.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly (14). The tape reel assembly (14) includes three discrete components. The components include a top flange (40), bottom flange (50) and hub (60). Teeth (65) are operatively connected to the hub (65). The flanges (40, 50) are preferably made from metal.

Abstract: A single reel with magnetic tape wound thereon is housed in a case. A restraining member, for restricting rotation of the reel by moving toward or away from the reel, is urged in a restraining direction by an urging member. The pushing-up portions of a releasing member are inserted into the through holes bored in the reel gear of the reel 2 so that the lower ends can abut a driving gear. The releasing member moves the restraining member in a releasing direction by moving according to the chucking operation of drive-side rotation drive means. In this manner, reel-rotation restraining means allows rotation of the reel when being used and restricts the rotation when not being used. In this construction, each of the through holes is bored between the tooth edges of the reel gear so that the releasing member can perform a reliable releasing operation.

Abstract: A single reel with magnetic tape wound thereon is housed in a case. A restraining member, for restricting rotation of the reel by moving toward or away from the reel, is urged in a restraining direction by an urging member. The pushing-up portions of a releasing member are inserted into the through holes bored in the reel gear of the reel 2 so that the lower ends can abut a driving gear. The releasing member moves the restraining member in a releasing direction by moving according to the chucking operation of drive-side rotation drive means. In this manner, reel-rotation restraining means allows rotation of the reel when being used and restricts the rotation when not being used. In this construction, each of the through holes is bored between the tooth edges of the reel gear so that the releasing member can perform a reliable releasing operation.

Abstract: A single reel with magnetic tape wound thereon is housed in a case. A restraining member, for restricting rotation of the reel by moving toward or away from the reel, is urged in a restraining direction by an urging member. The pushing-up portions of a releasing member are inserted into the through holes bored in the reel gear of the reel 2 so that the lower ends can abut a driving gear. The releasing member moves the restraining member in a releasing direction by moving according to the chucking operation of drive-side rotation drive means. In this manner, reel-rotation restraining means allows rotation of the reel when being used and restricts the rotation when not being used. In this construction, each of the through holes is bored between the tooth edges of the reel gear so that the releasing member can perform a reliable releasing operation.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge for use with a high speed tape drive as part of a tape drive system. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, at least one tape reel, a storage tape, a brake body, and a spring. The housing defines an enclosure and forms an opening for accessing the enclosure. The tape reel is rotatably disposed within the enclosure, and defines a central bore. The tape reel maintains the storage tape. The brake body is disposed within the central bore of the tape reel and includes a stem, a reel engagement section, and a button. The stem is slidably connected to the housing. The reel engagement section is configured to selectively engage a portion of the tape reel in a locked position. The button is positioned opposite the stem and terminates in a leading end. In a preferred embodiment, the leading end forms a concave surface configured to selectively receive a rounded surface associated with a tape drive. Finally, the spring biases the brake body to the locked position.

Abstract: A point of sale printer includes a paper supply mechanism rotatably mounting a paper supply roll within a frame through a resiliently mounted bearing member extending into each end of a central hole in the roll. The frame is manually pivoted between an open position, in which the roll is installed and removed by moving the bearing members outward with movement of the roll, and a closed position, in which the roll is rotatably held in place, with outward movement of the bearing members being prevented by stops within the printer. With the frame in its closed position, a paper web is pulled from the roll for printing. An alternate configuration allows the printer to use a narrow paper roll.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes a cartridge case, a single tape reel, and a tape leader pin. The cartridge case has a tape leader opening in the side wall thereof. The tape reel with magnetic tape wound thereon is rotatably housed within said cartridge case. The tape leader pin is firmly attached to the leading end of said magnetic tape and is detachably held near the tape leader opening by a spring member. The surface hardness of the sliding surface of the spring member with respect to said tape leader pin is made higher than that of the tape leader pin to prevent an increase in the sliding resistance between the sliding surface of the tape leader pin and the sliding surface of a leader-pin holding spring.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge has a single reel including a circular lower flange and a circular upper flange, a magnetic tape which is wound between the upper flange and the lower flange and a cartridge case including a lower case and an upper case. The upper flange closes a circular second opening of the upper case to form a central portion on an upper side of the cartridge case. It has become possible to provide a magnetic tape cartridge that has a reduced total thickness and is also advantageous in terms of costs. A magnetic tape cartridge can be also realized which is unlikely to be damaged even if it is subjected to careless handling.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge comprises: a cartridge case including an opening portion, an upper cartridge and a lower cartridge, the upper cartridge having a supporting shaft; a reel, around which a magnetic tape can be wound, accommodated in the cartridge case, wherein the magnetic tape can be drawn out from the opening portion of the cartridge case; a lid pivotably attached to the supporting shaft in order to open and close the opening portion; and a lid spring being a torsion coil spring having a coil portion through which the lid spring is attached to the supporting shaft so as to urge the lid to close the opening portion. In the magnetic tape cartridge, it is preferable that the coil portion is a compressive spring.

Abstract: A supply magazine contains a recording paper roll constituted by continuous thermosensitive recording paper wound in a roll form. The recording paper is fed-by a supply roller. In the supply magazine, a magazine body receives the recording paper roll. A magazine lid closes the magazine body openably. Two retention levers are shiftable between retaining and releasing positions, press an outermost turn of the recording paper roll to the supply roller when in the retaining position, and release the recording paper roll from the supply roller when in the releasing position. A combination of two linking plates has first and second ends. The first end is connected with the magazine lid. The second end is connected with each of the retention levers. The linking plates shift each retention lever from the releasing position to the retaining position in response to closing of the magazine lid.

Abstract: In a tape cartridge which turnably holds within a housing a single tape reel on which a length of tape is wound, the tape reel consisting of an upper flange, a lower flange, and a hub which is open at top and is closed at the bottom, the hub having a metal disk in the center of the outer bottom surface and teeth formed around the outer periphery of the metal disk for engagement with a drive shaft of a recorder, the underside of the hub having throughholes for engagement with a brake release plate, the hub having teeth formed on the inner bottom surface to engage a brake lock, the brake release plate consisting of a main plate disposed between the brake lock and the inner surface of the hub and a plurality of legs adapted to fit in the throughholes in the bottom of the hub, the brake lock having brake teeth formed on the periphery of its underside and a contact area in the center for engagement with the brake release plate, the teeth of the hub and the brake teeth of the brake lock being in mesh to prevent unw

Abstract: A wire-winding machine for forming coils (20) on individual magnetic pole teeth (11a) of a core member (13) which is produced by joining a plurality of core segments (11), each of the core segments (11) having a yoke portion (11c) and a magnetic pole tooth (11a) projectingly formed on an inside surface (11d) of the yoke portion (11c), comprises a core member positioner including a rotating roller (14), large-diameter guide rollers (21) and small-diameter guide rollers (22) which together serve to bend the core member (13) and hold it in a position where the core segments (11.3, 11.5) adjacent to the core segment (11.4) on which the coil (20) is currently wound do not project in the direction of its magnetic pole tooth (11a) beyond a boundary surface (S) of the yoke portion (11c) of the core segment (11.4) on which the coil (20) is currently wound.

Abstract: A tape cartridge includes a cartridge body which is formed by cartridge halves 211 and 212, and has peripheral walls formed by respective side walls 221b and 212b of the cartridge halves 211 and 212, and a tape reel. The tape cartridge is configured such that one of the peripheral walls of the cartridge body has a corner portion formed with a tape extraction hole, and that a side wall 212b of a cartridge half 212 and a side wall 211b of a cartridge half 211 forming another peripheral wall adjacent to the corner portion have end surfaces thereof brought into contact with each other. The side wall 211b is coupled to the side wall 212b in a state in which the movement of the end surface of the side wall 211b in a direction away from the end surface of the side wall 212b and the respective movements of the side wall 211b to the outer surface side and inner surface side thereof are restricted.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes a cartridge casing formed by upper and lower casing halves and a single reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is contained in the cartridge casing for rotation. A slide door for opening and closing a tape outlet opening is mounted on the cartridge casing to be linearly slidable along a door passage between a closing position where it closes the tape outlet opening and an opening position where it opens the tape outlet opening. A door spring for urging the slide door toward the closing position and holding the same in the closing position is disposed on the door passage.

Abstract: In a recording and/or reproducing apparatus (1) having a reel drive device (35) with a drive shaft (46A) and with a disc-shaped drive member (47) made of a plastic and with drive teeth (48), and with a second magnetic circuit element (49), and with a third magnetic circuit element (50), which is connected to the drive member (47) by insert-molding of the third magnetic circuit element (50), the drive shaft (46A) is connected directly to the third magnetic circuit element (50) in a rotationally interlocked manner and the third magnetic circuit element (50) is formed by an element which is finished by means of a turning operation, and the third magnetic circuit element (50) is dimensioned in such a manner with respect to the drive member (47) that the third magnetic circuit element (50) is not subjected to any deformation by the drive member (47) made by insert-molding.

Abstract: A pack of magnetic recording tape (200) comprises a splicing tape (220) which adheres a web of a magnetic tape (222) to a leader (224). The leader (224) attaches to a reel hub (226) around which the tape is to be wound. At least an intermediate portion of the splicing tape (220) has its ends oriented non-othogonally to the elongated dimension (227) of the magnetic recording tape. Preferably, the ends of the splicing tape are oriented to be substantially parallel to a helical scan data track (238) to be transduced (e.g., recorded or reproduced) on magnetic tape. In one embodiment, the ends (220E-8) of the splicing tape (220-8) have essentially the shape of the letter “Z”. By providing splices that replicate a path that a transducing head (e.g., scanner head) will travel over the magnetic tape, very few data tracks are sacrificed due to the deformations or print-through.

Abstract: A supply magazine contains a recording paper roll constituted by continuous thermosensitive recording paper wound in a roll form. The recording paper is fed by a supply roller. In the supply magazine, a magazine body receives the recording paper roll. A magazine lid closes the magazine body openably. Two retention levers are shiftable between retaining and releasing positions, press an outermost turn of the recording paper roll to the supply roller when in the retaining position, and release the recording paper roll from the supply roller when in the releasing position. A combination of two linking plates has first and second ends. The first end is connected with the magazine lid. The second end is connected with each of the retention levers. The linking plates shift each retention lever from the releasing position to the retaining position in response to closing of the magazine lid.

Abstract: A tape cassette including a cartridge and one tape reel provided in the cartridge, with a recording medium in the form of a tape being wound upon the tape reel. In the tape cassette, a reader tape that is more rigid than the recording medium in the form of a tape is connected to an unwinding end of the recording medium in the form of a tape; a toothed portion (a protrusion) is formed on at least a portion of both side edges of the reader tape; the tape reel has a flange on a top portion and on a bottom portion of a hub, and feed teeth (engaging portions) that engage the protrusions of the reader tape are formed on outer peripheral edges of the flanges. Rotation of the tape reel in one direction causes the engaging portions to feed the protrusions, whereby the reader tape is sent out from the cartridge. The tape cartridge of the invention can be reliably mounted to a recording/reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A tape cassette including a cartridge and one tape reel provided in the cartridge, with a recording medium in the form of a tape being wound upon the tape reel. In the tape cassette, a reader tape that is more rigid than the recording medium in the form of a tape is connected to an unwinding end of the recording medium in the form of a tape; a toothed portion (a protrusion) is formed on at least a portion of both side edges of the reader tape; the tape reel has a flange on a top portion and on a bottom portion of a hub, and feed teeth (engaging portions) that engage the protrusions of the reader tape are formed on outer peripheral edges of the flanges. Rotation of the tape reel in one direction causes the engaging portions to feed the protrusions, whereby the reader tape is sent out from the cartridge. The tape cartridge of the invention can be reliably mounted to a recording/reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A tape cassette including a cartridge and one tape reel provided in the cartridge, with a recording medium in the form of a tape being wound upon the tape reel. In the tape cassette, a reader tape that is more rigid than the recording medium in the form of a tape is connected to an unwinding end of the recording medium in the form of a tape; a toothed portion (a protrusion) is formed on at least a portion of both side edges of the reader tape; the tape reel has a flange on a top portion and on a bottom portion of a hub, and feed teeth (engaging portions) that engage the protrusions of the reader tape are formed on outer peripheral edges of the flanges. Rotation of the tape reel in one direction causes the engaging portions to feed the protrusions, whereby the reader tape is sent out from the cartridge. The tape cartridge of the invention can be reliably mounted to a recording/reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel pin, the tape reel assembly, and a storage tape. The housing includes a first housing section and a second housing section. The tape reel pin extends in a generally perpendicular fashion relative to an interior surface of the first housing section. With this configuration, the tape reel pin forms a cylindrical side surface and terminates in a leading end. The tape reel assembly is rotatably associated with the tape reel pin and includes a hub and a sleeve. The hub defines an axial bore. In one preferred embodiment, the tape reel assembly further includes opposing flanges connected to the hub. Regardless, the sleeve is disposed within the axial bore and forms a thrust surface. Finally, the storage tape is maintained by the hub.

Abstract: A tape cartridge is provided with reliable reel lock and motor/reel coupling mechanisms whose functions are both accomplished during a single motion of the cartridge relative to the drive motor. The motor/reel coupling includes a circular set of gear teeth on the bottom of the tape reel which meshes with a complementary set of gear teeth on a motor coupling rotated by the motor when the cartridge is loaded into the tape drive and the cartridge and motor are moved towards each other. An engagement force to maintain the coupling is provided by an engagement spring in the cartridge which biases the reel towards the motor. Reel locking is accomplished by providing a second circular set of gear teeth on a top side of the tape reel which meshes with a complementary set of gear teeth provided on a slidably mounted locking bracket inside the tape cartridge. A lock spring normally biases the locking bracket towards the top of the tape reel, thus locking the reel when the cartridge is not engaged with the motor.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for maintaining a data storage tape. The tape reel assembly includes a hub ring, an engagement section, a metallic ring and opposing flanges. The hub ring defines a tape-winding surface and forms a central opening. The engagement section extends substantially radially inwardly relative to the tape-winding surface and includes an inner surface, an outer surface and an annular flange. The annular flange extends substantially axially from the outer surface and defines an axial passage. The metallic ring is secured to the outer surface of the engagement section and has an inner diameter. In this regard, the inner diameter of the metallic ring is greater than a diameter of the axial passage such that the annular flange extends axially within the inner diameter of the metallic ring. Finally, the opposing flanges extend radially from opposite ends of the hub ring, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic tape cartridge including a reel-rotation restraining member which restricts rotation of a reel when not used and allows the rotation of the reel when used. The reel-rotation restraining member has a restraining member, an urging member, and an unlocking member. The restraining member has a restraining gear which meshes with a locking tooth portion, and the restraining member is supported by a support portion of the cartridge case.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus (1) can hold a magnetic-tape cassette (2), which accommodates a supply reel (3) including a first magnetic circuit element (42) and has a disc-shaped drive member (47) including a second magnetic circuit element (49), the two magnetic circuit elements (42, 49) forming magnetically acting holding means (43) for holding the supply reel (3) in the apparatus (1) and the disc-shaped drive member (47) having magnetic-force-of-attraction limiting means (51) which serve to and are adapted to cooperate with the first magnetic circuit element (42) and which enable the magnetic force of attraction produced between the two magnetic circuit elements (42, 49) to be limited.

Abstract: A data storage tape drive system includes a data storage tape cartridge and a tape drive mechanism. The data storage tape cartridge includes a tape reel including a circular ring of teeth projecting in a direction generally parallel to an axis of rotation thereof and an engagement surface spaced radially from the circular ring of teeth. The tape drive mechanism includes a drive hub including a circular ring of teeth projecting in a direction generally parallel to an axis of rotation thereof and an engagement feature spaced radially from the circular ring of teeth of the drive hub. When the drive hub is operatively engaged with the tape reel, the teeth of the drive hub are engaged with the teeth of the tape reel and the engagement feature of the drive hub is engaged with the engagement surface of the tape reel so as to control operative engagement between the data storage tape cartridge and the tape drive mechanism.

Abstract: A roll holder device is for use with a recording paper roll including a tubular spool shaft and continuous recording paper wound about the tubular spool shaft in a roll form. In the roll holder device, first and second holder cores are inserted in respectively first and second ends of the tubular spool shaft. A holder frame supports the first and second holder cores in a rotatable manner. Anti-dropping levers prevent the tubular spool shaft from dropping from the first and second holder cores by pushing a shaft inner surface of the tubular spool shaft.

Abstract: A tape cartridge is provided with reliable reel lock and motor/reel coupling mechanisms whose functions are both accomplished during a single motion of the cartridge relative to the drive motor. The motor/reel coupling includes a circular set of gear teeth on the bottom of the tape reel which meshes with a complementary set of gear teeth on a motor coupling rotated by the motor when the cartridge is loaded into the tape drive and the cartridge and motor are moved towards each other. An engagement force to maintain the coupling is provided by an engagement spring in the cartridge which biases the reel towards the motor. Reel locking is accomplished by providing a second circular set of gear teeth on a top side of the tape reel which meshes with a complementary set of gear teeth provided on a slidably mounted locking bracket inside the tape cartridge. A lock spring normally biases the locking bracket towards the top of the tape reel, thus locking the reel when the cartridge is not engaged with the motor.

Abstract: A cassette and method of use, which cassette can receive and rotatably mount a roll of photosensitive medium web. The cassette includes a housing having a first section and a second section with respective, mating margins extending in a transverse direction between opposite ends of the cassette. The second section is movable with respect to the first section between a closed position in which the mating margins abut one another so that the housing is maintained light tight, and an open position in which the margins are spaced apart. The margins can define between them a slit through which the web of photosensitive medium can pass. The cassette further has a lock assembly with at least one lock member movable between a locked position in which it restrains the second section from moving from the closed position, and a released position in which the cassette can be opened.

Abstract: A tape cartridge is provided with reliable reel lock and motor/reel coupling mechanisms whose functions are both accomplished during a single motion of the cartridge relative to the drive motor. The motor/reel coupling includes a circular set of gear teeth on the bottom of the tape reel which meshes with a complementary set of gear teeth on a motor coupling rotated by the motor when the cartridge is loaded into the tape drive and the cartridge and motor are moved towards each other. An engagement force to maintain the coupling is provided by an engagement spring in the cartridge which biases the reel towards the motor. Reel locking is accomplished by providing a second circular set of gear teeth on a top side of the tape reel which meshes with a complementary set of gear teeth provided on a slidably mounted locking bracket inside the tape cartridge. A lock spring normally biases the locking bracket towards the top of the tape reel, thus locking the reel when the cartridge is not engaged with the motor.

Abstract: A microfilm cartridge assembly includes a hollow housing in which a reel is mounted. A bearing surface results from the end of a boss on the reel making contact with a circular seat around a boss on one of the walls of the housing. The housing boss is inserted into the reel boss to provide a second bearing surface between the telescopically arranged bosses.

Abstract: A film cartridge having a housing, a spool rotatable in film winding and unwinding directions within the housing, a film roll wound onto the spool and having a clock-springing tendency to urge the spool in the film unwinding direction, and an anti-backup pawl and cooperating ratchet teeth arranged on the housing and the spool for the pawl to engage any one of the ratchet teeth to prevent the clock-springing tendency of the film roll from urging the spool in the film unwinding direction and for the pawl to be disengaged from successive ones of the ratchet teeth when the spool is rotated in the film winding direction to wind the film roll onto the spool, is characterized in: that the housing includes a sheath that partially covers the film roll, that has a film passage opening, and that is resilient to permit the sheath to be flexed; and the pawl and the ratchet teeth are rigid and one of them is arranged on the sheath to allow the pawl and successive ones of the ratchet teeth to flex the sheath in order to dis

Abstract: A reel for a tape drive and cartridge is provided herein. The reel can be utilized as a take-up reel for the tape drive and/or a feed reel for the cartridge. The reel includes a hub which receives the storage tape and a pair of guide bars which guide the storage tape onto the hub. Importantly, the guide bars inhibit lateral tape movement during transfer of the storage tape between the take-up reel and the feed reel. This minimizes data recovery errors and increases the life of the storage tape.

Abstract: A tape reel device includes a spool in the form of a hollow cylinder having a hollow portion for winding a tape material around a peripheral surface thereof, a casing rotatably accommodating the spool, and a braking mechanism in sliding contact with the spool. The baking mechanism applies back tension to the tape material being rolled out from the spool. The braking means comprises a sliding-contact member brought into contact with the spool in an axial direction such that the spool is circumferentially slidable on the sliding-contact member, and a spring arranged within the hollow portion of the spool and supported by the casing for urging the sliding-contact member in the axial direction.

Abstract: A low profile tape cartridge has a reel which rotates within an outer protective shell. The reel has flanges which define a slot containing a roll of magnetic tape. The shell only surrounds the reel along its circumference and the flat upper and lower surfaces of the flanges are exposed. When assembled, the reel and shell have axial thicknesses which are substantially equal. The shell moves between locked and unlocked positions for engaging and disengaging the reel. The cartridge uses and fits within a shell retainer for creating uniform spacing around the reel when the shell is in the unlocked position. The tape is accessed by loading a cartridge into the retainer in a tape drive. The tape drive unlocks the shell to rotate the reel and extract the tape. After use, the tape is retracted onto the reel and the cartridge is then returned to the locked position.

Abstract: A method of attaching a tape having longitudinal edges to a tape cartridge reel includes cutting an end of the tape non-perpendicularly to the longitudinal edges laterally across the width of the tape. The end of the tape is then attached to the tape cartridge reel. The method may also include cutting an end of the tape such that at least two of the laterally spaced apart servo stripes running longitudinally along the tape are cut at different longitudinal positions along the tape. The method may further include cutting the tape end such that at least two of the laterally spaced apart data tracks running longitudinally along the tape are cut at different longitudinal positions along the tape.

Abstract: A film magazine includes a take-up mechanism for a take-up mechanism for taking up a film in the form of roll, with the film being releasable therefrom. The magazine further includes a support mechanism for supporting the film roll formed by the take-up mechanism in such a manner as to allow a rotational axis of the formed roll to be adjustable in position in accordance with variation in the outer diameter of the roll resulting from the take-up or unwinding operation of the film.

Abstract: A photographic film cartridge having a spool (1) which is rotatably mounted in a cartridge casing (3) and on which a film strip is wound in the form of a film roll (2), wherein the film can be moved out of the cartridge casing in the direction of unwinding by turning the spool, comprises (a) flanges on the spool, the face of which flanges which is oriented towards the film roll is at a distance from the film roll which becomes less from the inside (axis) to the outside (periphery), so that the film is clamped at the outermost periphery of the film roll, and (b) encircling ribs, which merely expose the region of the cartridge mouth, on the inside of the cartridge casing in the region of the edges of the film roll, which ribs prevent a radial expansion of the film roll.