Abstract: In a recording tape cartridge, and a drive unit therefor, for extremely wide magnetic recording tape, the recording tape cartridge has a housing containing two tape hubs each rotationally mounted in the housing with the magnetic recording tape wound thereon in respective tape packs, so that the tape can be wound and unwound between the two hubs in a tape transport direction, thereby resulting in an increase in the diameter of the tape pack on one of the hubs. The housing is composed of housing parts which are movable relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the tape transport direction to expand the housing in the direction perpendicular to the direction of tape transport, to accommodate the increase in the diameter of the tape pack.

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 body, a spring, and a storage tape. The tape reel assembly includes a hub, opposing top and bottom flange components, brake teeth, and an inner surface. The inner surface is formed by the tape reel assembly and defines an engagement section apart from the brake teeth. The brake body includes a stem, a head, a toothed section, and a centering feature. The centering feature extends radially outwardly from the head and forms a circumferential edge that is radially spaced from the toothed section. A spring is positioned about a post formed by the cover to bias the brake body to a locked state. In the locked state, the toothed section engages the brake teeth to prevent rotation of the tape reel assembly. Interaction between the circumferential edge and the engagement section limits lateral shifting of the tape reel assembly 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 data storage tape cartridge has a housing (12) and a tape reel assembly (14) rotatably mounted in the housing (12). An unlocking member (170) is constructed from a filled thermoplastic and a wear member (185) is operatively connected to the unlocking member (170) forming a wear surface.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge including a housing, at least one tape reel, and a storage tape. The housing defines a top face, a bottom face, a front, a back, and opposing sides. Further, the housing forms a tape identification notch, a write-select notch, a first misinsertion notch, and a second misinsertion notch. The tape identification notch extends from the front of the housing along one of the opposing sides. The write-select notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured to maintain an insert piece. The first misinsertion notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured for clearance about a tape drive switch. Similarly, the second misinsertion notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured for clearance about a tape drive switch. The first and second misinsertion notches are substantially aligned. The at least one tape reel is rotatably disposed within the housing. Finally, the storage tape is maintained by the at least one tape reel.

Abstract: A device for mechanically isolating the media tape reel of a data tape cartridge from its outer protective housing utilizes a compliant, cylindrical object. The object prevents relative movement between the reel and the housing in three degrees of freedom. The object is inserted into an opening in the housing of the tape cartridge for applying force against the reel. The compliant nature of the object allows it to be retained in the opening and engage the hub of the reel. The reel is pushed and held against an inner surface of the housing to prevent axial, radial, and rotational motion of the reel relative to the housing.

Abstract: The reel spring for use in a magnetic tape cassette comprises a fixing portion which is fixed to a boss of a cassette case by means of a boss hole, an arm portion which forces a reel in an axial direction of rotation and a bending portion provided between the fixing portion and the arm portion in an L-like shape. The ratio of a length of the fixing portion of the reel spring to a height of the boss is 4.0 or more. The length of the fixing portion is longer than that of the arm portion by 1 mm to 5 mm. The magnetic tape cassette employs the reel spring which is capable of enhancing production efficiency in fabricating the magnetic tape cassette while maintaining a specified force of the reel spring.

Abstract: The recording media cartridge includes a lid which is mounted on an upper half with rotary shafts provided at both side ends thereof in a manner capable of opening/closing for a front surface opening portion on a case body formed by coupling the upper half and a lower half, and a lid urging member having an inflection arm portion between a support end portion for engaging the member to the upper half and an anchor end portion anchored on a front edge inner surface, wherein the inflection arm portion of the lid urging member is brought into contact with the upper half at least at one portion during the open state and is deformed through inflection at the inflection arm portion by making the contact portion as a point of inflection, and the lid is urged in a rotating direction for closing. In the cartridge, the lid urging member can be formed of a resin material, and the sorting and collection of the resin material thereof is easy so that it is effective for reducing the environmental impacts.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge (10) includes a switch (50). The switch (50) has a handle (56) that extends through an opening (30) and the switch (50) has a sensor member (55) which extends in a second opening (40). The switch (50) is held in position with a spring positioning post pin (42).

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes a magnetic tape wound around a single reel, a cartridge casing in which the reel is housed for rotation and a reel stopper which locks the reel not to rotate when the magnetic tape cartridge is not being used and releases the reel to permit to rotate when the magnetic tape cartridge is to be used. The reel stopper includes a braking member which is movable between a locking position where it is in contact with the reel to restrict rotation of the reel and a releasing position where it is away from the reel to permit rotation of the same, an urging member which urges the braking member toward the locking position, and a releasing member which is rotated integrally with the reel and moves the braking member toward the releasing position in response to a reel chucking action of the reel drive means of a tape drive.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge has a cartridge casing, a single reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is contained in the cartridge casing for rotation and a leader pin fixed to the leading end portion of the magnetic tape. The leader pin is provided at its opposite ends with engagement portions which are brought into engagement with a tape drawing mechanism of a recording and reproducing system when the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in the recording and reproducing system. The end face of each engagement portion is provided with a recess at which the tape drawing mechanism chucks the leader pin.

Abstract: A base plate for a belt-driven cartridge for recording tape includes a molded or cast base layer with integral mounting bosses and ribs on the upper surface of the base layer for rigidly supporting axles and tape guides in precise perpendicular alignment and selected elevations relative to the lower reference surface of the base layer. The integral ribs extend between raised bosses to enhance torsional and flexural and depressional rigidity of the base layer over the entire area within the peripheral boundaries thereof.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge incorporating a belt-driven design with improved performance characteristics. The tape cartridge includes a housing, first and second tape hubs, a storage tape, a drive roller, first and second corner rollers, and a drive belt. The housing defines a head access window. The first and second tape hubs are rotatably mounted within the housing. The storage tape is wound about the first and second hubs to form first and second tape packs thereabout. The drive roller is also rotatably mounted within the housing. Similarly, the first and second corner rollers are rotatably mounted within the housing. The drive belt is stretched about the drive roller, the first and second tape packs, and the first and second corner rollers. Finally, the first and second hubs are symmetrically arranged relative to the head access window. This symmetrical arrangement optimizes cartridge performance.

Abstract: The improved recording media cartridge is adapted to be such that an upper case and a lower case are joined by means of an engaging member fitted between fitting portions provided on the opposed inner surfaces of the respective cases. The shaped resin article is adapted to be such that individual members are shaped by multi-color molding of mutually compatible and adhesive materials and adhere to one another only in part so as to permit easy separation of the respective members. When discarded, the cartridge and the shaped resin article produce less wastes, exerting reduced impact on the environment, and prove effective in assorting dissimilar materials, thereby simplifying the disassembling operation.

Abstract: A tape cassette comprising a tape reel around which a tape-shaped recording medium is wound, a cassette shell in which the tape-shaped recording medium is accommodated, a mouth portion which is opened forwardly, upwardly and downwardly at the front portion of the cassette shell, a part of the tape-shaped recording medium being disposed so as to traverse the front end of said mouth portion, and a front lid which covers the front side of the tape-shaped recording medium and is moved backward when the lid is opened to made the front side of the tape-shaped recording medium open, thereby making the upper side of the mouth portion open.

Abstract: A tape cartridge including a single tape reel around which a length of magnetic tape is wound and which is turnably held within a housing, the beginning of the tape being fixed to a leader so that it can be drawn out through an opening formed in the housing by a tape drawing-out member of a recorder which has a pin-like or hooked end capable of engaging the tape end, said leader comprising a center part (pin-like member) on which the beginning of the tape is wound and a pair of engaging members joined to the upper and lower ends of the member so as to engage the tape drawing-out member of the recorder, said engaging members having a plurality of recesses each for engaging the drawing-out member. Thus the engaging members can consist of members identical in structure. In another embodiment the center member has position-confining portions formed close to its both ends to confine the positions of the engaging members.

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: In a tape cartridge of the single-reel type having a hub on which a length of tape is wound, a brake mechanism contained in the hub is movable up and down to apply and release the brake on the tape reel. The brake mechanism and a brake lock release member disposed between it and the hub remain in sliding engagement after the release of the brake, and the resulting friction hampers smooth turning of the hub. Moreover, after the brake lock has been released, the center of the tape reel can be off the center of a rotating shaft of a recorder. The hub of the tape reel has holes formed in its bottom wall for engagement with the brake release plate, the brake release plate is mounted in the hub with legs fitted in the holes of the latter, the brake lock rests on the brake release plate, the brake lock is formed with a dent (or lug) with a spherical end and the brake release plate is formed with a corresponding lug (or dent) with a spherical end on its upper surface.

Abstract: In a tape cassette, an erroneous erasing preventive or write protect device includes a plurality of discriminating detectable portions provided in a cassette body or casing and a discriminating plug for opening and closing at least one of the discriminating detectable portions. The discriminating detectable portions are formed collectively in a single indented part with no separating walls.

Abstract: A tape cassette comprising tape reels around which a tape-shaped recording medium is wound, a cassette shell in which the tape reels are accommodated, a mouth portion provided at the front portion of the cassette shell so as to be opened in the forward direction and in the up-and-down direction, a part of the tape-shaped recording medium being located so as to traverse the front end of said mouth portion, a front lid located at the front side of the tape-shaped recording medium, and a back lid which is located at the back side of the tape-shaped recording medium to cover the tape-shaped recording medium and provided to the cassette shell so as to be freely movable in the forward and backward direction, the back lid being moved back to the just back side thereof when a lid-open operation is carried out to expose the tape-shaped recording medium to the outside.

Abstract: A holder for wide magnetic recording tape has a frame with four generally rectangular sides and an open top and an open bottom, with a frame height extending between the open top and the open bottom. Magnetic recording tape is wound in tape packs respectively on two hubs that are rotatably mounted between opposite sides of the frame. Because of the open structure of the frame, during a write/read operation the tape pack on one of the hubs can have a diameter which exceeds the height of the frame, thereby allowing substantially all of the magnetic recording tape to be wound on one of the hubs, if necessary.

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: In a tape cassette, a reel brake member has an opening hole portion for insertion of a brake release member on a device side, and a guide recessed portion for guiding the brake release member is formed in a central portion of an abutment side wall portion of the brake release member in the opening hole portion. This guide recessed portion is formed in the abutment side wall portion of the brake release member in a vertical direction in a central portion of the opening hole portion, and an internal surface of the guide recessed portion is formed into a U-shaped groove having a curved surface. Arms are provided on sides of a main body of a reel brake member via hinge portions, and a brake pawl is provided at a distal end of the respective brake pawls. An opening hole is formed for insertion of a brake release operation member provided on a device side.

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 with a leader pin fixed to its leading end is wound and which is contained in the cartridge casing for rotation. A spring member removably holds upper and lower end portions of the leader pin on the cartridge casing. The spring member includes upper and lower holding portions which are respectively brought into abutment against the upper and lower end portions of the leader pin and are connected to each other.

Abstract: A method for automatically providing tape status discernible through visual inspection is disclosed. The status a recording medium tape device is determined. The tape, which is housed in a cartridge, has leader tape having segments with distinctive markings. Each of these markings is used to indicate a particular tape status. These markings may simply be a variety of colors with each color indicating a particular tape status. At the time the tape is ejected it is automatically rewound so that a marked segment of leader tape having a marking indicating the tape status, aligns with a reference pointer located on the cartridge such that the marking is visible through the cartridge. An intended advantage of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an automatic display of the cartridge status. Another intended advantage of one embodiment of the present invention is to allow a user to determine the status of the recording medium cartridge by visual inspection.

Abstract: In a tape cassette having a slider which is freely forward and backward movably provided to a cassette shell in which a tape reel having a tape-shaped recording medium wound therearound is accommodated, the cassette shell comprises an upper shell constituting substantially the upper side portion thereof and a lower shell constituting substantially the lower side portion thereof, and the upper shell and the lower shell are temporarily coupled to each other through the slider by butting the lower shell and the upper shell against each other after the upper shell and the slider are coupled to each other and moving the slider, and then the upper shell and the lower shell are really coupled to each other.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes a cartridge casing, a single reel which is housed in the cartridge casing for rotation and around which a magnetic tape is wound, the leader pin which is fixed to the leading end of the magnetic tape in order to draw out the magnetic tape from the cartridge casing, a lock member which is adapted to removably hold opposite ends of the leader pin inside an opening of the cartridge casing, and a sliding door for opening and closing the opening. A recess is formed on the inner surface of the sliding door at least at a part opposed to the front end of the lock member so that the front end of the lock member is prevented from interfering with the sliding door, whereby leader pin holding action by the lock member and opening and closing of the sliding door are stabilized and reliability of the magnetic tape cartridge is improved.

Abstract: A limited use tape cassette comprising a housing enclosing a tape spooled to pass from a rotatable supply reel to a rotatable take-up reel during tape play, and from the take-up reel to the supply reel during tape rewind. A follower arm is pivotally mounted on the housing and is biased to engage spooled tape on the one of the reels, preferably the supply reel. An erase arm is pivotally mounted on the housing and is movably and releasably connected to the follower arm. The erase arm has a tape erase head thereon and is biased toward the take-up reel. Upon predetermined movement of the follower arm which results from predetermined tape movement between the reels, the erase arm is released from the follower arm to move the erase head into engagement with the tape on the take-up reel to erase it as it is being rewound onto the supply reel. After the erased tape is rewound onto the supply reel, the erase arm moves the erase head to an inoperative position to enable the erased tape to be reused.

Abstract: A low cost communications device (remote memory interface) highly adaptable to design changes. A data processing means encodes transmit data and decodes received data by software processing. A data processing means can be contrived for example with a general-purpose microcomputer, to decoded received data encode transmit data by software processing so that designing and mounting a dedicated IC is not necessary and a more compact communications device can be manufactured at a lower cost. The encode/decode method and other communications specifications can also be easily changed by modifying the software.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to offer a tape cassette to secure smooth operation of a reel-locking mechanism, and reliable locking and unlocking of a pair of reels. The invention relates to a tape cassette comprising a pair of reels being accommodated between an upper shell and a lower shell, while a magnetic tape is wound on the reels; a reel-locking main body being movable front and rear relative to the pair of reels, and supported on the lower shell; a pair of reel-locking pieces being swingably supported on the reel-locking main body; and reel-locking springs having a pair of coil portions loosely engaged with the swinging center portions of the pair of reel-locking pieces; and performing locking and unlocking of a pair of reels through engaging and disengaging of the pair of pawl portions with a pair of engaging teeth by movement of the reel-locking main body.

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 has a cartridge casing, a single reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is contained in the cartridge casing for rotation and a leader pin fixed to the leading end portion of the magnetic tape. The leader pin is provided at its opposite ends with engagement portions which are brought into engagement with a tape drawing mechanism of a recording and reproducing system when the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in the recording and reproducing system. The end face of each engagement portion is provided with a recess at which the tape drawing mechanism chucks the leader pin.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge has a reel which includes an upper reel and a lower reel which are plastic moldings, the lower reel being welded to the upper reel by ultrasonic welding. In the shoulder of a boss section of the upper reel, a plurality of recesses are formed in such a manner that the recesses are radially outwardly extended from the center of rotation of the upper reel, and on the surface of the lower reel which are confronted with the recesses, a plurality of welding ribs are formed so as to be engaged with the bottoms of the recesses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic tape cartridge including a cartridge case in which a single reel with magnetic tape wound on an outer periphery of a reel drum is rotatably housed. The magnetic tape cartridge further includes a locking member, provided within the reel drum so that it is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position in the axial direction of the reel. The locking member is used for locking the reel to restrain rotation of the reel during periods of non-use. In the magnetic tape cartridge, a first radial clearance between the locking member and the reel drum is set smaller than a second radial clearance between the reel and the cartridge case so that when the magnetic tape cartridge is vertically loaded into a cartridge drive unit, chucking failure is prevented.

Abstract: A tape cassette includes a cassette housing composed of an upper cassette part and a lower cassette part, a slider slidably attached to the cassette housing so as to open and close an opening in the lower surface of the housing, a slider lock portion provided on the lower cassette part to lock the slider at a predetermined position, and an engagement aperture bored through the slider so as to oppose an engagement portion of the slider lock portion for engagement therewith, which has an inclined portion formed at one end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a recording medium in which a recording medium is recognized by reading identification information from a non-contact-type memory of the recording medium via a remote memory interface. An identifier corresponding to the recognized recording medium is set and given to the non-contact-type memory of the recording medium via the remote memory of the recording medium interface. An operation on the non-contact-type memory is performed with identification of the recording medium by using a command including the identifier.

Abstract: A system for testing and cleaning a removable media drive such as a tape drive includes a utility cartridge and computer readable program code to initiate utility operations. The utility cartridge comprises computer readable magnetic storage media for performing testing operations thereon and non-magnetic cleaning media for cleaning the drive head. A method for testing and cleaning a removable media drive is also disclosed, as is a method for providing the system described herein.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes a cartridge casing and a single reel which is contained in the cartridge casing for rotation. The reel has a reel hub in the form of a cylindrical member which has a bottom wall and is provided with an opening and a stopper gear formed on the bottom wall. A brake member is provided with a brake gear and is movable up and down between an operative position where the brake gear is brought into engagement with the stopper gear to prevent rotation of the reel and a retracted position where the brake gear is disengaged from the stopper gear to permit rotation of the reel. The brake member is normally urged toward the operative position and moved to the retracted position by a pusher member of a tape drive system which acts on the brake member through the opening in the reel hub when the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive system.

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 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: The hook 2a of a lid lock 2 is urged by a spring 48 so that an outer lid 41 integral with the lid lock pawl 45 is locked closed. At that time, the hook 2a is abutted against the side surface of a lid lock pawl 45 which formed in the side board of an outer lid 41. In the case where an impact is applied to the magnetic tape cassette, the impact force is absorbed by the side surface of the lid lock pawl 45 and the lid lock 2. At that time, an arcuate surface 2b confronting with the end portion of the lid lockpawl 45 prevents the end portion 45a of the lid lock pawl 45 from being collapsed or rolled up. Accordingly, the occurrence of troubles such as the deterioration in function of the lock mechanism, and the biting of the magnetic tape is prevented.

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: Combination of at least one transport securing element and at least one data storage cartridge, the data storage cartridge including a housing which has at least one access opening. The housing encloses at least one tape reel and at least one biased reel brake mechanism. The at least one reel brake mechanism is adapted to prevent movement of the at least one tape reel. The transport securing element is dimensioned to slide in and out of the at least one access opening and is adapted to move the tape reel from a first position to a second position. The at least one transport securing element is free to slide out of the at least one access opening under a biasing force exerted by the reel brake mechanism when a force opposing the biasing force is removed. A method for forming a package is provided in which the at least one cartridge is wrapped.

Abstract: Small, easily transportable data storage cards in which the stored data is protected against external contamination. The structure of the cards provides two positions, a first position for sequestering the data, and a second position allowing physical access to the stored data during the writing and/or reading thereof.

Abstract: A video cassette includes a skeletal structure with a polymeric sheet material stretched over its transverse faces and weighs less than 1 oz. to reduce shipping costs on high volume mailings. The polymeric sheeting material which may, for example, be vinyl or mylar with pre-printed graphics is attached using a heat staking process or an adhesive.

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: An improvement of a tape cartridge is characterized in that connecting plate parts having recesses, one for each, in the rear inner portions thereof facing the exposed tape portion. The recesses formed in the rear inner portions of the connecting plate parts are preferably bevels tapering rearwardly and outwardly, but they may take the form of steps instead.

Abstract: A tape cartridge comprising a housing, a single tape reel around which a length of tape is wound and which is turnably held within the housing, a leader to which the beginning of the tape is secured, and a tape draw-out member by which the tape is pulled out through an opening formed in the housing into a recorder, characterized in that the leader is composed of a pin member, an elastomer clamp which is fitted around the pin member, a metal clamp fitted around the elastomer clamp, and a highly slippery member of synthetic resin placed between the elastomer clamp and metal clamp.