Abstract:
A brake slide assembly for securing a spool inside a data storage tape cartridge housing is disclosed. The brake slide assembly includes at least one brake slide and a flexible member. The brake slide(s) include a locking wedge, a brake button end, and a riser. The locking wedge is configured to selectively engage between the spool and an interior surface of the cartridge. The brake button end is configured to slidingly couple with a brake button of the cartridge. The riser extends between the locking wedge and the brake button end. In this regard, the flexible member is coupled to the brake slide(s).
Abstract:
A data storage tape cartridge (20) used in a tape transport apparatus (10) that incorporates air bearing technology is provided. The tape cartridge includes a housing for storing the data storage tape and a compressible filter. The filter (80) is located proximate to an opening, or air inlet (52), that is in communication with the housing interior. The housing may also have a second opening, or air outlet (54), in communication with the housing interior such that the filter is interposed between the inlet and the outlet. Further, the housing may include a storage region to retain the filter in the compressed state. The filter and the storage region may have congruent geometries. A method of supplying filtered air to a tape transport apparatus is also provided. The method contemplates drawing ambient air through the filter and passing it directly through the outlet opening for use by the tape transport apparatus.
Abstract:
A cartridge case has the same general geometry and dimensions of a Magstar cartridge, but with modified lateral sides with recessed surfaces and additional gripping notches that permit the alternative use of the cartridge with either a Magstar or an LTO type of automated picker. The width of the bottom rear portion of the cartridge is reduced to conform to the width of a standard LTO cartridge and LTO gripping notches are provided by increasing the depth of the locating notches of the Magstar format to the size required for engagement by the fingers in the gripper arms of an LTO automated picker. As a result of this modification, the cartridge of the invention can be alternatively handled by either Magstar or LTO type of automated pickers.
Abstract:
A tape media identification code for use with tape media enclosed in a tape cartridge having a form factor that is compatible with old generation tape drives. The present tape media identification code is recognized by new generation tape drives that take advantage of additional features of the enclosed tape media. Old generation tape drives are unable to recognize the present tape media identification code, thus treating the enclosed tape media as previous generation tape media. While old generation tape drives are unable to take advantage of the additional features of the enclosed tape media, the old generation tape drive is able to record and/or read data from the enclosed tape media. In an embodiment, the tape media identification code identifies a length of tape media having a length of cleaning media attached thereto.
Abstract:
The present coded magnetic tape cartridge which functions to control the compatibility of the magnetic tape cartridge with a plurality of existing tape drives, some of which are compatible in a transparent manner and others which are compatible in a way that mimic other magnetic tape cartridges. Thus, the present coded magnetic tape cartridge can be loaded into a new generation SDLT tape drive, is compatible with selected old generation tape drives, where the old generation tape drives can take advantage of additional features of the enclosed tape media, but the SDLT tape drive does not mistake this magnetic tape cartridge as an SDLT magnetic tape cartridge.
Abstract:
The self-centering tape reel for a single reel tape cartridge provides a magnetic tape reel that is equipped with one or more features to center the tape reel with respect to a rotatably driven feature, such as a drive chuck, in the tape drive that rotates the tape reel. The self-centering tape reel uses a chamfered ring that encircles the drive teeth formed on the tape reel that engage the drive chuck. The chamfered ring fits into a chamfer that is formed in the circumference of the spline access hole located in the bottom of the tape cartridge housing.