Cartridge alignment mechanism for tape drive
US4785363A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 1986 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B15/67521
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A magnetic tape drive in which a tape cartridge is endwise loaded and thereafter minutely moved into a precision alignment position with respect to a read/write head. The drive has a support frame with a front panel and an elongate tray dimensioned to have the cartridge inserted endwise thereon. The tray is supported by the frame for longitudinal sliding movement from a retracted position in which the tray is contained within the frame to an extended position in which a portion of the tray extends through a slot in the front panel. A mechanism is provided for opening the access door of the cartridge while the cartridge is supported on the tray and the tray is being moved from its extended position to it retracted position. Another mechanism is provided for simultaneously moving the head and a capstan drive into engagement with the cartridge once it has been fully inserted and for also moving clamp mechanisms against the bottom plate of the cartridge to minutely move the cartridge against adjustable reference location pins.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.