Self-locking tape drive hub
US5172872A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 1990 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B23/037
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A self-locking hub for a computer tape drive that uses tape tension along to actuate a tape reel torque lock. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the torque provided by tape tension after tape is threaded from a supply reel to a take-up reel provides sufficient force to actuate an over-center, spring-tensioned engagement pawl-like hub lock mechanism that engages an inner surface of a tape reel with sufficient force to secure the reel to the hub. More than one such self-locking mechanism may be provided for a single hub to provide additional locking force. In an alternative embodiment, the self-locking engagement pawl can include an engagement flange that prevents a tape reel from being pulled off the hub or from falling off a vertically-oriented hub, thus providing additional security. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the hub lock mechanism comprises a deformable torque clutch that deforms to an expanded diameter upon application of torque in one direction, and returns to a smaller at-rest diameter upon release of such applied torque.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.