Single reel tape cartridge with integral tape guide
US5906324A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 25, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B1/58
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is a single reel tape cartridge having a supply reel positioned within a central cavity of a shell. The supply reel is coupled to the attachment end of a length of recording tape which is wound in a sequence of wraps from an inner circumference to a maximum outer circumference when the length of recording tape is fully wound on the supply reel. A tape guide and bearing assembly positioned within the central cavity closely adjacent the maximum outer circumference, faces towards an aperture in the shell and away from the supply reel. The tape guide and bearing assembly defines a tape path for the outermost wrap from the supply reel to the tape guide and bearing assembly, across an aperture in the shell for interfacing the outermost wrap with the tape head of the tape drive at the aperture. The tape path then extends to an isolator, e.g. the supply reel, for isolating the tape path at the tape guide and bearing assembly from the free end of the length of recording tape as the free end is wound at a take up reel in the drive. A stable head to tape interface is thus provided at the cartridge tape guide and bearing assembly, which allows a small form factor tape drive having a …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.