System for controlling compatibility of tape cartridges having the same form factor
US6270030A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B23/107
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A tape cartridge and cartridge drive system for controlling the compatibility of first and second tape cartridges having the same form factor in first and second tape drives. The system permits backward compatibility of the first tape cartridge in the second tape drive, while prohibiting the second tape cartridge from being used in the first tape drive. The second tape cartridge includes a tab projecting distally from a recess. The tab is positioned to contact the door actuator surface on the first tape drive so as to prevent insertion of the second tape cartridge into the first tape drive. The tab defines a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the insertion direction smaller than a gap in the door actuator assembly of the second tape drive to permit the second tape cartridge to be inserted into the second tape drive, whereby the second tape cartridge is compatible only with the second tape drive.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.