Takeup leader for single reel tape drives with increased flexibility for improved performance
US6360979B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B1/58
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flexible takeup leader that prevents a deformation in the takeup leader from causing a tape drive failure. The takeup leader comprises an elongated main body integrally formed between a first end and a second end. The elongated main body includes a plurality of apertures formed in at least one section of the elongated main body that corresponds to at least one curvilinear point around a guide roller when the tape drive is in the unloaded condition. The apertures increase the flexibility of the takeup leader to prevent tape drives from realizing erratic behavior caused by a deformed takeup leader. The increased flexibility permits the tape drive to pull a deformed takeup leader through a curvilinear tape path with a substantially smooth motion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.