Tape cartridge leader for single reel tape cartridges having increased flexibility for improved performance
US6439489B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B23/26
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A present tape cartridge leader with a flex relief aperture, located in the body of the tape cartridge leader between the guide wings. This flex relief aperture enables the tape cartridge leader to bend in a tight radius as the tape cartridge leader is pulled around the tape guide rollers in the tape drive, thereby ensuring that the tape cartridge leader is properly seated on the tape guide rollers as it traverses the tape path in the tape drive. The flex relief aperture also reduces the possibility of cracks forming in the tape cartridge leader where the guide wings meet the body of the tape cartridge leader, which is a problem in existing tape cartridge leaders. The guide wings are also shaped with a lead in radius to reduce to possibility of damage to the guide wings. In addition, the trailing edge of the guide wings includes a lead in chamfer to aid in the guide wings engaging the guide track in the cartridge housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.