Tape reel assembly with hub sleeve and spherical piece for a data storage tape cartridge, and method of manufacture
US6478244B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B23/044
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A tape reel assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel pin, the tape reel assembly, and a storage tape. The tape reel assembly is rotatably associated with the tape reel pin and includes a hub, a spherical piece and a sleeve. The spherical piece is insert molded within an axial bore of the hub and provides a thrust surface. The sleeve is also insert molded within the axial bore of the hub and provides a journal bearing surface. In accordance with a method of the present invention, the tape reel assembly is formed as part of an injection molding process, whereby a core pin precisely positions the spherical piece and co-axially centers the sleeve relative to an outer, tape winding surface of the hub.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.