Tape leader pin assembly and method for making the same
US6499684B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B23/26
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A leader pin assembly for attachment to tape as a generic and space-efficient interface between tape and equipment which manipulates the tape, and a method for making the same. The leader pin assembly preferably includes a leader pin, an elastomer element, and a clip. The leader pin is barbell-shaped, having enlarged ends and at least one pair of flanges each spaced a distance from a respective enlarged end to define a pair of recesses and a center section of the leader pin. The center section of the leader pin is sized to permit tape to be wound around the center section, with the elastomer element surrounding the tape and with the clip snugly surrounding the elastomer element to keep the tape securely in place around the center section of the leader pin. The end surfaces of the leader pin may have an outward curve to ensure smooth movement across equipment surfaces during leader pin assembly manipulation. Also the edges of the leader pin may be radiused.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.