Quantum Corporation

Frank Osowski

Richard A McGrail

Tom Drechsler

A tape drive ( ) adapted for use with a cartridge ( ) that includes a storage tape ( ) having a cartridge buckle component ( ). The tape drive ( ) includes a cartridge receiver ( ), a take-up reel ( ), a drive buckle component ( ), and a drive leader ( ). The drive buckle component ( ) engages the cartridge buckle component ( ). The drive leader ( ) secures the drive buckle component ( ) to the take-up reel ( ). Importantly, the drive leader ( ) includes a first layer ( ), a second layer ( ) and a third layer ( ) that are secured together. Further, the second layer ( ) includes a plurality of interwoven strands ( ). The drive leader ( ) has improved flexibility characteristics. As a result thereof, the drive leader ( ) is better able to flex to conform to the tape path. This reduces the amount of wear between the drive leader ( ) and the components along the tape path and reduces the amount of contamination created by the drive leader ( ). Additionally, the drive leader ( ) has improved strength and durability characteristics. This improves the useful life of the drive leader ( ) and the reliability of the tape drive ( ).

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Westfield, MA, United States of America

Frank Osowski