Imation Corporation

Oracle America, Inc.

Fred Winslow Livermore

William Joseph Vanderheyden

G Phillip Rambosek

Raul Horacio Andruet

Christopher J Zwettler

Michael A Mewes

Saeed Fahimi

Jason Moses

Jerome D Brown

Arne Bengt Boberg

Peter A Ridl

Albena V Blagev

A system for utilizing a tape leader in a tape drive system. The tape drive system receives a first tape leader and buckles the first tape leader to a drive reel leader. Then the tape drive system threads the first tape leader and a second tape leader connected to the first tape leader through a tape path within the tape drive system using the drive reel leader. After threading the first tape leader through the tape path, the tape drive system retracts head protect pins while the second tape leader is still in the tape path. Subsequent to retracting the head protect pins, the tape drive system performs read/write operations on a data storage media, which is coupled to the first tape leader via the second tape leader inserted between the first tape leader and the data storage media.

Method and apparatus for utilizing a tape leader in a tape drive system

A data storage tape cartridge is disclosed. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a reel assembly including a hub rotatably disposed within the housing, a storage tape wound onto the tape reel assembly, and a leader attached to a leading end of the storage tape. In this regard, the storage tape includes a primary tape portion extending from the hub to a first end and a transition tape coupled to the first end of the primary tape portion and extending to a leading end, wherein the transition tape is thicker than the primary tape portion.

Data storage tape cartridge and system including storage tape having a transition tape

A tape drive system is disclosed. The tape drive system includes at least one tape reel assembly, a storage tape, and at least one pack arm assembly. The tape reel assembly includes a hub defining a tape winding surface about which is wound the storage tape. The pack arm assembly is disposed adjacent the tape reel assembly and includes a pack arm and a pin. The pack arm defines a guide defining a pivot end and has at least one flexible flange cantilevered from a side of the guide. The pin is coupled to the tape drive system. In this regard, the pack arm is slidingly coupled to the pin and configured to follow the wound storage tape by moving axially relative to the hub and radially about the pivot end.

Pack arm assembly for use in a tape drive system

Growing community of inventors

Stillwater, MN, United States of America

Fred Winslow Livermore