Tandberg Data Asa

Tandberg Data Holdings S.a.r.l.

Haavard Hoelsaeter

Truls Simensen

Haavard Holmedal

Truls Simenson

In a method and system for loading and locking a recording tape cartridge in a drive, the cartridge is inserted into a load box in the drive. The load box containing the cartridge is moved in a vertical direction while maintaining the load box and cartridge substantially level. In a final downward operation position, the cartridge is engaged by a drive interface.

Recording tape cartridge load and lock system and method

Recording tape cartridge load and lock method

A cartridge handling apparatus includes cartridge storage magazines which define cartridge storage slots therein. A projecting element positioned on a back inside wall of each of the storage slots of the storage magazines fits into a recess in the cartridge when the cartridge is oriented in a proper orientation so as to permit the cartridge to be fully inserted into the storage slot in the proper orientation. The projection prevents full insertion of the cartridge in the cartridge storage slot when the cartridge is not in the proper orientation. By changing the orientation of the projection, the storage slot accepts cartridges in a different orientation as the proper orientation. A snap lock is provided on each of the storage slots to engage the cartridge when fully inserted therein.

Cartridge orientation apparatus for cartridge storage magazines and method

A cassette transfer apparatus includes a shuttle having four transfer openings through which cassettes are moved. The shuttle is movable along a longitudinal path between a tape drive and a feed slot, and is movable vertically to access vertically disposed storage slots in storage bins. The storage bins are disposed on either side of the path, so that the shuttle is positionable at each of the storage slots. The shuttle includes cassette transfer apparatus which is operable to moved the cassette into and out of the shuttle through the four transfer openings so as to move the cassette into and out of the storage slots in the storage bins, and the tape drive and the feed slot. The cassette transfer apparatus of a preferred embodiment includes belts each provided with a tab to push the cassette as the belt moves.

Dual feed through cassette transfer apparatus

A magnetic tape cartridge loader and unloader includes a platform positionable in front of a storage slot of a storage magazine and having a pivotable gripper that releases the cartridge from the storage slot, engages and pulls the cartridge from the slot onto the platform with a hook, engages a back edge of the cartridge with a second hook, and pushes the cartridge into a tape streaming device. The reverse operation is performed to unload the cartridge from the tape streaming device and store it in the storage magazine. The platform includes a locking device to hold the cartridge in position during movement of the platform. The gripper has two oppositely directed spring loaded hooks to engage the cartridge. The gripper is driven laterally by a threaded nut on a lead screw and is pivoted between engaging and disengaging positions of the cartridge engaging hook by a spur gear and gear segment arrangement on a guide along which the gripper slides. Sensors sense the position of the gripper to determine if a cartridge is engaged and to calibrate the automatic operation of the apparatus.

Cartridge transport and loading apparatus and method

A lifting apparatus for magnetic tape cartridges in a tape transport system or tape autoloader has a lifting platform supported by threaded lead screws. The threaded lead screws extend through threaded nuts held in the platform by floating mountings. A preferred embodiment has three lead screws and three types of floating mountings. The first restricts lateral and rotational motion, the second restricts rotational motion and lateral motion in one direction while permitting motion in a transverse direction, and the third floating mounting permits rotational and lateral motion, to a limited extent. A toothed belt over cog wheels drives the threaded lead screws to move the platform vertically.

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Oslo, Norway

Haavard Hoelsaeter