Quantum Corporation

Larry Albrecht

George A Saliba

Christopher Rathweg

Gregory Peter Hertrich

Satya Mallick

Chan S Kim

Joseph J Kozak

Joe Stabile

Sheldon Helms

Neil Stanick

An Quach

Rich Hayes

A tape mini-cartridge is functionally compatible with a larger industry standard tape cartridge. A mini-cartridge adapter adapts the mini-cartridge to be compatible with a standard tape drive by presenting the standard structural and functional appearances to the tape drive as presented by the larger standard tape cartridge. Since the standard cartridge has a plurality of structural elements including reel locks, leader buckle guide, and write protect flag engaged by the standard drive, the cartridge adapter effectively transfers these engagements and forces to and from the mini-cartridge in a manner providing full structural interchangeability with the standard tape cartridge.

Mini-cartridge adapter for adapting a mini-cartridge to an industry standard tape cartridge format

Methods and apparatus for reducing electrostatic discharge damage to a read/write (R/W) head attached to a shutter/head assembly are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a shutter/head assembly includes a lead screw, a head housing, and a shutter. The head assembly is configured to be coupled to a R/W head, and is rotatably coupled with the lead screw. The shutter is also rotatably coupled to the lead screw, but in such a manner that the shutter is able to rotate independently of the head housing. The shutter is also configured in such a manner so that it rotates to a radial position between the R/W head and the tape/leader ribbon when the lead screw brings the shutter toward a certain linear position, and rotates to another radial position away from the R/W head and the tape/leader ribbon when the lead screw brings the shutter toward a different linear position.

Method and apparatus for preventing electrostatic damage to the

A tape drive and cartridge are provided herein. The tape drive and cartridge include an improved buckle which securely couples a take-up leader of the tape drive to a cartridge leader of the cartridge. As provided herein, the buckle includes a first buckle component and a second buckle component which securely retain the take-up leader to the cartridge leader. More specifically, the first buckle component includes a buckle bar and the second buckle component includes a pair of spaced apart receivers which engage the buckle bar to securely retain the take-up leader to the cartridge leader. Importantly, the unique buckle provided herein inhibits leader runaway and has improved durability.

Positive engagement buckle for a tape drive and cartridge

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Louisville, CO, United States of America

Larry Albrecht