Automatic loading hub for supply reel on reel to reel tape drive and

Abstract

A supply reel hub for use on a computer tape drive for assuring that a supply reel is squarely locked down and properly aligned on the computer tape drive. The supply hub comprises a locking means in the form of three L-shaped feet for locking the supply reel securely in place, a plurality of spaced apart sensing means and a plurality of signalling means which sense and signal to a controller whether each of the three L-shaped feet of the locking means are properly in position. A centering knob positioned on the top of the supply hub has been provided so that a supply reel may be easily centered over the supply hub. A groove is positioned on the base of the supply hub to allow a write enable tab to slip off of the supply hub and not hang up on the centering knob. Additional sensing means are provided for sensing whether there is a write enable ring on the supply reel. Means for releasably attaching the shaft of the drive motor to the hub base which reduces tape edge damage is also provided. The positioning of the L-shaped feet is checked on loading and unloading and in the event of improper positioning of the L-shaped feet, an error message is displayed on the computer tape drive and may also be displayed on the computer. A method of assuring the locking and unlocking of the hub is also disclosed.