The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 03, 1994
Filed:
Aug. 06, 1991
David R Lee, San Jose, CA (US);
R-Byte, Inc., San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
This invention is a beginning-of-tape/end-of-tape detection apparatus and method for use in a tape drive system having supply reel, take-up reel, and capstan motion sensors. The invention comprises monitoring means for monitoring each of the angular position signals and processor means for computing beginning-of-tape and end-of-tape utilizing the varying diameters of the supply reel and its tape pack and the take-up reel and its tape pack, and angular velocities of the reels and capstan. This invention provides a plurality of systems and methods for BOT/EOT detection with selectable tolerance levels. These include coarser detection without capstan engagement of tape (for use in high-speed spacing operations), finer detection utilizing capstan engagement, and absolute BOT/EOT detection utilizing the physical ends of the tape. This invention has the advantage of accurately determining beginning and end of tape without requiring special detectors.