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:
Jul. 25, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 10, 1998
Robert C Aaron, Meridian, ID (US);
Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
A leader pin assembly for connecting tape to tape drive equipment, such as those used in magnetic tape storage systems, is disclosed. The leader pin assembly includes a leader pin and a flexible element covering at least a part of the leader pin. A clip secures the flexible element to the leader pin, the clip being adapted and constructed to be crimped in securing relation over the flexible element. The tape can be secured between the leader pin and the flexible element. The clip can be fabricated from a flexible metal such as stainless steel, specifically #300 stainless steel. The clip can be provided with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible element. The clip can be provided as a generally annular cylindrical member having a longitudinal opening, with a pair of beveled, substantially parallel edges forming the longitudinal opening. The flexible element and the clip can form an integral one-piece unit. The flexible element can be located on a center section of the leader pin. The flexible element can be an annular cylindrical member substantially surrounding a center section of the leader pin. The flexible element can include at least one edge which extends beyond the clip when the clip is secured over the flexible element. The flexible element can be fabricated from an elastomeric material such as rubber. The flexible element can be fabricated from urethane or, more preferably, SANTOPRENE.RTM.. A method for making leader pin assembly for connecting tape to tape drive equipment, such as those used in magnetic tape storage systems, is disclosed. In the first step of the method, a leader pin is provided. Next, a flexible element covering at least a part of the leader pin is provided. Then, a clip adapted and constructed to be crimped in securing relation over the flexible element is provided. Finally, the flexible element is secured to the leader pin by crimping.