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. 08, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 07, 2000
Jeffrey S. McAllister, Boise, ID (US);
Geoffrey W. Mansbridge, Boise, ID (US);
Curtis P. Gonzales, Boise, ID (US);
Hewlett-Packard Co., Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
A tape threading apparatus for use with a single reel cartridge of source tape allows leader tape to be spooled onto an inner leader drum, and source tape to be spooled on to an outer take-up drum. The apparatus has a take-up reel having an outer drum configured to accept source tape. The apparatus further includes a leader drum which is supported essentially concentric with and at least partially rotatable with respect to the outer drum. The leader tape has a first end attached to the leader drum and a second end provided with a tape connector which can be connected to the source tape. The outer drum has a leader tape opening to allow leader tape to pass freely from the leader drum to the outside of the outer drum. The leader tape opening is configured to prevent passage of the tape connector therethrough. In a first embodiment, the leader drum is configured to be driven by a drive motor. Engagement of the tape connector into the tape opening causes the force imparted on the leader drum by a drive motor to be imparted to the outer drum, causing the outer drum to rotate and spool the source tape onto the outer drum. In a second embodiment, the apparatus further includes a spring having a first connection point connected to the leader drum and a second connection point connected to the take-up reel. Extension of the leader tape from the take-up reel causes compression of the spring such that when the source tape is connected to the tape connector and released, the spring causes the leader tape to be spooled onto the inner leader drum and the tape connector to be engaged into the opening in the outer drum. Thereafter, rotation of the outer drum will cause the source tape to be spooled onto the outer drum.