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:
Apr. 23, 2002
Filed:
Jul. 13, 2000
Tom Drechsler, Hopkinton, MA (US);
Richard McGrail, Worcester, MA (US);
Frank Osowski, Westfield, MA (US);
Quantum Corporation, Milpitas, CA (US);
Abstract
A tape drive ( ) adapted for use with a cartridge ( ) that includes a storage tape ( ) having a cartridge buckle component ( ). The tape drive ( ) includes a cartridge receiver ( ), a take-up reel ( ), a drive buckle component ( ), and a drive leader ( ). The drive buckle component ( ) engages the cartridge buckle component ( ). The drive leader ( ) secures the drive buckle component ( ) to the take-up reel ( ). Importantly, the drive leader ( ) includes a first layer ( ), a second layer ( ) and a third layer ( ) that are secured together. Further, the second layer ( ) includes a plurality of interwoven strands ( ). The drive leader ( ) has improved flexibility characteristics. As a result thereof, the drive leader ( ) is better able to flex to conform to the tape path. This reduces the amount of wear between the drive leader ( ) and the components along the tape path and reduces the amount of contamination created by the drive leader ( ). Additionally, the drive leader ( ) has improved strength and durability characteristics. This improves the useful life of the drive leader ( ) and the reliability of the tape drive ( ).