Magnetic data storage and drive apparatus

Data storage and drive apparatus comprising:

• cartridge means containing a length of magnetic recording tape disposed upon a supply reel and having a ferrule means attached to the lead end of the tape, said cartridge means having first capture means for releaseably holding said ferrule means in a first position relative to said cartridge means;
• and
• drive means including
• second capture mean releaseably holding a pin means in a second position relative to said drive means,
• magnetic read/write means,
• guide means defining a tape path extending from a take-up position passed said read/write means to said second position,
• take-up means disposed at said take-up position and having a strip of leader material one end of which is attached to said take-up means and the other end of which has a ferrule engaging pin means affixed thereto, said strip being threaded around said guide means with said pin means being held in said second position by said second capture means,
• carrier means for receiving said cartridge means and carrying it between a cartridge load/unload position and a tape wind/unwind position wherein said first capture means is aligned with said second capture means such that said ferrule means is caused to engage said pin means as said carrier means is moved into said wind/unwind position thereby forming a slug means coupling said leader to said tape, and
• control means for causing said take-up means to retract said strip and to take-up the tape attached thereto by said slug means by pulling it along said tape path, and for causing data to be read from or recorded on said tape as it is drawn passed said read/write means.