Raised linear threading mechanism for a tape transport system

A tape transport system, comprising:

• an elevator assembly means for receiving a single-reel tape cartridge having a web of tape with a leader block;
• a take-up reel assembly for receiving said leader block and said web of tape;
• a tape drive assembly including a read/write head and a plurality of guide means for receiving said web of tape and for directing said web of tape across said read/write head;
• a raised linear transport assembly for transferring said leader block from said tape cartridge to said take-up reel and for returning said leader block to said tape cartridge through a predetermined path including,
• a platform positioned above said predetermined path,
• a cam track in said platform,
• linear bearing means, having a first end and a second end, attached to said platform, for providing a substantially linear path from a first point at said first end of said linear bearing means proximate to said elevator assembly to a second point at said second end of said linear bearing means proximate to said take-up reel,
• linear arm means, slidably attached to said linear bearing means, for traveling along said substantially linear path established by said linear bearing means, and
• threading arm means, having a first portion pivotally coupled to said linear arm means and a second portion slidably coupled to and moveable along said cam track, said threading arm means adapted to be coupled with said leader block;
• and drive means for moving said linear arm means along said linear bearing means.

A linear threading apparatus for threading a tape through a predetermined path in a tape transport mechanism having an elevator assembly to receive a single-reel tape cartridge having a tape with a leader block, a tape drive assembly for reading and writing data on the tape, and a take-up reel assembly for receiving the tape, the apparatus comprising:

• a platform positioned above the predetermined path;
• a cam track in said platform;
• linear bearing means attached to said platform, having a first end and a second end, for providing a substantially linear path from a first point proximate to the elevator assembly to a second point proximate to the take-up reel;
• linear arm means, slidably attached to said linear bearing means, for traveling along said substantially linear path;
• threading arm means, having a first portion pivotally coupled to said linear arm means and a second portion moveable along said cam track, said threading arm means adapted to be coupled with the leader block;
• and
• drive means for moving said linear arm means along said linear bearing means, including,
• a plurality of pulleys attached to said platform,
• a belt connected to said linear arm means and wrapped around said plurality of pulleys, said belt controlling the position of said linear arm means on said linear bearing means, and
• a motor coupled to said belt, said motor driving said belt to travel in a commanded direction to move said linear arm means along said substantially linear path.