Tape drive connection sensing assembly
AssigneeBenchmark Tape Systems Corporation
InventorJames Zweighaft
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sensing assembly for use in determining if magnetic tape within a single reel tape cartridge properly connects to a takeup reel within a tape drive during loading of the tape cartridge, so that the magnetic tape can be wound between the tape cartridge and the tape drive as data is transferred to or from the magnetic tape. The sensing assembly comprises at least one sensing apparatus for providing feedback on connection status to prevent connection failures from rendering the tape drive inoperable.
Claims19
A sensing assembly in a tape drive employing a single reel equipped with a takeup leader for interconnecting with a magnetic tape located in a tape cartridge, for use in determining if the magnetic tape within the tape cartridge connects to the takeup leader during loading of the tape cartridge, so that the magnetic tape can be wound through a tape path between the tape cartridge and the single reel as data is transferred to or from the magnetic tape, comprising:
- means for connecting the takeup leader to the magnetic tape for winding the magnetic tape through the tape path;
- means for preventing a connection failure from rendering the tape drive inoperable, and
- at least one means for detecting movement of at least one of the magnetic tape and the takeup leader, wherein the at least one means for detecting provides feedback to a microprocessor responsive to movement of at least one of the magnetic tape and the takeup leader, and wherein the movement is used to determine if the magnetic tape connects to the takeup leader.
A method for determining if a magnetic tape within a tape cartridge connects to a tape drive, the tape drive employing a single reel equipped with a takeup leader for interconnecting with the magnetic tape so that the magnetic tape can be wound through a tape path between the tape cartridge and the single reel, comprising the steps of:
- (a) sensing movement of the takeup leader and the magnetic tape within the tape path;
- (b) using the movement to determine if the magnetic tape is connected to the takeup leader;
- (c) executing operation of the tape drive responsive to a determination that the magnetic tape is properly connected to the takeup leader;
- and
- (d) resetting the tape drive for a subsequent loading operation responsive to a determination that the connection failed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.