US 6,477,010 B1 · Data storage tape cartridge with misinsertion notches

Abstract

A data storage tape cartridge including a housing, at least one tape reel, and a storage tape. The housing defines a top face, a bottom face, a front, a back, and opposing sides. Further, the housing forms a tape identification notch, a write-select notch, a first misinsertion notch, and a second misinsertion notch. The tape identification notch extends from the front of the housing along one of the opposing sides. The write-select notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured to maintain an insert piece. The first misinsertion notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured for clearance about a tape drive switch. Similarly, the second misinsertion notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured for clearance about a tape drive switch. The first and second misinsertion notches are substantially aligned. The at least one tape reel is rotatably disposed within the housing. Finally, the storage tape is maintained by the at least one tape reel. Upon accidental insertion of the data storage tape cartridge into an incompatible tape drive, one of the cartridge misinsertion notches will extend about or clear an associated cartridge present switch, thereby preventing activation of the incompatible tape drive.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A data storage tape cartridge configured to prevent activation of a first incompatible tape drive having a first tape drive switch and of a second incompatible tape drive having a second tape drive switch, a position of the first tape drive switch being different than a position of the second tape drive switch, the data storage tape cartridge comprising:

a housing defining a top face, a bottom face, a front, a back, and opposing sides, the
housing forming:
a tape identification notch extending from the front along one of the opposing sides;
a write-select notch formed in the front;
a first cartridge misinsertion notch formed in the front and configured for clearance about the first tape drive switch;
a second cartridge misinsertion notch formed in the front and configured for clearance about the second tape drive switch;
a window formed at least partially in the front;
wherein the first and second misinsertion notches are substantially aligned and spaced from the opposing sides;
at least one tape reel rotatably disposed within the housing;
and
a storage tape maintained by the at least one tape reel, the storage tape being accessible through the window.

8 more elements

A data storage tape cartridge configured to prevent activation of first and second incompatible tape drives upon insertion of the data storage tape cartridge into either of the incompatible tape drives, the first incompatible tape drive including a first cartridge receiving frame capable of receiving the data storage tape cartridge and a first cartridge present switch, the second incompatible tape drive including a second cartridge receiving frame capable of receiving the data storage tape cartridge and a second cartridge present switch, a position of the first cartridge present switch relative to the first cartridge receiving frame being different than a position of the second cartridge present switch relative to the second cartridge receiving frame, the data storage tape cartridge comprising:

a housing sized to be received within the cartridge receiving frames, the housing defining
a top face, a bottom face, a front, a back, and opposing sides, the housing
forming:
a tape identification notch extending from the front along one of the opposing sides,
a write-select notch formed in the front,
a first misinsertion notch formed in the front and configured for clearance about the first cartridge present switch,
a second misinsertion notch formed in the front and configured for clearance about the second cartridge present switch,
wherein the first and second misinsertion notches are substantially aligned;
at least one tape reel rotatably disposed within the housing;
and
a storage tape maintained by the at least one tape reel;
wherein upon insertion of the data storage tape cartridge into the first cartridge receiving
frame, the first cartirdge present switch is not contacted such that the first
incompatible tape drive is not activated, and further wherein upon insertion of the
data storage tape cartridge into the second cartridge receiving frame, the second
cartridge present switch is not contacted such that the second incompatible tape
drive is not activated.

14 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Data storage tape cartridge with misinsertion notches

Life of this patent

Data storage tape cartridge with misinsertion notches

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13