Position sensors for tape loading mechanism
AssigneeSeagate Removable Storage Solutions LLC
InventorsJohn A. Hamming, Kempton W. Redhead, Robert R. Heinze, Russell A. Bauer, Patrick H. McCormack, Turguy Goker
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Abstract
A method of loading a tape from a single reel tape cartridge into a take-up reel. Position sensors detect position of a guide arm as a tape loading mechanism loads and unloads tapes from a single reel tape cartridge. The position sensors are accurate and eliminate problems that occur from small misalignments of hub filler access with the access of the take-up reel. Further, the position sensors enable the hub filler to consistently attach to a leader pin at the end of the tape of the single reel tape cartridge without frequent malfunctions.
Claims18
A tape loading device comprising:
- a guide arm that loads a take-up reel with tape from a tape cartridge;
- and
- means for sensing the position of the guide arm.
An apparatus for loading a take-up reel with tape from a removable tape cartridge comprising:
- a hub filler for transporting an end of a tape from the tape cartridge to the take-up reel,
- a guide rail extending between the removable tape cartridge and the take-up reel, the hub filler travelling on the guide rail;
- a guide arm coupled to the hub filler and driving the hub filler along the guide rail;
- and
- a sensor that detects the position of the hub filler, the sensor including multiple cells that independently interact with the guide arm to detect the position of the hub filler.
A method for loading a take-up reel with tape comprising the steps of:
- driving a hub filler into a take-up reel with a guide arm;
- and detecting
- the position of the guide arm with a sensor having multiple cells that independently interact with the guide arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.