Single reel data storage tape cartridge with internal tape guide
AssigneeImation Corp.
InventorsMichael A. Mewes, Michael E. Reard, Jerome D. Brown, G. Phillip Rambosek, Geoffrey A. Lauinger, James L. Albrecht
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Abstract
A single reel data storage tape cartridge is described that includes a housing having a tape access window. A single tape reel assembly is rotatably disposed within the housing and includes a hub about which a storage tape is wrapped. A tape guide is disposed within the housing adjacent the single tape reel assembly, opposite the tape access window, and is configured to define a pathway of the storage tape from the single tape reel assembly to the tape access window and limit lateral motion of the storage tape.
Claims21
A single reel data storage tape cartridge comprising:
- a housing defining a tape access window;
- a single tape reel assembly rotatably disposed within the housing, the single tape reel assembly including a hub;
- a storage tape wrapped about the hub;
- and
- an elongated tape guide having opposed ends and disposed within the housing adjacent the single tape reel assembly and opposite the tape access window;
- wherein the tape guide defines a pathway of the storage tape from the single tape reel assembly to the tape access window.
A method of using a single reel data storage tape cartridge and tape drive including a read/write head, the method comprising:
- engaging the single reel data storage tape cartridge with the tape drive, wherein the single reel data storage tape cartridge includes a housing having a tape access window, a single tape reel assembly rotatably disposed within the housing, and a storage tape wound about the tape reel assembly;
- articulating the storage tape along a tape path defined at least in part by a non-rotating tape guide disposed within the housing opposite the tape access window;
- and
- driving the storage tape through the tape access window and into engagement with the read/write head;
- wherein the tape guide defines a pathway of the storage tape from the tape reel assembly to the tape access window.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.