US 9,171,566 B2 · Buckling mechanism for a tape drive loader

Abstract

Embodiments include systems and methods for buckling in a loader assembly of a tape storage drive. Some implementations translate driving forces of an elevator of the loader assembly into driving forces that act on a pusher plate of a buckling mechanism in both buckling and unbuckling directions. For example, a plate interface can couple the pusher plate with the elevator in a manner that translates rotational motion of the elevator's drive gear into a lateral driving force that drives the pusher plate between its home and buckling positions. Certain implementations also include a home holding mechanism for removably securing the pusher plate in the home position when the elevator is in its unloaded position.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A buckling assembly for a tape drive loader comprising:

a pusher plate that operates to move in a buckling direction and an unbuckling direction between a home position and a buckling position;
and
a plate interface that couples the pusher plate with an elevator of the tape drive loader so as to translate rotational motion of a gear of the elevator into a lateral driving force that drives the pusher plate laterally in the buckling direction during tape cartridge loading by the elevator and drives the pusher plate in the unbuckling direction during tape cartridge unloading by the elevator,
wherein the gear of the elevator comprises a pin oriented to protrude from the gear and to rotate along with the rotational motion of the gear, and the plate interface comprises a slot that interfaces with the pin to couple the pusher plate with the elevator.

1 more element

A tape drive system comprising:

means for transporting a tape cartridge from an unloaded position to a loaded position during tape cartridge loading and to transport the tape cartridge from the loaded position to the unloaded position during tape cartridge unloading;
a pusher plate that operates to move in a buckling direction and an unbuckling direction between a home position and a buckling position;
and
means for translating rotational motion of a pin of the means for transporting into a lateral driving force that drives the pusher plate, via a slot that interfaces with the pin to couple the pusher plate with the means for transporting, laterally in the buckling direction during tape cartridge loading and laterally in the unbuckling direction during tape cartridge unloading.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

14/261,238Filed 24 Apr 2014 · us provisional application

Priority

13 Mar 2014

Published

US 2015/0262608 A117 Sep 2015

Granted

27 Oct 2015

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

G11B 15/672
By extracting end of record carrier from container or spool: extracting end of record carrier from container or single reel
G11B 15/674
By extracting end of record carrier from container or spool: threading or attaching end of record carrier on or to single reel
G11B 15/6751
Guiding containers , e.g. loading, ejecting cassettes: with movement of the cassette parallel to its main side, i.e. front loading
Y10T 74/18568
Mechanical movements: reciprocating or oscillating to or from alternating rotary

Buckling mechanism for a tape drive loader

Life of this patent

Buckling mechanism for a tape drive loader

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17