Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval – Record transport with head stationary during transducing – Tape record
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-24
2001-04-10
Klimowicz, William (Department: 2652)
Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval
Record transport with head stationary during transducing
Tape record
Reexamination Certificate
active
06215614
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a cartridge loading device with a novel cartridge receiving and indexing scheme.
BACKGROUND ART
Cartridge loading devices for use in a media system can be highly complex and expensive, particularly due to the accurate repeatability required in locating the cartridge with respect to the read/write head. In particular, it is desirable that the cartridge be located within +/−1 minute of skew (side-to-side of cartridge); +/−0.0005 inch of tilt (front-to-rear of cartridge); +/−0.6 degrees of wrap (+/−0.005 penetration onto read/write head); with a load time of less than 500 milliseconds.
In the prior art, the tape is usually lifted away from the read/write head by blowing air against the tape to lift it away from the head during high speed tape functions, such as rewind or fast-forward. However, the structure required for such pneumatics is typically large and heavy, and therefore expensive. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved tape lifter function without pneumatics and without posing risk of damage to the tape. It is also desirable that the tape be engaged with or disengaged from the read/write head within 70 milliseconds by a repeatable tape lifter function.
It is also desirable to provide a means for accurately engaging the reel motors which drive the cassette tape reels, without backlash. Additionally, the read/write head must be protected from robotic or manual loading impacts when the cartridge is inserted into position within the loading device.
Preferably, such functions would be provided within a load/drive unit which may be packaged in a small area, such as a 5¼ inch form factor drive.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention improves upon the prior art and achieves the above-stated design criteria by providing an improved cartridge loading device with a novel cartridge registration scheme which accurately locates the cartridge while preventing loading impacts, provides an accurate and repeatable tape lifter function, and provides repeatable reel motor engagement without backlash, while minimizing product cost.
Specifically, one aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for moving a tape cartridge with respect to a read/write head in a media system, wherein the tape cartridge includes a tape stored on tape reels. The apparatus includes a housing having a base, and a plurality of flexures extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the base and having first and second ends. The first ends are attached to the housing. A deck is configured for holding a tape cartridge with the tape exposed at one end of the deck. The deck is attached to the second ends of the flexures. The flexures are sufficiently rigid to support the deck and sufficiently flexible to allow movement of the deck with respect to the base for moving the tape toward and away from the read/write head.
Preferably, a movable shuttle is positioned within the deck for moving the tape cartridge with respect to the deck. A shuttle interlock mechanism is positioned between the deck and the shuttle for selectively locking the shuttle with respect to the deck to prevent damage to the read/write head from loading impacts when cartridges are inserted.
The tape cartridge preferably includes primary, secondary, and tertiary locating features, and the cartridge loading device includes a plurality of springs for providing a preload against each of such locating features. Also, preferably a head cleaner brush is actuated by a rotary drum with a helical cam path for cleaning the read/write head during loading and unloading of the cartridge.
Preferably, a vertically movable motor plate is positioned adjacent the deck and includes first and second reel motors mounted thereon for driving the tape reels. A substantially flat flexible flexure member is connected at opposing ends to the deck and motor plate, respectively, to allow relative vertical movement of the motor plate and deck while preventing reel motor backlash. The flexure member is preferably a substantially H-shaped steel structure.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of engaging a tape cartridge with a read/write head in a media system. The method includes: a) receiving the tape cartridge within a movable shuttle which is locked in a position spaced from the read/write head; b) unlocking the shuttle; and c) moving the shuttle toward the read/write head to engage the tape cartridge with the read/write head. The tape cartridge includes a three-point primary datum, a two-point secondary datum, and a one-point tertiary datum, and the method further includes providing a spring load against each such datum point.
Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a structure and method for repeatedly locating a tape cartridge with respect to a read/write head in a media system.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tape lifter function which does not require pneumatics, and does not risk damage to the media.
A further object of the invention is to provide a means of accurately engaging the reel motors of a media system without backlash.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a cartridge loading device which protects the read/write head From robotic and manual loading impacts.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cartridge loading device which includes structure for cleaning the read/write head on each load/unload cycle.
The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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International Search Report, Sep. 8, 1999.
Hoge David T.
Janssen Clark M.
Todd Christian A.
Yeakley Lester M.
Bailey Wayne P.
Klimowicz William
Storage Technology Corporation
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