US4679747A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for loading and unloading the leader block of a tape cartridge
Assignee: OF DE
•
Filing: 1986-03-21
•
Granted: 1987-07-14
•
Expires: 2006-03-21
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for loading and unloading the leader block of an IBM 3480 tape cartridge uses a loading/unloading mechanism which is directly associated with the take-up reel of the apparatus rather than a separate mechanism. The take-up reel of the apparatus is provided with a linkage which extends from the periphery of the take-up reel, and which has a pin for engaging the leader block of the tape cartridge. The pin of the linkage is caused to proceed along a specified path, following a camming surface under the influence of an over-center spring, to transfer the leader block from the tape cartridge, through its specified tape path, to the take-up reel, and vice versa.
Inventors
- 👤 Jay A. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 12:01
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/60; G11B15/66; G11B15/67
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
In a transport apparatus for receiving and operating upon a tape cartridge including a web of tape disposed on a supply reel and having a free end engaged by a leader block, said leader block having an engagement slot and said transport apparatus including a take-up reel for receiving said leader block, an improved leader block loading means comprising a linkage for engaging the slot of said leader block and for delivering said engaged leader block to the take-up reel of said transport apparatus, and means responsive to rotation of said take-up reel for operating said linkage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
In a transport apparatus for receiving and operating upon a tape cartridge including a web of tape disposed on a supply reel and having a free end engaged by a leader block, said leader block having an engagement slot and said transport apparatus including a take-up reel for receiving said leader block, an improved leader block loading means comprising a linkage for engaging the slot of said leader block and for delivering said engaged leader block to the take-up reel of said transport apparatus, and means responsive to rotation of said take-up reel for operating said linkage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said leader block loading means comprises: a flange member on said take-up reel and having a pivot spaced from the axis of said take-up reel for receiving a first end of said linkage; and a camming means disposed over said take-up reel and including a face for receiving a second end linkage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the second end of said linkage engages the slot of said leader block.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said camming means lies in a plane which is generally parallel to the plane of said flange member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein a spring is connected between said linkage and said flange member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said spring is pivotally connected between said linkage and said flange member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said spring is an over-center spring such that in a first configuration, said linkage is caused to rotate about said pivot in a clockwise direction, and in a second configuration, said linkage is caused to rotate about said pivot in a counter-clockwise direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first and second configurations are separated by a configuration wherein said pivot is in general alignment with the connections of said spring with said linkage and said flange member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said over-center spring develops a force to load the second end of said linkage against the face of said camming means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 7 herein said over-center spring develops a force against the second end of said linkage to load the leader block into said take-up reel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said linkage is a single arm extending from the pivot of said flange member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus is contained within a 51/4 inch form factor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-07-13 | 1991-01-12 | 1991-07-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-07-13 | 1995-01-12 | 1995-07-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-07-13 | 1999-01-12 | 1999-07-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |