Magnetic tape cartridge for helical scan transports

摘要

This system makes use of a tape cassette helical scan tape transport and a modified 3480-type magnetic tape cartridge as the data storage media. The merging of these two incompatible elements is accomplished by the use of a novel interface that implements a "virtual tape cassette" by providing a takeup reel positioned with the magnetic tape cartridge in a relationship that substantially matches the format of a magnetic tape cassette. A short tape threading arm is used to retrieve the leader block from the tape cartridge and thread the magnetic tape over a short tape threading path to the takeup reel. Once the tape is affixed to the takeup reel, the helical scan tape loading mechanism transports the length of tape that is now exposed between the tape cartridge and the takeup reel to the rotary heads. The helical scan magnetic tape cartridge has the same exterior dimensions as a conventional 3480-type magnetic tape cartridge but is implemented in the inverse configuration. In particular, the magnetic tape is wound counterclockwise around the cartridge spindle, with the recording surface of the magnetic tape facing out and the magnetic tape exiting the left corner of the cartridge (when viewed from the top). In addition, the right front corner of the cartridge may be angled to further distinguish the helical scan magnetic tape cartridge from the conventional 3480-type magnetic tape cartridge.