Patent ID: 6392837
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An automatic tape cartridge loader, for loading a tape cartridge into a tape drive for reading and writing of data on a tape within the cartridge, the tape loader comprising:a cartridge shuttle configured to receive the tape cartridge and mounted for movement between a cartridge reception position and an operative position wherein the cartridge engages one or more operative elements of a tape drive for reading and writing of data on tape within the cartridge; a loader motor; an actuator assembly driven by the loader motor and coupled to the cartridge shuttle, to move the shuttle between the cartridge reception position and the operative position in response to drive force from the loader motor; and a door-opening feature fixedly attached to the cartridge shuttle and extending towards an interior of the cartridge shuttle, the door-opening feature being positioned on the cartridge shuttle so as to engage a sliding spring-loaded door of the cartridge and open the door as the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge shuttle to thereby provide access to a leader attached to an end of the tape for at least one of the operative elements of the tape drive, wherein the actuator assembly comprises: a conveyor mounted for linear motion; a cam profile and cam follower arrangement coupling the cartridge shuttle to the conveyor such that linear motion of the conveyor produces a two-dimensional movement of the cartridge shuttle between the cartridge reception position and the operative position; and a rotatable actuator arm coupled to the conveyor and driven to rotate by the loader motor, to produce linear motion of the conveyor in response to the drive force from the loader motor.