Patent ID: 6257514
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A guiding assembly in a tape drive that contains a takeup reel connected to a first connecting apparatus which engages a second connecting apparatus that is connected to one end of a magnetic tape media contained in a single reel tape cartridge that is loadable into the tape drive, the guiding assembly comprising:means for loading the magnetic tape media, wherein loading the magnetic tape media is representative of connecting the first connecting apparatus to the second connecting apparatus and winding the first and second connecting apparatus around the takeup reel until the tape media is in a read position;means for unloading the magnetic tape media, wherein unloading the magnetic tape media is representative of winding the tape media into the tape cartridge and disconnecting the first and second connecting apparatus;a tape guide configured to define a first tape path for reading and writing data to the tape media and a pivot to define a second tape path during loading and unloading of the magnetic tape media; anda tape head configured to travel in a first vertical direction to engage the tape guide and cause the tape guide to pivot and define the second tape path, and travel in a second vertical direction to disengage the tape guide and cause the tape guide to pivot and define the first tape path, wherein the second tape path prevents the first and the second connecting apparatuses from contacting the tape head.