Patent ID: 6270030
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A tape cartridge and cartridge drive system including first and second tape cartridges having the same form factor in first and second tape drives, the first and second tape cartridges each including a housing with an access door extending across a portion of a front face and a recess along a portion of a side face, a door latch positioned adjacent to the recess and a pivot axis of the door, the first and second tape drives each having a door actuator assembly positioned in a cartridge interface, each of the door actuator assemblies including a ramp to unlock the door latch on the first and second tape cartridges and a door actuator surface to open the doors on the first and second tape cartridges as tape cartridges are inserted along an insertion direction, such that the first tape cartridge is compatible with the first and second tape drives, the door actuator assembly on the second tape drive having a gap extending along the insertion direction between the ramp and the door actuator surface, the second tape cartridge comprising a tab projecting distally from the recess, the tab being positioned to contact the door actuator surface on the first tape drive so as to prevent insertion of the second tape cartridge into the first tape drive, the tab defining a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the insertion direction smaller than the gap to permit the second tape cartridge to be inserted into the second tape drive, whereby the second tape cartridge is compatible only with the second tape drive.