Patent ID: 6392836
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 frame housing; a conveyor mounted for linear motion within the frame housing, the conveyor having opposing first and second sidewalls, a first cam profile in the first sidewall, and a second cam profile in the second sidewall; a bearing attached to the conveyor and arranged for linear motion relative to the frame housing; a substantially flat actuator arm coupled to the frame housing for rotation about an axis fixed in relation to the frame housing; a groove through a portion of the actuator arm at a distance from the axis, one or more edges of the groove providing substantially perpendicular cam contact to the bearing during at least one rotational movement of the actuator arm; a shuttle for receiving the tape cartridge; a first cam follower attached to a first side of the shuttle in cam engagement with the first cam profile of the conveyor; a second cam follower attached to a second side of the shuttle opposite to the first side of the shuttle, the second cam follower being in engagement with the second cam profile of the conveyor, wherein the second cam follower is larger than the first cam follower, and the first and second cam profiles are contoured so that interaction of the first and second cam followers respectively with the first and second cam profiles during unloading of the tape cartridge from the loader provides different forces on opposing sides of the tape cartridge; and at least one spring for producing a force on the shuttle for assisting initial movement of the shuttle during the unloading of the tape cartridge.