Patent ID: 7349177
Filing Date: 2008-03-25
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A cartridge loading device for magnetic tapes comprising housing means defining a housing for magnetic tape cartridges that can expand from a first size to a second size, guide means for controlling expansion of said housing from said first size to said second size and comprising at least one means defining a line of movement having a first end associated with said first size of said housing and a second end associated with said second size of housing, and a rotatable locking means for locking said housing means in a locked condition in which said housing is said first size, said first size having a first height and said second size having a second height, said second height being greater than said first height, said sizes of said housing being selected such that when said housing is said first size, it can receive first sized magnetic tape cartridges having a predetermined height and when said housing is said second size, it can receive second sized magnetic tape cartridges having a predetermined height that is greater than the height of said first sized magnetic tape cartridges, and said locking means being actuable by insertion of a second sized cartridge into said housing to release said housing means from said locked condition to permit expansion of said housing from said first size to said second size and having an axis of rotation located on a line that is in line with at least a first portion of a line of movement defined by said at least one means defining a line of movement, which first portion extends from said first end of the line of movement.