Patent ID: 6186430
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A sensing assembly in a tape drive employing a single reel equipped with a takeup leader for interconnecting with a magnetic tape located in a tape cartridge, for use in determining if the magnetic tape within the tape cartridge connects to the takeup leader during loading of the tape cartridge, so that the magnetic tape can be wound through a tape path between the tape cartridge and the single reel as data is transferred to or from the magnetic tape, comprising:means for connecting the takeup leader to the magnetic tape for winding the magnetic tape through the tape path;means for preventing a connection failure from rendering the tape drive inoperable, andat least one means for detecting movement of at least one of the magnetic tape and the takeup leader, wherein the at least one means for detecting provides feedback to a microprocessor responsive to movement of at least one of the magnetic tape and the takeup leader, and wherein the movement is used to determine if the magnetic tape connects to the takeup leader.