Patent ID: 8139315
Filing Date: 2012-03-20
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A storage slot for removably holding and aligning data storage cartridges of differing dimensions comprising: a plurality of side walls forming an interior, and forming an opening at one end of said side walls, said opening having dimensions greater than the greatest width dimension and greater than the greatest thickness dimension of said data storage cartridges, for accommodating insertion and withdrawal of a data storage cartridge through said opening; at least two bowed leaf springs positioned within said interior with respect to said opening arranged at substantially right angles to each other and opposite from, respectively, two of said side walls, said bowed leaf springs extending in a direction parallel to a direction of insertion and withdrawal of a data storage cartridge through said opening, said bowed leaf springs fixed at the end closest to said opening, a bowed portion of each of said bowed leaf springs forming a ramp surface towards said opening and towards said opposite side wall; said at least two bowed leaf springs located a distance from said opposite side wall such that said bowed leaf spring when in a relaxed state comprises an interference fit at the bowed portion of said bowed leaf spring with the smallest dimensioned said data storage cartridge at respectfully the width and thickness dimensions of said data storage cartridge; at least one of said opposite side walls forming an alignment surface at a location in said interior opposite at least one corresponding said bowed leaf spring and substantially parallel to the direction of said corresponding at least one bowed leaf spring, for aligning said data storage cartridge when said data storage cartridge is positioned thereagainst by compression of said oppositely positioned bowed leaf spring; and comprising a support slidably engaging each said bowed leaf spring at the end thereof furthest from said opening, said slidably engaged end opposite said fixed end.