Patent ID: 6891695

Claim:
A tape drive apparatus for reading and writing data on to a magnetic tape that is supplied in a removable tape cartridge, containing a single reel rotatably mounted within said magnetic tape cartridge, and having a leader block affixed to one end of said magnetic tape for use in withdrawing said one end from said magnetic tape cartridge, comprising: means for receiving a magnetic tape cartridge; takeup reel means, located adjacent said means for receiving and permanently mounted in said tape transport apparatus, having an aperture formed therein located substantially opposite said leader block when said magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in said means for receiving, for receiving said leader block; read/write head means, located adjacent said takeup reel means, for reading and writing data on to said magnetic tape; tape threading means for grasping said leader block to thread said magnetic tape along a substantially linear path from said magnetic tape cartridge directly to said takeup reel means by threading said leader block in said aperture; and tape wrap means for translating said threaded magnetic tape from said predetermined path at least 180° around a circumference of said takeup reel means to wrap about said read/write head means, wherein said tape wrap means comprises first movable guide means that is movable between a first position located juxtaposed to said takeup reel means and a second position located juxtaposed said takeup reel means along a path that guides said magnetic tape past said read/write head means.