Patent ID: 7061711

Claim:
A detection assembly for detecting when a tape head has reached a lower limit of travel, for use with a single reel tape drive embodying a tape guiding assembly and a tachometer coupled to a guide roller within a tape path and wherein a takeup leader is located within said tape path when said single reel tape drive is initialized, said detection assembly comprising: a means for moving said tape head in a downward direction when said single reel tape drive is initialized; a means for moving said tape guiding assembly away from said tape head when said tape head reaches said lower limit of travel, wherein moving said tape guiding assembly causes a movement of said takeup leader in said tape path; a means for detecting said movement of said takeup leader within said tape path; and means, responsive to said detection of said movement of said takeup leader, for discontinuing said movement of said tape head in said downward direction.