Jerry L. Alexander - St. Paul Park MN Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN Douglas W. Johnson - Stillwater MN Christopher J. Zwettler - Maplewood MN William J. Vanderheyden - Loveland CO
Assignee:
Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN
International Classification:
G03B 2307
US Classification:
242346, 360132
Abstract:
A data storage tape cartridge including a housing, first and second tape reels, a storage tape, first and second corner guides and an idler wrap guide. The housing defines a head access window. The tape reels are rotatably disposed within the housing, with the storage tape extending between the tape reels. The first and second comer guides are disposed within the housing at opposite sides of the head access window. Finally, the idler wrap guide is disposed within the housing and defines a tape path extending from the first tape reel to the idler wrap guide, and from the idler wrap guide to the first corner guide. The idler wrap guide is configured to frictionally dampen lateral movement of the storage tape upon rotation of the tape reels to greatly reduce servo off track events.
Tape Reel Assembly With Hub Sleeve And Spherical Piece For A Data Storage Tape Cartridge, And Method Of Manufacture
Christopher J. Zwettler - Lake Elmo MN Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN
Assignee:
Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN
International Classification:
G03B 2302
US Classification:
242348, 242345, 360132
Abstract:
A tape reel assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel pin, the tape reel assembly, and a storage tape. The tape reel assembly is rotatably associated with the tape reel pin and includes a hub, a spherical piece and a sleeve. The spherical piece is insert molded within an axial bore of the hub and provides a thrust surface. The sleeve is also insert molded within the axial bore of the hub and provides a journal bearing surface. In accordance with a method of the present invention, the tape reel assembly is formed as part of an injection molding process, whereby a core pin precisely positions the spherical piece and co-axially centers the sleeve relative to an outer, tape winding surface of the hub.
Gregory H. Johnson - Oakdale MN, US Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN, US
Assignee:
Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN
International Classification:
H01R 13/44
US Classification:
439131, 361737
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a memory card including a first connector that conforms to a first connection standard and a second connector that conforms to a second connection standard. The connectors are provided on a movable member disposed within a housing of the memory card. The movable member may be moved between a first position, in which the first connector is exposed, and a second position, in which the second connector is exposed.
Removable Memory Cartridge And Docking Station Compatible With Media Drive Expansion Slots
Yung Yip - Afton MN, US Christopher Thomas Bukowski - Boulder CO, US Chris James Zwettler - Stillwater MN, US George Phillip Rambosek - Shafer MN, US Kellan Donald Pauly - Wahpeton MN, US Daniel Charles Egan - Oakdale MN, US Kevin Peter Vlasich - Lino Lakes MN, US Jason E. Moses - Breckenridge MN, US Denis J. Langlois - River Falls WI, US George W. Blattner - Oakdale MN, US
Assignee:
Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN
International Classification:
G06F 13/40
US Classification:
710304
Abstract:
A system for data storage including a removable memory element having a data storage device, and a docking station in communication with a host device and configured for receiving the removable memory cartridge so as to put the host system in communication with the data storage device.
Tape Reel Assembly With Hub Sleeve For A Data Storage Tape Cartridge
Christopher J. Zwettler - Lake Elmo MN Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN
Assignee:
Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN
International Classification:
G03B 2302
US Classification:
242348
Abstract:
A tape reel assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel pin, the tape reel assembly, and a storage tape. The housing includes a first housing section and a second housing section. The tape reel pin extends in a generally perpendicular fashion relative to an interior surface of the first housing section. With this configuration, the tape reel pin forms a cylindrical side surface and terminates in a leading end. The tape reel assembly is rotatably associated with the tape reel pin and includes a hub and a sleeve. The hub defines an axial bore. In one preferred embodiment, the tape reel assembly further includes opposing flanges connected to the hub. Regardless, the sleeve is disposed within the axial bore and forms a thrust surface. Finally, the storage tape is maintained by the hub.
Compliant Tape Guide With Planar Stiffness Body For A Data Storage Tape Cartridge
John D. Willems - Minneapolis MN Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN Douglas W. Johnson - Stillwater MN Leif O. Erickson - Riverfalls WI
Assignee:
Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN
International Classification:
G03B 2302
US Classification:
242346
Abstract:
A compliant tape guide having a compliant member with optimized planar stiffness. The compliant tape guide includes a top support plate, a bottom support plate, a bearing piece, the compliant member and a biasing member. The bearing piece extends between the top and bottom support plate in a generally perpendicular fashion. The compliant member is associated with an inner surface of the bottom support plate and includes a base, opposing legs, an edge receiving surface and a planar stiffness body. The opposing legs extend from the base. The edge receiving surface is attached to the opposing legs opposite the base to define an opening. The planar stiffness body is disposed within the opening and is configured to increase an in-plane stiffness of the compliant member in a plane substantially parallel to a plane of the base. Finally, the biasing member is associated with the compliant member to bias the edge receiving surface into engagement with a storage tape during use.
Karunasena A. Alahapperuma - Maplewood MN Anthony B. Ferguson - Lake Elmo MN David P. Smith - Hudson WI David L. Tussey - New Richmond WI Saurin J. Shah - Woodbury MN Dean E. Sitz - Wahpeton ND Randy S. Bay - Wahpeton ND Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN Wolfgang G. Schoeppel - Neuss, DE
Assignee:
Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN
International Classification:
B65H 2000 G03B 104 G11B 1532
US Classification:
428 357
Abstract:
The present invention provides a novel one-piece capstan for a tape cartridge which provides good static dissipative properties and wear resistance. The capstan material of the present invention has a charge decay time of no more than 5 seconds as measured according to Mil B-81705C standard. The capstan material also has a flexural modulus of at least 200,000 psi (1379 MPa). The capstan comprises a hard, dimensionally stable polymer and a static dissipating polymer. The capstan also has an improved structure and geometry which enables the part to be easily molded, reduces drive force requirements with a reduction of material from the prior art design, but with no significant loss of performance properties.
Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN Randy S. Bay - Wahpeton ND James J. Evanoff - Roseville MN Leif O. Erickson - River Falls WI Armando J. Argumedo - Tucson AZ Steven L. Felde - Tucson AZ Scott M. Rockwell - Tucson AZ Kenneth R. Shelley - Tucson AZ
Dr. Egan graduated from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Science in 1996. He works in Alpine, UT and specializes in Family Medicine. Dr. Egan is affiliated with American Fork Hospital and Timpanogos Regional Hospital.