(12) United States Patent
`Saliba et al.
`
`USOO6427.934B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,427,934 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Aug. 6, 2002
`
`(54) TAPE REEL FOR MINIMIZING PRINT
`THROUGH
`
`(75) Inventors: George A. Saliba, Northboro; Satya
`Males MS ki, Quash
`Neil
`orcester; Chan Kim, Holliston; Nei
`Stanick, Whitinsville, all of MA (US);
`Christopher Rathweg, Lafayette, CO
`(US)
`
`8/1981 Werner ....................... 242/345
`4,283,026 A
`5/1987 Hertrich ...................... 29/267
`4,662,049 A
`1/1988 Hertrich ...................... 29/819
`4,720.913 A
`5,443,220 A * 8/1995 Hoge et al. .............. 242/332.7
`5,474.253 A 12/1995 Kasetty et al. .............. 242/614
`5,769,346 A
`6/1998 Daly ....................... 242/332.4
`5,803,388 A 9/1998 Saliba et al. ................ 242/348
`5,979,813 A 11/1999 Mansbridge et al...... 242/332.4
`6,050,514 A * 4/2000 Mansbridge ............. 242/332.7
`
`(73) Assignee: Quantum Corporation, Milpitas, CA
`(US)
`
`* cited bw examiner
`y
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/191,250
`(22) Filed:
`Nov. 12, 1998
`(51)
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - G11B 15/66
`
`Primary Examiner John Q. Nguyen
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Steven G. Roeder
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`A take-up reel for use in a tape drive for minimizing print
`through errors, or data transfer from one layer of tape on the
`take-up reel to an adjacent layer of tape on the take-up reel.
`
`The take-up reel is configured to allowing portions of the
`
`buckle, coupling the take-up leader to the Supply leader, to
`receSS into the take-up reel. The relatively even and con
`centric configuration of leaders tape and buckle when wound
`onto the take-up reel prevents the application of Significant
`non-uniform pressure to the data tape wound thereover,
`which reduces print through Sources of data error.
`
`20 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`(52)
`
`O
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 242/332.7; 242/332.4;
`
`242/349; 242/335
`(58) Field of Search ........................... 242/332.7, 332.8,
`242/345, 348.1, 613.2, 332.4, 532.1, 582,
`349,335
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3.885,751 A * 5/1975 Kelch et al. ............. 242/348.1
`
`
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`326
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 6, 2002
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`Sheet 1 of 6
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`Aug. 6, 2002
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`Aug. 6, 2002
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`Aug. 6, 2002
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`FIG. 6
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`Aug. 6, 2002
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 6, 2002
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`Sheet 6 of 6
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`1
`TAPE REEL FOR MINIMIZING PRINT
`THROUGH
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates generally to magnetic recording
`tape reels. More particularly, the present invention relates to
`a tape reel that reduces print through errors on data tape
`wound onto the reel when used in association with a buckle
`between the take-up leader and the Supply leader.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
`Magnetic tapes are used for data Storage in computer
`Systems requiring data removability, high data rate
`capability, high Volumetric efficiency, and reusability. The
`use of magnetic tape data Storage devices is commonplace,
`as the cost per unit of Stored data is low compared to other
`forms of electronic data Storage, and magnetic tape devices
`are frequently used to back-up or preserve data Stored on
`more expensive-non-removable disk drives.
`Magnetic tape formats include open reels, tape cartridges
`and cassettes. In the past, it was common to use a simple
`open reel including a hub upon which the tape was wound
`and flanges that protect the edges of the tape. However, the
`need for additional tape protection and a desire for a
`reduction in the need for human intervention in installing or
`replacing data tapes in tape data Storage devices has led to
`the increased use of tape cartridges and cassettes. A typical
`magnetic tape includes a polymer film Substrate with a
`coating of magnetic recording material on one side, and a
`non-Stick coating of material on the other Side to reduce
`adhesion between layers of tape wound on a reel. In a typical
`tape drive using tape cartridges, the tape runs between a
`rotatable Supply reel housed within the tape cartridge and a
`take-up reel in the tape drive assembly. When the cartridge
`is inserted into the tape drive, a take-up leader on the take-up
`reel is coupled to the Supply leader, which is further coupled
`to the tape on which the data is Stored. The procedure of
`coupling the take-up leader to the Supply leader is known as
`buckling. Once the two leaders are coupled, the data tape is
`pulled through the tape path to the take-up reel by the
`take-up leader.
`There is an increasing need for tape data Storage devices
`that provide greater data Storage capacity and higher data
`transfer rates. To Satisfy the requirement for data Storage,
`higher track densities on the magnetic tape are Sought. The
`greater the track density, the greater the Volume of infor
`mation that may be Stored on the tape. Accordingly, the
`width of tracks and Separation between tracks has continued
`to decrease in order to accommodate more data trackS.
`However, as data tracks narrow, the Signal Strength from the
`tracks decreases. Therefore, even minor magnetic influences
`can mask or distort the magnetic data on a data tape
`sufficiently that data is lost.
`There are a variety of Sources of Such data errors or losses.
`One Source of data error is called print through, which
`results when non-uniform pressure distribution is applied to
`tape media as it resides on the reel. Print through is the
`tendency of the magnetic information Stored on a layer of
`tape to be influenced by the magnetic data Stored on an
`adjacent layer of tape, but will be used herein to include
`embossing Sources of error as well. Magnetic tape in tape
`drives may be wound tightly. For example, in DLTTM tape
`drives made by Quantum Corporation, magnetic tape wound
`on a reel may experience pressure between 200-400 psi
`towards the central axis of the reel. Experimental results
`have shown that even small deviations from circularity of
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`the reel may cause localized preSSures experienced by the
`magnetic tape to exceed 1,000 psi. The non-magnetic layer
`of most tape, which may normally be relied on to minimize
`print through, is not capable of Sufficiently shielding the
`magnetic layers of adjacent tapes in Such non-uniform
`preSSure environments. Non-uniform pressure regions can
`propagate outward as the reel winds additional layers of
`tape. This is called lateral runout, and can result in Signifi
`cant data loSS. One Source of non-uniform pressure occurs in
`asSociation with the buckle between the take-up leader and
`the Supply leader used on Single-reel data tape cartridges.
`For example, differences between the buckle and the thick
`neSS of the take-up leader or the Supply leader may create
`regions of uneven pressure distribution, which may result in
`print through.
`What is needed is a take-up reel configured to reduce print
`through errors on tape wound thereon by improving the
`circularity of the Surface presented for winding data tape.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`Accordingly, the present invention provides a take-up reel
`including a hub configured to improve circularity and thus
`reduce print through errors on tape wound thereon by
`allowing portions of the buckle to receSS into the take-up
`reel. The particular configuration of the take-up reel may be
`adapted for use with a buckle configuration. A preferred
`embodiment of the take-up reel of the invention will be
`described for use on the buckle shown in FIG. 2. However,
`the invention could be easily adapted by one skilled in the
`art for use with other buckle configurations.
`In one embodiment of the reel, the hub includes a cir
`cumferential peripheral Surface with a circumference of the
`peripheral Surface defined by a first radius. At least one
`raised ridge is formed on one portion of the peripheral
`surface of the hub with an outer surface of the ridge defined
`by a radius larger than the radius of the peripheral Surface.
`The ridge preferably has a width less than the width of the
`peripheral Surface, and includes a pair of grooves with a
`length perpendicular to the edge of the peripheral Surface.
`Two flattened regions are preferably formed on each Side of
`the ridge, meeting at a crest located at approximately the
`center of the arc of the ridge. The reel also preferably
`includes a take-up leader with apertures sized and positioned
`to accept the ridge or other Structures on the peripheral
`Surface of the hub.
`As the buckle is wound onto the hub, at least one layer of
`take-up leader is preferably wound onto the peripheral
`surface of the hub between the buckle and the peripheral
`Surface of the hub. Subsequent layers of tape wound there
`over are Supported by one or more of the following: (a) the
`previous layers of tape wound over the peripheral Surface of
`the hub and the flattened regions, (b) the portions of the
`buckle recessed into the hub So that an outer Surface of the
`buckle is approximately aligned with the outer Surface of the
`ridge, (c) and the outer Surface of the ridge itself. The layers
`of tape wound immediately over the Supporting Structures
`previously described are intended to present a Surface that is
`highly circular for winding Subsequent layers of magnetic
`tape, thus minimizing potential for print through as the tape
`is wound thereon.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a Schematic drawing of a generic tape drive
`using the take-up reel of the invention.
`FIG. 2a is a top isometric view of a buckle for use in
`asSociation with the take-up reel of the invention.
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`3
`FIG.2b is a bottom isometric view of a buckle for use in
`asSociation with the take-up reel of the invention.
`FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the
`take-up leader of the take-up reel of the invention.
`FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the take-up reel of the
`invention.
`FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the take-up reel of FIG. 4.
`FIG. 6 is a side view of the take-up reel of FIG. 4.
`FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the take-up reel of FIG. 4
`with the take-up leader coupled to the Supply leader and
`take-up leader partially wound on the take-up reel.
`FIG. 8 is a side view of a section of the take-up reel
`showing Several layers of take-up leader, Supply leader, and
`data tape wound thereon.
`FIG. 9 is a side view of the take-up reel including guide
`bars and flanges.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`The present invention provides a take-up reel configured
`to reduce print through errors on tape wound thereon by
`allowing portions of the buckle to receSS into the take-up
`reel. The particular configuration of the take-up reel may be
`adapted for use with a desired buckle configuration. For
`purposes of explanation, the take-up reel of the invention
`will be described for use on a buckle configuration shown in
`FIG. 2. However, the invention could be adapted for use
`with other buckle configurations. Furthermore, preferred
`dimensions will be given for the take-up reel of the invention
`configured for use in a tape drive that accepts cartridges
`Supplying approximately 0.5 inch magnetic tape. However,
`one skilled in the art could easily adjust the dimensions of
`the take-up reel of the invention for use with data tape of
`different dimensions.
`With reference to FIG. 1, a generic tape drive 100 and
`cartridge 106 are shown. The tape drive 100 includes the
`take-up reel 300 of the invention, rollers 102 and the
`magnetic head 104. The take-up reel 300 includes a take-up
`leader that is coupled to a Supply leader extending from one
`end of data tape wound on a rotatable supply reel 108 within
`the cartridge 106, when the cartridge 106 is inserted into the
`tape drive 100. The term magnetic tape will be used here
`after to refer to both the Supply leader and the data tape on
`which data is stored, and will be referenced by the number
`110. To read or write data to the magnetic tape 110, the
`magnetic tape 110 is spooled between the take-up reel 300
`and the supply reel 108, with rollers 102 guiding the
`magnetic tape 110 over the magnetic head 104. The con
`figuration of the tape drive 100 is shown only by way of
`example, and the take-up reel 300 of the invention could be
`used in other tape drive configurations.
`Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the buckle 200 comprises
`two cylindrical components that extend through the tape
`path approximately perpendicular to the tape path. FIG. 2a
`is a top view of the buckle 200, and FIG.2b is a bottom view
`of the buckle. The first cylindrical component 202 is coupled
`to the take-up leader 206, and the Second cylindrical com
`ponent 204 is couple to the Supply leader 208. The first and
`60
`second cylindrical components 202, 204 further extend or
`protrude some distance beyond the edges of the leaders 206
`and 208 on each side of the tape path. The ends of the second
`cylindrical component 204 are pivotally coupled to a first
`and second hook means 210 and 212. In the embodiment
`shown, the hooks 210, 212 are curved in a banana shape, and
`include recesses 214, best seen in FIG. 2b, on each hook
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`component 210, 212 for grabbing the protruding ends of the
`first cylindrical component 202 and guiding them into place.
`However, in alternate embodiments, other configurations of
`the buckle 200 may be used, with corresponding modifica
`tion to the take-up reel 300 of the invention.
`The cylindrical components 202 and 204 may be coupled
`to the ends of the leaders 206 and 208 respectively, by any
`known means, including forming a loop of material around
`the cylindrical components and affixing the layers together,
`as shown in FIG. 2, by use of an adhesive, heat weld, or
`other known means for bonding the two layers. The cylin
`drical components 202, 204 are preferably circular in cross
`Section, however, other croSS Section shapes may be used,
`including oval or elliptical. The diameters of the cylindrical
`components 202, 204 are preferably between 0.015 and
`0.050 inches, and more preferably approximately 0.025
`inches. Any desired materials may be used in fabricating the
`buckle components, and acceptable materials for Such uses
`are well known.
`FIG. 3 shows a take-up leader 206 buckled to the supply
`leader 208 in isolation from take-up reel 300. The materials
`used in manufacturing the take-up leader 206, the Supply
`leader 208, and the magnetic tape on which data is Stored
`(the data tape), are preferably formed of a polymer Substrate
`such as MYLAR(R), however, other materials may be used.
`The data tape will preferably include a magnetic coating on
`one side of the tape, and a non-Stick coating on the other to
`reduce adhesion between layers of tape would on a reel. The
`materials used to fabricate the take-up leader 206, the Supply
`leader 208, and the data tape may be the same or different,
`and acceptable tape for the various uses are commercially
`available. The take-up leader 206 and the Supply leader 208
`are preferably approximately 0.500 inches to 0.502 inches in
`width, and 0.005 to 0.008 inches in thickness. The data tape
`is preferably 0.498 to 0.500 inches wide, and 0.015 to 0.003
`inches thick. In alternate embodiments different dimensions
`may be used. Means for joining the supply leader 206 to the
`data tape are well known, and any desired means for Splicing
`the supply leader 206 to the data tape may be used. The
`preferred width of the take-up leader and the magnetic tape
`110 is approximately 0.5 inches, which typically means that
`the width of the data tape will range from a maximum of
`0.498 inches to a minimum of 0.496 inches. The width of the
`leaders 206, 208 preferably ranges between 0.500 and 0.502
`inches, and the thickness between 0.004 inches and 0.008
`inches, but more preferably approximately 0.0075 inches
`thick. The thickness of the data tape preferably ranges
`between 0.0001 and 0.0003 inches, and is more preferably
`approximately 0.0002 inches thick. However, in alternate
`embodiments leaders and magnetic tape of other dimensions
`may be used. Some changes in dimension may require that
`the take-up reel300 of the invention be adapted accordingly.
`The mushroom shaped protrusion 216 is formed from the
`material used to fabricate the take-up leader 206, and is
`intended to provide a backward compatible means for cou
`pling to Supply leaders of older design. Gaps 218, best Seen
`in FIGS. 2a and 2b, are formed on either side of the
`mushroom shaped protrusion 216 on the take-up leader 206,
`the use of which will be later explained. The take-up leader
`206 further includes an end aperture 220 used to couple the
`take-up leader 206 to the take-up reel 300, and several
`rectangular apertures 222 that fit over Structures on the outer
`or peripheral surface of the hub of the take-up reel 300, the
`uses of which will be explained in more detail below. The
`supply leader 208 likewise includes an aperture 224, best
`seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b, that fits around structures on the
`peripheral Surface of the hub. The gaps 218 and the aperture
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`224 of the supply leader 208 are sometimes individually
`and/or collectively referred to herein as openings.
`With reference to FIG. 4,
`a
`take-11p reel 300 of the
`invention is shown configured for use with the buckle shown
`in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The take-up reel 300 preferably com-
`prises a hub 302 with a central axis of rotation. The overall
`length of the hub is not critical to the invention, so long as
`there is enough surface to support the tape to be wound
`thereon, however, the length of the hub 302 along the axis
`of rotation is preferably between 1.0 inch and 2.0 inches, and
`is more preferably approximately 1.55 inches. The hub is
`preferably fabricated using a polycarbonate with approxi-
`mately 30% glass, however, other materials may be useable.
`One or both ends of the hub 302 are configured to couple to
`a means for rotating the hub 302 around the axis of rotation
`304. The configuration used to couple to the rotation means,
`and the rotation means used, are not critical to the invention,
`and any known combination of rotation means and means
`for coupling the hub 302 to the rotation means may be used.
`The hub 302 includes a circumferential or peripheral surface
`306 for winding magnetic tape 110. The peripheral surface
`308 is preferably slightly wider than the take-up leader 206
`intended to be used in association with the take-up reel 300.
`For use with 0.5 inch tape,
`the width of the peripheral
`surface 306 is preferably between 0.502 inches and 0.504
`inches, but more preferably approximately 0.502 inches in
`width, although in other embodiments, different ranges may
`be preferred. Preferably 75% to 95%, and more preferably
`approximately 82%, of the circumference of the peripheral
`surface 306 is defined by a first radius, with the remaining
`peripheral surface comprising a curved ridge 308 having an
`outer surface defined by a second larger radius.
`The take-up reel 300 further comprises a means for
`coupling one end of the take-up leader 206 to the hub 302.
`Any known means for coupling the take—up leader to the hub
`302 may be used. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a slot
`312 penetrates from the bottom of the notch 310 to a cavity
`314 within the body of the hub 302. A hook means 316
`extends from a surface of the cavity 314 around which the
`end aperture 220 of the take-up leader 206 is looped. One
`side of the notch 310 is curved gradually outward until it
`reaches the circumference of the peripheral surface 306
`defined by the first diameter. The slope is intended to
`introduce the take—up leader 206 to the peripheral surface
`308 without creating a sharp bend in the magnetic tape 110
`that may propagate through subsequent
`layers. When
`viewed from the bottom of the hub 302, as seen in FIG. 4,
`the take-up leader 206 is wound in a counterclockwise
`direction, and thus, the gradual curve assists in minimizing
`the generation of uneven pressure distribution applied to the
`magnetic tape 110 wound thereover.
`With reference to FIG. 5, the curved ridge 308 preferably
`has a length between 0.06 inches and 1.30 inches, and more
`preferably approximately 0.095 inches. The length of the
`diameter defining the curved ridge 308 depends on the
`number of layers of take-up lead 206 that will be wound on
`the take—up reel 300. In a preferred embodiment of the
`take-up leader 206 disclosed in FIG. 3, the take-up leader
`206 is designed to encounter the curved ridge 308 three
`times. Therefore, the preferred radius defining the arc of the
`curved ridge 308 is approximately three times the thickness
`of the take-up leader for which the hub is intended to be
`used. For example, if the thickness of the take—up leader 206
`is approximately 0.0075 inches, then the diameter of the are
`defining the curved ridge 308 is equal
`to the diameter
`defining the peripheral surface 306 plus three times 0.0075
`inches.
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`A pair of flattened regions 320 cut cords across a length
`of the circumference of the peripheral surface 306 of the
`take—up reel 300 on each side of the curved ridge 308, as can
`be seen in FIG. 6, which is side view of the hub of FIG, 4.
`The pair of flattened regions 320 can be seen on each side
`of the ridge 308, with grooves 326 extending across the
`curved ridge 308 between opposite flattened regions 320.
`The width of the curved ridge 308 is preferably between
`0.100 inches and 0.300 inches wide, and more preferably
`approximately 0.200 inches Wide. The flattened regions 320
`are preferably between 0.100 inches and 0.200 inches wide,
`and more preferably approximately 0.150 inches wide. The
`flattened regions 320 are preferably between 0.300 inches
`and 0.700 inches in length, and more preferably 0.500 inches
`in length. Because the flattened regions 320 cut a cord across
`the circumference of the peripheral surface 308 of the hub
`302, the length of the flattened regions 320 are related to the
`diameter of the cylindrical components 202, 204 that must
`be accommodated. Referring again to FIG. 5 and also with
`reference to FIG. 8, the distance from the surface of the
`flattened regions 320 to the outer surface of the curved ridge
`308, measured at the center point of each flattened region
`320, is preferably four times the thickness of the take-up
`leader 206 or plus the diameter of the cylindrical compo-
`nents of the buckle; specifically, two layers of take—up leader
`206 lying over the flattened regions 320,
`two layers of
`take-11p leader 206, to account for the single layer of take-up
`leader 206 looped around the circumference of a cylindrical
`component 202 or 204 and therefore counting as two layers,
`and the diameter of the cylindrical component 202 or 204.
`For example, in an embodiment of the hub 302 for use with
`a take-up leader 206 with a thickness of 0.0075 inches, and
`a cylindrical component 202 with a diameter of 0.025
`inches,
`the distance from the flattened region to an are
`defined by the surface of the curved ridge 308 is approxi-
`mately ((4)(0.0075))+0.0250=0.0475 inches. The calcula-
`tion is the same for the gap 318 that accepts the cylindrical
`component 204 coupled to the supply leader 208, if, as in the
`preferred embodiment, the supply leader 208 is of the same
`thickness as the take—up leader 206.
`Ashoulder exists at each end of the curved ridge 308, with
`one shoulder designated 324, and the other 332. Each
`shoulder 324, 332 has a height preferably approximately
`three times the thickness of the take—up leader 206, so that
`on the third circumference of the take-up leader 206 the
`three layers of take-11p leader 206 are approximately even
`with the outer surface of the curved ridge 308 at the shoulder
`324 encountered by the take-up leader. Similarly, as the first
`layer of supply leader encounters the other shoulder 332,
`there are preferably 2 layers of take—up leader, and one layer
`of supply leader, which preferably brings the outer surface
`of the supply leader 206 approximately even with the outer
`surface of the curved ridge 308. Thus, the surface presented
`to the subsequent layers of supply leader 208 will be defined
`by an approximately uniform diameter, approximately equal
`to the diameter defining the arc of the curved ridge 308,
`preferably providing near circularity. In an embodiment
`using a take-up leader 0.0075 inches thick, the shoulders
`324, 332 will have a height of 0.0225 inches.
`Two grooves 326 are formed in the outer surface of
`curved ridge 308, extending approximately perpendicular to
`the arc of the curved ridge 308, and extending between
`opposite flattened regions 320 on each side of the curved
`ridge 308. The depth of the grooves 326 is preferably
`slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical compo-
`nent 202 or 204 intended to be used therewith. The openings
`of the groove are preferably between 0.050 inches and 0.150
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`inches, and more preferably approximately 0.125 inches,
`depending on the size of the cylindrical components 202,
`204 used. The sides of the grooves 326 will preferably
`include relief angles between 0 degrees and 35 degrees, and
`more preferably 20 degrees. The grooves 326 are preferably
`positioned so that when cylindrical component 202 or 204 is
`accepted within one of the grooves 326, a centerline of the
`cylindrical component 202 or 204 will be approximately
`aligned with a center of the flattened region 320. The bottom
`of the grooves 326 are preferably positioned a distance from
`a plane defined by the associated flattened sections 320
`equal to two times the thickness of the magnetic tape 110. In
`Some embodiments, it may be preferable that the cylindrical
`components 202,204 rest on the layers of take-up leader 206
`lying over the flattened regions 320, to prevent any defor
`mation of the cylindrical components 202 or 204, by forces
`applied by Subsequent layers of magnetic tape 110.
`Referring to FIG. 7, a take-up leader 206 of the hub 302
`is shown coupled by the buckle 200 to the Supply leader 208,
`and partially wound around the peripheral surface 306 of the
`hub 302. The take-up leader 206 has been wound twice
`around the hub 302, and the cylindrical components 202,
`204 of the buckle 200 are in position to enter the grooves
`326, as the take-up leader 206 is further wound onto the hub
`3O2.
`FIG. 8 shows a side view of the hub 302 of FIG. 7 after
`several more revolutions of the hub 302. The cylindrical
`components 202,204 of the buckle disclosed in FIG.2a and
`2b have been received within the grooves 326, and several
`Subsequent layers of the Supply leader 208 have been
`wrapped thereon. In the preferred configuration shown, two
`layers of take-up leader 206 are wound around the peripheral
`surface 306 of the hub 302, with the rectangular apertures
`222 aligned with the curved ridge 308 so that the take-up
`leader 206 lies only over the flattened regions 320 on either
`side of the curved ridge 308. The third layer of take-up
`leader 206 brings the layers of take-up leader 206 approxi
`mately level with, or only slightly below, the peripheral
`surface of the curved ridge 308 at one of the shoulders 324.
`Similarly, the buckle aperture 224 of the Supply leader 208
`allows that supply leader 208 to lie on either side of the
`curved ridge 308, and the first layer of supply leader 208
`brings the two layers of take-up leader 206 and the layer of
`supply leader 208 approximately level with, or only slightly
`below, the peripheral surface of the curved ridge 308. In this
`embodiment, it is important to allow the outer Surface of the
`buckle 200 to recess into the hub 302 at a level equal to, or
`slightly below, the outer peripheral Surface 306 of a nominal
`radius of the hub 302. In embodiments of the buckle 200
`including the mushroom shaped protrusion 216, the protru
`Sion lies over a portion of the outer Surface of the curved
`ridge 309.
`The cylindrical component 202 of the take-up leader 206
`has entered one of the grooves 326, and the cylindrical
`component 204 of the Supply leader 208 has entered the
`other groove 326. The ends of the cylindrical components
`202 and 204 extending beyond the sides of the ridge 308
`preferably rest on the previous layers of take-up leader 206
`wound over the flattened regions 320 of the hub 302,
`although in alternate embodiments this may not be neces
`sary. The crest 322 between the flattened regions 320
`supports two layers of take-up leader 206, which brings the
`surface of the second layer of the take-up leader 206
`approximately level with the center of the area of the curved
`ridge 308. The first layer of supply leader 208 is therefore
`supported over the arc of the curved ridge 308 by the outer
`surface of the curved ridge 308, the ends of the cylindrical
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`US 6,427,934 B1
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`8
`component 202, 204 extending from the grooves 326, and
`the take-up leader 206 lying over the crests 322 between the
`pairs of flattened regions 320. The layers of Supply leader
`208 wound over the supporting structures previously
`described are intended to present a Surface for data tape that
`is highly circular, thus minimizing potential for print
`through as the tape is wound thereon.
`In alternate embodiments more or less layers of the
`take-up or supply leaders 206, 208 may be used.
`Specifically, in alternate embodiments, one or more than two
`layers of take-up leader 206 may be used prior to the buckle
`200 entering the wound position, and one or more than two
`layers of Supply leader 208 may be used.
`Referring to FIG. 9, in some preferred embodiments the
`take-up reel300 will also include guide bars 328 for insuring
`uniform Stacking of the magnetic tape 11 laterally on the
`peripheral surface 306 of the hub 302 and flanges 330 to
`prevent the magnetic tape 110 from dropping Significantly
`below a plane defined by an edge of the peripheral Surface
`306 of the hub 302. Preferred embodiments of the hub 302
`may include a pair of grooves 318, best seen in FIG. 4,
`formed on opposite sides of the peripheral Surface 306 of the
`hub 302 for partially accepting guide bars 328 preferably
`extending radially from central axis of the hub 302 for
`guiding tape wound on the hub 302 to stack uniformly. In a
`preferred embodiment, guide bars 328 are coupled to the hub
`302 on each side of the hub 302 extending outward from the
`central axis 304 of the hub 302 a selected distance beyond
`the peripheral surface 306 of the hub 302. As the width of
`the peripheral surface 306 is slightly wider than the maxi
`mum width of the magnetic tape 110 used, the grooves 318
`allow the guide bars 328 to be spaced more closely approxi
`mating the width of the magnetic tape 110, preferably
`approximately 0.502 inches. The Spacing of the guide bars
`328 assists the magnetic tape 110 to stack uniformly.
`However, the grooves 318 and guide bars 328 are not critical
`to the invention, and other known means for guiding the
`uniform Stacking of tape on a reel may be used. The flanges
`330 may also be provided on each side of the peripheral
`surface 306 of the hub 302 and extend radially from the
`central axis 304 of the hub 302. As guide bars 328 are used
`to provide uniform Stacking of magnetic tape 110, the
`purpose of the flanges 330 is primarily to prevent any
`portion of the magnetic tape 110 from dropping Significantly
`below a plane defined by an edge of the peripheral Surface
`306 of the hub 302 in the event that the magnetic tape 110
`becomes slack. The flanges 330 are not critical to the
`invention, and other known means for preventing the mag
`netic tape 110 from droppi