TAPE THREADING APPARATUS HAVING TAKE-UP HUB WITH GAP FILLINGBLOCK FOR DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS AND METHOD THEREFOR

摘要

A take-up mechanism for a read/write recording apparatus includes a hub (40) with an outer surface (42) about which a tape medium is to be wound. A reces s (44) is formed in the outer surface, and a receiver block (46) is reciprocal ly movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When retracte d, an end surface (94) of the receiver block registers with the outer surface o f the hub to form a smooth winding surface for the tape. The receiver block ha s a bay (48) sized to engage the leader block on the tape such that the leader block is enclosed within the hub when the receiver block is retracted. A rotatable drive rotates the hub to wind the tape thereon. This mechanism may be incorporated into a read/write apparatus including a read/write recording head, bearing members to support the tape during transport and a threading assembly to thread the tape through the device.