Cartridge loading apparatus.

摘要

A streaming tape drive having a cartridge loading apparatus (54) which locks a tape cartridge (14) into a fully loaded position yet does not resist motion of the cartridge (14) during loading and unloading. To lock the cartridge (14) in the fully loaded position rollers (56) nest within cut out notches (28) on the side edges (24) of the cartridge (14). The rollers (56) are rotatably mounted on carrier levers (60) which in turn are pivotably secured to the tape drive housing (12). Rotation of the carrier levers (60) in one direction causes the rollers (56) to engage the cartridge (14), whereas rotation of the carrier levers (60) in the opposite direction causes disengagement of the rollers (56). Means (74) are provided for manually rotating the carrier levers (60) so that the rollers (56) are disengaged from the cartridge (14) during loading and unloading of the cartridge (14).