Christopher J Zwettler

US Patent:

6343757, Feb 5, 2002

Filed:

Mar 30, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/539255

Inventors:

Christopher J. Zwettler - Lake Elmo MN

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

G11B 2304

US Classification:

242346, 360132

Abstract:

A clearance-type tape guide for guiding a recording tape along a tape path having two tape reels. The tape slidably engages the tape guide along a surface having a length L1. The tape travels along the tape path for a distance L2 between the tape guide surface and the closer of the tape reels. According to the invention, L1 0. 3 L2.

US Patent:

6405957, Jun 18, 2002

Filed:

Feb 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/504195

Inventors:

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.

US Patent:

6457664, Oct 1, 2002

Filed:

Aug 9, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/635106

Inventors:

Christopher J. Zwettler - Lake Elmo MN

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

G11B 23087

US Classification:

242342, 2423524, 360 963, 360132

Abstract:

A data storage tape cartridge incorporating a belt-driven design with improved performance characteristics. The tape cartridge includes a housing, first and second tape hubs, a storage tape, a drive roller, first and second corner rollers, and a drive belt. The housing defines a head access window. The first and second tape hubs are rotatably mounted within the housing. The storage tape is wound about the first and second hubs to form first and second tape packs thereabout. The drive roller is also rotatably mounted within the housing. Similarly, the first and second corner rollers are rotatably mounted within the housing. The drive belt is stretched about the drive roller, the first and second tape packs, and the first and second corner rollers. Finally, the first and second hubs are symmetrically arranged relative to the head access window. This symmetrical arrangement optimizes cartridge performance.

US Patent:

6474582, Nov 5, 2002

Filed:

Mar 26, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/819019

Inventors:

Christopher J. Zwettler - Lake Elmo MN
Michael E. Reard - Fergus Falls MN
Geoffrey A. Lauinger - Campbell MN
Jerry D. Brown - Wahpeton ND

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

G03B 2302

US Classification:

2423482, 242348, 2423481, 242332, 2423324, 242609, 2426091, 2426082, 2426086

Abstract:

A tape reel assembly ( ). The tape reel assembly ( ) includes three discrete components. The components include a top flange ( ), bottom flange ( ) and hub ( ). Teeth ( ) are operatively connected to the hub ( ). The flanges ( ) are preferably made from metal.

US Patent:

6478244, Nov 12, 2002

Filed:

Jun 28, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/892357

Inventors:

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.

US Patent:

6563670, May 13, 2003

Filed:

Dec 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/729560

Inventors:

Brian D. Brong - Oakdale MN
Christopher J. Zwettler - Lake Elmo MN

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

G11B 23087

US Classification:

360132, 36013021, 36013033, 242346

Abstract:

A data storage tape cartridge ( ) includes two tape guides ( ). The tapes guides ( ) have a foil ( ) which is constructed from material which causes a wear pattern ( ) to be formed in the foil ( ), thereby removing localized forces and spreading out the forces and thereby decreasing the tape pressure.

US Patent:

6874720, Apr 5, 2005

Filed:

Jun 2, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/452334

Inventors:

Christopher J. Zwettler - Lake Elmo MN, US
Saeed A. Fahimi - Bloomington MN, US
Michael A. Mewes - Fargo ND, US
Douglas W. Johnson - Stillwater MN, US

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

G11B023/04

US Classification:

242346, 360132

Abstract:

A subambient pressure feature for assisting in guidance of storage tape within a tape transport system such as a data storage tape cartridge and/or a tape drive. The storage tape is extended between two tape reels along a tape path defined, in part, by a tape guide. The tape guide includes a curved tape-receiving surface defined by an entrance side and an exit side. The subambient pressure feature is located along the tape path and is adapted to induce frictional engagement between the tape and at least a portion of the tape-receiving surface at speeds of not less than 1 meter/second to suppress lateral tape motion.

US Patent:

6892978, May 17, 2005

Filed:

Jun 2, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/452751

Inventors:

Michael A. Mewes - Fargo ND, US
Christopher J. Zwettler - Lake Elmo MN, US

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

G11B023/087

US Classification:

2426154, 242346, 242348

Abstract:

A tape guide for limiting lateral tape movement within a tape transport system component, such as a data storage tape cartridge. The storage tape, having a tape width, extends between two tape reels along a tape path defined, at least in part, by the tape guide. The tape guide includes a tape contact face, a top flange and a one bottom flange. The tape guide is configured to define an effective tape path width between the top and bottom flanges that is less than the tape width. During use, the tape guide biases the tape path to minimize lateral motion of the storage tape.