A compact tape drive for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape
cartridges. The compact tape drive has a tape threading mechanism that extracts
the leader block from the magnetic tape cartridge and threads the leader block
into a takeup reel that is located juxtaposed to the loaded magnetic tape cartridge.
A separate magnetic tape wrap mechanism having a plurality of cooperatively operative
tape wrap arms is also provided to position the magnetic tape around a set of tape
guides and the read/write head. The magnetic tape wrap mechanism functions both
to thread the magnetic around the takeup reel, spanning the space in front of the
read/write head, and then to wrap the magnetic tape around the read/write head.
In addition, the tape elevator, electronics and other standard tape drive assemblies
are included in a predefined volume.
