A sensing assembly for use in determining if magnetic tape within a single reel
tape cartridge properly disconnects from a takeup reel within a tape drive during
unloading of the tape cartridge, so that the tape cartridge can be removed from
the tape drive without damaging the tape media and rendering the tape drive inoperable.
The sensing assembly may be electrical or electomechanical and comprises at least
one sensing apparatus for providing feedback on the position of the takeup leader.
The position of the takeup leader is used to determine if the tape cartridge leader
disconnects from the takeup leader. The sensing assembly may be utilized within
a tape drive or with a test fixture for testing a plurality of disconnect operations.
