US Patent 7420768 Cartridge loading apparatus

A cartridge loading apparatus 300 comprises a cartridge loading device 10 for magnetic tape cartridges and a mounting 302 for the device. The cartridge loading device comprises a first member 12, a second member 14 and a guide arrangement for guiding movement of the second member relative to the first member from a first position to a second position. The first and second members cooperating when in the first position to define a first sized opening having a height sized to receive first sized magnetic tape cartridges having a height that is greater than the height of the first sized opening. The cartridge loading device has a front end at which cartridges are inserted into the opening, a rear end and opposite sides extending between the front and rear ends. The mounting supports the cartridge loading device at each side such that the cartridge loading device can slide rearwardly in the mounting from a forward position and such that when in its forward position, the cartridge loading device can pivot about an axis disposed at its rear end and extending between the sides.