Abstract:
A locking and closure mechanism for a magnetic tape drive including a housing adapted to receive a cartridge containing a magnetic recording medium, a retaining and ejection arrangement associated with the housing. The retaining and ejection arrangement securely retains the cartridge within the housing, and is capable of selectively moving the cartridge to a predetermined position that allows removal of the cartridge from the housing. A detent mechanism is provided that maintains a cartridge in the predetermined position, and safely conducts static electricity from the cartridge. The detent arrangement is connected to the housing and to ground.