Harvey R Fraser, Jr

Title: Harvey R. Fraser, Jr.: Magnetic Tape Recording Inventions

Introduction

Harvey R. Fraser, Jr. is an inventor associated with Boulder, Colorado, and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). His work includes inventions for magnetic tape recording systems, and he is credited with 2 patents.

Latest Patents

Fraser’s listed patents address rotating magnetic heads and the handling of recording tape.

“Rotating Head Apparatus Having a Protruding Diameter Headwheel” describes a tape recording apparatus in which tape wraps around a cylindrical mandrel and a larger-radius headwheel. The headwheel protrudes beyond the mandrel’s adjacent surfaces, helping compensate for misalignment and applying localized stress to the tape. A magnetic head mounted on the wheel also protrudes and is shaped to fly on a thin air film above the tape. Together, the headwheel and head are designed to provide a stable recording platform at the tape interface.

“Tape Lifter” describes pneumatic methods for lifting tape locally as a rotating head moves. Air can be directed from passages around or through the head, or from passages in front of it. The design aims to lift only the tape near the head, using minimal force and limiting airflow dissipation so that read/write operations can resume quickly.

Career Highlights

Fraser’s listed inventions focus on mechanical and pneumatic solutions for magnetic tape recording. The rotating-head apparatus addresses tape alignment and stability, while the tape-lifting design concerns localized tape movement around a recording head. Both patents are associated with IBM.

Collaborations

Fraser’s listed coworkers include Francis E. Hauke and Thomas M. Fowler. Their names provide context for the professional environment surrounding his patent work.

Conclusion

Harvey R. Fraser, Jr.’s two listed patents reflect a focused contribution to magnetic tape technology, particularly in stabilizing tape at the recording head and controlling its movement during operation.