Western Digital Technologies, Inc.

Akira Sakagami

Takehiko Hamaguchi

Keiichi Okada

Toshio Takahashi

Kouki Uefune

The present disclosure generally relates to a tape drive comprising a tape wound around first and second tape reels and a tape head module configured to write data to and read data from the tape. The tape drive is configured to equalize the amount of time the tape spends stored in a first state and a second state when being stored long term, or when in a preservation phase, to minimize the effects of creep and tape dimensional stability. In the first state, a majority of the tape is wound around the first tape reel. In the second state, the majority of the tape is wound around the second tape reel. The tape drive is configured to move the tape between the first and second states: (1) upon being triggered by the timer, or (2) based on the tape head module being utilized to determine a position error signal.

Methods for improving track density in dual-reel removable tape devices and fixed tape devices

The present disclosure generally relates to increasing storage capacity for magnetic media dual-reel tape devices, and more specifically modifying the writing process to the magnetic media. Rather than having an unused acceleration zone, portions or even the entire acceleration zone on the tape can be used to store data. To achieve the acceleration to a predetermined speed, the tape is wound in the opposite direction from where the writing and/or reading will occur. The winding is of a sufficient distance to create sufficient distance along the tape for the acceleration to the predetermined speed to be completed by the time the writing and/or reading location is reached. Furthermore, when the acceleration zone is completely used for data, writing can occur from the beginning of the tape to the end of the tape rather than writing to/from the acceleration zone and then returning to a corresponding end of the tape.

Methods for increasing storage capacity and improving performance in dual-reel removable tape devices and fixed tape devices

The present disclosure generally relates to data storage devices, comprising: a magnetic tape; a tape head configured to write data to and read data from the magnetic tape; a first reel having a first interior surface; a second reel, wherein the first reel and the second reel are configured to wind and unwind the magnetic tape; one or more motors configured to actuate the first reel and the second reel; a first magnetic recording surface disposed on the first interior surface of the first reel; an actuating arm disposed between the first reel and the second reel; an actuator coupled to a distal end of the actuating arm; and a magnetic recording head disposed on the actuating arm. The magnetic recording head being situated a distance away from the actuator, wherein the actuating arm is configured to move about the actuator such that the magnetic recording head is able to contact the first magnetic recording surface to write data to and read data from the first magnetic recording surface.

Seek time to the beginning position of data on tape media

The present disclosure generally relates to a head positioning assembly in a tape embedded drive. The tape embedded drive has two reels as well as four guide rollers. The reels and guide rollers are arranged within the tape embedded drive so as to position the head positioning assembly as close to the center of the tape embedded drive as possible. In so doing, the reels, guide rollers, and head assembly are more stable which reduces or even eliminates shock and vibration to the tape embedded drive.

Head positioning assembly for tape embedded drive

A data storage device is disclosed comprising a reel that is rotated for a first interval in order to expose a first frame of a magnetic tape to a head. The head is actuated in a first and second dimensions over the magnetic tape in order to access the first frame of the magnetic tape.

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Kanagawa, Japan

Akira Sakagami