Xebec, Inc.

Dale L Cahoon

Larry D Zolnosky

Method and apparatus are provided for positioning a read/write head for transferring information between the head and a magnetic tape containing a plurality of information containing tracks. First and second opposed edges of a reference signal on the recording medium are located, and the locations of the first and second edges are used to calculate the position of the centerline of the reference signal. The centerline position is then utilized for accurate location of information - containing tracks on the recording medium. If no reference track is detected, reference signals are written on the medium, and the reference track location is stored in memory. The apparatus includes a drive means and a head means for reading/writing information, and the head means as indexing means to detect the edges of the reference signal.

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Dale L Cahoon