Storage Technology Corporation

Donald Wayne Selg

Joseph Philip Falace

Clark M Janssen

John Sam Todor

David T Hoge

Donovan M Janssen

Wayne Richard Hemzacek

Jeffrey M Waynik

Larry Robert Hedding

A compact tape drive for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges. The compact tape drive has a tape threading mechanism that extracts the leader block from the magnetic tape cartridge and threads the leader block into a takeup reel that is located juxtaposed to the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. A separate magnetic tape wrap mechanism having a plurality of cooperatively operative tape wrap arms is also provided to position the magnetic tape around a set of tape guides and the read/write head. The magnetic tape wrap mechanism functions both to thread the magnetic around the takeup reel, spanning the space in front of the read/write head, and then to wrap the magnetic tape around the read/write head. In addition, the tape elevator, electronics and other standard tape drive assemblies are included in a predefined volume.

Compact tape drive for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges

The recent trend towards incorporating a higher density of data tracks on magnetic tape has necessitated more accurate mechanisms for positioning tape heads. A system for seeking tracks on a magnetic tape via a fine position adjustment system includes a carriage frame that holds a magnetic tape head. The magnetic tape head reads and writes magnetic tape as the tape passes in close proximity to the tape head. Flexures attach the carriage frame to the tape head permitting movement in a transverse direction normal to the direction of tape travel across the head while restricting movement of the tape head in a direction parallel to tape travel or in a direction normal to the tape surface. A drive mechanism moves the tape head in the transverse direction in response to a control signal. A linear tachometer provides a velocity signal based on the movement of the tape head in the transverse direction. Control logic receives a command to move the tape head in the transverse direction, generates a control signal to change the head position, and modifies the control signal to dampen tape head oscillations relative to the carriage frame based on the velocity signal.

Damped tape head

The present compact tape drive for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges that functions to implement the tape drive in a minimum predefined volume. The compact tape drive comprises a tape threading mechanism that extracts the leader block from the magnetic tape cartridge and threads the leader block into a takeup reel that is located juxtaposed to the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. The read/write head is located adjacent to the takeup reel and the loaded magnetic tape cartridge. A separate magnetic tape wrap mechanism comprising a plurality of cooperatively operative tape wrap arms is also provided to position the magnetic tape around a set of tape guides and the read/write head. The magnetic tape wrap mechanism functions both to thread the magnetic tape around the takeup reel, spanning the space in front of the read/write head, and then to wrap the magnetic tape around the read/write head. In addition, the tape elevator, electronics and other standard tape drive assemblies are included in the predefined volume, preferably comprising a 5&frac14; inch by 8 inch form factor.

Compact tape drive having delayed in time first, second and third rotated tape guides for reading and writing data on single reel magnetic tape cartridges

A mechanism and method for guiding a tape across a transducer, and a method for making the mechanism. The mechanism has one rolling guide on either side of the transducer. Each guide has a tapered surface and a flange at one end of the tapered surface. Each tapered surface biases one edge of the tape against a flange to fix the tape's position in the transverse direction on opposite sides of the transducer. The taper of the first and second guides are oriented in opposite directions.

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Westminster, CO, United States of America

Donald Wayne Selg