Storage Technology Corporation

Jack L Marion

Sanford Platter

August P Epina

Dennis R Olmsted

Robert J Jones

A rotatable cleaning element having a resilient, porous material disposed on the outer surface thereof is mounted in a foil bearing so that the surface of the porous material protrudes above the bearing surface. The interior of the bearing is maintained at a negative pressure, and a jet of pressurized air disposed within the rotatable element. When magnetic tape is transported over the bearing surface, the tape makes contact with and slightly compresses the porous material. As the cleaning element rotates successive areas of the porous material is brought into contact with the tape. Compression of the material causes the pores thereof to expand slightly, and engage foreign material on the tape surface. The pores contract as the material breaks contact with the tape to encapture the foreign material. The foreign matter thus accumulated is subsequently blown free of the porous material by a jet of air directed from within the rotatable body.

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Lafayette, CO, United States of America

Jack L Marion