Ampex Corporation

Larry A Price

William N Aldrich

Dale P Dolby

Gregory A Orton

Kaynam Chun

Steve L Magnusson

Improved magnetic tip designs attain low spacing loss and enhance the channel output signal while extending head life. One embodiment includes a relatively flat tape contacting surface whose outer edges are modified to provide a tape contacting surface of dumbbell or bow-tie shape, that is, a shape which is narrower at its center near the magnetic gap and wider at its front and rear ends. The desired shape for the tape contacting surface is attained by shaving or beveling the edges of the tip at a relatively sharp angle to remove more material along the top of the curvature of the head near the gap than at the front and rear of the tape contacting surface. This allows air to bleed from under the tape as the head tip travels past the tape. In another embodiment the desired shape is attained by polishing and/or grinding the edges of the tip at a controlled angle as small as 1.0 degree to remove sufficient material to create the desired bow-tie shaped tape contacting surface. Either embodiment may be further modified to define an air knife surface at the leading edge of the tip which reduces the effect of an air shock wave impacting the front of the tip as it initially reaches an operative relationship or 'read' position with respect to the tape.

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Fremont, CA, United States of America

Larry A Price