Streaming cartridge tape drive

Abstract

The following specification discloses a streaming cartridge tape drive, wherein magnetic tape in a cartridge is driven over a magnetic head for purposes of recording and reading information magnetically on the tape. The information is written onto the tape and subsequently read and checked in a continuous streaming manner to assure the correctness thereof. The tape is driven over the first channel of the head in one direction wherein a write and read head on one portion of the tape effectively writes and reads the information imparted thereto. The tape is returned in the other direction over a second channel of the write and read head which respectively writes and reads the information on the tape as it passes thereover in its return direction. Subsequent thereto, the head is moved laterally across the face of the tape to provide for a third and fourth channel, or track, being respectively written and read in the same manner as the previous first and second channels, thereby providing four serpentine tracks. The head, when moving across the face of the tape, is provided with an air cushion so as to avoid tearing, laceration, or attendant damage to the tape surface. This is accomplished when the tape has reached its terminal or stopping point by oscillating the tape over the head by the drive system and logic of the drive control circuit. In the alternative, when the tape is moving, at the beginning or the end of the tape, the head is moved laterally only at the time when the tape is still moving but is no longer being written upon and having information read therefrom in a usual manner. Accordingly, the entire device provides for longer tape life, less damage, as well as substantially precluding tearing and degradation of the magnetic properties thereof.