Actuator assembly for servo-controlled magnetic tape head

Abstract

An actuator assembly is provided for controlling the position of a multi-track, magneto-resistive transducer to index across tracks in a track seek mode and to rapidly adjust the position of the transducer in a servo controlled track following mode. The actuator includes a base, a beam spaced from the base and movable relative thereto, opposing upper and lower flexures in parallel planes connecting upper and lower portions of the base with upper and lower ends, respectively, of the beam, and an electromagnetic drive means. Each flexure comprises a constraining member fastened to and substantially covering a plate. The constraining member has a plurality of voids formed therein. In one embodiment, the voids comprise parallel openings extending through the constraining member; in another embodiment, the voids define a honeycomb structure; in still another embodiment, the voids define a corrugated structure. Each flexure also has an inner and an outer end, each of which includes a plurality of spaced apart, flexible, necked extensions projecting beyond a central portion of the constraining member. These necked extensions, to which the base and beam are connected, serve as the hinge points of the flexures to maintain the transducer in precise alignment with the tape without significant skewing.