Abstract: An optical pickup assembly includes a first optical pickup unit (OPU) and a second OPU. The OPUs are either stacked on each other in separate housings or integrated together in a common housing such that the OPUs are arranged laterally across a tape path and are positioned at a longitudinal position along the tape path.

Abstract: An optical pickup assembly includes a first optical pickup unit (OPU) and a second OPU. The OPUs are either stacked on each other in separate housings or integrated together in a common housing such that the OPUs are arranged laterally across a tape path and are positioned at a longitudinal position along the tape path.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing optical tape passing in front of one or more optical pickup units (OPUs) in an optical tape drive. The system includes at least one stabilizing apparatus having a pair of stabilizing members (e.g., partially convex members placed proximate each other) located opposite at least one OPU along the path of a length of optical tape. Each stabilizing member has a support portion (e.g., crown) over which the optical tape passes as the tape is being written to or read by the OPU. The support portion of one stabilizing member is spaced from the support portion of the other stabilizing member by a depression or recess over which the optical tape passes as it moves between the first and second support members. The OPU may direct laser beams at a relatively short, planar span of unsupported optical tape over the depression as part of read/write operations.

Abstract: A tape guide mechanism in a storage device is disclosed for defining an improved roller guide tape path. A cartridge reel is provided for supplying tape to a take-up reel. Multiple flanged guides are provided located remotely from the cartridge and take-up reels. A non-flanged post guide is provided located proximate to the take-up reel for increasing a length of the tape path and for permitting the flanged guides to be located remotely from the cartridge and take-up reels so that the flanged guides are not located in proximity to the cartridge or take-up reels. An axis of symmetry exists longitudinally about one or two read/write heads. The tape path length is generally symmetrically disposed about this axis of symmetry.