Abstract: A read head for reading magnetically stored data in adjacent tracks of a medium has at least two elongate bodies, each having at least one magnetoresistive part. The magnetoresistive parts have sensor portions defined along a length of the elongate bodies, by electrical connections to the magnetoresistive parts. A shield is provided at least on opposite transfer sides of the elongate bodies. The read head is used for calculating a position error signal by calculating a correlation between signals received from the respective sensor portions when the head is positioned over adjacent tracks on the medium, with one of the sensors positioned near a boundary between the tracks. The position error is calculated by determining the correlation between signals from the respective sensor portions.

Abstract: In a tape system and method for guiding a tape from a tape reel to a read/write tape head and then to a take-up reel, the tape is guided along a tape path such that the path surrounds the take-up reel and then begins winding on the take-up reel. With such a long tape guide path, less pressure is required on an edge of the tape for positioning the tape at the tape head.

Abstract: A read head for reading magnetically stored data in adjacent tracks of a medium has at least two elongate bodies, each having at least one magnetoresistive part. The magnetoresistive parts have sensor portions defined along a length of the elongate bodies, by electrical connections to the magnetoresistive parts. A shield is provided at least on opposite transfer sides of the elongate bodies. The read head is used for calculating a position error signal by calculating a correlation between signals received from the respective sensor portions when the head is positioned over adjacent tracks on the medium, with one of the sensors positioned near a boundary between the tracks. The position error is calculated by determining the correlation between signals from the respective sensor portions.

Abstract: A matrix write head for recording data on recordable magnetic media includes an arrangement of write heads on a substrate. The write heads have write gaps which are arranged in a plough configuration. A very small guard band, or none at all, is provided between the tracks written by the write heads. Read gaps may be provided on the substrate, as well as edge detectors.

Abstract: A magneto-optical read head for detecting magnetic transitions representing data stored in a magnetic recording medium as a sense layer having an optical property that is magnetic field-dependent, two magnetic shield layers respectively disposed on opposite sides of the sense layer and allowing magnetic flux from substantially only one of the magnetic transitions to interact with the sense layer at a time, with one of the magnetic shield layers being transparent at a wavelength allowing light at that wavelength to enter into and exit from the sense layer.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head arrangement for effecting data transfer relative to a magnetic recording tape moving in a transport direction has a head width which is less than the tape width, as measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction. The head is particularly suited for use with wide magnetic recording tape, and has a configuration which minimizes stress in the tape and/or which allows smooth movement of the head in a direction transverse to the transport direction so that the head can be positioned completely beyond the edge of the tape, without damaging the tape upon reentry of the head beneath the tape.

Abstract: A magneto-optical read head for detecting magnetic transitions representing data stored in a magnetic recording medium as a sense layer having an optical property that is magnetic field-dependent, two magnetic shield layers respectively disposed on opposite sides of the sense layer and allowing magnetic flux from substantially only one of the magnetic transitions to interact with the sense layer at a time, with one of the magnetic shield layers being transparent at a wavelength allowing light at that wavelength to enter into and exit from the sense layer.