Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge used in a tape transport apparatus that incorporates air bearing technology is provided. The tape cartridge includes a housing for storing the data storage tape and a compressible filter. The filter is located proximate to an opening, or air inlet, that is in communication with the housing interior. The housing may also have a second opening, or air outlet, in communication with the housing interior such that the filter is interposed between the inlet and the outlet. Further, the housing may include a storage region to retain the filter in the compressed state. The filter and the storage region may have congruent geometries. A method of supplying filtered air to a tape transport apparatus is also provided. The method contemplates drawing ambient air through the filter and passing it directly through the outlet opening for use by the tape transport apparatus.

Abstract: An air bearing system for a tape transport (10) including air bearing (322) having portions (360 and 370) providing different flow rates of air to support the tape.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge used in a tape transport apparatus that incorporates air bearing technology is provided. The tape cartridge includes a housing for storing the data storage tape and a compressible filter. The filter is located proximate to an opening, or air inlet, that is in communication with the housing interior. The housing may also have a second opening, or air outlet, in communication with the housing interior such that the filter is interposed between the inlet and the outlet. Further, the housing may include a storage region to retain the filter in the compressed state. The filter and the storage region may have congruent geometries. A method of supplying filtered air to a tape transport apparatus is also provided. The method contemplates drawing ambient air through the filter and passing it directly through the outlet opening for use by the tape transport apparatus.

Abstract: An information read/write storage system for reading and writing data to and from a flexible magneto-optic media is shown to include a magnetic recording member, having a recording head positioned proximate the media, for recording information onto the media at a recording point, the recording point being defined as the area of the media wherein information is being recorded at any given time and an optical read/write assembly for providing focused light onto the media during reading and writing, for receiving reflected light from the media to read the information and for continuously providing focused light onto the media for heating the recording point while the magnetic recording member is recording.

Abstract: An optical disc cartridge with a flexible optical storage medium, stabilized during rotation by a Bernoulli surface, is described. A flexible optical disc having an active layer capable of storing information is mounted within a rigid disc cartridge. A Bernoulli surface is provided on an inside face of the disc cartridge, in close proximity to the flexible disc, to thereby stabilize the flexible disc during rotation. The disc is rotated in order to access locations thereon during information storage and retrieval. Additionally, optical access to these locations during information storage and retrieval is also provided by the stabilizing Bernoulli surface.

Abstract: An optical read/write storage system for reading and writing data to and from a flexible optical media is shown to include an optical read/write head for providing focused light onto the flexible media and for receiving reflected light from the flexible media and a fine movement stabilizater, connected to the optical head and positioned proximate the flexible media, for stabilizing the flexible media in a desired position so that the optical head need not be moved substantially toward or away from the media in order to maintain the light focused on the media.