Abstract: Described are magnetic recording heads that include a read transducer and a write transducer, with the two transducers being arranged in a side-by-side configuration.

Abstract: A recording head that includes at least one protection feature that prevents at least one other feature of the recording head from directly colliding with a data storage medium with which the recording head communicates. The recording head includes a transducer element having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The recording head also includes a transducer element heater located closer to the leading edge of the transducer element than the trailing edge of the transducer element. A contact pad is interposed between the leading edge of the transducer element and the transducer element heater to prevent the transducer element from directly colliding with the data storage medium.

Abstract: A recording head that includes at least one protection feature that prevents at least one other feature of the recording head from directly colliding with a data storage medium with which the recording head communicates. The recording head includes a transducer element having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The recording head also includes a transducer element heater located closer to the leading edge of the transducer element than the trailing edge of the transducer element. A contact pad is interposed between the leading edge of the transducer element and the transducer element heater to prevent the transducer element from directly colliding with the data storage medium.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques to substantially reduce or eliminate detachment of data storage tape from data storage cartridges. A data storage cartridge may include a housing enclosing a spool with data storage tape spooled on the spool. A region of the data storage tape extends from the spool to an opening in the housing. An end of the data storage tape is held at the opening to allow tape drives to grasp the data storage tape and retrieve data stored on the data storage tape. When dropped, the data storage cartridge experiences impact loads. The techniques described herein rotate the spool to generate slack such that the region of data storage tape comprises substantially no tension. In this way, the techniques prevent detachment of the data storage tape from the opening due to the impact loads.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques to substantially reduce or eliminate detachment of data storage tape from data storage cartridges. A data storage cartridge may include a housing enclosing a spool with data storage tape spooled on the spool. A region of the data storage tape extends from the spool to an opening in the housing. An end of the data storage tape is held at the opening to allow tape drives to grasp the data storage tape and retrieve data stored on the data storage tape. When dropped, the data storage cartridge experiences impact loads. The techniques described herein rotate the spool to generate slack such that the region of data storage tape comprises substantially no tension. In this way, the techniques prevent detachment of the data storage tape from the opening due to the impact loads.

Abstract: A tape drive system is disclosed. The tape drive system includes at least one tape reel assembly, a storage tape, and at least one pack arm assembly. The tape reel assembly includes a hub defining a tape winding surface about which is wound the storage tape. The pack arm assembly is disposed adjacent the tape reel assembly and includes a pack arm and a pin. The pack arm defines a guide defining a pivot end and has at least one flexible flange cantilevered from a side of the guide. The pin is coupled to the tape drive system. In this regard, the pack arm is slidingly coupled to the pin and configured to follow the wound storage tape by moving axially relative to the hub and radially about the pivot end.

Abstract: A tape drive system is disclosed. The tape drive system includes at least one tape reel assembly, a storage tape, and at least one pack arm assembly. The tape reel assembly includes a hub defining a tape winding surface about which is wound the storage tape. The pack arm assembly is disposed adjacent the tape reel assembly and includes a pack arm and a pin. The pack arm defines a guide defining a pivot end and has at least one flexible flange cantilevered from a side of the guide. The pin is coupled to the tape drive system. In this regard, the pack arm is slidingly coupled to the pin and configured to follow the wound storage tape by moving axially relative to the hub and radially about the pivot end.