Abstract: A data storage system has a plurality of individual data storage units, each of which can undergo unpredictable independent failure. By dividing data blocks to be stored therein into a number of sub-blocks one or more less than the number of data storage units and creating a redundant data sub-block of the type permitting reconstruction of any one sub-block of data using the remaining sub-blocks and the redundent sub-blocks, and then storing each of the data sub-blocks and the redundant sub-block on a different one of the data storage units, it is possible to reconstruct any one failed data sub-block of a related group using the other sub-blocks. It is necessary to be able to detect the failure of the sub-block, and the preferred way is by a multibit error detection code appended to each sub-block, or by failure sensed within and by an individual data storage unit.

Abstract: An improved rotary read/write head assembly is particularly suitable for use with a vertical format magnetic recording medium such as tape in a magnetic recording system. A rotary element of the assembly carries a plurality of main poles whose tips are at an edge of the rotary element and kept in substantially contacting relationship with the medium. Rotation of the element causes the pole tips to successively sweep across the medium and sequentially function as the main pole of a probe head.

Abstract: An improved rotary read/write head assembly is particularly suitable for use with a vertical format magnetic recording medium such as tape in a magnetic recording system. A rotary element of the assembly carries a plurality of main poles whose tips are at an edge of the rotary element and kept in substantially contacting relationship with the medium. Rotation of the element causes the pole tips to successively sweep across the medium and sequentially function as the main pole of a probe head.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for stripping disks coated by the process disclosed in the parent application described above. According to that process, the disks are rotated at high speed during a media application step, then immersed in an orienting magnetic field, and finally dried at low speed. If a flaw is detected after drying, according to the stripping and recoating process of the present invention, the disk is simply stripped and recoated by merely repeating the high speed coating step. During stripping and recoating, the nozzle starts at the outside diameter and moves toward the inside diameter. As the nozzle moves from outside diameter to inside diameter, the new media which is discharged from the nozzle onto the disk strips away the old media layer. Once the nozzle reaches the inside diameter, it moves back toward the outside diameter and applies a new layer of media to the disk.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier has a support bar centrally supported at one end of a stem portion. The stem is carried at its opposite end on a base. Columns are interposed between the ends of the support bar and the base. Heat is applied to the columns, preferably by resistive heating elements, to heat them and cause their thermal expansion, causing the support bar ends to be bent away from the base. A relatively flexible workpiece which has been bonded to the support arms on a surface facing away from the base will undergo the same bend.

Abstract: An improved disk memory dust shield having an exterior surface similar to the surface of the disk module housing which mates with it, thereby allowing a plurality of dust shields to be nestingly stacked with each other. This permits all the dust shields not currently in use because their disk modules are mounted in drives, to be compactly stored.