Abstract: A magnetic storage device for storing and retrieving data from a magnetic medium such as a magnetic tape. The magnetic storage device includes a first write gap, a first read gap and at least one of a second write gap and a second read gap with each gap operatively associated with the magnetic medium. A controller is coupled to each gap. The controller senses an error from a gap and stores an error flag.

Abstract: The orientation of a tape cassette is automatically determined as it is being loaded into the tape drive by the transport mechanism. A reference edge of the cassette (for example, a predetermined lower edge of a DAT tape cassette) is characterized by a distinctive non-symmetrical profile of transparent and opaque edge portions, and a radiation source and sensor are positioned within the transport mechanism along a radiation axis that intersects an adjacent edge of the cassette as it is being loaded into the tape drive. The sensor output thereby produces a signal from which it can be determined whether the cassette is oriented with its reference edge intersecting the radiation axis. In a preferred embodiment, the output of the sensor is converted into a digital signature which is compared with a stored signature corresponding to the distinctive profile associated with the reference edge.

Abstract: A cartridge tape drive having a housing with an opening dimensioned to allow endwise insertion of a rectangular cartridge with an access door along a side edge thereof. The cartridge is supported on a stationary support within the housing. The cartridge tape drive is provided with a mechanism which opens the access door, and a mechanism which moves the cartridge laterally within the housing into operative engagement with a magnetic head. The magnetic head is attached to the stationary support.

Abstract: A one inch high tape drive which can play a tape that is 0.315 inches (8 millimeters) wide. The tape drive includes a head that is defined by a first edge, a second edge and a centerline that is equal distance from each edge. The head is typically 0.64 inches high and includes a transducer which has a centerline that is offset from the centerline of the head by approximately 0.010 inches. The head is coupled to a stepper motor assembly which can move the head from the first edge of the tape to a location 0.010 inches from the second edge of the tape. The 0.010 offset allows a 0.315 inch (8 mm) wide tape to be played in a 1 inch high tape drive that has total tolerances of .+-.0.050 inches.