Abstract: A track following system for maintaining a read gap substantially centered on a data track by moving the read gap perpendicular to the direction of the data track. This moving of the read gap is performed to compensate for any original misalignment between the read gap and data track and also to compensate for any wander or movement of the data track to a misaligned position with respect to the read gap. The write gap is used as a source of position information to keep the read gap correctly positioned over the data track. During a track following operation, the write gap circuitry is operatively connected to a track following circuit. Several samples of data signals received by the write gap are analyzed by the track following circuit. The track following circuit operates to compare a first sample of such data signals with a second sample. A positioning device moves the read gap in a direction determined from the result of this comparison and also from the last direction in which the read gap was moved.

Abstract: A magnetic head positioning system operates with a lead screw stepper motor assembly and a recording or reading head. The lead screw of the lead screw stepper motor assembly extends through and coaxially with a hollow cylindrical tube. Two slots are provided through the peripheral wall of the tube and extend from one end of the tube towards the second end. A floating nut is shaped to be placed on the lead screw so as to move in a first and second direction as the lead screw is moved in a first and second direction by the motor assembly. The floating nut is provided with two outwardly extending wings, each shaped to fit in one of the slots provided in the tube. A carriage assembly is secured to the head and includes a tubular structure having an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the slotted tube. The tubular structure also includes two slots extending from one end toward a second end of the structure.