Abstract: A magnetic tape drive has swing arm tensioning devices with two rollers. During normal operation, the tape passes between the two swing arm rollers and a fixed roller. During automatic threading, a pneumatic trough formed by the base casting and an opening in the bottom of the base casting transports tape for threading.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive unit for storage of digital data is disclosed which features vertically disposed supply and take-up reels, double long folded over buffer columns to permit rapid acceleration of the part of the tape in the vicinity of the magnetic head, and dual isolation pockets for additional motion control of the tape. In a preferred embodiment, the inner surfaces of the tape path are lined with glass beaded adhesive tape to prevent friction; fence posts may also be provided to prevent planar contact between the magnetic tape and the walls of the unit. A vacuum capstan is desirably used. In this way, high acceleration and tape speeds are made possible in a tape transport capable of being mounted in the industry standard 19 inch wide mounting rack.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive has support arms positioned in the isolation pocket. The arms taper toward the bottom wall of the pocket to provide a mechanical servo action which keeps the tape in the pocket near the steady-state running position. Beaded tape covers the support arms to enhance movement of the tape over the support arms. Low friction bearings at the corner of the opening of the pocket include a barrel roller mounted on roller bearings at the top corner of the opening and a stationary polished barrel at the bottom corner. Alternatively, air bearings are provided.

Abstract: A rotatable cleaning element having a resilient, porous material disposed on the outer surface thereof is mounted in a foil bearing so that the surface of the porous material protrudes above the bearing surface. The interior of the bearing is maintained at a negative pressure, and a jet of pressurized air disposed within the rotatable element. When magnetic tape is transported over the bearing surface, the tape makes contact with and slightly compresses the porous material. As the cleaning element rotates successive areas of the porous material is brought into contact with the tape. Compression of the material causes the pores thereof to expand slightly, and engage foreign material on the tape surface. The pores contract as the material breaks contact with the tape to encapture the foreign material. The foreign matter thus accumulated is subsequently blown free of the porous material by a jet of air directed from within the rotatable body.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus for removing foreign material from the front or oxide-covered surface of a magnetic recording tape. A sharp edged blade is mounted near a pad of open-cell reticulated foam material, and in close proximity to the front surface of a magnetic tape. A source of negative pressure is coupled to the region of the blade and cell and when actuated serves to draw the tape against the blade and foam material. Foreign material removed from the surface of the tape is embedded in the foam pad, and collected upon the blade. Air flow effected by the negative pressure area serves to transport some of the contaminants away from the region about the blade and foam pad.