Abstract: The invention is directed to a business technique for supplying customers with a set of data storage media and a database for tracking physical inventory of the set of data storage media. The media tracking database is generated by the media supplier from a proprietary manufacturer database that stores a unique identification number, volume/serial (VolSer) number, purchase order data, and other manufacturing data. Accordingly, the media tracking database includes a subset of the plurality of fields that form the manufacturer database. Specifically, the media tracking database is populated with the manufacturer assigned unique identification umber, VolSer number, and purchase order data for each of the data storage media prior to selling the database to the customer. When the customer receives the media tracking database, it can be relationally linked to tape management, library management, and off-site storage software thereby providing complete cradle-to-grave traceability of the set of data storage media.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a data storage tape includes a first side including recorded data and a second side including recorded error correcting code data for the recorded data on the first side. In another embodiment, a data storage tape comprises a first side including recorded data and a second side including a copy of the recorded data. Embodiments of the invention may distribute related data across both sides of a data storage tape and as a result may reduce the probability that a location-dependent error in the data storage tape will result in irretrievable data loss. Embodiments of the invention may be particularly useful for systems that can simultaneously retrieve or record data on both sides of a dual-sided data storage tape.

Abstract: Techniques are described for reselling and/or refurbishing data tape media. The techniques may involve determining life information associated with a data tape medium and reselling the data tape medium when a remaining life of the data tape medium is larger than a pre-defined threshold. In this manner, the quality of resold magnetic tape can be improved, and the media can possibly marketed or warranted to the buyer based on the remaining life. In addition, refurbishing techniques are described that include degaussing of servo written data tape media, followed by the creation of new servo patterns on the degaussed media.

Abstract: Techniques are described for reselling and/or refurbishing data tape media. The techniques may involve determining life information associated with a data tape medium and reselling the data tape medium when a remaining life of the data tape medium is larger than a pre-defined threshold. In this manner, the quality of resold magnetic tape can be improved, and the media can possibly marketed or warranted to the buyer based on the remaining life. In addition, refurbishing techniques are described that include degaussing of servo written data tape media, followed by the creation of new servo patterns on the degaussed media.

Abstract: A distance locating device or work length stop (120) for attachment to a machine tool apparatus (1) comprises an index (89) and a facility (85) for supporting a measuring tape (95)- The index (89) is situated to align with measurements on the tape (95) whereby the setting of a distance between the end (124) of a stopping member (120) and an edge of a saw blade attached to the apparatus can be read directly from the index (89).

Abstract: A portable machine tool device (1) which may be transported in knocked down form in a substantially flat case. In assembled form the device (1) includes a support frame (8) and a swinging parallelogram linkage frame (9) which pivots about a rear edge of the support frame (8) and can be locked in any radial orientation by clamp (20) at the front edge of the support frame (8). The front edge of the support frame (8) includes a rectangular protractor scale (28) which reads off the radial angle of the frame (9) relative to the central position of the support frame (8). A machine tool is secured and independently locked or allowed to slide longitudinally and transversely in a carriage (38) which itself can longitudinally slide along or be locked to the upper rails (31) or the frame (9). The frame (9) itself can be rigidly locked to or slide at a constant radial direction, relative to the support frame (8).