Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems associated with clinical support. In one embodiment, a clinical support pad includes a plurality of support cells formed in a first film layer of material sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in the cells such that each cell is configured to be alternately and repeatedly inflated and deflated with respect to one or more adjacent cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with at least one of a number of channels formed in the first film layer, is configured such that a surface of each cell has a continuous curvature across a length direction and across a width direction of the cell, and are spaced such that a distance between a center of each cell and a center of at least one adjacent cell is not more than a two-point discrimination threshold distance associated with a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems associated with clinical support. In one embodiment, a clinical support pad includes a plurality of support cells formed in a first film layer of material sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in the cells such that each cell is configured to be alternately and repeatedly inflated and deflated with respect to one or more adjacent cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with at least one of a number of channels formed in the first film layer, is configured such that a surface of each cell has a continuous curvature across a length direction and across a width direction of the cell, and are spaced such that a distance between a center of each cell and a center of at least one adjacent cell is not more than a two-point discrimination threshold distance associated with a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems associated with clinical support. In one embodiment, a clinical support pad includes a plurality of support cells formed in a first film layer of material sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in the cells such that each cell is configured to be alternately and repeatedly inflated and deflated with respect to one or more adjacent cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with at least one of a number of channels formed in the first film layer, is configured such that a surface of each cell has a continuous curvature across a length direction and across a width direction of the cell, and are spaced such that a distance between a center of each cell and a center of at least one adjacent cell is not more than a two-point discrimination threshold distance associated with a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems associated with clinical support. In one embodiment, a clinical support pad includes a plurality of support cells formed in a first film layer of material sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in the cells such that each cell is configured to be alternately and repeatedly inflated and deflated with respect to one or more adjacent cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with at least one of a number of channels formed in the first film layer, is configured such that a surface of each cell has a continuous curvature across a length direction and across a width direction of the cell, and are spaced such that a distance between a center of each cell and a center of at least one adjacent cell is not more than a two-point discrimination threshold distance associated with a patient.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for a tape drive system component, such as a data storage tape cartridge, is described that includes a hub. The hub defines an inner surface and a tape winding surface, and at least a portion of the hub is made of plastic. The tape winding surface has an effective radial modulus of greater than 0.3 million pounds-per-square-inch.

Abstract: A tape drive system is disclosed. The tape drive system includes at least one tape reel assembly, a storage tape, and at least one pack arm assembly. The tape reel assembly includes a hub defining a tape winding surface about which is wound the storage tape. The pack arm assembly is disposed adjacent the tape reel assembly and includes a pack arm and a pin. The pack arm defines a guide defining a pivot end and has at least one flexible flange cantilevered from a side of the guide. The pin is coupled to the tape drive system. In this regard, the pack arm is slidingly coupled to the pin and configured to follow the wound storage tape by moving axially relative to the hub and radially about the pivot end.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly in a linear tape system. The magnetic head assembly includes a magnetic head having a central section, a first outrigger, and a second outrigger. The central section maintains at least one read/write element. The first outrigger is positioned adjacent the central section and forms at least one air bleed slot. The second outrigger is positioned adjacent the central section opposite the first outrigger and also forms at least one air bleed slot. Finally, the central section is laterally moveable relative to the outriggers. With this configuration, the moveable, central section, otherwise used for lateral positioning of the read/write element relative to a magnetic tape, is separated from the outriggers that otherwise minimize a fly height between the magnetic tape and the outriggers.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium which includes a substrate having a front side and a backside, a longitudinal direction and a cross-web direction, with a particulate/binder or thin film magnetic layer formed over the front side of the substrate, wherein the magnetic medium has a cross-web dimensional difference from the magnetic recording head used therewith of less than 900 ?m/meter over a 35° C. temperature range, and over a 70% relative humidity range. Preferred substrates include thin metals, metal alloys, and thin glass films.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for reducing deformation of tape in data tape cartridges during storage to promote dimensional stability and increased tape longevity. The techniques involve controlling the winding tension applied to a tape during a final winding pass prior to unloading a data tape cartridge containing the tape from a drive. Excessive winding tensions can produce strain and compression on a tape pack, causing the tape to deform over time. Applications of reduced winding tension during the final pass provide reduced tape pack tension during periods in which the data tape cartridge is not used.

Abstract: A tape guide for limiting lateral tape movement within a tape transport system component, such as a data storage tape cartridge. The storage tape, having a tape width, extends between two tape reels along a tape path defined, at least in part, by the tape guide. The tape guide includes a tape contact face, a top flange and a one bottom flange. The tape guide is configured to define an effective tape path width between the top and bottom flanges that is less than the tape width. During use, the tape guide biases the tape path to minimize lateral motion of the storage tape.

Abstract: A subambient pressure feature for assisting in guidance of storage tape within a tape transport system such as a data storage tape cartridge and/or a tape drive. The storage tape is extended between two tape reels along a tape path defined, in part, by a tape guide. The tape guide includes a curved tape-receiving surface defined by an entrance side and an exit side. The subambient pressure feature is located along the tape path and is adapted to induce frictional engagement between the tape and at least a portion of the tape-receiving surface at speeds of not less than 1 meter/second to suppress lateral tape motion.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly in a linear tape system. The magnetic head assembly includes a magnetic head having a central section, a first outrigger, and a second outrigger. The central section maintains at least one read/write element. The first outrigger is positioned adjacent the central section and forms at least one air bleed slot. The second outrigger is positioned adjacent the central section opposite the first outrigger and also forms at least one air bleed slot. Finally, the central section is laterally moveable relative to the outriggers. With this configuration, the moveable, central section, otherwise used for lateral positioning of the read/write element relative to a magnetic tape, is separated from the outriggers that otherwise minimize a fly height between the magnetic tape and the outriggers.

Abstract: A tape guide for limiting lateral tape movement within a tape transport system component, such as a data storage tape cartridge. The storage tape, having a tape width, extends between two tape reels along a tape path defined, at least in part, by the tape guide. The tape guide includes a tape contact face, a top flange and a one bottom flange. The tape guide is configured to define an effective tape path width between the top and bottom flanges that is less than the tape width. During use, the tape guide biases the tape path to minimize lateral motion of the storage tape.

Abstract: A subambient pressure feature for assisting in guidance of storage tape within a tape transport system such as a data storage tape cartridge and/or a tape drive. The storage tape is extended between two tape reels along a tape path defined, in part, by a tape guide. The tape guide includes a curved tape-receiving surface defined by an entrance side and an exit side. The subambient pressure feature is located along the tape path and is adapted to induce frictional engagement between the tape and at least a portion of the tape-receiving surface at speeds of not less than 1 meter/second to suppress lateral tape motion.

Abstract: A tape guide for use in a tape transport system, such as a data storage tape cartridge or a tape drive. The storage tape extends from the tape reel along a tape path that includes the tape guide. In this regard, the tape guide includes a tape contact face and at least one guide flange. Extension of the guide flange relative to the tape contact face defines an angle of not less than 90°. With this configuration, an edge of the storage tape is directed to move along the guide flange with lateral tape movement so as to minimize the opportunity for micro-buckling. In one preferred embodiment, a portion of the guide flange is curved.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for reducing deformation of tape in data tape cartridges during storage to promote dimensional stability and increased tape longevity. The techniques involve controlling the winding tension applied to a tape during a final winding pass prior to unloading a data tape cartridge containing the tape from a drive. Excessive winding tensions can produce strain and compression on a tape pack, causing the tape to deform over time. Applications of reduced winding tension during the final pass provide reduced tape pack tension during periods in which the data tape cartridge is not used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of magnetic tape are disclosed. Magnetic tape may be dispensed from a first reel and taken up from a second reel, with the segment between the first and second reels held in tension while heat is applied. Magnetic tape that has been so treated will deform less during actual use.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge (10) includes two tape guides (23, 24). The tapes guides (23, 24) have a foil (43, 143, 243) which is constructed from material which causes a wear pattern (200) to be formed in the foil (43), thereby removing localized forces and spreading out the forces and thereby decreasing the tape pressure.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel pin, the tape reel assembly, and a storage tape. The tape reel assembly is rotatably associated with the tape reel pin and includes a hub, a spherical piece and a sleeve. The spherical piece is insert molded within an axial bore of the hub and provides a thrust surface. The sleeve is also insert molded within the axial bore of the hub and provides a journal bearing surface. In accordance with a method of the present invention, the tape reel assembly is formed as part of an injection molding process, whereby a core pin precisely positions the spherical piece and co-axially centers the sleeve relative to an outer, tape winding surface of the hub.