Abstract: A mobile reader configured to compile a list of data storage devices for transport includes an interface electrically coupled to circuitry modules including RFID scanning circuitry configured to read a unique storage device identifier from each of the data storage devices, and barcode scanning circuitry configured to read the unique storage device identifier from each of the data storage devices. The barcode scanning circuitry communicates with the RFID scanning circuitry. The interface includes a user operable function that enables selectively reading the unique storage device identifier with one of the RFID scanning circuitry or the barcode scanning circuitry to compile a scan list of in-transit data storage devices.

Abstract: A label programming system configured to initialize a radiofrequency (RF)-enabled label for attachment to a data storage device includes a platform, an RF read/write assembly disposed on a first side of the platform, and an optical reader assembly in electrical communication with the RF read/write assembly. The optical reader assembly is disposed on a second side of the platform opposite the first side. The optical reader assembly is configured to optically read information from the RF-enabled label and communicate the information to the RF read/write assembly that is configured to write the information to a chip of the RF-enabled label.

Abstract: A mobile reader configured to compile a list of data storage devices for transport includes an interface electrically coupled to circuitry modules including RFID scanning circuitry configured to read a unique storage device identifier from each of the data storage devices, and barcode scanning circuitry configured to read the unique storage device identifier from each of the data storage devices. The barcode scanning circuitry communicates with the RFID scanning circuitry. The interface includes a user operable function that enables selectively reading the unique storage device identifier with one of the RFID scanning circuitry or the barcode scanning circuitry to compile a scan list of in-transit data storage devices.

Abstract: An electronic data storage device tracing system includes at least one data storage device and a reader system. The data storage device includes a housing having an optical label and a device RFID tag coupled to the housing. In this regard, the optical label is printed with a VOLSER number and the device RFID tag includes a chip that electronically stores the VOLSER number. The reader system is configured to read the VOLSER number from the chip and trace the at least one data storage device entering/exiting the reader system.

Abstract: An RFID enabled data storage device configured to be traced by an electronic data storage device tracing system includes a housing defining an enclosure, data storage media disposed within the enclosure, a label coupled to the housing, and an RFID tag coupled to the housing. The label includes a VOLSER number configured to identify the contents of the data storage media, and the RFID tag is programmed with a unique identification number and at least the label VOLSER number. In this regard, the label and the RFID tag combine to uniquely identify an in-transit data storage device to the system.

Abstract: An electronic data storage device tracing system includes at least one data storage device and a reader system. The data storage device includes a housing having an optical label and a device RFID tag coupled to the housing. In this regard, the optical label is printed with a volser number and the device RFID tag includes a chip that electronically stores the volser number. The reader system is configured to read the volser number from the chip and trace the at least one data storage device entering/exiting the reader system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for erasing magnetic tape are described. The tape to be erased is fed through an erasure unit that includes an array of magnetic elements. The array of magnetic elements includes a first set of magnetic elements and a second set of magnetic elements. The magnetic fields for the respective first and second sets of magnetic elements have opposite polarity, as seen by the tape as it feeds through the erasure unit. The fields seen by the tape as it feeds through the erasure unit decrease in intensity.

Abstract: Bias recording is used to record servo patterns on magnetic tape. With use of bias recording, a faster recording process may be provided relative to conventional pulse recording processes. A servo pattern recording method includes providing a servo band along at least a portion of a length of a tape. Bursts of a first signal are recorded in a first servo track of the servo band along the length of the tape and a second signal, e.g., a continuous signal, is recorded in at least a second servo track of the servo band along the length of the tape. The second servo track is recorded adjacent to the first servo track and at least one of the first signal and the second signal is recorded using a bias signal at a bias frequency summed with a record signal at a record frequency. A system for carrying out the bias recording of servo patterns is also described.