Abstract: A method and apparatus for constraining lateral motion of a tape streaming in a first direction across the transducing face of a magnetic head by provision of at least one arcuate portion of the tape travel path. This arcuate portion is defined by one set of at least three tape guide rollers on a first side of the head. A second set of at least three tape guide rollers may be provided to define a second arcuate portion of the tape guide path on a second side of the head for use when the tape is streaming in a second direction opposite to the first direction across the transducing face of the head.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus for positioning a magnetic tape head transversely relative to a length of magnetic tape in a tape drive and includes a threaded leadscrew driven by a motor, a movable carriage for holding the tape head and having separated guide holes for receiving the threaded leadscrew and guiding the movable carriage axially along the leadscrew so that the resulting tape head motion is transverse to the direction of the tape. A leadscrew nut is connected to the movable carriage so that a threaded portion of the nut engages the leadscrew threads between the separated guide holes to propel the carriage axially along the leadscrew when the motor rotates the leadscrew. A spring is attached to the carriage and bears on the leadscrew nut so that the leadscrew nut threads are preloaded against the leadscrew threads.

Abstract: An apparatus that guides an object in a straight line path of motion employing two leaf springs which lie side by side in their unflexed state in a plane perpendicular to the direction of motion of a moving part. One end of one spring is coupled to the moving part. The other end of the spring and one end of the second spring are coupled together in a free floating fashion. The second end of the second spring is coupled to the frame of the machine. As the moving part travels, the two springs bend in identical but opposite directions, canceling out any deflection or decrease in the lengths of the springs caused by the springs' flexing action. Even when the springs are flexed, they remain in a plane parallel to one another and perpendicular to the plane of the moving part. The moving part is coupled on one end to a conventional guiding device which confines the moving part to a plane parallel to the frame of the machine.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission system for transferring rotational motion between shafts comprising juxtaposed drums mounted on said shafts and a cable mechanically linking the drums. Each end of the cable is attached to the surface of one of the drums, and the cable is wound partly around each drum and maintained under tension. Preferably, the surfaces of the drums are continuously grooved, and the cable follows in the grooves. The cable is mounted such that as the cable is wound onto one drum it is unwound from the other drum. The drums can be of varying diameter through their lengths to continuously vary the ratio of angular velocities.In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical transmission system is used in tensioning and transferring a flat web, such as magnetic recording tape, between two reels. Each of the reels is mechanically coupled to one of the drums, and the drums are frustoconical in shape and helically grooved.