Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to rewinding a tape medium. Data is written to the tape medium under a first tension. An end data region of the tape medium is identified, where the end data region is not the end of the tape medium. An indication that the tape medium is to be unmounted is received. The position of the tape medium is moved to the end data region. The tape medium is then rewound from the end data region under a second tension, the second tension being lower than the first tension.

Abstract: A tape drive that can select one or more wraps from any available wraps on a tape medium for writing temporary data upon detecting a flush condition. The one or more wraps selected for writing temporary data can be selected from wraps otherwise reserved for normal writing operations. Selection of the one or more wraps for temporary writing may be based on multiple considerations, including proximity to the wrap of current data writing operations and tape medium degradation. The one or more wraps selected for writing temporary data may be selected with or without regard of their assigned read/write direction. Assigning wraps based on proximity and/or degradation can lead to certain operational advantages including reducing tape write head movement in the transverse direction and spreading tape medium wear more evenly across the surface of the tape medium.

Abstract: A tape drive that can select one or more wraps from any available wraps on a tape medium for writing temporary data upon detecting a flush condition. The one or more wraps selected for writing temporary data can be selected from wraps otherwise reserved for normal writing operations. Selection of the one or more wraps for temporary writing may be based on multiple considerations, including proximity to the wrap of current data writing operations and tape medium degradation. The one or more wraps selected for writing temporary data may be selected with or without regard of their assigned read/write direction. Assigning wraps based on proximity and/or degradation can lead to certain operational advantages including reducing tape write head movement in the transverse direction and spreading tape medium wear more evenly across the surface of the tape medium.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a magnetic recording tape of a tape cartridge, according to one approach, includes measuring, using a magnetic head having servo readers of known pitch, a servo band difference at various locations along a length of a magnetic recording tape of a tape cartridge. The servo band difference measurements and/or derivatives thereof are stored in association with the tape cartridge. This procedure creates a characterization of the magnetic recording tape that is useful for assessing aging of the magnetic recording tape, as well as improving subsequent reading and/or writing operations.

Abstract: A tape drive-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: detecting a read error, and sending one or more instructions to perform a first re-read attempt on a portion of a magnetic tape corresponding to the read error. In response to determining that the first re-read attempt was unsuccessful, a range of tension settings is selected. A range of lateral offsets is also selected. Moreover, one or more instructions are sent to apply each unique combination of a tension setting from the range of tension settings and a lateral offset from the range of lateral offsets. For each of the unique combinations applied, one or more instructions are sent to perform a second phase re-read attempt on the portion of the magnetic tape corresponding to the read error. Furthermore, a determination is made as to whether the second phase re-read attempt was performed successfully for any of the unique combinations.

Abstract: The method includes receiving a read request for a record stored on the tape. The tape is mounted in a tape drive which includes a data buffer. The tape stores data as a plurality of data sets. Each of the plurality of data sets contains one or more records. The method also includes buffering at least one of the plurality of data sets to the data buffer. At least one of the plurality of data sets includes a target data set which includes the requested record. The method also includes monitoring read operations on the tape to count a number of continuous read operations occurring in a backward direction relative to the tape. The method also includes, in response to the number of continuous read operations reaching a threshold, activating a read-behind mode that executes an extended buffer operation on data preceding a record requested to be read next.

Abstract: A paper sheet conveyance device for conveying a paper sheet by an airstream generated in a tubular conveyance path. The paper sheet conveyance device includes a frame member that supports the conveyance path and are provided along an installation route of the conveyance path, pedestal units attached to the frame member and that slide along a longitudinal direction of the frame member, and a plurality of paper sheet capturing devices that send out the paper sheet to be conveyed into the conveyance path and are provided in the conveyance path. Each of the paper sheet capturing devices includes a path part that forms a part of the conveyance path, which is formed by joining a plurality of conveyance ducts and the path parts of the paper sheet capturing devices. The pedestal unit is provided for and holds each of the paper sheet capturing devices.

Abstract: A tape drive-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: detecting a read error, determining whether a current tension setting of the magnetic tape is accurate, determining whether the read error is part of an error burst in response to determining that the current tension setting of the magnetic tape is accurate, sending instructions to perform a first re-read attempt in response to determining that the read error is not part of an error burst, determining whether the first re-read attempt was performed successfully, selecting a range of tension settings in response to determining that the first re-read attempt was not performed successfully, selecting a range of lateral offsets, sending instructions to apply each unique combination of tension settings and lateral offsets, for each of the unique combinations applied, sending instructions to perform a second phase re-read attempt, and determining whether the second phase re-read attempt was performed successfully.

Abstract: A magnetic tape head module read element array includes servo readers and read elements configured in accordance with a tape standard. Each read element includes a plurality of read sensors. A microprocessor receives the generation of the tape technology standard and identifies, based on the generation, a combination of read sensors in each read element. Data signals from each read sensor in each combination are buffered. The microprocessor performs error detection and error correction operations on the buffered signal data for each combination of read sensors to generate verified track data in accordance with the generation of tape.

Abstract: A separation/collection device is provided in a paper sheet conveyance device for generating an airstream in a conveyance duct and for conveying a paper sheet inserted into the conveyance duct by being pushed from behind by a conveyance subsidiary body moving in the conveyance duct by receiving the airstream. The separation/collection device separates and collects the conveyance subsidiary body and the paper sheet at an ending portion of a conveyance path. The separation/collection device includes a separation unit that passes the paper sheet pushed and conveyed by the conveyance subsidiary body, in a downstream direction, and that stops the conveyance subsidiary body by contacting the conveyance subsidiary body with the separation unit, a tubular path part that receives the paper sheet output from the separation unit, and a rib provided on an inner wall of the path part.

Abstract: A paper sheet conveyance device for generating an airstream in a conveyance duct and for conveying a paper sheet inserted into the conveyance duct by being pushed from behind by a conveyance subsidiary body moving in the conveyance duct by receiving the airstream. The paper sheet conveyance device includes an air volume adjustment unit that adjusts a strength of the airstream according to a position of the conveyance subsidiary body moving in the conveyance path.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, and program product are disclosed for Tape positioning. One method includes identifying a first position on a first tape between a start of the first tape and an end of the first tape. The method includes determining that an access position of the first tape reaches the first position. The method also includes providing an indication indicating that the access position of the first tape has reached the first position.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting a servo head in a tape drive is disclosed. Position information for the servo head can be obtained and used to determine if an adjustment of one of the servo heads is necessary. By comparing the position of the tape against two servo heads, erroneous adjustments to the servo head can be obviated.

Abstract: The method includes receiving a read request for a record stored on the tape. The tape is mounted in a tape drive which includes a data buffer. The tape stores data as a plurality of data sets. Each of the plurality of data sets contains one or more records. The method also includes buffering at least one of the plurality of data sets to the data buffer. At least one of the plurality of data sets includes a target data set which includes the requested record. The method also includes monitoring read operations on the tape to count a number of continuous read operations occurring in a backward direction relative to the tape. The method also includes, in response to the number of continuous read operations reaching a threshold, activating a read-behind mode that executes an extended buffer operation on data preceding a record requested to be read next.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention logically eliminate an end region of a user-data area of a magnetic storage tape during formatting (or re-formatting) of the tape, if the position error signal (PES) variance corresponding to the end region exceeds a threshold. An adjacent region, having a PES variance less than the threshold is designated as a new end region, thereby shortening the user-data area of the tape and extending its usable life.

Abstract: For avoiding debris accumulation on a tape drive, a processor records a position error signal (PES) value and cumulative head turnaround count for each region of a plurality of regions of a magnetic tape. The processor further selects a first region in which to reverse travel of the magnetic tape relative to a tape head. In response to determining one of the PES value for the first region does not exceed a PES threshold and the cumulative head turnaround count for the first region does not exceed a count threshold, the processor reverses travel of the magnetic tape at the first region. In response to determining the PES value for the first region exceeds the PES threshold and the cumulative head turnaround count for the first region exceeds the count threshold, the processor selects a second region at which to reverse travel of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A paper sheet conveyance device for conveying a paper sheet by an airstream generated in a tubular conveyance path. The paper sheet conveyance device includes a frame member that supports the conveyance path and are provided along an installation route of the conveyance path, pedestal units attached to the frame member and that slide along a longitudinal direction of the frame member, and a plurality of paper sheet capturing devices that send out the paper sheet to be conveyed into the conveyance path and are provided in the conveyance path. Each of the paper sheet capturing devices includes a path part that forms a part of the conveyance path, which is formed by joining a plurality of conveyance ducts and the path parts of the paper sheet capturing devices. The pedestal unit is provided for and holds each of the paper sheet capturing devices.

Abstract: A paper sheet conveyance device for generating an airstream in a conveyance duct and for conveying a paper sheet inserted into the conveyance duct by being pushed from behind by a conveyance subsidiary body moving in the conveyance duct by receiving the airstream. The paper sheet conveyance device includes an air volume adjustment unit that adjusts a strength of the airstream according to a position of the conveyance subsidiary body moving in the conveyance path.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes creating a spike in a servo channel from a predetermined start position to an end position, and storing servo data including at least a portion thereof generated during the spike. The spike has a predetermined amplitude. In another embodiment, a computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are executable by a controller to perform the foregoing method.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for simulating a defect signal in a time based servo system includes determining a start position for a spike, determining an end position for the spike, determining a servo channel, determining an amplitude of the spike, initiating an acquire lock process, creating the spike in the determined servo channel from the determined start position to the determined end position, and storing servo data including at least a portion thereof generated during the spike. The spike has the determined amplitude. In another embodiment, a computer program product for generating defect signals in a storage system includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se. The program instructions are executable by a controller to perform the foregoing method.