Abstract: A track means defined by magnetic recording media on a substrate, the media along the track means having two levels, one for recording of data, and the other for recording of servo information, wherein recorded magnetic transitions at the second level define the servo information, the transitions arrayed along the track means as groups of converging lines which extend in crosswise or spanwise relation to multiple tracks. The data is recorded without any wasted magnetic space between tracks (zero guardband) using alternating angles (azimuthal) of magnetic orientation so that they do not interfere with each other when read. The read bead cores or gaps may be "oriented" to read recorded data transitions extending at different angles relative to track length direction.

Abstract: A track means defined by magnetic recording media on a substrate, the media along the track means having two levels, one for recording of data, and the other for recording of servo information, wherein recorded magnetic transitions at the second level define the servo information, the transitions arrayed along the track means as groups of converging lines which extend in crosswise or spanwise relation to multiple tracks. The data is recorded without any wasted magnetic space between tracks (zero guardband) using alternating angles (azimuthal) of magnetic orientation so that they do not interfere with each other when read. The read head cores or gaps may be "oriented" to read recorded data transitions extending at different angles relative to track length direction.

Abstract: Magnetic head structure is operated to record both servo magnetic transitions, and data magnetic transitions, in magnetic media, the servo transitions buried relative to the data transitions, the servo transitions recorded along bands and the data transitions recorded along side-by-side tracks, the bands being wider than the data tracks, the data transitions having lateral lengths greater than track width. The magnetic head structure typically employs multiple magnetic flux servo write gaps, including a leading first gap extending at one angle .alpha. and a trailing second gap extending at an angle .beta., relative to the direction of travel of the media past the head structure, the first and second flux gaps spaced and positioned to span multiple of the data tracks.

Abstract: A track means defined by magnetic recording media on a substrate, the media along the track means having two levels, one for recording of data, and the other for recording of servo information, wherein recorded magnetic transitions at the second level define the servo information, the transitions arrayed along the track means as groups of converging lines which extend in crosswise or spanwise relation to multiple tracks. The data is recorded without any wasted magnetic space between tracks (zero guardband) using alternating angles (azimuthal) of magnetic orientation so that they do not interfere with each other when read. The read head cores or gaps may be "oriented" to read recorded data transitions extending at different angles relative to track length direction.

Abstract: A tape transport includes a deck, and magnetic tape supply and take-up reels associated with the deck for rotation to transport magnetic tape along a predetermined path therebetween; rotary head structure disposed along the path and associated with the deck, for interaction with the tape; a rotary capstan carried by the deck to engage and advance the tape along its path; there being an air flow channel along the path for channeling air to flow adjacent the tape and from the supply reel to the take-up reel to assist tape travel to the take-up reel. A rotary apparatus rotatably supports and rotates the take-up reel, and is ported to receive and discharge air flow from the channel.