Abstract: A magnetic recording head positioning system includes a Terfenol-D magnetostrictive rod prestressed by a lever arm to operate in a linear range to microposition the magnetic recording head in accordance with an electromagnetic field. The mechanical advantage of the lever arm amplifies changes in the magnetostrictive rod to position the head. The varying electromagnetic field is applied to the rod by a coil in response to a position error signal produced from servo data tracks on the magnetic tape. A permanent magnet system biases the magnetostrictive element with a DC field so that varying the field provides bi-directional motion of the magnetic recording head. The DC field also reduces coil current and size requirements.

Abstract: An adjustable head mounting system for a magnetic recording device. The head mounting system includes a head tray for receiving a magnetic head and a bracket. The head tray is formed of a resilient material and has a first portion for receiving the head, a second portion intersecting the first portion along a first joining line, and a third portion intersecting the second portion along a second joining line. The three portions of the head tray each have a substantially planar surface and an adjustable coupling device to connect the surface to the bracket. The orientation and position of the head can be adjusted by adjusting the coupling device to pivot the head about the joining lines.

Abstract: A magnetic head positioning system operates with a lead screw stepper motor assembly and a recording or reading head. The lead screw of the lead screw stepper motor assembly extends through and coaxially with a hollow cylindrical tube. Two slots are provided through the peripheral wall of the tube and extend from one end of the tube towards the second end. A floating nut is shaped to be placed on the lead screw so as to move in a first and second direction as the lead screw is moved in a first and second direction by the motor assembly. The floating nut is provided with two outwardly extending wings, each shaped to fit in one of the slots provided in the tube. A carriage assembly is secured to the head and includes a tubular structure having an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the slotted tube. The tubular structure also includes two slots extending from one end toward a second end of the structure.

Abstract: A magnetic read/write head is mounted on a carriage having a bore therein. The carriage is slidable along a stationary guide rod which extends into the bore. A lead screw threads into a nut which is keyed to the carriage so that rotation of the lead screw moves the carriage along the guide rod. A torsion spring engages the carriage and provides a force to bias the carriage so as to eliminate any undesired clearance between the carriage and the nut and between the carriage and the guide rod. The force is applied at an angle relative to the axis of motion of the carriage. As the carriage moves, the spring is deflected, causing the angle of the force to change and the amount of the force to change. The spring is oriented so that the total force directed parallel to the axis of the motion of the carriage remains constant. The amount of the total force is predetermined to minimize vibration of the carriage and head.

Abstract: A magnetic read/write head is mounted on a carriage having a bore therein. The carriage is slidable along a stationary guide rod which extends into the bore. A lead screw threads into a nut which is keyed to the carriage so that rotation of the lead screw moves the carriage along the guide rod. A torsion spring engages the carriage and provides a force to bias the carriage so as to eliminate any undesired clearance between the carriage and the nut and between the carriage and the guide rod. The force is applied at an angle relative to the axis of motion of the carriage. As the carriage moves, the spring is deflected, causing the angle of the force to change and the amount of the force to change. The spring is oriented so that the total force directed parallel to the axis of the motion of the carriage remains constant. The amount of the total force is predetermined to minimize vibration of the carriage and head.