Abstract: The invention provides a device to facilitate precise positioning of a tape head at a particular track on a magnetic tape. Typically, the magnetic tape is adapted to be received in a drive assembly which has a memory and a motor. The device includes a mounting tray for receiving the tape drive assembly, and a laser beam emitted from a laser source. On the tape head of the device, a reflector is positioned and moves with the tape head. Beam directors are provided to ensure that the laser beam passes from the laser source to the reflector. The distance traveled by the tape head from a predetermined point to a position adjacent a track on the magnetic tape is accurately measured, and the extent of movement of the motor required to move the tape head through such a distance is also measured. Thereafter, the measurements are programmed into the tape drive assembly memory.

Abstract: The present invention is an end loaded tape drive for an elongate tape cartridge having a door in one of its sides proximate one end of the cartridge. The tape drive includes an elongate table mounted at least partially within an elongate housing upon which the cartridge may rest. The table is movable in an x-y plane defined by an x axis and a y axis. The drive includes a magnetic head which is fixed against movement in an x-y plane. A cartridge door opening mechanism is provided for opening the access door of the cartridge sufficiently to provide access to the tape by the magnetic head. Movement of the table in the y direction actuates the door opening mechanism and movement of the table in the x direction positions the tape in a read/write position. A motor is further provided for moving the length of tape within the cartridge along the magnetic head when the tape is in the read/write position.

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting a magnetic tape head and a tape drive assembly has a frame with a support, and a shaft mounted for rotation around its axis on the support. The first end of the shaft is pivotally mounted on the support, while the second end, also mounted on the support, is movable relative thereof. A motor is provided for rotating the shaft. A head carriage assembly with a magnetic tape head is mounted on the shaft and positioned so that the head lies adjacent magnetic tape which is located in the tape drive assembly. The head carriage assembly moves up and down the shaft when the shaft rotates, and thereby causes upward and downward movement of the head. The apparatus includes an adjuster for adjusting the orientation of the shaft and head carriage assembly. Further, a laser source, reflectors and accurate measuring instruments are provided for accurately setting the tape head to facilitate accurate location of a track on a magnetic tape.

Abstract: The present invention is an end loaded tape drive for an elongate tape cartridge having a door in one of its sides proximate one end of the cartridge. The tape drive includes an elongate table mounted at least partially within an elongate housing upon which the cartridge may rest. The table is movable in an x-y plane defined by an x axis and a y axis. The drive includes a magnetic head which is fixed against movement in an x-y plane. A cartridge door opening mechanism is provided for opening the access door of the cartridge sufficiently to provide access to the tape by the magnetic head. Movement of the table in the y direction actuates the door opening mechanism and movement of the table in the x direction positions the tape in a read/write position. A motor is further provided for moving the length of tape within the cartridge along the magnetic head when the tape is in the read/write position.

Abstract: A magnetic read/write head is mounted on a carriage having a semi-circular recess therein. A threaded lead screw is partially surrounded by the recess. A partial nut having an arcuate front surface with two male thread segments thereon engages the lead screw. The partial nut is supported on the carriage so that rotation of the screw causes movement of the carriage relative to the screw, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw. The partial nut is biased into engagement with the screw by a coil spring which extends between the partial nut and a cap which is spaced from the rear surface of the partial nut. The spring applies a constant, predetermined force on the partial nut. The direction of the spring force is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spring. Thus, the head can be precisely positioned by the rotation of the lead screw. Also disclosed is a method of positioning the magnetic head.

Abstract: A floppy disk magnetic information storage and retrieval unit having a magnetic read/write head carriage and apparatus for shifting the carriage radially with respect to the floppy disk to effect data transfer with selectable tracks on the disk. The carriage shifting apparatus includes a lead screw shaft; a carriage nut arranged on the shaft and moveable axially when the shaft is rotated; and a stepper motor having a permanent magnet rotor arranged coaxially with, and rigidly attached to one end of the shaft. Two bearings are provided to hold the shaft and rotor combination at opposite ends of the shaft.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism in a flexible disk drive unit to protect the disk against damage by the disk engagement assembly. The mechanism operates to block the engagement assembly from moving into a position of engaging the disk when the disk is not fully inserted in the drive.