Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gear system/reversing gearbox that allows reversing the direction of pivotal rotation between first and second shafts (i.e., about a pivot axis transverse to long axis of the shafts) while also translating at least some axial rotation between the shafts. In one exemplary application, the gear system is utilized in forward rowing system that allows a rowing motion substantially identical to a rearward rowing system.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gear system/reversing gearbox that allows reversing the direction of pivotal rotation between first and second shafts (i.e., about a pivot axis transverse to long axis of the shafts) while also translating at least some axial rotation between the shafts. In one exemplary application, the gear system is utilized in forward rowing system that allows a rowing motion substantially identical to a rearward rowing system.

Abstract: A guide assembly (22) for guiding movement of a tape (26) past a head assembly (16) in a tape drive (10) includes a rotatable roller (36A) and a non-rotatable tape guide (38). The rotatable roller (36A) and the tape guide (38) each guides the tape (26) along the tape path (29). In certain embodiments, both the tape guide (38) and the head assembly (16) are positioned to contact a first side (30) of the tape (26). Further, the tape guide (38) is positioned between the rotatable roller (36A) and the head assembly (16) relative to the tape path (29). The tape guide (38) can include a first flange (348B-348F) that contacts the tape (26) during movement of the tape (26) along the tape path (29). The tape guide (38) can be positioned more closely to the head assembly (16) than the tape guide (38) is to the rotatable roller (36A). The tape (26) can form a tape wrap angle (240A, 240B) relative to the tape guide (38) that is less than approximately 20 degrees.

Abstract: A servo-controlled, head actuator design that has low profile characteristics in both the height and width dimensions. The low height allows the actuator to fit into a half-high tape drive form factor. Additionally, in some implementations, the actuator comprises a smaller, concentrated moving mass coupled with a flexure construction having a narrowed width with added ribs for torsional stiffness. These aspects of the actuator provide a higher second mode of vibration compared to the flexure designs of the prior art. The actuator includes a coarse actuator assembly for larger movements of the head, and a fine actuator, including a Voice coil motor, responsive to analysis of servo signals. In some embodiments, the voice coil motor of the fine actuator and the coarse actuator shafts are in line. Since the centerlines of the shafts are in-line with the voice coil motor, the resonance response of the shaft spring-mass system is reduced.

Abstract: A tension sensor within a tape drive for measuring tension of a magnetic tape medium is provided. The tension sensor comprises a guide pin connected to a top plate for guiding the magnetic tape medium; at least two flexure structures connected to the top plate and a base such that the at least two flexure structures are in a parallel configuration; and at least one magnetic field density sensor associated with the guide pin for detecting lateral motion of the guide pin. In some embodiments, the guide pin is a tape guiding roller.

Abstract: An example embodiment provides for an apparatus, for use in a tape drive system, that facilitates adjustment of azimuth and zenith orientations of a magnetic tape head. The apparatus includes a top and bottom plate located above and below an actuator assembly that includes a magnetic head. Also included are first and second ball-ended guide rods that each have ends that mate with corresponding top and bottom plate sockets. Azimuth and zenith adjustment is provided for via at least one azimuth adjustment screw and at least one zenith adjustment screw. Various aspects of the apparatus include independent adjustment of the zenith and azimuth, where adjustments to one does not affect the other. Another aspect includes the top plate remaining in a substantially horizontal plane when either the azimuth or the zenith is adjusted.

Abstract: A magnetic tape guiding apparatus located in a position associated with a head element for guiding magnetic tape in a tape drive is provided. A body of the tape guiding apparatus has a first end and a second end and sides. There are at least two protrusions of the tape guiding apparatus associated with one side of the body. A magnetic tape medium passes between the at least two protrusions and the head element such that the at least two protrusions and the head element contact the magnetic tape medium. A first flange is associated with the first end of the body, and a second flange is associated with the second end of the body. Each flange projects beyond the at least two protrusions. Both flanges limit movement of the magnetic tape medium.

Abstract: A tension sensor within a tape drive for measuring tension of a magnetic tape medium is provided. The tension sensor comprises a guide pin connected to a top plate for guiding the magnetic tape medium; at least two flexure structures connected to the top plate and a base such that the at least two flexure structures are in a parallel configuration; and at least one magnetic field density sensor associated with the guide pin for detecting lateral motion of the guide pin. In some embodiments, the guide pin is a tape guiding roller.

Abstract: An example embodiment provides for an apparatus, for use in a tape drive system, that facilitates adjustment of azimuth and zenith orientations of a magnetic tape head. The apparatus includes a top and bottom plate located above and below an actuator assembly that includes a magnetic head. Also included are first and second ball-ended guide rods that each have ends that mate with corresponding top and bottom plate sockets. Azimuth and zenith adjustment is provided for via at least one azimuth adjustment screw and at least one zenith adjustment screw. Various aspects of the apparatus include independent adjustment of the zenith and azimuth, where adjustments to one does not affect the other. Another aspect includes the top plate remaining in a substantially horizontal plane when either the azimuth or the zenith is adjusted.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a servo-controlled, head actuator design that has low profile characteristics in both the height and width dimensions. The low height allows the actuator to fit into a half-high tape drive form factor. The construction of the actuator, in one embodiment, reduces the width of the tape drive system, and allows the industry standard mounting with the necessary screw length. Additionally, in some implementations, the actuator comprises a smaller, concentrated moving mass coupled with a flexure construction having a narrowed width with added ribs for torsional stiffness. These aspects of the actuator provide a higher second mode of vibration compared to the flexure designs of the prior art. The actuator design includes a coarse actuator assembly for larger movements of the head, and a fine grain actuator, including a voice coil motor, responsive to analysis of servo signals.

Abstract: In one example, a drive head actuator includes a base, a positioner, and a planar coil. The positioner includes a frame movably attached to the base and having a data transducer head and at least one permanent magnet fixed thereto. The planar coil is fixed to the base and has a major surface disposed adjacent the at least one permanent magnet and substantially parallel to support surface of the data transducer head. The frame is operable to move relative to the base and planar coil in response to energizing the planar coil. Additionally, the positioner may be attached to the base via two flexures, which are relatively flexible in a plane of flexion and stiff in other planes.

Abstract: A high-frequency tape head actuator has a positioning coil mounted close to a tape read/write head and between two thin flexures, which are flexible in a plane of flexion but stiff in other planes. One end of each flexure is attached to a fine positioner that holds the coil and the tape head. The other end of each flexure is attached to a base, such as a coarse positioner, which moves in the plane of flexion transversely to the length of a magnetic tape to read and write data on the tape. The base includes a magnet, which produces a magnetic field to precisely move the fine positioner in the plane of flexion. The position of the coil close to the center of mass of the fine positioner allows the fine positioner to operate at high frequencies, thereby allowing increased tracking precision and greater data storage capacities.

Abstract: A flexlead circuit assembly is provided for use in a rotary disk storage system and is designed so that the inherent bias force exerted by the flexible circuit on the actuator arm of the disk storage system is negated. The flexlead circuit herein is split into two sets of flexlead conductors: one to supply power and ground to the actuator VCM and other to transmit signals to and from the read/write heads. The end of each of these flexlead conductors opposite to the end mounted to the actuator arm is integrally formed with and provides signal communication with a printed circuit mounted within the housing. The printed circuit is formed on a substrate which is snap-fit to the lower plate of the disk drive housing to thereby not only support the printed circuit within the housing, but also to provide mechanical support for the flexlead circuit.

Abstract: A rotary disk storage system is provided for use with portable or laptop computers which is designed to achieve an overall maximum height ("Z-height") not greater than 17 mm. In attaining this result, the top cover and lower base plate of the housing of this rotary disk storage system are sealed by a pressure sensitive adhesive which permits the top cover to "float" on the lower base plate. Moreover, the reduced overall height is attained by forming the spin motor which rotates the magnetic disks integrally with the lower base plate. Further, IC chips are mounted on the printed circuit board to provide signal processing to a host computer, these IC chips being mounted on one side of the printed circuit board to face the lower base plate of the disk storage system. When the rotary disk storage system of the present invention is assembled, each of these IC chips is accommodated within differentially-sized pockets formed in the bottom surface of the lower base plate.

Abstract: A rotary disk storage system is provided for use with portable or laptop computers which is designed to achieve an overall maximum height ("Z-height") not greater than 17 mm. In attaining this result, the top cover and lower base plate of the housing of this rotary disk storage system are sealed by a pressure sensitive adhesive which permits the top cover to "float" on the lower base plate. Moreover, the reduced overall height is attained by forming the spin motor which rotates the magnetic disks integrally with the lower base plate. Further, IC chips are mounted on the printed circuit board to provide signal processing to a host computer, these IC chips being mounted on one side of the printed circuit board to face the lower base plate of the disk storage system. When the rotary disk storage system of the present invention is assembled, each of these IC chips is accommodated within differentially-sized pockets formed in the bottom surface of the lower base plate.

Abstract: A moving magnet rotary actuator is provided for use in a memory device of the type having a magnetic memory disk upon which data may be stored and read. The actuator includes a rotary body coupled to one or more elongated arms which support read/write transducer heads. A permanent magnet, driven by the magnetomotive forces which are generated by the energization of a stationary coil mounted opposite and adjacent to the magnet, is mounted on and moves with the body. Rotation of the body moves the heads from track to track on the magnetic memory disk. The direction of movement is determined by the polarity of the current through the coil; and the speed and distance of actuator travel is determined by the magnitude of the current.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for an optical disc system using an optical disc mounted in a disc carrier, the disc carrier and disc housed within a protective cartridge. A spring biased rotary cam in the disc drive includes an eccentric pin at its outer end which engages a spring biased catch member on the disc carrier during insertion of the cartridge. The cam has a cam groove formed in its outer surface having alternating spiral and axial segments. During the initial insertion of the cartridge, the rotary cam rotates as it is driven axially by the disc carrier causing the eccentric pin to move the catch member laterally. This disengages the catch member from the cartridge and places a second projection on the catch member in line with a laterally projecting lip within the disc drive. When the cartridge is retracted, the rotary cam moves axially until the second projection and lip contact so further movement of the cartridge leaves the disc carrier within the disc drive.