Abstract: A tape head having offset transducer spans between adjacent modules of the tape head that serves to maintain the balance between debris removal and reduced magnetic layer/recording device spacing on the one hand and reduced tape/tape head friction on the other hand. In one aspect, opposite edges of each module are relatively sharper adjacent the transducer span and relatively rounded (e.g., less sharp) away from the transducer span. The sharp edges reduce magnetic spacing loss and scrape debris off of the tape while the rounded edges reduce or eliminate contact between the tape and the head in regions where no transducer spans are present and thus where no tape writing or reading would be taking place.

Abstract: A tape head module for performing azimuth recording and reading of tape media (e.g., where data bands are disposed at an angle to the direction of media travel) to increase the storage density of tape media. An array of read and/or write elements of the tape head module is oriented along an axis different than those of first and second lateral (e.g., overwrapped) edges of the tape head module. Positioning the first and second lateral edges of the disclosed tape head module to be perpendicular to the direction of tape motion (e.g., so that the tape moves over the first and second lateral edges perpendicularly to the first and second lateral edges) automatically positions the array of read and/or write elements at an azimuth angle (e.g., non-perpendicular angle) to the direction of tape motion. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating such tape head modules and related tape head assemblies.

Abstract: A tape head having offset transducer spans between adjacent modules of the tape head that serves to maintain the balance between debris removal and reduced magnetic layer/recording device spacing on the one hand and reduced tape/tape head friction on the other hand. In one aspect, opposite edges of each module are relatively sharper adjacent the transducer span and relatively rounded (e.g., less sharp) away from the transducer span. The sharp edges reduce magnetic spacing loss and scrape debris off of the tape while the rounded edges reduce or eliminate contact between the tape and the head in regions where no transducer spans are present and thus where no tape writing or reading would be taking place.

Abstract: A tape head having offset transducer spans between adjacent modules of the tape head that serves to maintain the balance between debris removal and reduced magnetic layer/recording device spacing on the one hand and reduced tape/tape head friction on the other hand. In one aspect, opposite edges of each module are relatively sharper adjacent the transducer span and relatively rounded (e.g., less sharp) away from the transducer span. The sharp edges reduce magnetic spacing loss and scrape debris off of the tape while the rounded edges reduce or eliminate contact between the tape and the head in regions where no transducer spans are present and thus where no tape writing or reading would be taking place.

Abstract: A tape head having offset transducer spans between adjacent modules of the tape head that serves to maintain the balance between debris removal and reduced magnetic layer/recording device spacing on the one hand and reduced tape/tape head friction on the other hand. In one aspect, opposite edges of each module are relatively sharper adjacent the transducer span and relatively rounded (e.g., less sharp) away from the transducer span. The sharp edges reduce magnetic spacing loss and scrape debris off of the tape while the rounded edges reduce or eliminate contact between the tape and the head in regions where no transducer spans are present and thus where no tape writing or reading would be taking place.

Abstract: A tape head module for performing azimuth recording and reading of tape media (e.g., where data bands are disposed at an angle to the direction of media travel) to increase the storage density of tape media. An array of read and/or write elements of the tape head module is oriented along an axis different than those of first and second lateral (e.g., overwrapped) edges of the tape head module. Positioning the first and second lateral edges of the disclosed tape head module to be perpendicular to the direction of tape motion (e.g., so that the tape moves over the first and second lateral edges perpendicularly to the first and second lateral edges) automatically positions the array of read and/or write elements at an azimuth angle (e.g., non-perpendicular angle) to the direction of tape motion. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating such tape head modules and related tape head assemblies.

Abstract: A read/write head is provided with a body having a body length and a support surface to support data storage media as the data storage media is conveyed longitudinally across the support surface. The support surface of the body is curved about an axis in a widthwise direction of the elongate body. The support surface of the body has a reduced longitudinal length relative to the body length only in an intermediate region. At least one read/write device is provided on the intermediate region of the support surface of the body to read and/or write data on the data storage media as the data storage media is conveyed across the support surface. A tape drive system is provided with the read/write head, the at least one read/write device, and a motor to drive the data storage tape.

Abstract: A read/write head is provided with a body having a body length and a support surface to support data storage media as the data storage media is conveyed longitudinally across the support surface. The support surface of the body is curved about an axis in a widthwise direction of the elongate body. The support surface of the body has a reduced longitudinal length relative to the body length only in an intermediate region. At least one read/write device is provided on the intermediate region of the support surface of the body to read and/or write data on the data storage media as the data storage media is conveyed across the support surface. A tape drive system is provided with the read/write head, the at least one read/write device, and a motor to drive the data storage tape.

Abstract: A tape head having an upper surface with a non-uniform (e.g. non-planar) cross-width (e.g., perpendicular to tape moving over the tape head) profile for eliminating contact between the tape head and portions of the tape not disposed over read/write elements of the tape head (e.g., near opposite first and second edges of the tape) during reading/writing operations on the tape. The upper surface of the tape head includes at least one “active” zone encompassing the read/write elements and that is configured to contact the tape and at least one “inactive” zone that recesses (e.g., slopes, tapers, drops, rounds, etc.) away from the active zone to avoid contact with tape traveling thereover. Eliminating contact between the tape head and portions of the tape not currently being read and/or written reduces friction between the tape and the tape head and facilitates control of tape head lateral positioning, tape tension, and tape speed.

Abstract: A magnetic tape head assembly with enclosed through slots to eliminate an air bearing at high tape speeds and lower operating tape tensions is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic tape head comprises a recording gap, containing read/write elements, across the width of the head and slots exposed to the tape head surface that faces the plane of the tape. These slots run through the head approximately perpendicular to the plane of the tape and are open to ambient pressure at a tape head surface other than the surface facing the plane of the tape. These slots are aligned with the read/write elements along the recording gap.

Abstract: A lapping sensor is provided for measuring a throat height of a thin film recording element during a mechanical lapping process. The recording element is fabricated in a photolithographic process and has a zero throat location. The lapping sensor includes a sensor device for generating an output signal indicative of the throat height during the lapping process, and a calibration switch in electrical communication with the sensor device. The switch is fabricated during the same photolithographic process as the recording element and generates an output signal during the lapping process indicative of a low resistance value up to a selected distance from the zero throat location of the recording element, and indicative of a high resistance value thereafter. Transition of the switch output signal from the low resistance value to the high resistance value during the lapping process is used to calibrate the sensor device output signal to the selected distance from the zero throat location of the recording element.

Abstract: A reproducing element for use in a high density coupled element read head, and a method for manufacturing such an element are provided. The reproducing element includes an insulative layer and a magnetoresistive element in contact with the insulative layer. The reproducing element also includes a support element in contact with the magnetoresistive layer, the support element having a hardness sufficient to substantially prevent damage to the magnetoresistive element during mechanical processing and during movement of a tape across a surface of the magnetoresistive element. The method includes depositing an insulative layer on a substrate, and depositing a magnetoresistive material on the insulative layer, the magnetoresistive material forming a read element.

Abstract: A magnetic tape head assembly is provided for use with a magnetic tape storage medium. The assembly includes an interior tape head module having a magnetic gap with transverse slots on each side of the gap which substantially eliminate air and debris entrained between the module and the tape as the tape moves over the module. The assembly also includes a first exterior tape head module on one side of the interior module, the first exterior module having a magnetic gap with transverse slots on each side of the gap and a width greater than that of the interior module. The assembly still further includes a second exterior tape head module on another side of the interior module, the second exterior module having a magnetic gap with transverse slots on each side of the gap and a width greater than that of the interior module. The distances between the magnetic gaps of the modules are each approximately 0.060 inches.