Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for stabilizing data storage media during laser servowriting of optical servo tracks on the media. The apparatus includes a spindle for rotating the media during servowriting, a fixed media platform, and a media support for stabilizing the vertical position of the media during servowriting. The media support may include channels to reduce or control the formation of an air bearing in the area of servowriting to stabilize the vertical positioning of the media. The media support may also include a vacuum slot for drawing a vacuum through the channels.

Abstract: A guidance system for tape in a tape cartridge includes two corner guides and an optional third guide. The two corner guides may be angled or tapered to produce a bow or slope in the tape, and to steer the tape. If provided, the third guide is readily adjustable during manufacture to an exact predetermined distance from the two corner guides, thereby avoiding problems due to build-up of manufacturing tolerances. A method of constructing such a system provides an interference fit ferrule on a pin or a nail-like pin as the third guide, such that the position of the ferrule or nail head of the pin can be adjusted to the exact position desired during manufacture.

Abstract: Stretched surface recording disk (SSR) 10 comprising an annular support 12 having raised annular ridges 28 and 42 at its inside and outside diameters 22 and 30 with a base portion 24 in between the two ridges, and an annular recording medium film 14 held in radial tension and stretched across the base portion by adhering the film to attachment surfaces 48 and 36 near the inside and outside diameters respectively. The bond between the recording medium film and the support at the inner and outer attachment surfaces is formed by an electron beam cured adhesive such as a mixture of hydantoin hexacrylate and dimethylacrylamide. By manufacturing the stretched surface recording disks with the e-beam process, significantly less time is required to adhere each stretched recording medium to its support, and the quality of the bond between the support and recording medium film is improved.

Abstract: Stretched surface recording disk (SSR) 10 comprising an annular support 12 having raised annular ridges 28 and 42 at its inside and outside diameters 22 and 30 with a base portion 24 in between the two ridges, and an annular recording medium film 14 held in radial tension and stretched across the base portion by adhering the film to attachment surfaces 48 and 36 near the inside and outside diameters respectively. The bond between the recording medium film and the support at the inner and outer attachment surfaces is formed by an electron beam cured adhesive such as a mixture of hydantoin hexacrylate and dimethylacrylamide. By manufacturing the stretched surface recording disks with the e-beam process, significantly less time is required to adhere each stretched recording medium to its suppport, and the quality of the bond between the support and recording medium film is improved.