Abstract: A head guide assembly of a tape device includes a beam for securely mounting a tape head thereon, wherein the tape head is accurately aligned and mounted so as to have both an improved resonance response as well as isolation from external shock or vibrations. A head guide support, made from a super gusseted material, supports the beam and tape head wherein the beam is mounted on a brass base for reducing resonances. The brass base is coupled to the head guide support via a kingpin and wedge clamps for locking the tape head in alignment without affecting the alignment. Additional resonances in a direction of a pitch of the tape head is reduced by further connecting the brass base to the head guide support without distorting the aligned position of the brass base. Shock mounts are provided for floating the head guide assembly from a base of the tape device.

Abstract: An actuator assembly is provided for controlling the position of a multi-track, magneto-resistive transducer to index across tracks in a track seek mode and to rapidly adjust the position of the transducer in a servo controlled track following mode. The actuator includes a base, a beam spaced from the base and movable relative thereto, opposing upper and lower flexures in parallel planes connecting upper and lower portions of the base with upper and lower ends, respectively, of the beam, and an electromagnetic drive means. Each flexure comprises a constraining member fastened to and substantially covering a plate. The constraining member has a plurality of voids formed therein. In one embodiment, the voids comprise parallel openings extending through the constraining member; in another embodiment, the voids define a honeycomb structure; in still another embodiment, the voids define a corrugated structure.