Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to magnetic recording tape. Respective voltage sources are coupled to respective magnetic head components of a tape recording apparatus. Circuitry controls each voltage source independently in accordance with identity information for a magnetic tape, relative humidity within the tape recording apparatus, or other factors. Chemical migration from the tape, and/or plating or erosion of elements of the tape recording apparatus are substantially reduced or eliminated according to the present teachings.

Abstract: A transducer head apparatus (140) is disclosed for concurrently transferring data relative to a plurality of tracks on a data carrier. The head apparatus comprises a body (310) extending longitudinally, the body supporting a plurality of longitudinally spaced transducer elements (240, 241, 242, 250, 251, 252, 260, 261, 255, 256, 257, 265, 266, 267), and adjuster apparatus (330) operable to adjust the relative longitudinal dispositions of at least some of the transducer elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to magnetic recording tape. Respective voltage sources are coupled to respective magnetic head components of a tape recording apparatus. Circuitry controls each voltage source independently in accordance with identity information for a magnetic tape, relative humidity within the tape recording apparatus, or other factors. Chemical migration from the tape, and/or plating or erosion of elements of the tape recording apparatus are substantially reduced or eliminated according to the present teachings.

Abstract: A transducer head apparatus (140) is disclosed for concurrently transferring data relative to a plurality of tracks on a data carrier. The head apparatus comprises a body (310) extending longitudinally, the body supporting a plurality of longitudinally spaced transducer elements (240, 241, 242, 250, 251, 252, 260, 261, 255, 256, 257, 265, 266, 267), and adjuster apparatus (330) operable to adjust the relative longitudinal dispositions of at least some of the transducer elements.

Abstract: A ribbon cable is configured to include an offset rolling loop. In one embodiment, the ribbon cable includes first and second orthogonal segments forming opposed ends of the ribbon cable. A diagonal segment of ribbon cable connects the first and second orthogonal segments. The diagonal segment is configured to form the offset rolling loop to include a partial spiral turn.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrically coupling read elements and write elements of a tape head assembly to another component includes an interconnect structure having plural layers of traces, with the traces comprising write traces electrically connected to respective write elements, and read traces electrically connected to respective read elements. The write traces and read traces are interleaved across a dimension of the interconnect structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for guiding a moving tape having a tape edge parallel to a direction of motion of the tape wherein the tape is received tangentially on a curved surface having an edge. Force applied to the tape is increased as the tape drifts farther away from a nominal position so as to move the tape away from the edge of the surface. Lateral motion of the tape is dampened by breaking up an air-cushion between the tape and the curved surface.

Abstract: A batch fabrication technique is described that increases the manufacturing efficiency of servo write heads and also improves servo pattern definition for fine features, while reducing tape and head wear. Multiple heads are fabricated as a batch from one or more ferrite wafers. A nominally flat, large wafer surface and a contour suitable for uniform photoresist application and planar photolithography permit fine servo pattern definition. A rounded leading edge on the head creates an air bearing to reduce wear of the tape and of the head. Moreover, any head wear occurs at the leading edge rather than in the region of the head where the servo pattern is formed. The servo write head may have a substantially planar head surface. A leading edge is disposed adjacent to the head surface such that the tape contacts the leading edge before passing over the head surface. The leading edge is rounded to form an air bearing between the head surface and the tape.

Abstract: A tape cartridge includes a reel and a data tape to store data. The data tape is wound on the reel and has side edges. The tape cartridge further comprises a leader tape, and a splicing tape to link the leader tape to the data tape. The splicing tape has an edge with a slanted portion that is slanted with respect to the side edges of the data tape.

Abstract: A head design that reduces wear at the leading and trailing edges where the tape contacts the head while minimizing any adverse effects on the performance of the head. In one embodiment of the invention, a localized layer of wear resistant material is formed on the leading edge where the tape contacts the head before passing over the head recording surface. In a second embodiment, the leading edge is formed as wear resistant material embedded in the head structure adjacent to the recording surface. And, in a third embodiment, the leading edge is formed as a wear resistant material strip affixed to the side of the head structure. For each embodiment, the wear resistant material may also be applied in the manner described to the trailing edge where the tape may also contact the head after passing over the recording surface.

Abstract: A head design that reduces wear at the leading and trailing edges where the tape contacts the head while minimizing any adverse effects on the performance of the head. In one embodiment of the invention, a localized layer of wear resistant material is formed on the leading edge where the tape contacts the head before passing over the head recording surface. In a second embodiment, the leading edge is formed as wear resistant material embedded in the head structure adjacent to the recording surface. And, in a third embodiment, the leading edge is formed as a wear resistant material strip affixed to the side of the head structure. For each embodiment, the wear resistant material may also be applied in the manner described to the trailing edge where the tape may also contact the head after passing over the recording surface.

Abstract: A head design that reduces wear at the leading and trailing edges where the tape contacts the head while minimizing any adverse effects on the performance of the head. In one embodiment of the invention, a localized layer of wear resistant material is formed on the leading edge where the tape contacts the head before passing over the head recording surface. In a second embodiment, the leading edge is formed as wear resistant material embedded in the head structure adjacent to the recording surface. And, in a third embodiment, the leading edge is formed as a wear resistant material strip affixed to the side of the head structure. For each embodiment, the wear resistant material may also be applied in the manner described to the trailing edge where the tape may also contact the head after passing over the recording surface.