Abstract: A method for calibrating a tape drive is disclosed herein. The method includes writing a calibration track onto a tape cartridge using a first tape drive. The method includes reading the calibration track using a plurality of tape drives to measure a plurality of write element offset values, in which each write element offset value corresponds to each of the plurality of tape drives. The method includes determining a calibration factor based on an average write element offset value, in which the calibration factor is used to align a write element of a drive head of the first tape drive.

Abstract: Tape heads are described herein including (i) a first module including a write transducer array with at least one transducer element to write data to a tape, and (ii) a second module including a write transducer array with at least one transducer element to write data to the tape. In examples herein, a lifting member with a curved portion formed at an inward edge of the module is provided to cause tape lifting the module and to prevent contact between the tape and the module at a trailing position with respect to tape travel direction.

Abstract: A system including a magnetic tape processing system that includes a read/write head to write to a top surface of a magnetic tape. The read/write head provides a write head field gradient of at least 40 Oersteds per nanometer at the top surface of the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape processing system and the read/write head provide a track density of greater than 8000 tracks per inch, a bit density of greater than 440 kilo-bits per inch, and an aspect ratio of less than 70.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a tape drive is disclosed herein. The method includes writing a calibration track onto a tape cartridge using a first tape drive. The method includes reading the calibration track using a plurality of tape drives to measure a plurality of write element offset values, in which each write element offset value corresponds to each of the plurality of tape drives. The method includes determining a calibration factor based on an average write element offset value, in which the calibration factor is used to align a write element of a drive head of the first tape drive.

Abstract: Techniques for protecting tape heads from wear are provided. In an example, a method includes forming a coating over elements on the magnetic tape head, wherein the elements can comprise read elements, write elements, or both and wherein the coating does not extend over adjacent tape bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A system including a magnetic tape processing system that includes a read/write head to write to a top surface of a magnetic tape. The read/write head provides a write head field gradient of at least 40 Oersteds per nanometer at the top surface of the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape processing system and the read/write head provide a track density of greater than 8000 tracks per inch, a bit density of greater than 440 kilo-bits per inch, and an aspect ratio of less than 70.

Abstract: A system including a read/write head to write to a magnetic tape. The read/write head includes a data island that includes read/write elements. The data island to reduce contact between the magnetic tape and the data island at locations between the read/write elements.

Abstract: A system including a magnetic tape processing system that includes a read/write head to write to a top surface of a magnetic tape. The read/write head provides a write head field gradient of at least 40 Oersteds per nanometer at the top surface of the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape processing system and the read/write head provide a track density of greater than 8000 tracks per inch, a bit density of greater than 440 kilo-bits per inch, and an aspect ratio of less than 70.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the design and implementation of backward-compatible magnetic tape drives (102) that are read/write compatible with a current magnetic-tape format (1820) as well as one or more previous magnetic-tape formats (1802 and 1804). Embodiments of the present invention include read/write tape-head configurations (1902, 1904, 1906, 1908-1923, 1930, 1932, 1934, 2102) and corresponding magnetic-tape-drive-component features (518) that allow a magnetic-tape drive to read and write magnetic tapes formatted according to different formats.

Abstract: Tape heads are described herein including (i) a first module including a read transducer array with at least one transducer element to read data from a tape, and (ii) a second module including a read transducer array with at least one transducer element to read data from the tape. In examples herein, a lifting member is provided to cause tape lifting the module at a leading position with respect to tape travel direction.

Abstract: Tape heads are described herein including (i) a first module including a read transducer array with at least one transducer element to read data from a tape, and (ii) a second module including a read transducer array with at least one transducer element to read data from the tape. In examples herein, a lifting member is provided to cause tape lifting the module at a leading position with respect to tape travel direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to magnetic tape heads are provided. A first process forms a first read module on a substrate in accordance with a prior generation recording format. A second process, different than the first, forms a second read module on a substrate in accordance with a present generation recording format. The first and second read modules are directly bonded in parallel such that a single continuous tape reading zone is defined. Write modules can be formed and disposed on opposite sides of and aligned with the tape reading zone. Bidirectional read/write heads, having backward reading compatibility, can be made and used accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for reading magnetic tape are provided herein. The system includes a tape head including two read arrays. Each of the two read arrays includes a first set of data read elements of a first channel pitch and a second set of data read elements of a second channel pitch, and the first set of data read elements and the second set of data read elements are interleaved. The tape head also includes a write array located between the two read arrays.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to magnetic recording tape. One or more ion emitters are disposed in non-contacting proximity to a passing recording tape. Static electric charges born on the tape are neutralized prior to passing the tape in contact with a read-write head. Migration of chemical constituency from the tape to the head is prevented or significantly reduced with a corresponding elimination or reduction of related problems.

Abstract: A system and method for reading magnetic tape are provided herein. The system includes a tape head including two read arrays. Each of the two read arrays includes a first set of data read elements of a first channel pitch and a second set of data read elements of a second channel pitch, and the first set of data read elements and the second set of data read elements are interleaved. The tape head also includes a write array located between the two read arrays.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to magnetic recording tape. One or more ion emitters are disposed in non-contacting proximity to a passing recording tape. Static electric charges born on the tape are neutralized prior to passing the tape in contact with a read-write head. Migration of chemical constituency from the tape to the head is prevented or significantly reduced with a corresponding elimination or reduction of related problems.

Abstract: A flexible circuit having a first end attached to a clamping mechanism and a second end attached to a carriage to move, a magnetic head to read a tape. The clamping mechanism has a curved surface to allow the flexible circuit to maintain an S-shape when the magnetic head moves with respect to the magnetic tape.

Abstract: In one embodiment a transducer head assembly is disclosed having a head module. The head module comprises at least one media bearer element providing a media bearer surface, and a head element block having an array of head elements. The assembly further comprises a carrier structure to carry the head module, and an actuator to move the head element block relative to the at least one media bearer element. Tape drive apparatus having actuator apparatus to cause relative displacement between head element blocks is also disclosed. A transducer head module and a method of making a transducer head assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for a flexible circuit. In one embodiment, the flexible circuit bends on a curved surface to form a partial loop.

Abstract: In one embodiment a transducer head assembly is disclosed having a head module. The head module comprises at least one media bearer element providing a media bearer surface, and a head element block having an array of head elements. The assembly further comprises a carrier structure to carry the head module, and an actuator to move the head element block relative to the at least one media bearer element. Tape drive apparatus having actuator apparatus to cause relative displacement between head element blocks is also disclosed. A transducer head module and a method of making a transducer head assembly are also disclosed.