Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to servo techniques that utilize servo patterns to facilitate head positioning relative to the data tracks. For example, the servo techniques may include a first series of servo patterns configured to allow calculation of a position error signal that substantially mitigates error resulting from a variation in velocity of the data storage tape during detection of the at least one of the servo patterns in the first series. The servo techniques may also include a second series of servo patterns interleaved within the first series of servo patterns in order to encode data. The encoded data may include linear position information. Embodiments may allow a data storage tape meeting a currently accepted data storage tape specification, e.g., an LTO Ultrium specification, to record data in a higher density than currently implemented with the specification.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to servo techniques that utilize servo patterns to facilitate head positioning relative to the data tracks. For example, the servo techniques may include a first series of servo patterns configured to allow calculation of a position error signal that substantially mitigates error resulting from a variation in velocity of the data storage tape during detection of the at least one of the servo patterns in the first series. The servo techniques may also include a second series of servo patterns interleaved within the first series of servo patterns in order to encode data. The encoded data may include linear position information. Embodiments may allow a data storage tape meeting a currently accepted data storage tape specification, e.g., an LTO Ultrium specification, to record data in a higher density than currently implemented with the specification.

Abstract: The Invention Provides a Positioning System for a Linear Data Storage Medium, Such as magnetic tape or other data storage medium in which data is stored on parallel data tracks that extend along a length of the medium. The invention makes use of multiple actuators to control the positioning of sliders carrying read and write elements, e.g., separate sliders carrying the read and write elements, relative to the data storage medium with multiple degrees of freedom. The multiple degrees of freedom may include two or more of a vertical position, a horizontal position, a transverse position, an azimuth position, a zenith position, and a yaw position. In this manner, the invention can improve head-to-track alignment of read heads and write heads with linear data storage systems having very small track pitches, such as track pitches approximately 1 micron and especially less than 1 micron.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a servo writing apparatus having accurate alignment of write gaps of servo write heads. In particular, the write gaps substantially align in a servo channel corresponding to a servo band of a magnetic data storage tape. The servo band is fully magnetized (a.k.a. DC erased) in one direction by a direct current (DC) magnetic field across the write gap of one of the servo write heads. Time-based servo markings magnetized in a second direction are recorded on the fully magnetized servo band by a pulsed magnetic field across the write gaps of the other servo write head. The servo write heads may be mounted in a mounting structure within the servo writing apparatus. Maintaining a large mounting structure width to servo write head separation distance ratio improves write gap alignment accuracy, which assures full servo signal strength across the servo band without magnetizing adjacent data bands.

Abstract: A magnetic field strength detector includes a magnetic field sensing element that outputs voltage as a function of magnetic field strength. In some embodiments, the magnetic field sensing element comprises a coil, and voltage is induced across the coil as a function of the magnetic field strength. A magnetic field strength detector also includes an indicator that alters as a function of the voltage output by the magnetic field sensing element when the magnetic field strength exceeds a threshold. The alteration is substantially irreversible and, in some embodiments, visible. The detector may be used to, for example, measure the strength of a magnetic field generated by a degaussing device, or to confirm that a particular medium was exposed to a magnetic field with a strength adequate to degauss the medium.

Abstract: The invention presents techniques for marking data storage media and responding to disturbances in the marking process. In one embodiment, the invention presents a system that uses a laser to emit a beam to ablate physical marks in a data storage medium. The system includes a sensor such as an optical sensor, configured to detect the position of the data storage medium and to generate a position signal as a function of the position of the data storage medium. An optical device, controlled by an actuator, directs the beam from the laser to an ablation site on the data storage medium as a function of the position signal.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning a tape media, such as a magnetic tape. The system preferably includes first and second cleaning heads. The first cleaning head has a plurality of spaced ridges defining a curved, tape-receiving face. The second cleaning head has including a plurality of lands spaced by shallow cavities configured to establish a sub-ambient condition. During use, a tape is transversed over the first cleaning head, with contact at leading edges formed by the ridges removing relatively large and loose particles. Relative to the second cleaning head, the tape partially wraps about a leading corner of the lands, due to the sub-ambient condition within the shallow cavities, facilitating removal of small, tacky debris. Processing by the cleaning heads simulates multiple passes over a magnetic head, thereby stabilizing magnetic tape. In alternative embodiments, the system includes only one of the first or second cleaning heads.

Abstract: Bias recording is used to record servo patterns on magnetic tape. With use of bias recording, a faster recording process may be provided relative to conventional pulse recording processes. A servo pattern recording method includes providing a servo band along at least a portion of a length of a tape. Bursts of a first signal are recorded in a first servo track of the servo band along the length of the tape and a second signal, e.g., a continuous signal, is recorded in at least a second servo track of the servo band along the length of the tape. The second servo track is recorded adjacent to the first servo track and at least one of the first signal and the second signal is recorded using a bias signal at a bias frequency summed with a record signal at a record frequency. A system for carrying out the bias recording of servo patterns is also described.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning a tape media, such as a magnetic tape. The system preferably includes first and second cleaning heads. The first cleaning head has a plurality of spaced ridges defining a curved, tape-receiving face. The second cleaning head has including a plurality of lands spaced by shallow cavities configured to establish a sub-ambient condition. During use, a tape is transversed over the first cleaning head, with contact at leading edges formed by the ridges removing relatively large and loose particles. Relative to the second cleaning head, the tape partially wraps about a leading corner of the lands, due to the sub-ambient condition within the shallow cavities, facilitating removal of small, tacky debris. Processing by the cleaning heads simulates multiple passes over a magnetic head, thereby stabilizing magnetic tape. In alternative embodiments, the system includes only one of the first or second cleaning heads.

Abstract: A CD label applicator kit including a case, a support device and an applicator tool. The case includes a base and cover that provides a label plate. The label forms an opening. The support device includes an alignment post, a hub and a spring. The alignment post is affixed to an outer wall of the cover and extends outwardly through the opening. The hub is slidably disposed about the alignment post and defines a disk-receiving surface. The spring biases the hub to a raised position in which the disk-receiving surface is above the label plate. Finally, the applicator tool forms a central passage sized for selective placement about the alignment post. In one preferred embodiment, the kit includes a label sheet pack and a software disk stored within the base, and a writing utensil secured to the cover.

Abstract: The invention presents techniques for marking data storage media and responding to disturbances in the marking process. In one embodiment, the invention presents a system that uses a laser to emit a beam to ablate physical marks in a data storage medium. The system includes a sensor such as an optical sensor, configured to detect the position of the data storage medium and to generate a position signal as a function of the position of the data storage medium. An optical device, controlled by an actuator, directs the beam from the laser to an ablation site on the data storage medium as a function of the position signal.

Abstract: A CD label applicator kit including a case, a support device and an applicator tool. The case includes a base and cover that provides a label plate. The label forms an opening. The support device includes an alignment post, a hub and a spring. The alignment post is affixed to an outer wall of the cover and extends outwardly through the opening. The hub is slidably disposed about the alignment post and defines a disk-receiving surface. The spring biases the hub to a raised position in which the disk-receiving surface is above the label plate. Finally, the applicator tool forms a central passage sized for selective placement about the alignment post. In one preferred embodiment, the kit includes a label sheet pack and a software disk stored within the base, and a writing utensil secured to the cover.

Abstract: A servo track recording tape includes a plurality of data tracks and a servo band dedicated for servo information. The servo band includes substantially uniformly written servo carrier information across a predetermined servo carrier width along the length of the tape with at least one encoded track pitch defined therein. Each encoded track pitch has alternating erased and non-erased portions along the length of the tape for defining servo tracks. The alternating erased and non-erased portions of the at least one encoded track pitch include encoded information provided by varying the length of one or more of the erased portions. The encoded information may be representative of tape locations along the length of the tape. The servo band may include two or more encoded track pitches defined in the substantially uniformly written servo carrier information with each encoded track pitch defining corresponding servo tracks.