Abstract: A data-track head-positioning servo system is disclosed. Data tracks are used to provide position and reference information to a straddle servo head and a reference servo head. The reference servo head provides a reference signal against which the servo signal from the straddle servo head is compared to correct for alignment errors. A transducer head having an integral data transducer, the reference servo transducer, and straddle servo transducer in a fixed spacial relationship is disclosed. A method for using the transducer head in a multitrack tape system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flex circuit for a tape drive includes an elongated flexible printed circuit substrate carrying a pattern of electrical circuit interconnections and divided into a read channel portion for direct connection to multiple read and write heads of a tape head array and carrying a plurality of read channel preamplifiers connected to receive and amplify read signals from a plurality of read heads; a write channel portion including an external connection region for enabling signal and power connections to be made with a host circuit module, the write channel portion including a plurality of write channel drivers; and, a dynamic flexing portion separating and interconnecting the read channel portion and the write channel portion, the dynamic flexing portion adjusting in contour as positional adjustments are made to the head array by a head positioning mechanism.

Abstract: Optimizing data transfer to a storage device by providing a speed control circuit which adjusts, in a continuously varying manner, a transfer rate of a storage device according to utilization of a data buffer.

Abstract: A contact recording head assembly arrangement capable of performing reliable read and write operations on magnetic tapes of varying thickness is provided. The head assembly includes a read island and a write island with gaps offset a distance from their centers to maintain signal integrity when processing the data signals stored and retrieved from the various tapes.