Abstract: A system and method for controlling and analyzing data storage systems, and more particularly, to systems and methods for controlling and analyzing performance and physical attributes of a sealed disk drive unit using an externally accessible but internally integral positioning system. A disk drive having a sealed housing utilizes a reflective planar mirror on the rotary actuator controlling the head drive assembly. A narrow beam directed through a window on the side wall of the housing onto the mirror is reflected off at angle dependent on the actuator position to a beam sensitive detector. A translator system driven by a positioner disposed at a distance from the rotary actuator axis which is substantially greater than the distance between the actuator axis and the head assembly, is used to vary the relationship between the directed and reflected beams.

Abstract: A system and method for writing reference information on a recording media contained with a sealed housing utilizes a reflective planar mirror on the rotary actuator controlling the writing mechanism. A narrow beam directed through a window on the side wall of the housing onto the mirror is reflected off at angle dependent on the actuator position to a beam sensitive detector. A translator system driven by a positioner disposed at a distance from the rotary actuator axis which is substantially greater than the distance between the actuator axis and the writing head, is used to vary the relationship between the directed and reflected beams. This system incorporates the rotary actuator in a closed loop servo that positions the actuator precisely at different locations relative to the recording medium, so that the reference information may be written.

Abstract: A tape transport includes a fixed support for receiving a tape cartridge having a tape drive roller engaged with a bi-directional capstan. The capstan, together with a reversible capstan drive motor and a heat sink surrounding the motor, comprise an integral unit which is mounted to the cartridge support through biasing springs which enable the unit to pivot about its center of gravity relative to the support. The capstan, through its c.g. mount, applies a constant force to the tape drive roller indpendently of external forces acting on the tape drive unit. The electrical drive circuit for the capstan motor includes power transistors which are an integral part of the heat sink for maximizing use of the heat sink as a means for dissipating heat generated by operation of the capstan drive motor and power transistors.