Abstract: A variable width flat tape head for bi-directional contact recording and method for making the same has significant advantages over both traditional contoured tape heads and single width flat heads for contact recording applications. The variable width head and process disclosed herein allows for greater ease of manufacturing, efficient layout of the devices on thin film wafers and provides a significant cost reduction in the production of the head compared to traditionally contoured tape heads. In addition, the present invention reduces unnecessary surface area where the tape contacts the head, thus reducing tape wear and damage that is present in single width flat heads (where the tape is in contact uniformly across the tape width), thereby providing a concomitant improvement in tape wear and life.

Abstract: In a case in which hydrobearings are used in the tape guides of a magnetic tape device, the guide surface for guiding a magnetic tape is formed by a plurality of circular arc surfaces. In accordance therewith, the contact surface area of a magnetic tape and tape guide becomes smaller, making it possible to prevent the sticking of a magnetic tape to tape guide.

Abstract: A tape transport system for positioning magnetic tape moving over a tape head is provided. The tape system includes at least one air bearing having a sinuous surface over which travels one side of the tape and a mating sinuous surface over which travels the other side of the tape. The sinuous surfaces each have openings through which air is forced. As the tape passes through the bearing, the tape is stiffened, permitting the tape to be precisely guided over the tape head.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge includes a length of magnetic tape wound on a pair of tape reels within a housing to define a tape path. A tape guide disposed along a portion of the tape path includes a top and bottom flange. Each flange is resilient so that it acts to resiliently guide an edge of the tape. This minimizes violent crashes of a tape edge against the tape guide. Each flange may have a plurality of spaced resilient finger guides for directly contacting the edges of the tape. The finger guides serve to independently exert a force on the edges of the tape, thereby guiding the tape.

Abstract: A roller guiding system for delivery of magnetic tape media along a tape path between a tape drive employing a single reel and a tape cartridge employing a single reel. The roller guiding system comprises a plurality of guide rollers configured to adjust the path of travel of the tape media during tape drive operation to maintain tracking of the tape media with a tape head.

Abstract: In a recording and/or reproducing apparatus (1) having a stationarily mounted and substantially rigid first component part (37) and having at least one pin-like second component part (51, 52) and having a third component part (53) which is movable with respect to the at least one second component part (51, 52) the at least one second component part is fixedly connected to a damping element support (80) and the damping element support (80) extends over the first component part (37) and the damping element support (80) is connected to an elastic damping element (88) which acts upon the first component part (37) under spring load.

Abstract: A tape bearing surface for a tape that reduces tape surface contact near the edge, while minimizing variation in cross-web tension, and a method of making the same. The tape surface piece has a longitudinal axes defining a tape path and a lateral axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along a top surface. The top surface defines a convex shape having at least one distinct radii extending along the lateral axis. In one embodiment, the convex shape is elliptical or parabolic. In one embodiment, two distinct radii are formed so that a first radius proximate a center of the lateral axis is greater then a second radius proximate edges of the lateral axis. The present invention is also directed to a tape guide and a tape cartridge containing the present tape bearing surface.

Abstract: A tape-guiding element for guiding a means in tape form, in particular a magnetic tape for recording and/or reproducing signals, has improved height adjustment for such tape-guiding elements. Such tape-guiding element (20) is arranged, by means of a lever-like device (21, 24), on a baseplate (2), which may for example be part of a drive chassis. The leverage from the corresponding arrangement of the setting means (25) and tape-guiding element (20) adjusts the height of the latter in a simple way.

Abstract: A roller guiding method for delivery of magnetic tape media along a tape path between a tape drive employing a single reel and a tape cartridge employing a single reel. The roller guiding system comprises a plurality of guide rollers configured to adjust the path of travel of the tape media during tape drive operation to maintain tracking of the tape media with a tape head.

Abstract: A magnetic head that delays the onset of pole tip recession. Each read and write transducer protrudes out from a mesa, which in turn protrudes out of the magnetic head's tape bearing surface. The initial protrusion distance extends the magnetic head's expected life. The mesas define the shape and position of the active portion of the transducers. Additionally, the mesas may be situated in recessed channels formed in the tape bearing surface. Lowering the mesas into the recessed channels slows the transducer wear rate by supporting the magnetic medium over a larger area.

Abstract: A magnetic head having a pair of longitudinal channels in a tape bearing surface that flank each transducer. The channels reduce the effective height of debris in the channels near the transducers. The channel floors may have a transverse slope, and the tape bearing surface between channels may be tapered. Transverse slots help direct debris away from the transducers. The channels overlap the end sections of the transducers and help to define the shape and position of the transducer's active section. When applied to a two pole write transducers, the channels narrow and equalize the effective width of the top and bottom poles. Narrow equal-sized poles can write narrow data tracks with a track width that is independent of the magnetic medium's direction of motion.