Abstract: A system and method for data storage and retrieval include a rotational head carriage unit having a plurality of heads. A tape drive unit moves a tape media length-wise across the head carriage unit while the head carriage unit rotates. The tape drive unit is adapted to use a tape comprising multiple recordable layers. The heads are adapted to read data from or write data to one recordable layer while rotating toward one edge of the tape media, and read data from or write data to another recordable layer while rotating toward the other edge of the tape media.

Abstract: A magnetic head for a rotary head drum is disclosed which can suppress abrasion thereof while a sufficient contact thereof with a magnetic tape is secured. An upper side tape sliding surface and a lower side tape sliding surface are formed on a tape sliding surface at an end of a head chip on the opposite upper and lower sides of a central tape sliding surface, which has a magnetic gap thereon, with a pair of upper and lower grooves left therebetween. The upper side tape sliding surface which is brought into contact with a magnetic tape earlier than the central tape sliding surface is formed with an increased thickness while the lower side tape sliding surface which is brought into contact with the magnetic tape later than the central tape sliding surface is formed with a decreased thickness.

Abstract: According to a first aspect the present invention is related to a head drum arrangement allowing a much easier mounting of the rotary transformer. The head drum arrangement comprises a non-rotating lower drum and a rotating upper drum, which are connected by a shaft fixed in the lower drum. The upper drum is mounted on the shaft by a bearing and preferably by two ball bearings. A rotary transformer is arranged between the lower drum and the upper drum having a fixed stator and a rotor rotating jointly with the upper drum. The rotor is non-positively held in its position by the magnetic force of a permanent magnet accommodated in the upper drum.

Abstract: A data tape drive for recording information on the data tape of a tape cartridge has a transducer head with air bleed slots that define side walls, a tape guide, and a device for detecting damage to the transducer head and tape guide. The damage detection device has a conductor loop that is located along the outer edges of the air bleed slots and tape guide for detecting any brittle fracture damage that may be present. The conductor loop is a thin filament of wire that is preferably attached to the ends of the side walls. When the transducer head or tape guide experiences a fracture, such as a fracture in one of the side walls, the delicate filament breaks and forms an open circuit. The open circuit in the conductor loop is detected by the data tape drive so that remedial actions can be taken.

Abstract: A tape recorder of the invention comprises a fixed guide member 5 disposed for a path of travel of a magnetic tape 10 between a tension post 43 and a full-width erasing head 21 and having a tape guide face 54 to be brought into sliding contact with the lower of a pair of side edges of the tape 10 between the main surface thereof, with the lower side edge positioned closer to the chassis 1. The fixed guide member 5 regulates the level of the tape 10 widthwise thereof by receiving the lower side edge of the tape by the tape guide face 54 while being held out of contact with the main surface of the tape 10. The recorder can be manufactured at a lower cost without impairing the accuracy of the path of travel of the tape.