Abstract: An example tape drive includes a magnetic tape head, an actuator, and a controller. The magnetic tape head includes a data write element to write a data track including data onto magnetic tape. The data track includes a non-trimming portion and a trimmable portion. The magnetic tape head also includes a data read element to read the data written to the non-trimming portion of the data track to verify the accuracy of the data. The controller positions the magnetic tape head via the actuator to allow (i) the data write element to write the first data track, and (ii) the data read element to read the second portion of the first data track. From the read data, a determination may be made as to whether the data was written to the non-trimming portion of the data track with a threshold level of accuracy.

Abstract: A cart that moves through a three-dimensional object printing system includes a platform and a cleaning device configured to remove material from a surface as the platform passes the surface. The cart further includes a rechargeable power supply configured to be connected to the cleaning device. A controller onboard the cart is operatively connected to the rechargeable power supply and the cleaning device. The controller is configured to connect the rechargeable power supply to the cleaning device and operate the cleaning device to clean the surface.

Abstract: A computer program product, according to one embodiment, includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are readable and/or executable by a controller to cause the controller to: determine first and second currents to apply to an actuator assembly in response to detecting a track following error. The first and second currents are applied to the actuator assembly simultaneously. The actuator assembly itself includes: a fine motion motor for enabling positioning of a beam of a head carriage assembly. The actuator assembly also includes a skew motion motor for enabling rotatable positioning of the head carriage assembly about an axis of skew. Furthermore, the actuator assembly includes a main coil configured to induce skew motion and lateral motion of the beam of the head carriage assembly relative to the fine motion motor and the skew motion motor upon energization of the main coil.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes: a head carriage assembly having a beam for coupling to a magnetic head, and an actuator assembly coupled to the beam of the head carriage assembly. The actuator assembly includes: a fine motion motor for enabling positioning of the beam of the head carriage assembly along a fine motion direction oriented perpendicular to an intended direction of media movement, a skew motion motor for enabling rotatable positioning of the head carriage assembly about an axis of skew which extends perpendicular to a plane defined by the intended direction of media movement across the head carriage assembly and the fine motion direction, and a main coil configured to induce skew motion and lateral motion of the beam of the head carriage assembly relative to the fine motion motor and the skew motion motor upon energization of the main coil by applying current thereto.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head positioning assembly includes a coarse travel carriage secured to and spaced away from each of a front end assembly and head assembly via sandwiched fine guiding flexures and isolation flexures. The fine guiding flexures permit relative movement between the coarse travel carriage and head assembly. The isolation flexures permit relative movement between the coarse travel carriage and front end assembly. The fine guiding and isolation flexures thus isolate the coarse travel carriage from the front end assembly and head assembly. The assembly further includes dampers sandwiched between the coarse travel carriage and isolation flexures to limit movement of the isolation flexures.

Abstract: A monolithic tape head module for high density recording. The module includes an actuator rail, and a tape head transducer array coupled to the actuator rail that includes a plurality of tape head transducer elements. A flex circuit is electrically coupled to the tape head transducer array, and includes first electrical conductors in a first flex circuit path that are coupled to a portion of the tape head transducer elements, and second electrical conductors in a second flex circuit path that are coupled to the remainder of the tape head transducer elements. An actuator shaft is connected to the actuator rail and coupled to a motor that is operated to move the actuator shaft. A plurality of flexures are mechanically coupled to the actuator rail and operated to restrict movement of the actuator rail to a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the actuator rail.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes: a head carriage assembly, a flexure coupling the head carriage assembly to a linear assembly, the linear assembly being configured to move along a fine motion direction, and a motor coupled to the head carriage assembly for rotatably positioning the head carriage assembly about an axis of skew which extends perpendicular to a plane defined by an intended direction of media movement across the head carriage assembly and the fine motion direction, the fine motion direction being oriented perpendicular to the intended direction of media movement. The flexure permits the rotatable positioning of the head carriage assembly about the axis of skew. Moreover, the flexure resists pitching movement of the head carriage assembly relative to the linear assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus, in one embodiment, includes: a pivot assembly pivotably supporting a head carriage assembly, a motor coupled to the head carriage assembly for rotatably positioning the head carriage assembly about an axis of skew which extends perpendicular to a plane defined by an intended direction of media movement across the head carriage assembly and a direction of fine motion of the head carriage assembly, the fine motion direction being oriented perpendicular to the intended direction of media movement, a linear assembly supporting the pivot assembly and the head carriage assembly, the linear assembly being configured to move along the fine motion direction, and a first flexure extending between the head carriage assembly and the linear assembly, the first flexure permitting the rotatable positioning of the head carriage assembly about the axis of skew, the first flexure resisting pitching movement of the head carriage assembly relative to the linear assembly.

Abstract: A tape head includes a set of one or more segments, wherein each segment of the set is individually movable with respect to a frame; each segment of the set comprising at least one of a write element configured to write data to a tape and a read element configured to read data from the tape; and each segment of the set comprising a further read element having a width transverse to a motion direction of the tape being at least a width of the write element of the segment or, in the event that no write element is comprised in the segment, of a write element of a different segment.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a system includes a first device on a first substrate; a second device on a second substrate; and a device select system coupled to the first and second devices. The device select system includes: a first portion having an array of first electrical contacts; a second portion having an array of second electrical contacts, there being more second electrical contacts than first electrical contacts, the second portion being coupled to the first and second devices, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts associated therewith.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a system includes a first device on a first substrate; a second device on a second substrate; and a device select system coupled to the first and second devices. The device select system includes: a first portion having an array of first electrical contacts; a second portion having an array of second electrical contacts, there being more second electrical contacts than first electrical contacts, the second portion being coupled to the first and second devices, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts associated therewith.

Abstract: A dual pole linear actuator includes a dual pole magnet assembly that is moved by providing a bi-directional analog DC control signal to a dual wound coil. The dual pole magnet assembly includes a permanent magnet that is flanked by top and bottom pole pieces. The dual wound coil is assembled to an actuator housing with a top part of the coil being wound in one rotary direction, while the bottom part of the coil is wound in the opposite rotary direction.

Abstract: An actuator for a tape drive is disclosed. The actuator has a moving mass and a non-moving mass. The non-moving mass is at least 107 grams.

Abstract: A transducer positioning apparatus is provided that supports a read/write head on a data storage machine and biases the head against rotation. The transducer positioning apparatus may comprise a base that includes a linear drive motor and a support frame to which the read/write head is secured. The support frame is reciprocally driven by the linear drive motor relative to the base. A magnetic coupling is provided between the base and the support frame that resists movement of the frame other than the reciprocal movement of the support frame relative to the base. A method is also disclosed for magnetically biasing a movable head of a transducer against rotation.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing resonance in a data transfer system are herein disclosed. A data transfer system comprises a bearing and a guide member. The bearing further comprises an outer ring. The guide member is arranged relative to the bearing so as to guide the outer ring for movement relative to the guide member, and to induce an axial preload in the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A flexible circuit having a first end attached to a clamping mechanism and a second end attached to a carriage to move, a magnetic head to read a tape. The clamping mechanism has a curved surface to allow the flexible circuit to maintain an S-shape when the magnetic head moves with respect to the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A transducer positioning apparatus is provided that supports a read/write head on a data storage machine and biases the head against rotation. The transducer positioning apparatus may comprise a base that includes a linear drive motor and a support frame to which the read/write head is secured. The support frame is reciprocally driven by the linear drive motor relative to the base. A magnetic coupling is provided between the base and the support frame that resists movement of the frame other than the reciprocal movement of the support frame relative to the base. A method is also disclosed for magnetically biasing a movable head of a transducer against rotation.

Abstract: A method of retaining a transducer for a digital storage apparatus that reads and writes data to a tape as the tape is moved in a tape drive path across the transducer. According to the method a head assembly is attached to the base to be movable relative to the base in a linear path that is perpendicular to the tape drive path. Movement of the head assembly is guided on a track that is partially defined by the head and partially defined by the base. At least two balls are disposed in the track between the base and the head assembly. A magnetic coupling retains the balls within the track. A linear motor operatively engages the head assembly to move the head assembly to follow the tape.

Abstract: An integral recording head, for use in a linear tape drive system, includes a circumferentially grooved roller guide assembly and a recording head actuator assembly. The circumferential groove feature is incorporated on the surfaces of the roller guide assembly, and provides a substantial frictional contact force that acts to reduce the lateral motion, and further attenuates high frequency lateral disturbances of the magnetic tape. The reduced high frequency content of the lateral disturbances significantly improves the ability of the actuator to achieve a desired track following control. The grooved roller guide assembly is formed integrally of two solid cylindrical contact surfaces separated by a circumferential slot that accommodates the recording head actuator assembly.

Abstract: A system for adjusting misalignment between a read/write head and a flexible data storage media is provided. The system includes a head carriage assembly, a linear assembly that includes a pivot member pivotably supporting the head carriage assembly, and a magnetic assembly coupled to the head carriage assembly. Current is applied to the magnetic assembly for dynamically positioning the head carriage assembly relative to a direction of media movement across the head carriage assembly. A first current is applied to the magnetic assembly for track following of media moving across the head carriage assembly. A second current is applied to the magnetic assembly for dynamically rotationally positioning the head carriage assembly to compensate for skew of flexible media moving across the head carriage assembly.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for a flexible circuit. In one embodiment, the flexible circuit bends on a curved surface to form a partial loop.

Abstract: A transducer for a digital storage apparatus that reads and writes data to a tape as the tape is moved in a tape drive path across the transducer. The transducer comprises a base and a head assembly that is attached to the base and movable relative to the base in a linear path that is perpendicular to the tape drive path. A guide assembly guides the movement of the head assembly that has a track that is partially defined by the head and partially defined by the base. The guide assembly includes at least two balls that are disposed in the track between the base and the head assembly. A magnetic coupling retains the balls within the track. A linear motor operatively engages the head assembly to move the head assembly to follow the tape.

Abstract: A head positioning assembly having a first carriage assembly, a second carriage assembly, and an actuator. The second carriage assembly has a head and is coupled to the first carriage assembly by a first flexible member. The first and second carriage assemblies may be actuated to position the head when sufficient force is provided by the actuator.

Abstract: A transducer positioning apparatus is provided that supports a read/write head on a data storage machine and biases the head against rotation. The transducer positioning apparatus may comprise a base that includes a linear drive motor and a support frame to which the read/write head is secured. The support frame is reciprocally driven by the linear drive motor relative to the base. A magnetic coupling is provided between the base and the support frame that resists movement of the frame other than the reciprocal movement of the support frame relative to the base. A method is also disclosed for magnetically biasing a movable head of a transducer against rotation.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing resonance in a data transfer system are herein disclosed. A data transfer system comprises a bearing and a guide member. The bearing further comprises an outer ring. The guide member is arranged relative to the bearing so as to guide the outer ring for movement relative to the guide member, and to induce an axial preload in the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A servo-controlled, head actuator design that has low profile characteristics in both the height and width dimensions. The low height allows the actuator to fit into a half-high tape drive form factor. Additionally, in some implementations, the actuator comprises a smaller, concentrated moving mass coupled with a flexure construction having a narrowed width with added ribs for torsional stiffness. These aspects of the actuator provide a higher second mode of vibration compared to the flexure designs of the prior art. The actuator includes a coarse actuator assembly for larger movements of the head, and a fine actuator, including a Voice coil motor, responsive to analysis of servo signals. In some embodiments, the voice coil motor of the fine actuator and the coarse actuator shafts are in line. Since the centerlines of the shafts are in-line with the voice coil motor, the resonance response of the shaft spring-mass system is reduced.

Abstract: An actuator assembly is provided for positioning a transducer with a primary frame and a secondary frame mounted thereto for transverse translation. A coarse actuator is connected to the frames for translating the secondary frame incrementally. A carriage with a transducer is mounted to the secondary frame for transverse translation. A fine actuator is connected to the secondary frame and the carriage. The coarse actuator provides coarse adjustment and the fine actuator provides fine adjustment of the transducer for following tape. A method for positioning a transducer is provides a transducer connected to a coarse actuator and a fine actuator. Tape is conveyed across the transducer and lateral motion of the tape is monitored. The transducer is positioned by the fine actuator relative to a lateral tape position, and if the position exceeds a predetermined range, then the transducer is positioned by the actuation of the coarse actuator.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for a tape head actuator having a guide bearing preload mechanism, wherein the preload mechanism utilizes a magnet or magnets and an elongated steel member. These magnetic components interact to produce a force that is selectively directed to preload the guide bearings. In addition, the magnetic components produce a field used to shield the tape head from stray magnetic fields. In a useful embodiment of the invention, directed to apparatus for a tape transducer positioning mechanism, a carriage is disposed for movement along a path of travel relative to a support structure, to selectively position a tape transducer. One or more bearings are joined to the carriage, to support the carriage for movement along the path of travel.

Abstract: An actuator assembly according to one embodiment includes an inner effective annular magnet polarized radially, an outer effective annular magnet polarized radially, and a coil positioned between the inner and outer magnet structures. The magnet structures may be continuous magnets or constructed of multiple magnets. The coil may be a dual wound monofilament coil, where sections of the filament are wound in opposite directions.

Abstract: A dual layer flexible circuit for tape drives is provided that has a flexible substrate with first and second sides. A plurality of write trace pairs are provided on the substrate, with each write trace pair including a first write trace on the first side of the substrate and a second write trace on the second side of the substrate opposing the first write trace. Each first write trace has a width that is narrower than the width of each second write trace, thereby allowing for compensation of misalignment between the trace layers, avoiding variation in the capacitance and inductance of the full circuit.

Abstract: A head actuator design for a low profile tape drive is configured with a damping system for a head suspension system having flexure springs to accommodate a half-high form factor. The damping system employs hall sensors, for example, mounted on the head carriage that moves with the head carriage to provide position signals that are differentiated to form velocity signals used by a servo loop control system to dampen suspension system resonance. A flexible circuit routing is provided that is manageable for half-high form factors by combining the fine positioner loop and course positioner loop into a single loop, and preventing the head flexible printed circuit from contacting a top cover in the routing to a printed circuit board near the top cover.

Abstract: An actuator in one embodiment includes a threaded shaft; a shaft engaging portion coupled to the threaded shaft, the shad engaging portion being moveable in a direction parallel to an axis of the threaded shaft upon a relative rotation between the threaded shaft and the shaft engaging portion; and a ceramic bushing coupled to the shaft engaging portion, the bushing encircling the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A method for assembling an actuator assembly includes providing a first housing portion and a second housing portion; providing a coil, a pole piece, a magnet, and a completed beam; positioning the coil, pole piece, magnet, and completed beam between the housing portions; and coupling the housing portions together.

Abstract: A transducer for a digital storage apparatus that reads and writes data to a tape as the tape is moved in a tape drive path across the transducer. The transducer comprises a base and a head assembly that is attached to the base and movable relative to the base in a linear path that is perpendicular to the tape drive path. A guide assembly guides the movement of the head assembly that has a track that is partially defined by the head and partially defined by the base. The guide assembly includes at least two balls that are disposed in the track between the base and the head assembly. A magnetic coupling retains the balls within the track. A linear motor operatively engages the head assembly to move the head assembly to follow the tape. A method is provided for retaining a movable head of a transducer on a base of the transducer with a magnetic coupling.

Abstract: A head actuator assembly includes a coarse positioner base assembly that is mounted on a guide shaft and an anti-rotation shaft and provides increased structural rigidity due to a four-point support and spring loading of the coarse positioner base against the anti-rotation shaft. A two-part head-carriage and voice coil holder system permits different materials to be used for the head-carriage and the voice coil holder, obviating structural problems of a single-structured head-carriage and coil-holder system. A flexible printed circuit bracket eases manufacture and allows flexible printed circuits to be slid into the bracket and retained in place without the need for locating tabs and screws.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion, which together define a housing having an interior. A beam, preferably of one-piece construction, extends from the interior of the housing to the exterior of the housing. A coil, pole piece, and magnet are positioned in the interior of the housing. Energizing the coil causes movement of the beam relative to the housing. The housing portions may be identical. The housing portions may be symmetrical about their edges of coupling.

Abstract: A head actuator design for a low profile tape drive is configured with a damping system for a head suspension system having flexure springs to accommodate a half-high form factor. The damping system employs hall sensors, for example, mounted on the head carriage that moves with the head carriage to provide position signals that are differentiated to form velocity signals used by a servo loop control system to dampen suspension system resonance. A flexible circuit routing is provided that is manageable for half-high form factors by combining the fine positioner loop and course positioner loop into a single loop, and preventing the head flexible printed circuit from contacting a top cover in the routing to a printed circuit board near the top cover.

Abstract: In general, the invention provides a magnetic head device and linear tape drive that widen the high frequency side of the servo range. In particular, the invention provides a magnetic head device comprising a magnetic head chip with multiple magnetic elements arranged for recording or playback of multiple tracks and a fine positioning structure that uses a bimodal construction that may widen the high frequency side of the servo range by increasing the resonant frequency of the magnetic head chip including the tracking structure and lowering the Q value of the resonance point. In addition, the invention includes a damping structure suitable for the fine positioning structure that improves high speed response by widening the range in which the magnetic head device can be used for a servo. The magnetic head device may use a linear tape drive method.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a servo-controlled, head actuator design that has low profile characteristics in both the height and width dimensions. The low height allows the actuator to fit into a half-high tape drive form factor. The construction of the actuator, in one embodiment, reduces the width of the tape drive system, and allows the industry standard mounting with the necessary screw length. Additionally, in some implementations, the actuator comprises a smaller, concentrated moving mass coupled with a flexure construction having a narrowed width with added ribs for torsional stiffness. These aspects of the actuator provide a higher second mode of vibration compared to the flexure designs of the prior art. The actuator design includes a coarse actuator assembly for larger movements of the head, and a fine grain actuator, including a voice coil motor, responsive to analysis of servo signals.

Abstract: In one example, a drive head actuator includes a base, a positioner, and a planar coil. The positioner includes a frame movably attached to the base and having a data transducer head and at least one permanent magnet fixed thereto. The planar coil is fixed to the base and has a major surface disposed adjacent the at least one permanent magnet and substantially parallel to support surface of the data transducer head. The frame is operable to move relative to the base and planar coil in response to energizing the planar coil. Additionally, the positioner may be attached to the base via two flexures, which are relatively flexible in a plane of flexion and stiff in other planes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an actuator comprises a stationary guide, a carriage movable along the guide, and a piezoelectric motor operatively coupled to the carriage and pushing on the guide such that the motor when energized moves with the carriage along the guide.

Abstract: There is provided a tape recording system and head device. A tape recording system and head device include a plurality of recording sections for recording data signals on a recording medium wherein one recording section of the plurality of recording sections and another recording section arranged so as to adjoin the one recording section are disposed such that the one recording section and the another recording section are shifted from each other in a running direction and a width direction of the recording medium, and wherein the one recording section and another recording section simultaneously record a data signal on adjacent recording tracks on the recording medium.

Abstract: A head actuator assembly includes a coarse positioner base assembly that is mounted on a guide shaft and an anti-rotation shaft and provides increased structural rigidity due to a four-point support and spring loading of the coarse positioner base against the anti-rotation shaft. A two-part head-carriage and voice coil holder system permits different materials to be used for the head-carriage and the voice coil holder, obviating structural problems of a single-structured head-carriage and coil-holder system. A flexible printed circuit bracket eases manufacture and allows flexible printed circuits to be slid into the bracket and retained in place without the need for locating tabs and screws.

Abstract: In a tape data storage arrangement, a magnetic detent is provided to maintain a tape read/write head in selected positions with respect to the tape, during data transfer. The tape is mounted on a carriage movable between first and second positions, with respect to a support structure, and a detent member is fixably joined to the support structure. First and second detent components mounted on the carriage engage the detent member by means of a magnetic force, when the carriage is moved to the first and second positions, respectively. Usefully, the detent member is a magnet and the first and second components comprise steel. Alternatively, the detent member comprises steel, and the first and second components are both magnets.

Abstract: A transducer positioning apparatus includes a frame, a flexible member attached to the frame, and a guide member suspended from the frame by the flexible member. A carriage with a transducer mounted thereon is movable with respect to the guide member between multiple positions relative to the guide member. The apparatus further includes an actuator associated with the carriage. The actuator is operative to move the carriage with respect to the guide member to a selected position of the multiple positions and to move the carriage and the guide member relative to the frame to locate the transducer in a desired position. Furthermore, the flexible member is configured to allow axial movement of the guide member while inhibiting rotational movement of the guide member.

Abstract: A linear tape system has a multi-reproducing head MRh comprising a plurality of reproducing heads Rh each of which corresponds to one recording track Tr. Each reproducing head of the multi-reproducing head is arranged with a displacement in a width direction of the recording track. An entire width MRhw of the multi-reproducing head is enlarged larger than a width Trw of the recording track. In this manner, the linear tape system can reproduce the recording track recorded in a narrow width and provide a higher recording density.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly in a linear tape system. The magnetic head assembly includes a magnetic head having a central section, a first outrigger, and a second outrigger. The central section maintains at least one read/write element. The first outrigger is positioned adjacent the central section and forms at least one air bleed slot. The second outrigger is positioned adjacent the central section opposite the first outrigger and also forms at least one air bleed slot. Finally, the central section is laterally moveable relative to the outriggers. With this configuration, the moveable, central section, otherwise used for lateral positioning of the read/write element relative to a magnetic tape, is separated from the outriggers that otherwise minimize a fly height between the magnetic tape and the outriggers.

Abstract: A transducer positioning apparatus includes a frame, a first carriage movably associated with the frame and having a guide member, a second carriage that is movable with respect to the guide member between multiple positions relative to the guide member, and a transducer mounted on the second carriage. An anti-rotation member is associated with the second carriage for inhibiting rotational movement of the second carriage as the second carriage moves with respect to the guide member. The apparatus further includes an actuator associated with the second carriage. The actuator is operative to move the second carriage with respect to the guide member to a selected position of the multiple positions and to move the first carriage and the second carriage relative to the frame to locate the transducer in a desired position.

Abstract: A head lift body (42) with a head assembly (30) mounted thereon has a nut (45) engaged with a lead screw (41). The head lift body has an integral structure formed by resin molding with a through hole, a hollow opening, and a guide portion (47). The through hole receives the lead screw inserted therethrough. The hollow opening is formed at the center of the head lift body to accommodate a backlash preventing mechanism (43). The guide portion inhibits the rotation of the head lift body and guides the head lift body moving up and down along a rotation center axis of the lead screw. The backlash preventing mechanism comprises a preload bushing (431) and a preload spring (432). The preload bushing has an internal thread to be engaged with the external thread of the lead screw. The preload spring presses the head lift body against the preload bushing along the rotation center axis of the lead screw.

Abstract: Width of a write track for a magnetic tape head is measured by writing a foreground magnetic track signal on a magnetic tape having a dissimilar background signal. A magnetic tape read head is moved from beyond one edge, laterally across, and beyond the opposite edge of the foreground track signal. Logic detects the read head encountering the one edge and the opposite edge of the foreground track signal; and determines, from an independent position sensor, the width of the foreground track signal as the lateral distance between the lateral position of the read head at one edge, and at the opposite edge of the foreground track signal.