Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape embedded drive having a head-gimbal assembly (HGA) and a contact plate. By using a support structure or contact plate beneath the tape, read and write heads can be designed to be narrower than the tape. The support structure or contact plate can stretch or relax the tape so that the spacing between servo tracks on the tape corresponds to the servo to servo spacing on the head. HGAs, which are narrower than the tape, can fly over the tape and read data from and write data to the tape. The HGA can have a single head or multiple heads. Additionally, multiple independent head assemblies can also be used for reading from and writing to the same tape.

Abstract: A first semi-flexible structure and a second semi-flexible structure may be generated. The first semi-flexible structure may be bonded to a first end of a write/read tape head. The second semi-flexible structure may be bonded to a second end of the write/read tape head. A voice coil motor may be activated.

Abstract: A resin composition forming an insulation layer, including a base resin containing polyolefin, and an inorganic filler; wherein a surface of the inorganic filler includes a hydrophobic silyl group represented by formula (1) and an aminosilyl group having an amino group.

Abstract: A system includes a motor circuit and a calibration test circuit configured to be coupled to the motor circuit to calculate a nominal motor constant representing operation of a motor in a nominal mode, calculate a motor impedance function comprising one or more motor impedance values at one or more motor frequencies, store one or more values of the impedance function in a memory of the motor circuit, and calculate a range of acceptable motor constant values based on the nominal motor constant. The motor circuit may be configured to calculate an operating motor constant value for the motor while operating, wherein the operating motor constant value is based on at least one of the stored values of the impedance function and compare the motor constant value to the range of acceptable motor constant values stored in the memory to detect if a motor stall has occurred.

Abstract: Provided is a wire driving device including: wires one ends of which are attached to a movable member; pulleys to which the other ends of the individual wires are secured; driven gears that are coaxially secured to the individual pulleys; a drive gear that is connected to a driving source; and movable gears that are disposed between the drive gear and the individual driven gears and that can transmit the motive power of the driving source to the driven gears from the drive gear. The movable gears are provided in a movable manner so that the movable gears engage with the drive gear and the driven gears when the drive gear is rotated in a direction, and so that the engagements of the movable gears with at least one of the drive gear and the driven gears are released when the drive gear is rotated in the other direction.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: determining a reading performance of a head positioned at a commanded lateral reading location based on one or more metrics; adjusting a lateral reading location of the head relative to a medium by moving the head in a lateral direction away from the commanded lateral reading location to an adjusted lateral reading location; determining a reading performance of the head after the adjusting; comparing the reading performance after the adjusting to the reading performance before the adjusting for determining whether the reading performance has improved; and selecting an optimal lateral reading location based on the comparing. The one or more metrics are selected from a group consisting of C1 error correction rate, and C2 error correction rate. Corresponding systems and computer program products are also disclosed.

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: An actuator includes a housing assembly, an actuator shaft, an actuation member, and an anti-rotation rod. The actuator shaft is rotationally mounted in the housing assembly, is adapted to receive a drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt of the drive torque, to rotate. The actuation member is mounted on the actuator shaft, and is configured to translate in response to rotation of the actuator shaft. The anti-rotation rod is coupled to the actuator housing and extends therefrom. The anti-rotation is rod configured to at least selectively engage, and thereby prevent rotation of, the actuation member.

Abstract: Provided is a worm mechanism provided with a worm shaft including a worm, and a worm wheel that meshes with the worm, the worm mechanism including: a first holding member configured to join a drive source that drives the worm shaft to bearings that support the worm shaft at both sides so that the worm shaft is rotatable; and a first urging member configured to urge the first holding member in a first direction in which the worm meshes with the worm wheel.

Abstract: An actuator includes a leadscrew and a helical gear engaging the leadscrew, the helical gear having journals extending from opposite ends thereof. A carriage operatively engages the journals. A relative rotation between the leadscrew and the helical gear creates a relative movement between the carriage and the leadscrew in a direction parallel to an axis of the leadscrew.

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 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: 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: 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: In the engaging structure of a lead screw (51) with a head lift body (52), for simplification of a feeding side mechanism and improvement of feeding accuracy, the head lift body has only one fingernail shaped protrusion (551) as a member engaging with an external thread of the lead screw (51). The protrusion (551) is provided on an internal wall surface of a bearing portion (55) formed in an integral structure with the head lift body (52). Accordingly, the engagement of the external thread of the lead screw and the single protrusion converts the rotation movement of the lead screw (51) to the linear movement of the head lift body (52). As a result, a feeding accuracy in the linear movement converted from the rotation movement is only determined by a feeding accuracy of only the lead screw (51). In an example, the protrusion is a half-moon shaped plate.

Abstract: A head lift mounting a head assembly and having a through hole allowing a lead screw to extend therethrough, comprises a cylindrical portion having a hollow opening formed in the center thereof. A pair of flexible print circuits are arranged in a manner such that the cylindrical portion of the head lift is wound by the flexible print circuits. An actuator assembly is kept vertical on a chassis by virtue of a bearing holder, while the pair of flexible print circuits are extending out through one side of the bearing holder.

Abstract: In order to provide a head transfer mechanism capable of absorbing a play of a head assembly not only in a thrust direction but also in a radial direction as well as a head actuator assembly and a tape drive using the same, the head transfer mechanism comprises a lead screw with a thread ridge, a head elevation guiding member, a preload bushing arranged in a hollow opened portion of a head lift, and a compression coil spring for applying the head lift with a pressing force in an axial direction of the lead screw. The head elevation guiding member comprises as an integral structure a head lift on which the head assembly is mounted and a head guide having a thread groove engaged with the lead screw and serving to move the head lift up and down along a rotation center axis following the rotation of the lead screw. In the head elevation guiding member, the head assembly is given a biasing load in a radial direction of the lead screw.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage, including a worm gear and a worm gear support bracket, for joining a drive motor to a helical gear; it is particularly adapted for controlling a tape drive head. The worm gear head is threadably engaged with the helical gear. The shaft of the worm gear is engaged with the motor and is sufficiently flexible to operably correct misalignments between the worm gear shaft and the motor shaft. The support bracket includes a flat leaf spring which provides lateral spring force against the worm gear shaft to maintain a driving engagement between the worm gear and the helical gear, while the leaf spring is stiff in the in-plane directions of movement. The support bracket also includes a bushing, such as a C-shaped bushing or a cylindrical bushing, which provides support for the worm gear shaft against the helical gear.

Abstract: In the engaging structure of a lead screw (51) with a head lift body (52), for simplification of a feeding side mechanism and improvement of feeding accuracy, the head lift body has only one fingernail shaped protrusion (551) as a member engaging with an external thread of the lead screw (51). The protrusion (551) is provided on an internal wall surface of a bearing portion (55) formed in an integral structure with the head lift body (52). Accordingly, the engagement of the external thread of the lead screw and the single protrusion converts the rotation movement of the lead screw (51) to the linear movement of the head lift body (52). As a result, a feeding accuracy in the linear movement converted from the rotation movement is only determined by a feeding accuracy of only the lead screw (51). In an example, the protrusion is a half-moon shaped plate.

Abstract: A backlash eliminating mechanism is used in a head sending mechanism for sending head assembly mounted on a head lift up and down along a relation axis of a lead screw. The backlash eliminating mechanism comprises a pressing means for always pressing the head lift along the rotation axis of the lead screw. The pressing means comprises a preload bushing located in a middle space of the head lift and has a internal thread engaging an external thread of the lead screw extending through the middle space. A compressed coil spring is located between the head lift and the preload bushing in the middle space of the head lift and presses the head lift against the preload bushing along the rotation axis of the lead screw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing tape dimensional changes during accessing of a tape. A profile for the tape is identified. A determination is then made as to whether a location is being accessed on the tape. Tension applied to the tape is adjusted using the location and the profile, wherein tape width dimensional changes are minimized.

Abstract: In order to provide a head transfer mechanism capable of absorbing a play of a head assembly not only in a thrust direction but also in a radial direction as well as a head actuator assembly and a tape drive using the same, the head transfer mechanism comprises a lead screw with a thread ridge, a head elevation guiding member, a preload bushing arranged in a hollow opened portion of a head lift, and a compression coil spring for applying the head lift with a pressing force in an axial direction of the lead screw. The head elevation guiding member comprises as an integral structure a head lift on which the head assembly is mounted and a head guide having a thread groove engaged with the lead screw and serving to move the head lift up and down along a rotation center axis following the rotation of the lead screw. In the head elevation guiding member, the head assembly is given a biasing load in a radial direction of the lead screw.

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: A head lift mounting a head assembly and having a through hole allowing a lead screw to extend therethrough, comprises a cylindrical portion having a hollow opening formed in the center thereof. A pair of flexible print circuits are arranged in a manner such that the cylindrical portion of the head lift is wound by the flexible print circuits. An actuator assembly is kept vertical on a chassis by virtue of a bearing holder, while the pair of flexible print circuits are extending out through one side of the bearing holder.

Abstract: In an interpose lever (60) for holding in a tape drive (10) a tape cartridge (20) formed with a recess (21) thereon, a movable base (11a) has a protrusion (614) to be engaged with the recess to inhibit the tape cartridge from being released. A release arm (63) is rotatably attached to the base for releasing engagement between the protrusion and the recess. The release arm is urged by a spring (64) in a predetermined rotating direction. A shaft (617) is formed integral with the base to serve as a rotation center member of the release arm.

Abstract: A tape drive read/write head assembly that utilizes a magnetic shield to help protect the head from any magnetic flux that strays from the tape drive's motor. The head assembly includes a voice coil motor, a transducer head (typically a read/write head), and a carriage carrying the head. The carriage is movably coupled to the motor. The magnetic shield is positioned at least partially between the head and the motor. In one preferred version of the invention, the shield is a metal plate sandwiched between the head and the carriage. It is desirable to make the shield from a high nickel content metal or similar type material that has a large magnetic flux carrying capacity with a small magnetizing force.

Abstract: A backlash eliminating mechanism is used in a head sending mechanism for sending head assembly mounted on a head lift up and down along a relation axis of a lead screw. The backlash eliminating mechanism comprises a pressing means for always pressing the head lift along the rotation axis of the lead screw. The pressing means comprises a preload bushing located in a middle space of the head lift and has a internal thread engaging an external thread of the lead screw extending through the middle space. A compressed coil spring is located between the head lift and the preload bushing in the middle space of the head lift and presses the head lift against the preload bushing along the rotation axis of the lead screw.

Abstract: A tape recording and playback unit records and reads back data from tape either in a high track density standard format or alternatively reads back data from a tape previously recorded on another unit in accordance with a previous low density standard track format. The unit includes a primary head positioning mechanism for positioning a primary multi-channel write/read head and a secondary head positioning mechanism for positioning a secondary read-only head. The secondary head may be positioned angularly to read longitudinal and azimuth track patterns, and also to be retracted when not needed.

Abstract: A tape recording and playback unit records and reads back data from tape either in a high track density standard format or alternatively reads back data from a tape previously recorded on another unit in accordance with a previous low density standard track format. The unit includes a primary head positioning mechanism for positioning a primary multi-channel write/read head and a secondary head positioning mechanism for positioning a secondary read-only head. The secondary head may be positioned angularly to read longitudinal and azimuth track patterns, and also to be retracted when not needed.