Abstract: An example embodiment provides for an apparatus, for use in a tape drive system, that facilitates adjustment of azimuth and zenith orientations of a magnetic tape head. The apparatus includes a top and bottom plate located above and below an actuator assembly that includes a magnetic head. Also included are first and second ball-ended guide rods that each have ends that mate with corresponding top and bottom plate sockets. Azimuth and zenith adjustment is provided for via at least one azimuth adjustment screw and at least one zenith adjustment screw. Various aspects of the apparatus include independent adjustment of the zenith and azimuth, where adjustments to one does not affect the other. Another aspect includes the top plate remaining in a substantially horizontal plane when either the azimuth or the zenith is adjusted.

Abstract: A media drive having a deck and a head positioning assembly. The deck has a first threaded hole. The head positioning assembly includes a baseplate having an aperture, a nut having a second threaded hole, and an adjustment screw having first and second threaded portions. The nut rotates about an axis of rotation and slides within the aperture to align the first and second threaded portions with the first and second threaded holes, respectively.

Abstract: An example embodiment provides for an apparatus, for use in a tape drive system, that facilitates adjustment of azimuth and zenith orientations of a magnetic tape head. The apparatus includes a top and bottom plate located above and below an actuator assembly that includes a magnetic head. Also included are first and second ball-ended guide rods that each have ends that mate with corresponding top and bottom plate sockets. Azimuth and zenith adjustment is provided for via at least one azimuth adjustment screw and at least one zenith adjustment screw. Various aspects of the apparatus include independent adjustment of the zenith and azimuth, where adjustments to one does not affect the other. Another aspect includes the top plate remaining in a substantially horizontal plane when either the azimuth or the zenith is adjusted.

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: A magnetic tape head tilting mechanism for adjusting the zenith of the magnetic head. The zenith adjustment mechanism eliminates the cumulative tolerances inherent in the components of mechanisms of prior art. The zenith adjustment mechanism utilizes a single adjustment screw to align the magnetic head such that the face is in parallel alignment relative to the tape path, along the transverse direction.

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: The azimuth angle between a tape head and magnetic tape accessed by the tape head must be properly set in high areal information density magnetic tape drives. A frame for setting the azimuth angle includes a first portion rigidly attached to a base. The head is mounted in a carriage held by a second frame portion permitting the carriage to move in a transverse direction across the tape width. Flexures join the first and second frame portions and permit the second frame portion to be rotated a frame angle relative to the first frame portion. Each flexure is positioned such that, when the frame angle is at a preset value, the flexure is radially aligned with the azimuth axis. A drive is set between the frame first and second portions. The drive rotates the second portion relative to the first portion by deflecting the flexures, thereby changing the azimuth angle.

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.