Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes instructing performance of a data operation on a magnetic recording tape using a primary drive, wherein the primary drive rewinds the magnetic recording tape onto a spool at a first tension. The method also includes instructing transfer of the magnetic recording tape to a rewinder drive after performance of the data operation and instructing the rewinder drive to perform a low-tension rewind operation. The low-tension rewind operation includes unspooling the magnetic recording tape from the spool and rewinding the magnetic recording tape onto the spool at a second tension lower than the first tension.

Abstract: A control device for controlling tape transport within a tape transport system is disclosed. The control device includes a determination unit, which includes at least a first servo channel and a second servo channel for determining a first lateral position of a tape relative to the head, and for determining a difference between the first and second lateral positions. A computing unit computes a number of unsupported wraps of the tape as a function of the lateral position difference, wherein the number of unsupported wraps corresponds to the number of layers of the tape around the take-up reel having air layers in-between, and computes a spring constant of the tape as a function of the number of unsupported wraps, a radius of the take-up reel and a nominal tape path length. A calibration unit calibrates at least one unit of the tape transport system dependent on the spring constant.

Abstract: A method for avoiding tape stiction is provided with a tape drive with a pair of motors for driving a pair of tape reels for conveying data tape across one or more read/write heads. Tachometers measure rotation of the pair of tape reels. Motion of the tape is started and rotation of the tape reels is measured by the tachometers. The measurement of the rotation of the tape reels is compared to determine if there is enough slack associated with tape stiction. The location of tape stiction is stored and weighted. Another method stops motion of the tape at a location wherein excessive tape stiction has not been detected. A tape drive is provided for performing methods for avoiding tape stiction.

Abstract: A servo writer which writes a servo mend on a tape by the write head is characterized by being equipped with a pay-off side motor paying off the tape from tie payoff reel by rotating the pay-off reel; a winding side motor winding the tape on the winding reel by rotating the winding reel; a first capstan roller and second capstan roller which are provided at an upstream side and down stream side of the write head, respectively, and by rotating the capstan rollers, run the tape in a state pinched between respective pinch rollers and the capstan rollers; a first tension detector which is provided between the first capstan roller and second capstan roller and detects running tape tension; and a capstan roller controlling unit controlling a rotation speed of the first capstan roller and second capstan roller so that tension detected by the tension detector becomes constant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the controlled dynamic braking of a DC motor in a tape transport device are provided. A PWM state device includes a plurality of state transition paths, each path having an initial state, representative of a tape profile, including a predetermined range of tape velocities, relative amounts of tape on each reel and an initial tape tension, and at least one subsequent state. When a low power event is detected, one of the state transition paths is selected, based upon a current tape profile, and an associated PWM signal is transmitted to the motor. An energy storage device provides power to the PWM state device during the low power event. The PWM signals follow the selected transition path to modulate the current generated by the motion of the motor and thereby create a decelerating force while substantially maintaining the initial tape tension.

Abstract: A data tape drive senses the ambient temperature and the relative humidity of the environment in which the tape drive is operating. The tension exerted on the data tape by the tape drive is then adjusted as a function of the temperature and/or humidity. When the tape is more rigid at low temperature/humidity, the tension is increased. At nominal temperature/humidity, a nominal tape tension is used. However, under elevated conditions a lower tension is utilized to avoid damaging the tape. The sensors also may be used to completely prohibit drive and tape operation when the tape drive is in an extreme environment that is beyond an acceptable design range. Tape acceleration profiles due to atmospheric conditions are changed based on the propensity of the tape to stick to the head.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic tape unit having a magnetic head for reading and writing data from and onto a magnetic tape. The magnetic tape is traveled in contact with the magnetic head during a read/write operation of the magnetic head. During a rest period where the read/write operation of the magnetic head is not performed, a reciprocating motion of the magnetic tape by a small distance is performed with a predetermined period. A temperature in the vicinity of the magnetic head is detected by a temperature sensor. The predetermined period is changed according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Accordingly, the adhesion of the magnetic tape to the magnetic head can be well prevented irrespective of the temperature inside the tape unit.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the end of a tape within a tape drive system, wherein the tape drive system includes a take-up reel and a supply reel upon which the tape is wound. The tape is driven through the tape drive system at a closed loop velocity. A tension transducer located in a path of the tape is utilized to monitor a tension associated with the tape while the tape is being driven through the tape drive system at the closed loop velocity. The tension transducer is utilized to detect the end of the tape. The take-up reel is then moved through a predetermined arc of rotation, in response to a cessation of the driving of the tape through the tape drive system. A confirmation is then provided that the end of tape has been detected, in response to a particular output of the tension transducer.