Abstract: Methods, logic, apparatus and computer program product write data, comprising less than a full Data Set, to magnetic tape. Data is received from a host, a do-not-interleave command is issued and C1 and C2 ECC are computed. Codeword Quad (CQ) sets are then formed. At least one CQ set of the Data Set is written to a magnetic tape in a non-interleaved manner and a Data Set Information Table (DSIT) is written to the magnetic tape immediately following the at least one written CQ set. An address transformation may be used to cancel interleaving. Writing a CQ set may include writing a plurality of contiguous instances of the CQ set to the magnetic tape to maintain the effectiveness of ECC capability.

Abstract: A device and method for simultaneously manipulating multiple data storage cartridges or other storage elements in a storage library. The device housing includes an opening for receiving data storage cartridges. A gripping mechanism extends from the opening. The gripping mechanism is adapted to grip a data storage cartridge to be retrieved and to urge the data storage cartridge into the opening. One or more transport mechanisms are attached to one or more inner walls of the housing. The transport mechanisms are adapted such that once a data storage cartridge moves into the opening, the transport mechanisms will urge the data storage cartridge further into the opening until the data storage cartridge is held within the housing. The data storage cartridge can be moved further into the housing such that the gripping mechanism is free to collect additional cartridges.

Abstract: A data storage library is described including a plurality of tape cartridges each possessing an auxiliary radio frequency memory device. The library also includes, at least one tape drive capable of determining at least one functional status when loaded with one of the tape cartridges wherein the at least one tape drive possesses an auxiliary reader and writer device capable of transferring information associated with the at least one function status to and from the auxiliary radio frequency memory device. The tape drive also includes a means for transmitting the information from the auxiliary radio frequency memory device to a display device that can be viewed by an end user.

Abstract: A servo writer for writing a servo signal in a running tape memory medium comprises: a head which is arranged in a vicinity of a running path of the running tape memory medium; and a pair of guides which are disposed adjacent to the head in an upstream and downstream of the head in a tape running direction, wherein at least one of the head and pair of guides has a flange with which one edge the tape memory medium set in the running path runs is in contact, while the tape memory medium is running between the pair of guides, wherein the head has a sliding surface which slides in contact with a recording surface of the running tape memory medium, wherein the sliding surface is set with an inclination against a tape width direction of the tape memory medium, and the tape memory medium, which is running, is guided by the flange by having the one edge of the tape memory medium slide in contact with the flange.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium includes a tape-shaped nonmagnetic support, and a vertical magnetic layer formed on a main surface of the nonmagnetic support by a vacuum thin-film forming technique, signals being recorded on and reproduced from the vertical magnetic layer in a linear system. In the magnetic recording medium, the dipulse ratio of the vertical recording layer is 0.36 or more.

Abstract: An audio cassette tape player with a computer serial port is disclosed. The player includes a housing having a front panel and a rear panel. An analog output port, analog input port and computer serial port are located on the rear panel. An analog input port located on the rear panel. A first audio cassette deck having an output is located on the front panel. Adjacent thereto, a second audio cassette deck having an output and an input is also located on the front panel. The output of the first deck is electrically connected to the input of the second deck, the analog output port and the computer serial port. The output of the second deck is electrically connected to the analog output port and the computer serial port. Finally, the input port of the second deck is electrically connected to the computer serial port.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape apparatus of the present invention, a magnetic head unit having magnetic elements capable of recording or reproducing information with respect to a magnetic tape includes a movable member that includes a magnetic element and has such a size that the movable member comes into contact with the magnetic tape over an entire region in a width direction, and is placed so as to move in the width direction of the magnetic tape, and a stationary member that is placed at a position adjacent to the movable member in a magnetic tape transport direction, wherein the movable member is moved in the width direction of the magnetic tape by a tracking servo mechanism during a tracking servo control. According to this configuration, a magnetic tape apparatus excellent in a tracking precision can be provided, in which even a magnetic tape with a high friction coefficient does not move following the movement of a magnetic head unit in the width direction.

Abstract: A multi-channel thin-film magnetic head has magnetic read head elements, magnetic write head elements, servo magnetic head elements, a plurality of pairs of external connection pads for reading connected with magnetic read head elements, a plurality of pairs of external connection pads for writing connected with magnetic write head elements, a plurality of pairs of external connection pads for servo connected with servo magnetic head elements, and a plurality of connection pads for body grounding or other functions. The connection pads for reading, writing, servo and body grounding or other functions are arranged in lines on a surface of the multi-channel thin-film magnetic head, and lead conductors which are electrically connected with connection pads for reading, writing, servo and body grounding or other functions are different each other in terms of widths, shapes, connection points or existence of a connector among at least two types of connection pads.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for displaying information on a data storage cartridge. The data storage cartridge includes a driver circuit coupled to a display and a cartridge memory. The driver circuit activates the display on the data storage cartridge. In response to the activation of the display on the data storage cartridge the driver circuit obtains information from the cartridge memory of the data storage cartridge. The driver circuit displays at least a portion of the information obtained from the cartridge memory on the display of the data storage cartridge. In one embodiment the data storage cartridge is a tape cartridge.

Abstract: A leader tape in which an non-magnetic under layer that contains a powder and a binder and a magnetic upper layer are sequentially laminated on at least one side of a support, a center line average roughness (Ra) of a surface of the support is from 30 to 50 nm, and a center line average roughness (Ra) of the multi layer coated surface is larger than that (Ra) of an opposite surface of the support, and the difference is at most 4 nm.

Abstract: A tape library is provided with a fixed coupling mechanism so that the tape library includes discrete locations via which power and communication are provided to an accessor. The use of such a coupling mechanism in a vertical tape library allows for the use of gravity to ensure that the accessor can couple with the fixed coupling mechanism even when no power is present in the accessor.

Abstract: An automated tape library employs a docking frame structurally defining a tape storage workstation operable to be interlocked with one or more server slots of a server docking station for docking the automated tape library within the server docking station. The tape storage workstation houses a tape drive, one or more tape cartridge storage slots and a robotic picker. The tape cartridge storage slot(s) are used for storing one or more tape cartridges, and the robotic picker is used for moving the tape cartridge(s) between the tape drive and the tape cartridge storage slot(s).

Abstract: A tape cartridge recording/playback apparatus that receives a tape cartridge into an interior portion of the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tape cartridge misleading prevention key that prevents misloading of the tape cartridge. The tape cartridge misleading key is rotatably mounted in the interior portion of the apparatus and includes (i) a protruding portion that blocks an inserting direction front end face of the tape cartridge when the tape cartridge is improperly inserted and inhibits the tape cartridge from being inserted further, the protruding portion being in a first plane, and (ii) a block portion that is contacted by the tape cartridge when the tape cartridge is properly inserted, the block portion moving the protruding portion to a position where the protruding portion does not block insertion of the tape cartridge, the block portion being in a second plane that is different than the first plane.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge and A magnetic tape cartridge recording/reproducing apparatus, which can prevent a magnetic tape from being charged to avoid damage of a magnetic head while lowering the resistance of the magnetic tape and maintaining optimum electromagnetic conversion properties. A tape reel (7) is formed from a conductive material, and one end portion of a magnetic tape (6) connected to a reel hub (7B) has a surface resistivity [?/sq] in the order of 107 or less. In the magnetic tape (6) having a multilayer structure which comprises a magnetic layer (23), a nonmagnetic conductor layer (22), a plastic film (21), and a back coat layer (24) from the magnetic surface (6M) side, even when the surface resistivity of the magnetic layer (23) exceeds 107 ?/sq, the magnetic layer (23) is removed and the exposed nonmagnetic conductor layer (22) is connected to the reel hub (7A), thus lowering the resistance of the magnetic tape while maintaining optimum electromagnetic conversion properties.

Abstract: An optical disc drive 1 includes a spindle motor 11 for rotating the optical disc 2 and a spindle driver for driving the spindle motor 11 equipped with a rotation number counter 232 for measuring the rotation number of the spindle motor 11. A brake for braking the spindle motor 11 to reduce the rotation number thereof, can include at least three types of brake modes, and a selector for selecting one of the types of brake modes in response to the rotation number measured by the rotation number counter 232 when the rotation number of the spindle motor 11 is to be reduced. The optical disc drive 1 may further include a judging circuit for judging whether the rotation number of spindle motor 11 measured by the rotation number counter 232 reaches a predetermined target rotation number when the rotation of the optical disc 2 is to be stopped by the spindle motor 11.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a main chassis on which a rotatable head cylinder is mounted; a sub chassis movable relative to the main chassis; a cassette holder for holding the cassette and mounting the cassette on the sub chassis; a cassette holder elevating section for moving the cassette holder up and down with respect to the sub chassis; a holder engaging section provided on the main chassis; and a main chassis engaging section provided on the cassette holder. The sub chassis is movable relative to the main chassis from a cassette mountable position at which the cassette is mountable on the sub chassis to a tape pull-out position at which the magnetic tape has been pulled out from the cassette and wound around the rotatable head cylinder. The holder engaging section and the main chassis engaging section are engaged with each other at the tape pull-out position.

Abstract: A narrow magnetic body 66 in which outward path and inward path recording magnetic head devices 1WF and 1WR, capable of recording at least data on a metal evaporated type magnetic tape 51 running in the outward and inward direction and vice versa along the longitudinal direction, comprise the operation magnetic gaps GF and GR with the asymmetric structure is located at the leading side of the metal evaporated type magnetic tape 51. With this arrangement, magnetic field influence exerted by the narrow magnetic body can be decreased, and difference produced between magnetic recording and reproducing characteristics when the metal evaporated type magnetic tape is transported in the outward direction and in the inward direction can be decreased. Also, deteriorations of characteristics deteriorated by off-track upon reproduction can be improved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a drum assembly associated with a digital betacam video tape machine is disclosed. The method includes providing a helical scan drum assembly having a stationary upper drum, a stationary lower drum and a plurality of rotating read/write heads disposed between the stationary upper and lower drums. The rotating read/write heads reading and writing digital information to and from a tape. The method further includes inserting air grooves in the outer peripheral surface of the upper drum. The air grooves are configured to reduce sticktion between the tape and the outer peripheral surface of the upper drum when the tape is moved around the outer peripheral surface of the upper drum. The method additional includes mounting an adjustable band to the outer peripheral surface of the lower drum. The adjustable band is configured to guide the tape around the drum assembly in accordance with helical scans when the tape is moved around the outer peripheral surface of the upper drum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a loading gear supporting apparatus of a video cassette recorder which can assemble a loading gear supporting member which supports a pole base loading gear, a first loading gear, and a second loading gear to a deck more simply. To this end, a locking protrusion and a locking groove are respectively formed at the deck and the loading gear supporting member to elastically engage the locking protrusion to the locking groove.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a tape wrap angle is described comprising the steps of operating the tape system to generate or regenerate an electrical signal in the head from the tape, either increasing or reducing the tape wrap angle as appropriate until a signal from the tape head reappears or goes to zero, then increasing the wrap angle until the desired angle is achieved as measured by the signal from the head or by moving the tape support a fixed amount. A tape recording and/or reading system with adjustable wrap angles is described which can be used with a method of the invention. The system includes one or more rollers mounted on an adjustable shaft with an eccentric or axially offset portion supporting the roller. Preferably for a magnetic head, an adjustable shaft and roller are located on the tape-in and tape-out side of the tape head. The angular orientation of the eccentric shaft is adjustable, thereby, allowing precise adjustment of the position of the roller with respect to the tape head.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrically coupling read elements and write elements of a tape head assembly to another component includes an interconnect structure having plural layers of traces, with the traces comprising write traces electrically connected to respective write elements, and read traces electrically connected to respective read elements. The write traces and read traces are interleaved across a dimension of the interconnect structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the capacity of magnetic media storage is disclosed. More specifically, an improved two-sided magnetic tape is disclosed. In one implementation, in order to mitigate pack winding problems, a trade-off can be made between the back-coat roughness of a side of the magnetic tape and the mechanical imprint of that roughness in the recording surface of that side (e.g., compromise between roughness and recording density). For example, a recording density and coding scheme deemed appropriate for a relatively large recording head-to-media separation can be used for the “rougher” side of a two-sided tape, and the highest recording density achievable can be used for the “best” or smoothest side of the two-sided tape. Depending on the recording density/roughness match selected, an optimum capacity gain can be selected from a range of capacity gains with values between 1 and 2 (e.g., 1<(gain in capacity)<2).

Abstract: A tape head module assembly method is disclosed. A first and second module holder are placed in an initial alignment with module holder ends facing each other, the module ends each holding a tape head module. A tape wrap angle between the first and second module is set by first performing a fringe alignment and then lifting a rear end of the first and second module holder a prescribed amount. A horizontal adjuster produces a rotation for the first module holder so that gaps between the first and second modules are parallel. An alignment along a longitudinal axis for the second module holder is selected and the second module is translated laterally until the second tape head module held by the second module holder is aligned with the first tape head module held by the first module holder to provide reader-opposite-writer track-to-track registration. Then, the first and second tape head modules are joined together using a joining agent in the gap between the first and second tape head modules.

Abstract: Magnetic tape onto which information may be recorded on either side exhibits the risk of having information recorded on one side affect the opposite side when the two sides are adjacent, such as when the tape is wound in a tape pack. The chance that information recorded onto one surface of a double sided magnetic tape will affect information recorded on the other surface of the magnetic tape is reduced by keeping fields emanating from a recorded region less than about one-half the coercivity of the magnetic medium onto which the information is recorded.

Abstract: A recording system comprises a read-write head with a length that is substantially smaller than the width of the tape, the small mass of the head allows high frequency track following. The head contacts only that area of the tape currently being accessed, significantly reducing the tape and the head wear. The head flies over the tape with the flying height tightly controlled even at high tape speed and low tape tension. Several methods to stabilize the tape in the recording area are disclosed. The stabilizer can be a second recording head allowing dual sided recording. A first implementation uses a linear actuator and a second implementation uses a rotary actuator. A mechanism moves the head from the path of a threading mechanism.

Abstract: A spindle motor for use in a disk drive having a rotor assembly and a stator assembly. The rotor assembly has a hub and a rotating shaft with an outer diameter, the hub being mounted for rotation on the rotating shaft. The stator assembly has a bearing sleeve with a bottom opening, the rotating shaft being inserted into the bearing sleeve for rotation. A counter-plate is inserted into the bottom opening of the bearing sleeve thereby closing the bottom opening. A thrust plate is mounted on the rotating shaft in opposing relationship with the counter-plate, the thrust plate having an outer diameter. A fluid dynamic thrust bearing is formed between the counter-plate and the thrust plate. A ratio between the outer diameter of the shaft to the outer diameter of the thrust plate is reduced to reduce spindle motor's power consumption.

Abstract: A porous impregnation material (14) impregnated with a gaseous-phase lubricant that vaporizes at an atmosphere temperature within an outer case (2) is disposed in the inside of the outer case (2) that incorporates a tape mechanism (1) having a magnetic head such as a rotary video head (5). This allows the magnetic head to be in a state of being protected by a coating film of the gaseous-phase lubricant, thereby eliminating the adhesion of foreign substances other than the gaseous-phase lubricant to the magnetic head. As a result, decrease in the reading precision of magnetic data to be caused by the foreign substances can be prevented.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved composite substrate for use in a magnetic recording-and-reproducing device. It comprises an “L”-shaped main plate and a separate sub-plate. The “L”-shaped main plate has a major section of relatively large area and a minor section of relatively small area, integrally connected to one side of the major section. The sub-plate has a square or rectangular piece cut and separated from the minor section of the main plate. When being inversely arranged and jointed together two composite substrates can define a square or rectangular shape.

Abstract: A wide tape drive for use with a wide tape holder having a frame with an open top and an open bottom non-permanently closed with a top cover and a bottom cover, releasably held together and releasably held to the frame by snap connections respectively disposed at lateral sides of the holder, the wide tape holder containing two tape hubs rotatably mounted therein proceeding substantially parallel to the lateral sides of the frame, has a base plate with two guides projecting substantially perpendicularly from the base plate which receive the wide tape holder therebetween. The drive has at least one drive motor having a drive shaft disposed between the guides, which is inserted to and engages one of the tape hubs. A magnetic read/write head is mounted on a head position assembly between the guides, and orients the read/write head relative to the tape when the wide tape holder is inserted in the tape drive.

Abstract: In a data storage subsystem, drive-level processing treats data storage media as WORM by automatically advancing a write append limiter as data is written, and preventing changes to data occurring before the write append limiter. Despite this media's WORM nature, the drive-level processing permits limited overwriting of data at the end of tape since the write append limiter lags the current write location by the margin of a write allowance index. Thus, despite the drive's treatment of the media as WORM, the drive permits overwriting of trailing metadata in order to facilitate write append operations.

Abstract: In an essentially flat contour linear tape recording head, a nominal tape wrap angle exists at which reading signals from the magnetic tape ceases and/or commences. This nominal tape wrap angle can be easily determined by monitoring a prerecorded signal, such as the servo track signal, while the tape wrap angle is adjusted. When the signal ceases (or starts, depending upon the direction of adjustment) an initial position of the tape movement control device relative to the tape wrap angle is identified. At this initial position it is known that the tape wrap angle is at its nominal value, such as approximately 0.1°. Thereafter, the tape movement control device can be knowingly adjusted with a calibrated indicator to accurately and quickly achieve a desired final tape wrap angles.

Abstract: A magnetic tape head system and associated method are disclosed. Included is one or more head assemblies each including a base with a row bar coupled thereto with a head situated therein for defining a tape bearing surface defining a tape wrap angle with respect to a horizontal plane. A length of the tape bearing surface is between approximately 0.57 millimeters and 0.7 millimeters and the tape wrap angle is between approximately 0.5 degrees and 1.3 degrees such that a resolution of the magnetic tape head system is substantially independent of a velocity of the tape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accessing a data item from a storage system having a plurality of data storage devices are disclosed. I/O operation requests are submitted to multiple data storage devices for each data item to be accessed. The I/O operation requests are issued to copies of the data items that reside on a plurality of data storage devices. More I/O operation requests are submitted than the number of data items that are to be accessed, written, or updated.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a tape wrap angle is described comprising the steps of operating the tape system to generate or regenerate an electrical signal in the head from the tape, either increasing or reducing the tape wrap angle as appropriate until a signal from the tape head reappears or goes to zero, then increasing the wrap angle until the desired angle is achieved as measured by the signal from the head or by moving the tape support a fixed amount. A tape recording and/or reading system with adjustable wrap angles is described which can be used with the method of the invention. The system includes one or more rollers mounted on an adjustable shaft with an eccentric or axially offset portion supporting the roller. Preferably for a two or multibump head an adjustable shaft and roller according to the invention are located on the tape-in and tape-out side of the tape head.

Abstract: A wide tape drive for use with a wide tape holder having a frame with an open top and an open bottom non-permanently closed with a top cover and a bottom cover, releasably held together and releasably held to the frame by snap connections respectively disposed at lateral sides of the holder, the wide tape holder containing two tape hubs rotatably mounted therein proceeding substantially parallel to the lateral sides of the frame, has a base plate with two guides projecting substantially perpendicularly from the base plate which receive the wide tape holder therebetween. The drive has at least one drive motor having a drive shaft disposed between the guides, which is inserted to and engages one of the tape hubs. A magnetic read/write head is mounted on a head position assembly between the guides, and orients the read/write head relative to the tape when the wide tape holder is inserted in the tape drive.

Abstract: A data transfer device adapted to transfer data from a data storage medium having at least one data storage element the data transfer device comprising a head block having first and second transfer elements.

Abstract: A tape transport system for positioning magnetic tape moving over a tape head is provided. The tape system includes a carrier ribbon having a width equal to the tape width. Passages through the carrier ribbon permit air, such as might otherwise trapped between the magnetic tape and the carrier ribbon, to pass through the carrier ribbon. At least one carrier ribbon guide is positioned on either side of the tape head. Each carrier ribbon guide has a channel of substantially the same width as the carrier ribbon for positioning the magnetic tape and the carrier ribbon across the tape head. A ribbon drive moves the carrier ribbon past the ribbon guides.

Abstract: An anti-static measure is taken against tape guide parts of a magnetic tape cassette by forming the tape guide parts of a conductive material and so on. An antistatic measure against a lid, an upper shell, a transparent window and a lower shell is taken by coating at least either of inside and outside of each of the lid, the upper shell, the transparent window and the lower shell with an anti-static film. A magnetic layer of a magnetic tape has a thickness of from 10 nm or more to 100 nm or less, and also contains oxygen in an amount of from 20 atm % or more to 30 atm % or less in a whole magnetic layer. An information recording surface of the magnetic tape has also a surface resistance of from 103&OHgr;/inch2 or more to 1012&OHgr;/inch2 or less.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accessing a data item from a storage system having a plurality of data storage devices are disclosed. I/O operation requests are submitted to multiple data storage devices for each data item to be accessed. The I/O operation requests are issued to copies of the data items that reside on a plurality of data storage devices. More I/O operation requests are submitted than the number of data items that are to be accessed, written, or updated.

Abstract: A power generator for a Digital Cassette Cartridge, which is put into a cassette player for playing back the digital audio files stored in the Digital Cassette Cartridge. The cassette player contains a reel shaft for driving the power generator of the Digital Cassette Cartridge. The power generator includes two gears, a magnetic object, a coil and a power supply. The first gear is coaxially engaged with the reel shafts. The second gear rotates as the first gear rotates. The magnetic object is coaxially mounted and is conjointly rotatable with the second gear. The coil produces an alternating current source when the magnetic object rotates. The power supply receives the alternating current and converts the alternating current to a direct current source.

Abstract: A system and method for determining when data stored in a data storage device is becoming unreliable. A list of trigger events is maintained, either on the media, or on a host processor, and the number of trigger events pertaining to data retrieval errors is also maintained either on the disc media or on the host processor. Based upon the trigger events and the running totals, the disc media is scanned for errors from time to time and the error detecting algorithm can change depending upon the respective trigger totals.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus such as a tape recorder includes a main body, an input and/or output block, and an attach/detach mechanism. The main body has a first terminal section. The input and/or output block has a second terminal section to be connected to the first terminal section and is detachably mounted on the main body. When the first terminal section is connected to the second terminal section, the input and/or output block is supplied with a signal from the main body through the first and the second terminal sections. The attach/detach mechanism detachably attaches the input and/or output block on the main body. The attach/detach mechanism has at least one engagement section provided on one of the main body and the input and/or output block, an engagable section provided on the other of the main body and the input and/or output block, so as to be engaged with the engagement section, and an urging mechanism for urging the engagement section to be engaged with the engagable section.

Abstract: A pinch roller apparatus is disclosed which fully satisfies the requirements of tape running stability and durability of the bearing. A roller shaft is arranged inclined such that the tip end is close to the capstan. The angle of inclination (.alpha.) of the roller shaft with respect to the axis of the capstan is in the range of 0.degree.<.alpha..ltoreq.7.degree.. Also, when clearance in the radial direction between the roller shaft and the plain bearing is represented by "a" and the effective length in the axial direction of the plain bearing is represented by "b", then the relation 0.002.ltoreq.a/b.ltoreq.0.05 is satisfied.

Abstract: A switching signal generator outputs a switching signal which indicates either an accelerating mode or a decelerating mode by comparing a motor control signal and reference voltage. A first activation signal generator and a second activation signal generator output a first activation signal and a second activation signal, respectively, according to the switching signal from the switching signal generator. A switching control signal generator outputs either a switching control signal based on a motor location signal or a desired electric potential according to the switching signal from switching signal generator, a first activation signal from the first activation signal generator and a motor location signal.

Abstract: A device for displaying the rotating condition of a tape or disk in audio or video systems is disclosed. The display device has a rotary means, which is installed inside a housing of an audio or video system and is rotated synchronously with a tape feeding or disk rotating motion of the system. A transparent window is set on the housing at a position suitable for observing the rotary means from outside the housing. A guide tube extends from the window toward the rotary means and allows a user to observe a rotating motion of the rotary means through the transparent window and thereby to check the tape feeding or disk rotating motion of the system. The rotary means may be one of the rotating members of a power transmission mechanism of the system. Alternatively, the rotary means may be a rotating wheel operating in conjunction with the rotating members of a power transmission mechanism of the system.

Abstract: A brake device for magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus, such as a slide loading type camera recorder. The supply reel brake unit includes a supply reel brake having an operating pin, and a mode switch gear having an operating protrusion pushing the operating pin in a tape running mode, thereby releasing the tape supply reel table. In addition, the supply reel brake unit may comprise a drive cam gear, a supply reel brake cooperating with the drive cam gear to selectively brake the tape supply reel table.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive for reading/writing data on magnetic tape in a cartridge of the type in which a driven roller in the cartridge moves tape past a read/write head in the drive has a spring clip which holds the motor plate of the tape drive motor on the chassis. The spring clip is secured on the chassis with a snap-on interference fit. The spring clip bears against the motor and also provides an electrical ground connection from chassis ground to the circuit board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording and playing back of a permanent digital information on a recording medium consisting of an insulating and a conductive layers of material, by creating spots of increased conductivity in the insulating layer.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium and a magnetic tape cassette are disclosed, comprising a non-magnetic support having formed on one surface only thereof at least two layers including a lower layer and an upper magnetic layer formed thereon, wherein the surface electric resistance (Rs) of the surface of the magnetic layer of said magnetic recording medium is 10.sup.9 .OMEGA./sq or less, the non-magnetic support contains at least three different kinds of particles which vary from each other in at least one property of mean particle diameter and Mohs' hardness, and the opposite surface of the magnetic recording medium comprises the rear surface of the nonmagnetic support having at least 1,000 projections having a height of from 200 nm to 400 nm per 0.1 mm.sup.2, but with the provisos that not more than 1,000 projections are present having a height of from 400 nm to 700 nm per 0.1 mm.sup.2 and not more than 50 projections are present having a height of 700 nm or more per 0.1 mm.sup.2.

Abstract: A loop-shaped drive and drive system for retrieving and storing information on flexible recording strips. The drive has a loop-shaped conduit having a working surface on its inner periphery. A fluid, such as air, is supplied to the conduit and emerges from an array of uniformly distributed orifices in the working surface. Fluid streams from the orifices support the recording strip above the working surface and transport it around the inner periphery of the loop-shaped conduit. As the strip travels around the loop-shaped conduit, it passes in close proximity with at least one transducer, thereby allowing the transducer(s) to read/write information on the strip.