Patent · US Expired

Damped tape head

US6469860B1 · kind B1 · utility

4Cited by
11References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 5, 2000
Grant dateOct 22, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 5, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG11B5/584
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

The recent trend towards incorporating a higher density of data tracks on magnetic tape has necessitated more accurate mechanisms for positioning tape heads. A system for seeking tracks on a magnetic tape via a fine position adjustment system includes a carriage frame that holds a magnetic tape head. The magnetic tape head reads and writes magnetic tape as the tape passes in close proximity to the tape head. Flexures attach the carriage frame to the tape head permitting movement in a transverse direction normal to the direction of tape travel across the head while restricting movement of the tape head in a direction parallel to tape travel or in a direction normal to the tape surface. A drive mechanism moves the tape head in the transverse direction in response to a control signal. A linear tachometer provides a velocity signal based on the movement of the tape head in the transverse direction. Control logic receives a command to move the tape head in the transverse direction, generates a control signal to change the head position, and modifies the control signal to dampen tape head oscillations relative to the carriage frame based on the velocity signal.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.