Apparatus for precise positioning of a tape head and programming thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a device to facilitate precise positioning of a tape head at a particular track on a magnetic tape. Typically, the magnetic tape is adapted to be received in a drive assembly which has a memory and a motor. The device includes a mounting tray for receiving the tape drive assembly, and a laser beam emitted from a laser source. On the tape head of the device, a reflector is positioned and moves with the tape head. Beam directors are provided to ensure that the laser beam passes from the laser source to the reflector. The distance traveled by the tape head from a predetermined point to a position adjacent a track on the magnetic tape is accurately measured, and the extent of movement of the motor required to move the tape head through such a distance is also measured. Thereafter, the measurements are programmed into the tape drive assembly memory.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.