US 5,680,278 A · Apparatus for combining linear and rotational motion of an azimuth read/write head

Abstract

A mechanism and method for providing rotational and linear movement to an azimuth tape recording head is disclosed. The mechanism includes a toothed gear upon which the read/write head is mounted. Two identical threaded shafts, each extending from identical stepper motors are mounted on a base, along a same vertical plane as the toothed gear. Rotational axes of the threaded shafts are arranged in a parallel relation such that each is meshably engaged to the toothed gear on opposing sides. Rotational movement of the head is achieved by synchronously rotating the threaded shafts, at the same speed, in opposite directions. Linear movement, or lifting/lowering, of the head is achieved by synchronously rotating one threaded shaft in one direction and the other threaded shaft in the opposite direction.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A mechanism for rotating and linearly displacing an azimuth read/write head comprising:

a base;
a toothed gear mounted to the read/write head;
means for ensuring that the toothed gear linearly displaces along a vertical plane;
the toothed gear being moveably mounted to the means for ensuring that the toothed gear linearly displaces along a vertical plane;
a first threaded shaft extending from a first motor;
a second threaded shaft extending from a second motor;
the first and second motors being mounted to the base such that a rotational axis of the first shaft is parallel to a rotational axis of the second shaft;
and
the threaded shafts being meshed with the toothed gear.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for combining linear and rotational motion of an azimuth read/write head

Life of this patent

Apparatus for combining linear and rotational motion of an azimuth read/write head

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20