US 5,870,924 A · Tape bearing surface with reduced tape contact and method of making same

Abstract

A tape bearing surface for a tape that reduces tape surface contact near the edge, while minimizing variation in cross-web tension, and a method of making the same. The tape surface piece has a longitudinal axes defining a tape path and a lateral axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along a top surface. The top surface defines a convex shape having at least one distinct radii extending along the lateral axis. In one embodiment, the convex shape is elliptical or parabolic. In one embodiment, two distinct radii are formed so that a first radius proximate a center of the lateral axis is greater then a second radius proximate edges of the lateral axis. The present invention is also directed to a tape guide and a tape cartridge containing the present tape bearing surface.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A method of forming a tape bearing surface for a tape, the tape having a boundary layer of air entrapped between the tape and the bearing surface, upon movement of the tape, a flying height above the surface, and a cross-web tension, comprising the steps of:

providing a stationary tape surface piece having a top surface with a longitudinal axis defining a tape path and a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
and
forming the top surface into a convex shape extending along the lateral axis having at least two distinct radii, comprising a first radii proximate a center of the lateral axis and a second radii proximate edges of the lateral axis, the respective radii being such as to minimize cross-web tension of the tape while minimizing friction and maintaining a predetermined flying height as the tape moves over the top surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tape bearing surface with reduced tape contact and method of making same

Life of this patent

Tape bearing surface with reduced tape contact and method of making same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10