Backward compatible head and head positioning assembly for a linear digital tape drive
AssigneeQuantum Corporation
InventorsLaurence J. Albrecht, George A. Saliba
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tape recording and playback unit records and reads back data from tape either in a high track density standard format or alternatively reads back data from a tape previously recorded on another unit in accordance with a previous low density standard track format. The unit includes a primary head positioning mechanism for positioning a primary multi-channel write/read head and a secondary head positioning mechanism for positioning a secondary read-only head. The secondary head may be positioned angularly to read longitudinal and azimuth track patterns, and also to be retracted when not needed.
Claims42
A tape recording and playback unit for recording and playing back digital data recorded along a multiplicity of parallel longitudinal data tracks of a magnetic storage tape in accordance with a standard higher density track layout, and for reading back digital data recorded in accordance with a standard lower density track layout, the unit comprising:
- a base,
- a tape path defined along tape guides extending from the base between a tape supply reel and a tape pickup reel,
- a primary head positioning mechanism secured to the base at a first location along the tape path for positioning a primary multi-channel write/read head assembly for writing and reading user digital data in accordance with the standard high density track layout, and
- a secondary head positioning mechanism secured to the base at a second location along the tape path for positioning a secondary read-only head assembly for reading user digital data previously recorded upon another tape unit in accordance with the standard low density track layout.
A secondary head positioning mechanism providing backward compatibility within a tape recording and playback unit, the mechanism comprising:
- a frame adapted to be secured to a base of the tape unit at a predetermined location adjacent a tape path,
- a secondary lead screw rotatably secured to the frame,
- a head carriage block having a nut follower portion threaded onto the secondary lead screw,
- a head shaft rotatably secured to the head carriage block and having an axis of rotation perpendicular to a rotational axis of the secondary lead screw,
- a secondary head assembly for reading tape recorded with user digital data previously recorded by another tape unit in accordance with a prior standard low density track layout, the secondary head assembly being secured to one end of the head shaft, and
- a rotary voice coil operatively attached to the head shaft and interacting with fixed magnet of a stator assembly secured to the head carriage block.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.