# US 7,609,475 B2 · Tape guide system and tape drive system implementing same > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,609,475 B2 - Document ID: US7609475B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/463,223 - Filed: 2006-08-08 - Published: 2008-02-14 - Granted: 2009-10-27 - Earliest claimed: 2006-08-08 - Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation - Inventors: Robert Glenn Biskeborn; Wayne Isami Imaino - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7609475B2 ## CPC - G11B 15/60: Guiding record carrier (guiding devices structurally associated with magazines or cassettes G11B23/04) - G11B 15/602: {for track selection, acquisition or following} - G11B 15/61: on drum, e.g. drum containing rotating heads {(G11B15/66 takes precedence)} - G11B: INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER (recording measured values in a way that does not require playback through a transducer G01D9/00; recording or playback apparatus using mechanically marked tape, e.g. punched paper tape, or using unit records, e.g. punched or magnetically marked cards G06K; transferring data from one type of record carrier to another G06K1/18; circuits for coupling output of reproducer to radio receiver H04B1/20; gramophone pick-ups or like acoustic electromechanical transducers or circuits therefor H04R) ## Abstract A tape guide assembly and tape drive system including the same comprise a roller guide adapted for engaging a tape wrapped around at least a portion of an outer surface thereof; and at least one support for lifting the tape from the roller guide. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A tape guide assembly, comprising: a roller guide adapted for engaging a tape wrapped around at least a portion of an outer surface thereof; and at least one support for lifting the tape from the roller guide, wherein the tape engages the outer surface of the roller guide on both sides of the support when wrapped around the roller guide. ### Claim 2 A tape guide assembly, comprising: a roller guide adapted for engaging a tape wrapped around at least a portion of an outer surface thereof; and at least one support for lifting the tape from the roller guide, wherein an outer surface of the roller guide is textured. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The tape guide assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one support has a rounded shape. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The tape guide assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein the at least one support has a shape about conforming to a portion of a Cornu spiral. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The tape guide assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the roller guide has grooves extending circumferentially therealong. ### Claim 6 (depends on 2) The tape guide assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one support has a shape that allows an air bearing to be formed between the support and a tape passing over the support. ### Claim 7 A tape drive system, comprising: a head; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the head, the drive mechanism including: a roller guide, the tape being at least partially wrapped around the roller guide; and at least one support for lifting the tape from the roller guide in the vicinity of the head, wherein the tape engages the roller guide on opposite sides of the head when wrapped around the roller guide; and a controller in communication with the head. ### Claim 8 A tape drive system, comprising: a head; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the head, the drive mechanism including; a roller guide, the tape being at least partially wrapped around the roller guide; and at least one support for lifting the tape from the roller guide in the vicinity of the head; and a controller in communication with the head, wherein an outer surface of the roller guide is textured. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The tape drive system as recited in claim 8, wherein the head has a flat contour tape bearing surface. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The tape drive system as recited in claim 8, wherein a tape bearing surface of the head faces the roller guide. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The tape drive system as recited in claim 10, wherein the head engages the tape between the supports, wherein a wrap angle of the tape relative to a tape bearing surface of the head is determined by an extent of insertion of the head between the supports. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The tape drive system as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one support has a rounded shape. ### Claim 13 (depends on 8) The tape drive system as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one support has a shape that allows an air bearing to be formed between the support and a tape passing over the support. ### Claim 14 A tape drive system, comprising: a head; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the head, the drive mechanism including; a roller guide, the tape being at least partially wrapped around the roller guide; and opposing supports for lifting the tape from the roller guide in the vicinity of the head, the head engaging the tape between the supports, wherein the tape engages the roller guide towards outer sides of the opposing supports when wrapped around the roller guide; an actuator for positioning the head relative to the roller guide; and a controller in communication with the head. ### Claim 15 A tape drive system, comprising: a head; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the head, the drive mechanism including; a roller guide, the tape being at least partially wrapped around the roller guide; and opposing supports for lifting the tape from the roller guide in the vicinity of the head, the head engaging the tape between the supports; an actuator for positioning the head relative to the roller guide; and a controller in communication with the head, wherein an outer surface of the roller guide is textured. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The tape drive system as recited in claim 15, wherein the head has a flat contour tape bearing surface. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The tape drive system as recited in claim 15, wherein a tape bearing surface of the head faces the roller guide. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The tape drive system as recited in claim 17, wherein a wrap angle of the tape relative to a tape bearing surface of the head is determined by an extent of insertion of the head between the supports. ### Claim 19 (depends on 15) The tape drive system as recited in claim 15, wherein each support has a rounded shape. ### Claim 20 (depends on 15) The tape drive system as recited in claim 15, wherein each support has a shape that allows an air bearing to be formed between the support and a tape passing over the support.