Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080218905 | TAPE TENSION MODULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method of modulating tape tension during operation of a tape drive data storage system in which a fixed position tape guide utilizes one or more drag elements to exert a control force on a tape medium that affects downstream tape tension. Drag elements that may be used include, but are not necessarily limited to, air ports that delivery positive or negative air pressure to the tape medium, skiving edge elements that are positionable into and out of engagement with the tape medium, and brakes or motors that engage the tape guide (if it is rotatably mounted) to control its rotational torque. A tension control circuit is used to vary the operation of the one or more drag elements. Signal inputs to the control circuit are provided by a tape tension sensor adjacent to or incorporated in the tape guide. | 09-11-2008 |
20080233835 | PIN ADAPTER FOR AIR BEARING SURFACE (ABS) LAPPING AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - A system for lapping a head on a wafer including at least one head each having an electrical lapping guide (ELG), a plurality of wafer contacts in electrical communication with the ELG, and a closure formed thereon defining a slot in which the wafer contacts are positioned, the system comprising a lapping cable coupled to a testing device, the lapping cable including a plurality of lapping cable contacts extending outwardly therefrom; wherein the lapping cable contacts are removably positionable in electrical communication with the wafer contacts during a lapping process. Additional systems and methods are also presented | 09-25-2008 |
20080259483 | ASPERITY DATA STORAGE SYSTEM, METHOD AND MEDIUM - An asperity data storage system wherein asperities are used to represent stored data. The asperity data storage system includes an asperity transducer that thermally interacts with a data storage medium adapted to store an information-encoded pattern of asperities thereon, such as a rotatable disk, a streamable tape, or a fixed medium. A drive system produces relative motion between the data storage medium and the asperity transducer, while electrical signals corresponding to the asperities are processed as stored information. A positional relationship can be maintained between the asperity transducer and the data storage medium using the asperities on the data storage medium for reference. A related asperity data storage method and the asperity data storage medium itself are further disclosed. | 10-23-2008 |
20080259485 | System and Method for Cleaning a Tape Drive - A system, a method, and article of manufacture are employed to clean the input/output transducers on tape drives, verified by the tape drives reading alphanumeric information from data tracks and servo tracks of a cleaner tape. An aggressive cleaning frontcoat section of the cleaner tape can be used to provide additional cleaning action, and the cleanliness of the data read elements, data write elements, and the servo heads. A less-abrasive cleaning section may be used to clean less difficult types of contaminants. In this manner, the cleanliness of the data read elements, the data write elements, and the servo heads can be verified. A cleaning section may also be used as a leader section of a self-characterization section. Alternatively, a magnetic data tape section may be included for self-characterization. | 10-23-2008 |
20090027803 | High Areal Density Tape Head - A tape head designed for transducing data on a magnetic recording tape that is subject to tape dimensional changes. The tape head includes two or more arrays of transducer elements having different transducer spacing distances corresponding to different track spacing distances to be transduced. One of the transducer arrays may be used for transducing the tape under nominal tape track spacing conditions. Another transducer array may be used for transducing the tape when the tape track spacing is reduced due to the tape shrinkage. Still another transducer array may be used for transducing the tape when the tape track spacing is enlarged due to tape expansion. | 01-29-2009 |
20090059421 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A THIN CLOSURE MAGNETIC HEAD - A method of manufacturing thin closure magnetic read/write heads, such as magnetic tape heads is provided. The method provides improved flexural strength of the closure so that the closure breakage during fabrication of the heads is mitigated and closure thickness is reduced. An array of chips is fabricated on a wafer. The array is closed, with a closure strip bonded to each row of the array. Closures span only the length of a row, so that the closures are not subjected to flexure during processing and breakage due to flexure is mitigated. Side bars are bonded to the array to form a column with dimensions similar to prior art columns. This allows columns manufactured by the invention to undergo additional processing using existing processes. | 03-05-2009 |
20100027163 | MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD HAVING REINFORCING ISLANDS - A method for protecting a thin film structure including fabricating a plurality of island structures in a recording gap of a magnetic recording head, exposing a substantial portion of the plurality of island structures by removing at least a portion of the surrounding recording gap material via at least one etching process, including ion milling, coating the magnetic recording head containing the plurality of island structures with a coating material, including silicon nitride or aluminum oxide, and removing at least a portion of the coating material via a removal process, including chemical-mechanical polishing or lapping, to expose an uppermost region of at least a portion of said plurality of island structures. | 02-04-2010 |
20100038340 | MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD COATING AND METHOD - A method for encapsulating a magnetic recording head including coating at least a portion of a magnetic recording head containing a recording gap with a first layer of at least one coating material, including silicon nitride, the first layer of at least one coating material having a first removal rate, coating at least a portion of the magnetic recording head containing a recording gap and coated with the first layer of at least one coating material with a second layer of at least one coating material, including aluminum oxide, the second layer of at least one coating material having a second removal rate higher than the first removal rate, and removing at least a portion of the second layer of at least one coating material via a removal process, including chemical-mechanical polishing, lapping, or vacuum processing to at least partially planarize the surface of the recording gap. | 02-18-2010 |
20100110586 | Planar Bidirectional Tape Head With Planar Read And Write Elements - A planar bidirectional tape head with planar read and write elements for reading and writing data on a magnetic recording tape includes a substrate, a tape bearing surface for engaging the magnetic tape, one or more write element arrays formed on the substrate, and one or more read element arrays formed on the substrate. The one or more write element arrays and the one or more read element arrays comprise plural thin film layers oriented in generally parallel relationship with the tape bearing surface. | 05-06-2010 |
20100110587 | Planar Write Module And Hybrid Planar Write-Vertical Read Bidirectional Tape Head - A planar write module and a hybrid planar write-vertical read bidirectional tape head comprising the write module and one or more vertical read modules. The write module has a write module tape bearing surface for engaging the magnetic recording tape. Plural write elements in the write module each comprise plural thin film layers oriented in generally parallel planar relationship with the write module tape bearing surface. The write elements are arranged so that the transducing gaps of adjacent write elements are generally aligned in a direction that is transverse to a streaming direction of the magnetic recording tape. Each read module has a read module tape bearing surface for engaging the magnetic recording tape. Plural read elements in the one or more read modules each comprise plural thin film layers oriented in generally perpendicular relationship with the read module tape bearing surface. | 05-06-2010 |
20100188776 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING A TAPE DRIVE - A system, a method, and article of manufacture are employed to clean the input/output transducers on tape drives, verified by the tape drives reading alphanumeric information from data tracks and servo tracks of a cleaner tape. An aggressive cleaning frontcoat section of the cleaner tape can be used to provide additional cleaning action, and the cleanliness of the data read elements, data write elements, and the servo heads. A less-abrasive cleaning section may be used to clean less difficult types of contaminants. In this manner, the cleanliness of the data read elements, the data write elements, and the servo heads can be verified. A cleaning section may also be used as a leader section of a self-characterization section. Alternatively, a magnetic data tape section may be included for self-characterization. | 07-29-2010 |
20100214688 | DUAL ACTUATOR FOR A READ-WRITE DATA STORAGE DEVICE - A data storage device includes a first head module independently moveably mounted relative to the storage device. The first head module includes at least one of a read element and a write element. In addition, the data storage device includes a second head module independently moveably mounted relative to the storage device. The second head module includes at least one of a read element and a write element operatively associated with the at least one of a read element and write element of the first head module. The second head module is selectively shiftable relative to the first head module in order to align the at least one of the read element and the write element of the first head module and the at least one of the read element and the write element of the second head module to one another. | 08-26-2010 |
20110109998 | RECORDING HEAD WITH TILTED ORIENTATION - In one embodiment, a read sensor for a recording head for a magnetic media storage system, has first and second shields, and a magneto-resistive sensor disposed between and shielded by the first and second shields in which the sensing axis of the sensor is tilted with respect to the recording surface of the head. In one embodiment, the sensing axis is oriented at an angle between 10 and 60 degrees with respect to the normal of the recording surface. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 05-12-2011 |
20110222187 | Low Track Pitch Write Module And Bidirectional Tape Head - A low track pitch write module and bidirectional tape head for writing and/or reading data on a magnetic recording tape. The write module and tape head have a tape bearing surface for engaging the magnetic recording tape and plural write elements. The write elements are arranged so that the write gaps of adjacent write elements are spaced from each other by not more than approximately one write gap width, while being generally aligned along an axis that is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the magnetic recording tape. The write elements may have a planar or vertical construction comprising plural thin film layers oriented in generally parallel or perpendicular relationship with the tape bearing surface. One or more read element arrays may also be provided. | 09-15-2011 |
20110256423 | HEAD COMPRISING A CRYSTALLINE ALUMINA LAYER - A magnetic head produced at low ambient temperatures that comprise a crystalline alumina layer for increasing the durability of the head is provided. According to one embodiment, a magnetic head for at least one of reading and writing data on to a magnetic data storage media. The magnetic head comprises a substrate, an at least partially crystalline alumina layer formed on the substrate, at least one of a write transducer and a read transducer formed on the substrate, and a surface for engaging the magnetic data storage media. In another embodiment, a method for forming an at least partially crystalline alumina film. The method comprises providing a substrate, and depositing alumina onto the substrate at an ambient temperature to form the at least partially crystalline alumina film. | 10-20-2011 |
20120008234 | LOW FRICTION TAPE HEAD AND SYSTEM IMPLEMENTING SAME - A magnetic data storage system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head; and guides on opposite sides of the magnetic head for directing a magnetic medium over the magnetic head. The magnetic head includes: outer portions each having a tape bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of readers and writers; and a central portion positioned between the outer portions, the central portion having a tape bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of readers and writers. An inner edge of each of the tape bearing surfaces of the outer portions is adapted for skiving air from the magnetic medium when the magnetic medium travels in a direction from the central portion towards the respective outer portion. The guides are oriented to direct the magnetic medium to fly over a leading one of the outer portions, engage a leading edge of the tape bearing surface of the central portion, and engage an inner edge of the tape bearing surface of a trailing one of the outer portions. | 01-12-2012 |
20120106003 | METHODS FOR PROVIDING PERSISTENT LUBRICATION TO A MAGNETIC TAPE HEAD AND SYSTEMS THEREOF - A magnetic tape head according to one embodiment includes a first section having a tape bearing surface (TBS) and portions that are recessed from the TBS; a thin film section coupled to the first section, the thin film section comprising transducers for at least one of reading from and writing to a magnetic tape, and a lubricating layer above at least the first section. Additional systems and methods are also disclosed. | 05-03-2012 |
20120183907 | PATTERNING PROCESS FOR SMALL DEVICES - A method according to one embodiment includes applying a photoresist to a substrate; exposing the photoresist such that a local intensity of radiation applied to the photoresist at each pixel thereof is a function of a mathematically-generated representation of a target surface shape; developing the resist; and performing a subtractive process on the developed photoresist and the substrate for creating the target surface shape on the substrate. A method according to another embodiment includes applying a photoresist to a substrate; patterning the photoresist using a machine-readable profile; and performing a subtractive process to transfer the profile onto the substrate. | 07-19-2012 |
20120188665 | ADJUSTABLE SPAN RECORDING HEAD - In one general embodiment, a system includes a module having multiple transducers; and a sizing mechanism for actively applying a force to at least one lateral side of the module for selectively compressing the module, thereby adjusting a pitch between the transducers, wherein the lateral side of the module intersects an axis of the module oriented parallel to the direction of the force. Additional systems and methods are also presented. | 07-26-2012 |
20120200955 | USING A READ-WRITE DATA STORAGE DEVICE HAVING A DUAL ACTUATOR - A method of aligning read elements and write elements with a storage media in a data storage device includes determining a position of a data track associated with the storage media, shifting one of a first and second head module relative to the storage media. The first head module includes at least one of a read element and a write element and the second head module includes at least one of a read element and a write element operatively associated with the at least one of the read element and write element of the first head module. The first head module is selectively shiftable relative to the second head module. The method further includes aligning one of the at least one read element and write element of the one of the first and second head module that is shifted with the data track on the storage media. | 08-09-2012 |
20120287527 | HYBRID TAPE HEAD ASSEMBLY AND DRIVE FOR ACCEPTING THE SAME - A head assembly according to one embodiment includes at least one module having magnetic transducers for reading and/or writing to a magnetic tape; electronics electrically coupled to the transducers, the electronics comprising at least one of amplifiers; bias circuitry; write drivers; write resistors; a memory device; and a chip with at least one of identification information about the head assembly, customization data, and firmware; and a connector for detachably interfacing to a drive having a head region for receiving the head assembly. A magnetic tape drive according to one embodiment includes a head region for removably receiving a head assembly; a mechanical interface to facilitate alignment of the head assembly when inserted in the head region; and a connector for detachably interfacing with the head assembly. Additional systems and methods are also presented. | 11-15-2012 |
20120300338 | LOW FRICTION TAPE HEAD AND SYSTEM IMPLEMENTING SAME - A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes outer modules each having a tape bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of readers and writers; and an inner module positioned between the outer modules, the inner module having a tape bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of readers and writers, wherein portions of edges of the tape bearing surface of the inner module are non-skiving in regions not aligned with the array of transducers in a direction of media travel thereacross, wherein an outer edge of the tape bearing surface of each of the outer modules are adapted for skiving air from the magnetic medium when the magnetic medium travels in a direction from the respective outer module towards the inner module. | 11-29-2012 |
20120307396 | MAGNETIC HEAD HAVING POLYCRYSTALLINE COATING - A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes a substrate; an array of transducers formed on the substrate, wherein the transducers and substrate form portions of a magnetic media facing surface; and an at least partially polycrystalline dielectric layer on the media facing surface, wherein the at least partially polycrystalline dielectric layer is on a magnetic film of at least one of the transducers in the array. A method for forming an at least partially polycrystalline dielectric layer on a media facing surface of a magnetic head according to one embodiment includes forming an at least partially polycrystalline dielectric layer on an array of transducers of a magnetic head, wherein an oxide layer is formed above at least some of the magnetic layers before and/or during the forming of the at least partially polycrystalline dielectric layer. | 12-06-2012 |
20120307397 | MAGNETIC HEAD HAVING SEPARATE PROTECTION FOR READ TRANSDUCERS AND WRITE TRANSDUCERS - A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes outer modules each having a media bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of data read transducers and write transducers; and at least one inner module positioned between the outer modules, the inner module having a media bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of data read transducers and write transducers, wherein a configuration of at least one protection feature for the transducers on the outer modules is different than a configuration of at least one protection feature for the transducers on the inner modules. | 12-06-2012 |
20130086799 | METHOD OF MAKING MAGNETICALLY SHIELDED WRITE TRANSDUCERS - A method according to one embodiment includes forming a lower shield of a shield structure; forming a portion of a magnetic yoke for each of at least two write transducers above the lower shield of the shield structure; and forming an upper shield of the shield structure above the portions of the yokes of each of two of the at least two write transducers, the shields being formed of a magnetically permeable material, wherein the upper and lower shields are magnetically connected. | 04-11-2013 |
20130120872 | MAGNETIC WRITER HAVING MULTIPLE GAPS WITH MORE UNIFORM MAGNETIC FIELDS ACROSS THE GAPS - A magnetic device according to one embodiment includes a source of flux; a magnetic pole coupled to the source of flux, the magnetic pole having two or more gaps; and a low reluctance path positioned towards at least one of the gaps and not positioned towards at least one other of the gaps for affecting a magnetic field formed at the at least one of the gaps when the source of flux is generating flux. Other disclosed embodiments include devices having coil turns with a non-uniform placement in the magnetic yoke for altering a magnetic field formed at the at least one of the gaps during writing. In further embodiments, a geometry of the magnetic pole near or at one of the gaps is different than a geometry of the magnetic pole near or at another of the gaps to help equalize fields formed at the gaps when the source of flux is generating flux. | 05-16-2013 |
20130148237 | MAGNETIC TAPE HEAD HAVING LUBRICANT IN RECESSED PORTIONS OF A TAPE BEARING SURFACE THEREOF, AND SYSTEMS HAVING THE HEAD - A magnetic tape head according to one embodiment includes a first section having a tape bearing surface (TBS) and portions that are recessed from the TBS; a thin film section coupled to the first section, the thin film section comprising transducers for at least one of reading from and writing to a magnetic tape; and a lubricating layer above at least the first section. Additional systems and methods are also disclosed. | 06-13-2013 |
20130152381 | METHODS FOR TEXTURING MAGNETIC HEAD SURFACE - A method according to one embodiment includes contacting an oxidant with an AlTiC portion of a magnetic head for recessing TiC grains of the AlTiC portion. A method according to another embodiment includes contacting a peroxide with an AlTiC portion of a magnetic head for recessing TiC grains of the AlTiC portion from a media bearing surface of the AlTiC portion. | 06-20-2013 |
20130186172 | ABRASION TEST METHODS AND DEVICES - A system according to one embodiment includes a carrier for receiving a module; a transport mechanism for running a tape across a tape bearing surface of the module; and a measuring device for measuring an extent of wear of a coating on a tape bearing surface of the module. A module according to one embodiment includes a body having a tape bearing surface, the body having an approximate tape bearing surface profile and dimensions as a module of interest; and a coating on the tape bearing surface. A method according to one embodiment includes measuring an initial coating thickness on a tape bearing surface of a module in a carrier; running a tape across the tape bearing surface; and at intervals, measuring a residual thickness of the coating. | 07-25-2013 |
20130286500 | MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD HAVING QUILTED-TYPE COATING - A module according to one embodiment includes a plurality of transducers; a tape bearing surface having a transducer region aligned with the transducers in a tape travel direction, and outer regions flanking the transducer region in a direction perpendicular to the tape travel direction; a first coating on the transducer region of the tape bearing surface; and a second coating on at least one of the outer regions of the tape bearing surface, the second coating being different than the first coating. | 10-31-2013 |
20130295296 | METHOD FOR FORMING AN AT LEAST PARTIALLY CRYSTALLINE ALUMINA LAYER - A method for forming an at least partially crystalline alumina film includes providing a substrate, and depositing alumina onto the substrate at an ambient temperature to form the at least partially crystalline alumina film. | 11-07-2013 |
20140016231 | MAGNETIC HEAD AND STORAGE SYSTEM - A magnetic head in one embodiment includes a first outer array of writers; a second outer array of writers; a first inner array of writers positioned between the first and second outer arrays; a second inner array of writers positioned between the first inner array and the second outer array; and an array of readers, at least some of the readers being generally aligned with the writers of the first and second outer arrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto, wherein the writers of the first inner array are misaligned with the writers of the first outer array relative to the direction of media travel. | 01-16-2014 |
20140036393 | DEVICE SELECT SYSTEM FOR MULTI-DEVICE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM - In one general embodiment, a system includes a first device on a first substrate; a second device on a second substrate; and a device select system coupled to the first and second devices. The device select system includes: a first portion having an array of first electrical contacts; a second portion having an array of second electrical contacts, there being more second electrical contacts than first electrical contacts, the second portion being coupled to the first and second devices, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts associated therewith. | 02-06-2014 |
20140059842 | METHOD OF FORMING MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD HAVING PROTECTED READER SENSORS AND NEAR ZERO RECESSION WRITER POLES - A method according to one embodiment includes applying a coating to a media facing side of a module, the module having first and second transducers of different magnetic transducer types positioned towards the media facing side of the module, wherein the different transducer types are selected from a group consisting of data reader transducers, servo reader transducers, write transducers, piggyback read-write transducers and merged read-write transducers; wherein the coating forms at least a portion of a first protection structure for protecting the first transducer; and wherein the second transducer has either no protection or is protected by a second protection structure that is different than the first protection structure. | 03-06-2014 |
20140061033 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIFFERENTIAL ETCHING - A method according to one embodiment includes placing a substrate in a chamber; and plasma sputtering the substrate in a presence of a non-zero pressure of a vapor, wherein the vapor at the non-zero pressure is effective to diminish an etch rate of a first material of the substrate. A plasma sputtering apparatus according to one embodiment includes a chamber; a reservoir in the chamber for releasing a vapor at an established rate; a mount for a substrate; and a plasma source. | 03-06-2014 |
20140063645 | MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD HAVING PROTECTED READER SENSORS AND NEAR ZERO RECESSION WRITER POLES - A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes a module, the module having first and second transducers of different transducer types positioned towards a media facing side of the module, wherein the different transducer types are selected from a group consisting of data reader transducers, servo reader transducers, write transducers, piggyback read-write transducers and merged read-write transducers; a first protection structure for protecting the first transducer; and wherein the second transducer has either no protection or is protected by a second protection structure that is different than the first protection structure. | 03-06-2014 |
20140063646 | MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD HAVING PROTECTED READER SENSORS AND NEAR ZERO RECESSED WRITE POLES - A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes a module, the module having both read and write transducers positioned towards a media facing side of the module, wherein the read and write transducers are selected from a group consisting of piggyback read-write transducers, merged read-write transducers, interleaved read and write transducers, and an array of write transducers flanked by servo read transducers; wherein the write transducers include write poles having media facing sides with negative, zero or near-zero recession from a plane extending along the media facing side of a substrate of the module; wherein the read transducers each have at least one shield, wherein a media facing side of the at least one shield is more recessed from the plane than the write poles. | 03-06-2014 |
20140085748 | DEVICE SUCH AS MAGNETIC HEAD HAVING HARDENED DIELECTRIC PORTIONS - A device according to one embodiment includes a substrate; and a plurality of thin films above the substrate, the thin films having at least one dielectric layer; wherein the at least one dielectric layer has a more crystalline structure towards a first end thereof than towards an end thereof opposite the first end. A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes a substrate; and a plurality of thin films above the substrate, the thin films having at least one transducer formed therein and at least one dielectric layer; wherein the at least one dielectric layer has a more crystalline structure towards a media facing end thereof than towards an end thereof opposite the media facing end. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087089 | METHODS FOR HARDENING AMORPHOUS DIELECTRIC FILMS IN A MAGNETIC HEAD AND OTHER STRUCTURES - A method in one embodiment includes exposing a side of a dielectric layer to a beam of charged particles for converting an amorphous component of at least a portion of a dielectric layer to a crystalline state, wherein the side of the dielectric layer of extends between adjacent layers. Another method includes forming a dielectric overcoat on a media facing side of a plurality of thin films, the thin films having at least one transducer formed therein; and exposing at least a portion of the overcoat to a beam of charged particles for converting an amorphous component of the dielectric overcoat of the thin films to a crystalline state. Another method includes forming a thin film dielectric layer above a substrate; and exposing the dielectric layer to a beam of charged particles for converting an amorphous component of at least a portion of the dielectric layer to a crystalline state. | 03-27-2014 |
20140126078 | MAGNETIC WRITER HAVING MULTIPLE GAPS WITH MORE UNIFORM MAGNETIC FIELDS ACROSS THE GAPS - A magnetic device according to one embodiment includes a source of flux; a magnetic pole having two or more gaps; and a low reluctance path positioned towards at least one of the gaps and riot positioned towards at least one other of the gaps for affecting a magnetic field formed at the at least one of the gaps when the source of flux is generating flux. Other disclosed embodiments include devices having coil turns with a non-uniform placement in the magnetic yoke for altering a magnetic field formed at the at least one of the gaps during writing. In further embodiments, a geometry of the magnetic pole near or at one of the gaps is different than a geometry of the magnetic pole near or at another of the gaps to help equalize fields formed at the gaps when the source of flux is generating flux. | 05-08-2014 |
20140133049 | UNIVERSAL MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD CHIP - A module according to one embodiment includes an array of N piggyback or merged first data transducers positioned towards a media facing surface of the module; and M second data transducers interleaved with the array of piggyback or merged data transducers, wherein the second data transducers are single data transducers, at least some of the data transducers being coupled to pads. A module according to another embodiment includes an array of N first data transducers positioned towards a media facing surface of the module, the first data transducers including at least one of data readers, data writers, and combinations thereof; and M second data transducers interleaved with the array of first data transducers, the second data transducers including at least one of data readers, data writers, and combinations thereof, wherein less than all of the first and/or second data transducers are coupled to pads. | 05-15-2014 |
20140198403 | HEAD WITH SUPPLEMENTAL MODULE FOR BACKWARD AND/OR CROSS-PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY - In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes at least one first module configured for writing and/or reading data to and from a magnetic medium in a first format and/or first generation and writing data to the magnetic medium in a second format and/or second generation that is different than the first format and first generation. The apparatus also includes a supplemental module coupled to the first module, the supplemental module being configured for reading a magnetic medium having data written in the second format and/or the second generation. | 07-17-2014 |
20140320997 | MULTIPLE WRITERS WITH REDUCED CROSSTALK - A system according to one embodiment includes at least two write transducers for writing to a magnetic medium; and a low reluctance path from a first pole of a first of the write transducers to a second pole of a second of the write transducers. | 10-30-2014 |
20140327983 | QUASI-STATICALLY ORIENTED, BI-DIRECTIONAL TAPE RECORDING HEAD - In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes a magnetic head. The magnetic head has a first array of data transducers, a second array of data transducers spaced from the first array, and a third array of data transducers positioned between the first and second arrays. The magnetic head is positionable between a first position and a second position, where the longitudinal axis of the third array is positively or negatively angled relative to a line oriented perpendicular to an intended direction of tape travel thereacross when positioned towards the respective positions. Outer data transducers of the third array are about aligned with outer data transducers of the second array when the magnetic head is positioned towards the first position. The outer data transducers of the third array are about aligned with outer data transducers of the first array when the magnetic head is positioned towards the second position. | 11-06-2014 |
20140327984 | MAGNETIC HEAD HAVING CANTED ARRAYS - An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head, the magnetic head having: a tape bearing surface having a first edge oriented perpendicular to an intended direction of tape travel thereacross; and an array of transducers in and/or adjacent the tape bearing surface, wherein a longitudinal axis of the array is defined between opposite ends thereof, wherein the longitudinal axis of the array of transducers is oriented at an angle relative to the first edge, the angle being between greater than 0.2° and about 10°. | 11-06-2014 |
20140327986 | MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD HAVING QUILTED-TYPE COATING - A module according to one embodiment includes a plurality of transducers; a tape bearing surface having a transducer region aligned with the transducers in a tape travel direction, and outer regions flanking the transducer region in a direction perpendicular to the tape travel direction; a first coating on the transducer region of the tape bearing surface; and a second coating on at least one of the outer regions of the tape bearing surface, the second coating being different than the first coating. | 11-06-2014 |
20140327987 | MAGNETIC HEAD AND SYSTEM HAVING OFFSET ARRAYS - In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes at least two modules, each of the modules having an array of transducers, wherein the at least two modules are fixed relative to each other, wherein an axis of each array is defined between opposite ends thereof, wherein the axes of the arrays are oriented about parallel to each other, wherein the array of a first of the modules is offset from the array of a second of the modules in a first direction parallel to the axis of the array of the second module such that the transducers of the first module are about aligned with the transducers of the second module in an intended direction of tape travel thereacross; and a mechanism for orienting the modules about an axis orthogonal to the plane in which the arrays reside to control a transducer pitch presented to a tape. | 11-06-2014 |
20140334033 | QUASI-STATICALLY ORIENTED HEAD FOR RECORDING NON-LEGACY FORMATS - Apparatuses are configured to addresses tape dimensional stability (TDS) via small rotations about the quasi-static tilt angle and read and/or write data in non-legacy formats. Products such as tape media products are also presented. | 11-13-2014 |
20140334037 | MAGNETIC WRITE HEAD HAVING ELECTRICALLY BIASABLE STRUCTURES - An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a resistive link coupled to both an electrically conductive bus and an electrically conductive structure, the electrically conductive structure being positioned proximate to a media bearing surface. An apparatus according to another embodiment includes an array of transducers; an electrically conductive bus; and resistive links electrically coupled between the electrically conductive bus and at least one of: each of a plurality of electrically conductive structures, and at least some of the transducers. | 11-13-2014 |
20140347766 | PROTECTION OF DEVICE FROM ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE (ESD) DAMAGE - Embodiments of the invention relate to electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. One embodiment includes a first dissipative adhesive (DA) connected to at least a portion of multiple leads in a first plane of a flexible cable in a coverage area for providing ESD protection to at least one element of an electronic device. A common bus bar is connected to the leads in a second plane of the flexible cable. Conductivity of the common bus bar is greater than conductivity of the first DA and the first plane and the second plane are different planes of the flexible cable. | 11-27-2014 |
20140362473 | LOW FRICTION TAPE HEAD - A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes outer portions each having a tape bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of readers and writers; a central portion positioned between the outer portions, the central portion having a tape bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of readers and writers; wherein outer edges of the tape bearing surfaces of the outer portions are non-skiving, wherein an inner edge of each of the tape bearing surfaces of the outer portions is adapted for skiving air from the magnetic medium when the magnetic medium travels in a direction from the central portion towards the respective outer portion. | 12-11-2014 |
20140376123 | PRODUCTS WITH TAPE FORMATS HAVING ONE OR MORE SPARE AREAS AND APPARATUSES CONFIGURED FOR USE WITH SUCH PRODUCTS - An apparatus includes a magnetic head having an array of transducers. The apparatus is configured to read and/or write to a magnetic recording tape according to a format. The format specifies a number of active channels and a contiguous spare area on the magnetic recording tape. The format also specifies compatibility with a second format. The second format specifies a different number of active channels than the number of active channels specified by the format. A product includes a magnetic recording tape and data stored on the product specifying the aforementioned format. | 12-25-2014 |
20150015985 | MULTI-FORMAT READ DRIVE - An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a plurality of modules configured to at least read data stored on a magnetic recording tape, each of the modules having an array of readers. One module is configured to read data on a magnetic recording tape which none of the other modules can read. An apparatus according to another embodiment includes a first module configured to at least read data stored on a magnetic recording tape in a first range of formats, and at least a second module configured to at least read data stored on a magnetic recording tape in at least a second range of formats. The first range of formats does not include a format that is in the second range of formats. All of the modules are aligned along a tape travel direction. | 01-15-2015 |
20150043101 | HIGH DENSITY TIMING BASED SERVO FORMAT FOR USE WITH TILTED TRANSDUCER ARRAYS - A product, according to one embodiment, includes a magnetic recording tape having opposite ends, a longitudinal axis of the magnetic recording tape being defined between the ends. The magnetic recording tape has at least one servo track, the at least one servo track having a plurality of first magnetic bars and a plurality of third magnetic bars oriented to form chevron-like patterns with the first magnetic bars. The first magnetic bars each have a longitudinal axis oriented at a first angle between 2 and 88 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the magnetic recording tape. The third magnetic bars each have a longitudinal axis oriented at a second angle between 2 and 88 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the magnetic recording tape, the second angle having a different numerical absolute value than the first angle. | 02-12-2015 |
20150062741 | HIGH DENSITY TIMING BASED SERVO FORMAT - A product according to one embodiment includes a magnetic recording tape having opposite ends and at least one servo track, a longitudinal axis of the magnetic recording tape being defined between the ends. The at least one servo track has a plurality of first magnetic bars and a plurality of second magnetic bars. A width of each of the at least one servo track is defined in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the magnetic recording tape between sides of the servo track, the sides of each servo track extending along ends of the first magnetic bars. Lengths of the second magnetic bars between outermost ends thereof are less than the width of the associated servo track. | 03-05-2015 |
20150062742 | QUASI-STATICALLY TILTED HEAD HAVING DILATED TRANSDUCER PITCH - A method according to one embodiment includes reading and/or writing data to a magnetic medium using a head having an array of transducers. An axis of the array is defined between opposite ends thereof, and is tilted at an angle greater than 0° from a line oriented perpendicular to an intended direction of tape travel thereacross during the reading and/or writing. The method further includes at least one of: introducing, by a controller, a timing offset to at least one servo channel to compensate for offset in servo readback signals introduced by the tilt of the head, introducing, by the controller, a timing offset to at least some read channels to compensate for offset in readback signals introduced by a tilt of the head, and introducing, by the controller, a timing offset to at least some write channels to enable writing of transitions that are readable by a non-tilted head. | 03-05-2015 |
20150070797 | MAGNETIC TAPE MEDIA HAVING SERVO PATTERNS - Magnetic tape media according to one embodiment includes a servo track having a plurality of servo marks therealong. A distance of the servo marks, as originally written, from an edge of the tape media varies along the length of the magnetic tape media. Magnetic tape media according to another embodiment includes a plurality of servo tracks having physical characteristics of being written by an apparatus that monitors a lateral position of the magnetic tape media passing over a servo writing head during a servo track writing operation and writes servo marks to the magnetic tape media. A timing of the writing of each servo mark is based on the monitored position of the magnetic tape media. | 03-12-2015 |
20150077880 | MINISKIRT TAPE HEAD HAVING QUASI-STATICALLY TILTED TRANSDUCER ARRAYS - In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes a magnetic head. The magnetic head has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion together providing a tape bearing surface. The first portion has an opening at least partially encircling the second portion. The second portion has at least one array of transducers. A longitudinal axis of each of the at least one array is defined between opposite ends thereof. The longitudinal axis of each of the at least one array of transducers is oriented at an angle relative to a line oriented orthogonally to the intended direction of tape travel thereacross, the angle being between 0.2° and about 10°. | 03-19-2015 |
20150077881 | APPARATUS WITH A LAPPING GUIDE WITHIN A SPAN OF THE TRANSDUCER ARRAY - An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head having an array of transducers. An axis of the array is defined between outermost ones of the transducers. The transducers are arranged in at least two clusters of adjacent transducers, and the transducers in each respective cluster have about a same transducer pitch. A gap is defined between proximally adjacent clusters. A width of the gap measured along the axis of the array is greater than the transducer pitch of one of the clusters. An electrical lapping guide (ELG) located in the gap or aligned with the gap orthogonally to the axis. | 03-19-2015 |