Patent ID: 9299368
Filing Date: 2016-03-29
CPC Classification: G11B

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus, comprising: 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 having a planar upper-most surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of readers and writers; wherein each of the tape bearing surfaces of the outer portions has a tape-engaging section configured and arranged relative to the tape bearing surface of the central portion to at least sometimes have contact with a tape passing thereover during normal use, wherein an inner edge of each of the tape bearing surfaces of the outer portions is physically oriented with respect to the tape bearing surface of the central portion to skive air from the tape when the tape travels in a direction from the central portion towards the respective outer portion, wherein an angle is formed between the tape bearing surface of each of the outer portions such that the distance between the tape and the respective tape bearing surface increases from the associated skiving edge toward an outer edge of the respective tape bearing surface when the tape is at rest and in tension.