Patent ID: 6118630
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A compliant edge guiding and following system for recording tape, comprising:at least one tape bearing for supporting lengthwise travel of said recording tape along a tape path;a movable track following tape head positioned in said tape path and laterally movable with respect to said tape path to track follow lateral movement of said recording tape during said lengthwise travel thereof on said tape path; andat least one set of matching compliant fine tape edge guides at both the top and bottom edges of said tape path, each said compliant fine tape edge guide of said set positioned at an opposite edge of said tape path and each compliant in the lateral direction with respect to said tape path, said matching tape guides comprising matched cantilever flexures flexing in said lateral direction about a fixed base, and said set positioned in the lengthwise direction closely spaced along said tape path from and contiguous with said movable track following tape head, said compliant fine tape edge guides spaced apart laterally a distance substantially equal to the nominal width of said recording tape and positioned substantially equidistant from the centerline of said tape path, whereby said recording tape is allowed lateral movement on said tape path at said movable track following tape head, said lateral movement thereof followed by said movable track following tape head.