Patent ID: 6339522
Filing Date: 2002-01-15
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A magnetic data transfer system comprising:a tape drive having a tape cartridge receptacle therein and having a magnetic data transfer head disposed therein in a mount which vertically adjusts said magnetic data transfer head in a vertical adjustment direction; a magnetic tape cartridge containing a magnetic tape movable by said tape drive in a transport direction past said magnetic data transfer head when said magnetic tape cartridge is inserted in said cartridge receptacle, said tape having a monitored feature selected from the group consisting of a tape edge, reference data track and a servo track; said magnetic data transfer head having a first channel with a first data transfer element and a second channel having a second data transfer element, said first and second data transfer elements being disposed in succession along said transport direction; said first and second data transfer elements respectively separately and independently monitoring said monitored feature as said magnetic tape moves past said magnetic data transfer head, and said first and second channels generating respective signals dependent on monitoring of said monitored function by the respective first and second data transfer elements; an alignment mechanism mechanically engaging at least one of said cartridge in said receptacle and said mount; and a controller circuit electrically connected to said adjustment mechanism and to said first and second channels, and being supplied with the respective signals from said first and second channels, said controller circuit generating a control signal for said adjustment mechanism to operate said adjustment mechanism to minimize any difference between the respective signals from said first and second channels and thereby also maintaining said vertical adjustment direction perpendicular to said transport direction.