Patent ID: 6142404
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A compliant tape guide for guiding a storage tape longitudinally through a tape path, the compliant tape guide comprising:a top support plate;a bottom support plate;a bearing piece extending between the top and bottom support plates, the bearing piece defining a tape receiving surface generally perpendicular to the top and bottom support plates for longitudinally guiding a storage tape;a compliant member adjacent an inner surface of the bottom support plate, the compliant member comprising:a base,opposing legs extending from the base,an edge receiving surface attached to the opposing legs opposite the base such that an opening is defined between the base, the opposing legs and the edge receiving portion, the edge receiving portion being configured to engage an edge of a storage tape, anda planar stiffness body disposed within the opening, the planar stiffness body configured to substantially increase a stiffness of the edge receiving surface in a plane substantially parallel to a plane of the base; anda biasing member contacting the compliant member for biasing the edge receiving surface into engagement with an edge of a storage tape.