Patent ID: 7325763
Filing Date: 2008-02-05
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A magnetic tape drive comprising: a cartridge receiver configured to receive a magnetic tape cartridge oriented in a single direction, said magnetic tape cartridge having a length of magnetic tape with respectively first and second parallel edges at opposite sides of said magnetic tape, said second edge tending to create lower debris under contact than said first edge; at least one magnetic tape head configured to read and/or write data with respect to magnetic tape guided across said magnetic tape head; a guiding system comprising only at least one single flange tape guide roller having a cylindrical surface oriented to provide a tape path for said magnetic tape across said at least one magnetic tape head, and having a single flange at one end of said cylindrical surface that is oriented with respect to said cartridge receiver to correspond to said second edge of said magnetic tape, eliminating guidance contact with respect to said first edge of said magnetic tape; and a tape drive system configured to move said magnetic tape longitudinally along said tape path.