Patent ID: 8199432
Filing Date: 2012-06-12
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A tape drive, comprising: a head to read or write data to tape for recording data; and a drive reel onto which the tape is wound, the tape having plural nip points at which the tape exits or enters a tape pack on the drive reel, wherein the tape exits the tape pack at a first nip point, extends from the first nip point to a guide element, passes around the guide element, extends from the guide element to re-enter the tape pack at a second nip point, and extends from the second nip point to pass partially around the tape pack before exiting the tape pack at a third nip point for the head, and wherein a first distance between the first nip point and the third nip point is less than a second distance between the second nip point and the third nip point.