Patent ID: 6191542
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: G11B,H01R,H02K

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling the motion of a magnetic tape in a tape drive including a first reel assembly having a first motor for rotating in a first direction to supply a magnetic tape and for rotating in a second direction to take up the magnetic tape, a second reel assembly having a second motor for rotating in the first direction to take up magnetic tape supplied by the first reel assembly and for rotating in the second direction to supply magnetic tape to the first reel assembly, a first fine-line tachometer coupled to the first reel assembly, and a second fine-line tachometer coupled to the second reel assembly, said apparatus further including:a motor cleaning power supply producing an alternating polarity, adjustable current and variable frequency square wave;a motor cleaning control unit connected to selectively supply the output current from said motor cleaning power supply to the first and second motors; andmeans for activating said motor cleaning control unit to clean a brush-commutator interface of the motor connected to said motor cleaning power supply when the tape drive is otherwise inactive.