Patent ID: 6307718
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A mechanism for reading from and writing to a moving tape with an azimuth recording pattern for a tape drive, the tape moving in a tape plane, the mechanism comprising:a magnetic head positioned near the tape plane of the tape, the magnetic head including (i) a read head gap that reads a signal from the tape with the azimuth recording pattern, and (ii) a write head gap adapted to record a signal on the tape with the azimuth recording pattern;a worm gear assembly including a worm and a worm gear mechanically linked to the magnetic head so that rotation of the worm results in rotation of the magnetic head and the head gaps simultaneously about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to the tape plane; anda motor mechanically linked to the worm, the motor being adapted to rotate the worm, the magnetic head and the head gaps simultaneously about the axis of rotation to finely adjust the azimuth angle of the magnetic head relative to the tape plane, wherein the motor automatically adjusts the position of the magnetic head and the head gaps about the axis of rotation during recording of the signal onto the tape by the write head gap to maintain the strongest signal that is received by the read head gap.