Patent ID: 7986482

Claim:
A method of overcoming a detected tape stick condition of magnetic tape with respect to a tape head, said magnetic tape extending between a supply reel and a take-up reel and crossing said tape head, said supply reel and said take-up reel generating a full tension to said magnetic tape therebetween while said magnetic tape is running from said supply reel to said take-up reel, said tape stick condition occurring when said magnetic tape is stopped, comprising the steps of: operating said supply reel and said take-up reel to apply a base tension to said magnetic tape therebetween of substantially less than said full tension; and operating one of said take-up reel and said supply reel to vary in a whip effect said applied tension greater than and less than said base tension by an amount less than said base tension, such that positive tension is continuously applied to said magnetic tape by both said take-up reel and said supply reel.