Patent ID: 8456779

Claim:
A tape transducer positioning assembly comprising: a frame; a first rail mounted to the frame; a carriage mounted to the first rail to translate along the first rail; a transducer supported by the carriage to cooperate with a tape as the tape is translated relative to the transducer; an actuator mounted to one of the frame and the carriage and connected to the other of the frame and the carriage to position the carriage, and consequently the transducer relative to the tape; a magnet mounted to the frame to provide a magnetic field; a second rail mounted to the carriage generally parallel with the first rail, the second rail being oriented within the magnetic field such that a magnetic force is applied upon the second rail to maintain the second rail within the magnetic field; and a bushing mounted to the frame and offset from the second rail in a direction toward the magnet such that the magnet preloads the second rail against the bushing; wherein the second rail comprises a guide shaft.