Patent ID: 7965472

Claim:
A transducer for a digital storage apparatus that reads and writes data to a tape as the tape is moved in a forward or rearward direction in a path of tape motion, the tape having at least one servo track, the storage apparatus having a controller that provides a control signal that is indicative of the position of the tape, the transducer comprising: a base; a head assembly that is attached to the base and is movable relative to the base in a linear path, the linear path being perpendicular to the path of tape motion; a guide assembly that guides the movement of the head assembly, the guide assembly includes a track that is partially defined by the head assembly and partially defined by the base, the guide assembly includes at least two balls that are disposed in the track between the base and a frame portion of the head assembly, the guide assembly further includes a magnetic coupling that retains the balls within the track; and a linear motor operatively engages the head assembly to move the head assembly in response to the control signal to follow the tape.