Patent ID: 8749922

Claim:
A tape movement constraint for a tape drive system for a tape, comprising: an actuator including: a base portion having a first support frame having a pivot which defines a pivot axis, a coil supported by the first support frame at the pivot axis and adapted to conduct an electric current to generate a magnetic field wherein the first support frame includes a return path structure formed of a magnetically permeable material, and positioned adjacent the coil to conduct the magnetic field generated by the coil, and a movable portion including a pivotable second support frame pivotally connected to the first support frame at the pivot, and first and second movable permanent magnets supported by the pivotable second support frame wherein the magnets are positioned facing the return path structure; and a tape roller barrel rotatably supported by the second support frame; wherein the center of mass of the movable portion is adjacent the pivot axis which is located between the first and second permanent magnets, and wherein the magnetic attraction between the magnets and the return path structure biases the second support frame and the roller barrel in a first position relative to the first support frame and wherein current conducted through the coil generates a magnetic field which is conducted by the return path structure to interact with the magnetic field of the magnets which causes the second support frame and the roller barrel to pivot relative to the first support frame at the pivot as a function of the magnitude and direction of the current through the coil.