Patent ID: 7054097

Claim:
A read-while-write recording system for a linear data storage medium comprising: a first slider including a write element to write data to the linear data storage medium and a first servo element to read servo marks from the linear data storage medium; a first actuator to define positioning of the first slider; a second slider including a read element to read the data written by the write element, and a second servo element to read the servo marks from the linear data storage medium; a second actuator to define positioning of the second slider; and a guide between the first slider and the second slider, wherein the first actuator positions the first slider in response to servo signals detected by the first servo element and the second actuator positions the second slider in response to servo signals detected by the second servo element, and wherein the guide reduces motion of the linear data storage medium with respect to the first slider when the second slider is positioned by the second actuator and reduces motion of the linear data storage medium with respect to the second slider when the first slider is positioned by the first actuator.