Patent ID: 7460332

Claim:
A linear tape drive apparatus, comprising: a supply reel and a takeup reel, wherein a tape translates between the supply reel and the takeup reel; an integrally formed roller guide assembly, comprising: two similar sized cylindrically shaped contact surfaces having a plurality of outer circumferential grooves thereon, said cylindrically shaped contact surfaces being separated by a circumferential slot centrally located therebetween, and an axially disposed shaft that connects the two contact surfaces wherein said contact surfaces contact said tape, and rotate in response to translational movement of the tape, wherein air passes between the circumferential grooves so that the circumferential grooves generate a frictional contact force between the roller guide assembly and the tape; and a recording head actuator assembly disposed, at least in part, within the circumferential slot for engaging the roller guide assembly comprising: a U-shaped carrier, having an arcuate outer contour of substantially the same diameter as that of the cylinders, engaging the shaft, wherein a cutout in said U-shaped carrier outer contour accommodates: a movable recording head element, a voice coil actuator in communication with said recording head element, two ribbon cables that are electrically connected to the recording head element, wherein said recording head element selectively contacts said tape; and a high-frequency short stroke actuator that controls movement of the recording head assembly transverse to the direction of tape motion such that said recording head protrudes beyond said U-shaped carrier outer contour to contact said tape.