Patent ID: 7359160

Claim:
A magnetic head device for recording and playback of information on linear magnetic tape that includes tracks that extend in a lengthwise direction of the tape comprising: a magnetic head structure including a magnetic head chip comprising multiple magnetic head elements arranged in the lengthwise direction of the tape as the tape passes over the magnetic head chip and multiple magnetic head elements arranged in a direction across the tape as the tape passes over the magnetic head chip, wherein the magnetic head chip extends across a width of the tape such that the tape contacts a surface of the magnetic head chip as the tape passes over the magnetic head structure; and a fine positioning structure comprising twin bimodal actuators comprising a pair of opposing bimodal elements positioned on opposing sides of the magnetic head chip such that a distance between the pair of opposing bimodal elements corresponds approximately to a length of the magnetic head chip in a direction across the width of the tape, wherein the fine positioning structure is attached to the magnetic head structure and transfers the magnetic head chip across a track width, wherein one end of each of the bimodal elements is fixed and a free end of each of the bimodal elements is mechanically connected to the magnetic head chip and supports the magnetic head chip, and wherein the magnetic head elements are moved in a fine parallel motion across the track width by the fine positioning structure, wherein both ends of the magnetic head chip are mechanically bonded to each free end of the bimodal elements through a chip base, wherein the chip base comprises an elastic piece displaced by displacement of the free ends of the bimodal elements.