Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval – Head – Head accessory
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-21
2001-12-25
Tupper, Robert S. (Department: 2652)
Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval
Head
Head accessory
Reexamination Certificate
active
06333831
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to magnetic tape head cleaning arrangements, and more specifically to a head cleaning arrangement suitable for use with high density read/write head arrangements.
BACKGROUND ART
Generally, a problem common to all types of magnetic tape systems is that, over a period of time and use, the magnetic heads and associated tape drive components within the system for writing to and reading signals from the magnetic tape media become covered with contaminants. One source of such contaminants derives from the tape material itself, which is typically formed from a substrate having multiple types of coatings applied thereto, all of which tend to decay during operation and storage of the tape. As a result, debris forms and accumulates on the head and other drive components. Because this accumulation can compromise the ability of the tape system to properly read to and write from the tape, routine cleaning of the tape system is required.
The accumulation of debris is particularly problematic in high density multi-track tape systems. More specifically, known high density multitrack magnetic tape systems employ magnetic read/write heads having slots or gutters formed therein to ensure a proper interface for reading and writing information to the tape. In conventional head arrangements, these gutters are positioned between respective read and write elements and oriented parallel to the direction of tape movement across the head. In order to maintain proper tape contact with the read and write elements during operation of the system, the gutters must be free from any debris. Since the orientation of the gutters is parallel to the direction of tape travel, one type of conventional tape cleaning cartridge has been developed which uses a cleaning media spooled onto a standard cartridge and run across the read/write head to clean accumulated debris and other contaminants from the gutters. This type of conventional cleaning cartridge device and variations thereof operate using a linear wiping motion in the same direction as tape travel.
However, such a cleaning arrangement has not proven wholly satisfactory. More specifically, such cleaning cartridges are capable of holding only a limited length of cleaning media, and therefore can be used only a small number of times before a new cleaning cartridge is required. In addition, such cleaning cartridge arrangements typically are not capable of removing debris from other tape drive mechanisms which operate to transport the tape across the head of the tape system, nor eliminate the potential for static discharge which can potentially damage electronic circuit components located in the tape system.
Further compounding the problem of debris removal in multi-track recording devices is that newer high density linear tape systems locate the respective read and write elements much closer together on the head. Such close placement prohibits positioning of gutters between the elements. As a result, the gutters are reoriented to extend in an orthogonal direction relative to the direction of tape motion. While such an orthogonal gutter orientation achieves the desired read/write interface, the orientation also allows debris to more readily accumulate. In addition, the orthogonal orientation does not lend itself well to cleaning by the aforementioned conventional wiping cartridge cleaning arrangements.
Alternative head cleaning approaches have attempted to clean the gutters using a single or dual brush mechanism arranged to be swept across the head orthogonal to the direction of tape movement. While such arrangements may provide improved performance over wiping-type cartridge cleaners, the brush mechanisms only operate to push debris along a gutter without actually insuring removal from the gutter or tape path. As a consequence, a need still exists for a head cleaning arrangement capable of efficiently cleaning gutters oriented orthogonal to the direction of tape while eliminating the inadequacies of known head cleaning arrangements.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a head cleaning arrangement having greater efficiency in cleaning removing contaminants and other debris from a read/write head and drive mechanism of a magnetic tape system.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a head cleaning arrangement which can efficiently clean and remove contaminants and other debris from a magnetic tape system having a read/write head arranged with gutters or bleed slots extending orthogonal to the direction of tape movement.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a head cleaning arrangement which utilizes a combination linear and rotary cleaning mechanism to remove contaminants and other debris from a magnetic tape system.
In accordance with these and other objects, the present invention provides a magnetic head cleaning system having a cleaning element that is driven by a tape drive mechanism to slide across a surface of the head, while at the same time being driven to rotate relative to the surface of the head. More specifically, a cleaning system for a read/write head in a tape system having at least one tape drive mechanism for receiving tape cartridges includes a linear drive mechanism coupled to a drive gear that is actuated by the tape drive mechanism, and a cleaning mechanism having a cleaner slide element arranged to be linearly displaced relative to the head by the linear drive mechanism. A cleaning mechanism also includes a cleaner element that is rotatably mounted to the cleaner slide and positioned so as to be linearly moved across a surface of the head when the cleaner slide is linearly displaced. A rotary drive mechanism is arranged to be driven by the linear displacement of the cleaner slide to simultaneously rotate the cleaning element as the cleaning element linearly moves across the surface of the head.
In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, the cleaning element can be formed as a multi-media brush that alternately applies a set of bristles and pads to the head. In addition, the rotary cleaning device can be formed having bristles of varying stiffness or diameter on the same brush head. A debris “comb” or catching device can be attached near the bristles to prevent removed debris from falling into the tape deck.
The above objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5021912 (1991-06-01), Shao-Yung
patent: 5671108 (1997-09-01), Clausen
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
Storage Technology Corporation
Tupper Robert S.
LandOfFree
Combination linear and rotary head cleaner does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Combination linear and rotary head cleaner, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Combination linear and rotary head cleaner will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2583896