US 12,249,350 B2
Methods for improving track density in dual-reel removable tape devices and fixed tape devices
Keiichi Okada, Yokohama (JP); Takehiko Hamaguchi, Fujisawa (JP); and Akira Sakagami, Kanagawa (JP)
Assigned to Western Digital Technologies, Inc., San Jose, CA (US)
Filed by Western Digital Technologies, Inc., San Jose, CA (US)
Filed on Aug. 3, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/229,775.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/523,291, filed on Jun. 26, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2024/0428823 A1, Dec. 26, 2024
Int. Cl. G11B 23/087 (2006.01); G11B 5/008 (2006.01); G11B 5/584 (2006.01); G11B 15/32 (2006.01); G11B 27/13 (2006.01)
CPC G11B 23/08714 (2013.01) [G11B 5/00817 (2013.01); G11B 5/584 (2013.01); G11B 15/32 (2013.01); G11B 23/0875 (2013.01); G11B 27/13 (2013.01); G11B 2220/655 (2013.01); G11B 2220/90 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A tape drive, comprising:
a first tape reel;
a second tape reel; and
a tape head disposed between the first tape reel and the second tape reel,
wherein a tape is configured to be wound around the first tape reel and the second tape reel,
wherein, when storing the tape, the tape drive is configured to:
(A) determine a first amount of time the tape spends in a first state, wherein, in the first state, a majority of the tape is wound around the first tape reel;
(B) move the tape to a second state, wherein, in the second state, the majority of the tape is wound around the second tape reel;
(C) determine a second amount of time the tape spends in the second state;
(D) determine a difference between the first amount of time and the second amount of time; and
(E) based on the difference, move the tape to the first state or remain in the second state.