Cleaning system for tape head and tape drive system implementing same

1. A tape drive system, comprising:

a tape head;

a guide mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the head; and

a cleaning device for cleaning the head,

wherein, while the tape is adjacent the head and in contact with guides positioned on opposite sides of the head, a relative spacing between the tape and the head is created before the cleaning device cleans the head,

wherein the cleaning device does not contact the tape during cleaning of the head.

2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the cleaning device includes a brush.

3. A tape drive system, comprising:

a tape head; and

a cleaning device for cleaning the head,

wherein, while the tape is adjacent the head, a relative spacing between the tape and the head is created before the cleaning device cleans the head,

wherein the head is moved out of contact with the tape to create the relative spacing between the tape and the head.

4. The system as recited in claim 3 , wherein the head retracts from the tape.

5. The system as recited in claim 3 , wherein the head pivots or rotates out of contact with the tape.

6. The system as recited in claim 3 , wherein actuation of the cleaning device mechanically moves the head out of contact with the tape.

7. The system as recited in claim. 1 , wherein the guide mechanism includes at least one guide that moves away from the head to create the relative spacing between the tape and the head.

8. The system as recited in claim 7 , wherein the at least one guide moves away from the head along a linear line.

9. The system as recited in claim 7 , wherein multiple guides coupled to a common support pivot away from the head.

10. The system as recited in claim 7 , wherein actuation of the cleaning device mechanically moves the at least one guide away from the head.

11. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the tape is kept in tension during the cleaning of the head.

12. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein actuation of the cleaning device mechanically induces creation of the relative spacing between the tape and the head.

13. A tape drive system, comprising:

a tape head;

a guide mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the head; and

a cleaning device for cleaning the head,

wherein, while the tape is adjacent the head, a relative spacing between the tape and the head is created before the cleaning device cleans the head,

wherein the head is moved out of contact with the tape to create the relative spacing between the tape and the head.

14. The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the cleaning device does not contact the tape during cleaning of the head.

15. The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the head retracts from the tape.

16. The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the head pivots or rotates out of contact with the tape.

17. The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein actuation of the cleaning device mechanically moves the head out of contact with the tape.

18. The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the tape is kept in tension during the cleaning of the head.

19. The system as recited in claim 13 , wherein actuation of the cleaning device mechanically induces creation of the relative spacing between the tape and the head.

20. A tape drive system, comprising:

a tape head;

a guide mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the head; and

a cleaning device for cleaning the head,

wherein, while the tape is adjacent the head, a relative spacing between the tape and the head is created before the cleaning device cleans the head,

wherein the guide mechanism includes at least one guide that moves away from the head to lift the tape from the head for creating the relative spacing between the tape and the head.

21. The system as recited in claim 20 , wherein the cleaning device does not contact the tape during cleaning of the head.

22. The system as recited in claim 20 , wherein the at least one guide moves away from the head along at least one of a linear line and an arcuate path.

23. The system as recited in claim 20 , wherein multiple guides coupled to a common support pivot away from the head.

24. The system as recited in claim 20 , wherein actuation of the cleaning device mechanically moves the at least one guide away from the head.

25. The system as recited in claim 20 , wherein the tape is kept in tension during the cleaning of the head.

26. The system as recited in claim 20 , wherein actuation of the cleaning device mechanically induces creation of the relative spacing between the tape and the head.

27. A method for cleaning a tape head, comprising:

without unloading a tape from a drive assembly, creating a relative spacing between the tape and the head;

inserting a cleaning device into the relative spacing; and

cleaning the head using the cleaning device,

wherein the head is moved out of contact with the tape to create the relative spacing between the tape and the head.

28. The method as recited in claim 27 , wherein the head is cleaned by a mechanical cleaning action.

29. The method as recited in claim 27 , wherein the cleaning device does not contact the tape during the cleaning of the head.

30. The method as recited in claim 27 , wherein the guide mechanism includes at least one guide that moves away from the head to help create the relative spacing between the tape and the head.

31. The method as recited in claim 27 , wherein the tape is kept in tension during the cleaning of the head.

32. The method as recited in claim 27 , further comprising:

monitoring a readback signal of a tape head that is reading a magnetic tape passing thereacross;

detecting a signature in the readback signal indicative of debris on the head;

performing the cleaning the head operation; and

resuming reading of the magnetic tape after cleaning the head.

33. A method for selectively creating a relative spacing between the head and a tape, comprising:

during at least one of an idle period, a wind period, and a rewind period:

without unloading the tape, creating a relative spacing between the tape and the head by at least one of retracting the head from the tape and lifting the tape from the head using a guide.

34. The method as recited in claim 33 , wherein the relative spacing is created after the tape is extended across the head.