Magnetic tape is now utilized for storage of digital and analog information in applications ranging from computers to video recordings. In normal use, magnetic tape picks up airborne dirt particles and oxide flakes from its surface. The presence of these contaminants on the tape causes errors in the writing of information to and reading information from the tape. The contaminated areas move the tape away from the read and write heads resulting in a failure to record or playback the intended information.
This problem with accumulation of dirt and oxide has been well recognized in the art. Fixed and rotating single blade devices have been used to hone contaminants from the surface of magnetic tape. A significant problem with single blade devices is heavy blade wear due to the hardness of the oxide coatings on the tape.
A device with multiple honing surfaces has also been used to clean magnetic tape. The use of multiple surfaces reduces the wear problem of single honing surface devices. A rotating cylindrical tube is utilized with a plurality of slots spaced about its circumference. A vacuum line connected to an aperture provided at the base of the tube serves to withdraw the particles cleaned from the tape. A problem with this method is the high expense and complication of fabricating a hollow slotted cylindrical tube of a material sufficiently hard to withstand the abrasion of the oxide coatings on the tape. Another problem with the tube design is that it heats up due to inadequate cooling airflow. The shape of the slot performs the dual functions of defining the honing surface and providing an air conduit for the removal of particles cleaned from the tape. This does not provide an effective means of controlling the flow of air past the tape or through the slot for needed cooling and self cleaning of the honing surface. As a result, the high temperatures generated by friction cause the loose oxide and dirt removed from the tape to become welded to the honing surfaces. This mandates frequent cleaning of the slotted tube design.