(19)

(11)

EP 0 868 717 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 07.10.1998 Bulletin 1998/41 (21) Application number: 96940477.0 (22) Date of filing: 15.11.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G11B 5/ 31( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1996/018364 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/022965 (26.06.1997 Gazette 1997/27)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT NL (30) Priority: 18.12.1995 US 19950573888 (71) Applicant: QUANTUM CORPORATION Milpitas California 95035 (US)	(72) Inventor: MALLARY, Michael, L. Berlin, MA 01503 (US) (74) Representative: Charig, Raymond Julian, et al  Eric Potter Clarkson, Park View House, 58 The Ropewalk Nottingham NG1 5DD Nottingham NG1 5DD (GB)