Abstract: Apparatus for presenting a desired one of a stack of N information disks with a selected one of its two information surfaces in a desired orientation to an information utilization device. The apparatus includes a mechanism for rotating the disks as a stack to put the selected surface in the desired orientation, for translating the disks as a stack to position the desired disk opposite the utilization device and for translating the desired disk into the utilization device.

Abstract: A low-friction slide apparatus for use with the translation stage of an optical disc recording/playback system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rail which is fixed in position. The rail includes porous strips affixed to two orthogonal sides along its longitudinal dimension. A plurality of passages between the rail and the porous strips permits air to be forced outwardly through the pores of the strip material. The slide member, which is movably mounted on the rail, has bearing surfaces adjacent the porous strips attached to the rail. Permanent magnets mounted along these bearing surfaces maintain an attractive force between the slide and the rail, countering the force direction of the air flow, thus providing a low-friction bearing film of compressed air. A linear motor included in the rail and slide member induces motion of the slide along the rail.

Abstract: A high speed data storage and retrieval system for use with disc record media includes a storage module for holding a plurality of discs, a read/write station and a changer apparatus for transporting discs between the storage module and the read/write station. In a preferred embodiment the storage discs are enclosed in a protective cartridge and held in place in the cartridge so that the recording surfaces of the disc do not touch the inside surfaces of the protective cartridge. The changer apparatus includes a pair of belt elevators. One of the elevators designated the "up" elevator transports a selected disc from the storage module to the read/write station. After processing, the selected disc is returned to the storage module via a second elevator which is designated the "down" elevator. A pivot block assembly is used to aid in the transfer of disc from the "up" elevator to the read/write station and from the read/write station to the "down" elevator.

Abstract: A protective cartridge is provided for a disc record used in an optical playback system. The protective cartridge is provided with finger members to suspend the disc record in the cavity of the cartridge so that the information bearing surfaces of the disc record do not touch the inside surfaces of the cartridge. When the record package is in storage, the finger members are biased to engage the outside rim of the disc record. Tapered pins provided on the optical player disengage the finger members to permit the disc record to rotate in the optical player.

Abstract: A length of photographic film being developed by heat is supported on a fluid bearing by heated air which passes through two porous elements which serve as the walls of the film path. The air is preheated and the porous elements themselves are separately heated within and beyond the film passageway in order further to raise the temperature of the air bearing. The edges of the path are heated to a higher temperature than the center of the path to thereby compensate for edge effects at the film. The added heat at the edges of the path provide more uniform heating of the film across the width dimension of the film.

Abstract: A solar array support member is pivotally secured to the upper end of a support post for rotation about a horizontal axis. The support post is driven about a vertical axis. A disc is rotatably secured to the post for rotation about a vertical axis spaced from the post's vertical axis. A link member is secured by respective ball and socket assemblies at one end to the support member and to the rotating disc at the other end. A motor and pulley system drive the rotating disc with respect to the vertical post to set the elevation position of the support member. A second motor and pulley system drive the post about its vertical axis with respect to a base.

Abstract: A thermal processor in an apparatus for heat development of a fixed photographic image on a photographic film wherein the film includes a latent image formed on an emulsion layer coated on a film base. The apparatus comprises a housing arranged to receive uniformly heated flowing air. Porous members responsive to the air flow are disposed adjacent both surfaces of the film to uniformly distribute the heated air to the surfaces of the film at a predetermined pressure. The porous members are disposed at a spacing from the respective film surfaces such that the pressure of the gas supplied to the film establishes a gas bearing to support the film as it passes through the processor. The spacing is also arranged such that heat is transferred from the processor to the film essentially by heat conduction to develop the fixed photographic image on the film.

Abstract: A high speed data storage and retrieval system includes a storage module, a reader and a changer apparatus. Disc records enclosed in protective cartridges are transported between the reader and the storage module by the changer apparatus. The reader includes two mechanical systems--a system for receiving, securing and spinning a disc while it is enclosed in the cartridge and a pair of read heads which retrieve data stored on the surface of the disc. The storage module includes a plurality of storage locations for storing the discs. The changer apparatus comprises a carriage with a drive mechanism for driving the carriage to a desired position along the length of the storage module and at least two carriers for transporting discs with independent drive mechanisms. The carrier drive mechanisms drive the carriers in a direction normal to the direction which the carriage is driven. Simultaneous movement of the carriage and carriers permits high speed access of data.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting rotary motion of a screw into linear motion includes three circumferentially spaced nut segments each resiliently mounted for displacing in a radial direction normal to the screw axis. A thin flat plate spring member provides a resiliency to the nut segments in a direction normal to the screw axes. The nut segments include a set of parallel triangular screw threads with the roots undercut and the crests removed for averaging out the contact between the nut segments and the screw to an area along the pitch diameter of the screw.

Abstract: A high speed data storage and retrieval system includes a storage module, a reader and a changer apparatus. A protective cartridge is provided for storing, protecting and transporting an optical disc enclosed therein. The storage module includes pins for insertion into corresponding holes in one surface of the cartridge during storage. During transport the changer apparatus having electromagnetic means grips the cartridge by spring clips attached to the cartridge. A window cut in the side of the protective cartridge effects readability of the disc enclosed therein without removing the disc from the cartridge during the reading operation. The cartridge also includes a set of holes in another surface of the cartridge for receiving a corresponding set of pins when the enclosed optical disc is placed in the read position.

Abstract: A high speed data storage and retrieval system includes a disc storage module, a reader and a disc changer apparatus. Disc records enclosed in protective cartridges are transported between the reader and the storage module by the changer apparatus. The reader includes two mechanical systems--a system for receiving, securing and spinning a disc while it is enclosed in the cartridge and a pair of read heads which retrieve data stored on the surface of the disc. The storage module includes a plurality of storage locations for storing the discs. The changer apparatus comprises a carriage with a drive mechanism for driving the carriage the length of the storage module and at least two carriers for transporting discs with independent drive mechanisms. The carrier drive mechanisms drive the carriers in a direction normal to the direction which the carriage is driven. Simultaneous movement of the carriage and carriers permits high speed access of data.

Abstract: The length of film being developed by heat is supported on a fluid bearing by heated air which passes through two porous elements which serve as the walls of the film passageway. The air is preheated and the porous elements themselves are separately heated in order further to raise the temperature of the air bearing.