Abstract: A data storage cartridge for a data storage disk drive has a latent illuminance marker. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits illuminance as phosphorescence. A photosensor detects the emitted illuminance, and the decay time is determined. The decay time is checked to provide identification of different types or generations of data storage cartridges.

Abstract: A disk cartridge has various structures for clearly delineating the cartridge from foreign objects which may cause damage to a disk drive. In one embodiment, one or more serial reflectors are embedded within a cartridge so as to return a reflected illuminance pattern distinguishable from a flat specular or flat diffuse surface. In another embodiment, optical pipes carry light from a disk drive mounted emitter to a location where the light is detected by the drive such that the light is not mistaken for reflective light. In another embodiment, a light emitting source such as an LED is embedded in a cartridge such that the intensity of light emitted from the LED in cooperation with reflected light is sufficiently intense to identify the cartridge as a valid cartridge. These embodiments may be rotatable so that a single cartridge may be compatible with more than one drive type.

Abstract: A cartridge for a data storage disk drive has a thin retroreflective marker. Light from a source is reflected from the marker almost exactly on its incident path. A planar light shaping optical structure such as a holographic light shaping diffuser (LSD) ruled or blazed diffraction grating, holographic diffraction grating, binary optics or holographic diffraction grating directs light to the detector. The LSD has degrees of angular diffusion in different orthogonal axes. This property makes possible unique identification of different types of cartridges.

Abstract: A head loading mechanism for a removable cartridge disk drive comprises a support base fixedly mounted in the drive, and a moveable member movably attached to the support base via a pair of elongate flexures. The moveable member has a ramped surface adapted to engage a suspension arm at the distal end of an actuator. A read/write head is mounted on the suspension arm. The moveable member moves upon the flexures in tandem with the actuator as it moves toward and away from the edge of a disk inserted in the drive. The moveable member carries the suspension arm of the actuator to the edge of the disk, at which point the suspension arm can ride up and down the ramped surface of the moveable member in order to load the read/write head onto the surface of the disk and then subsequently to unload the read/write head from the disk.

Abstract: A cartridge for a data storage disk drive has a retroreflective marker. Light from a source is reflected from the marker almost exactly on its incident path. This property makes possible unique identification of the cartridge with minimal senstivity to light reflected from other surfaces. The marker enables a disk drive enable circuit so that the drive cannot be used with improper cartridges which might damage it. Also, a retroreflective marker is used for write protection of the cartridge.

Abstract: The current invention substantially removes particulate waste materials or debris from the floptical medium after laser etching. A low-temperature gas containing ice crystals is applied at a predetermined angle while the floptical medium is being rotated to improve the cleaning effect. The temperature of the disk is maintained above freezing to maintain the cleaning effect.