Abstract: A method is for simultaneously operating the tray of an optical disk system and the front panel of the computer cabinet wherein the optical disk system is housed. In the method, the tray of the optical disk system is ejected immediately after the front panel of the computer case is completely opened when a tray operation instruction is issued and the front panel is currently at a close state. Additionally, the tray is retracted into the optical disk system before the front panel of the computer case is closed when a tray operation instruction is issued again and the front panel is currently at an open state so that the optical disk system may been closed inside a computer cabinet of the computer including HI-FI stereo. In the embodiment, the tray operation instruction is delivered via an output pin of the computer including HI-FI stereo and one of the reserved output pin of the optical disk system.

Abstract: A disk changer for CD and DVD disks including a rotatable platter with several slots each adapted for receiving a disk generally needs two optical sensors. The first sensor is adapted for detecting the number of a related slot of the platter and for providing a stop signal for the rotation of the platter. The second sensor is adapted for detecting the presence or absence of a disk in a given slot. Said sensors and their associated evaluation circuits are expensive components. Therefore it is an object to simplify the means for realizing said sensors. Said second sensor has the form of a link (8) hingedly mounted between its two ends (10, 11) a first end (10) of the link (8) contacting the surface of the disk (4) and a second end (11) of the link (8) cooperating with said first optical sensor (6). By this solution said second sensor and its associated evaluation circuit can be omitted substantially reducing the total costs of the changer.

Abstract: A recording medium driving apparatus is provided. A signal from the tray position sensor 13 is provided to the connection point E to control a mute signal generator 80a in the driver IC. When the system controller is abnormal, the potential of the connection point E is low according to the signal from the tray position sensor 13, even though the HIGH signal is output on the buses 172, 75. The mute signal from the mute signal generator 80a is output, and the sled motor driver, the spindle motor driver and the solenoid driver for driving the solenoid 28b of the lock mechanism are maintained at the off state. Even though the system controller is abnormal, the sled motor and the lock mechanism of the tray are maintained at the non-driven state.

Abstract: At least an optical disk, a spindle motor, an optical head assembly and a seeking mechanism are mounted in a disk cartridge to accordingly establish a hermetically sealed structure. On the other hand, a disk cartridge guide member, an optical assembly, a disk cartridge lock mechanism, an optical path switching mechanism and the like are mounted in an optical disk drive. This enables the structure of improving the dust immunity of the disk cartridge and the low cost. Moreover, the optical disk drive can accommodate a plurality of disk cartridges. Thus, a disk cartridge implements a memory corresponding to various services. Or, an optical library of the present invention has mechanisms for mounting and detaching the optical disk cartridge and accordingly accommodating a large number of disk cartridges in a limited space. Moreover, it is possible to provide an extremely small type of an optical disk drive to thereby design a memory unit applicable to various services including a portable apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data storage system having a base, a motor mounted to the base, and a device for detecting the presence of a data cartridge in the data storage system. The device is operatively coupled to the motor and generates a signal when the device detects the presence of the data cartridge in the data storage system. The motor activates in response to generation of the signal. The motor, when activated, moves the data cartridge within the data storage system between operational and non-operational positions. In one embodiment, the device includes a light sensor and a light generator. The light sensor is positioned to receive light generated by the light generator. The light sensor generates the signal in response to an interruption of the light received by the sensor. The device may further include device further an opaque shield directly or indirectly connected to the base. This shield is movable with respect to the light generator and sensor.

Abstract: A tape-shaped switch (500) is provided on a base part (410). Coil springs (460) support a ring-shaped rotational drive section (450) on the position opposed to the switch (500), biasing the same away from the base part (410), so that that the rotational drive section (450) may move toward and from the base part (410). First buffers are provided in association with the switches (501) of the tape-shaped switch (500), respectively. A flange (313) extends outward from the disc-shaped table plate (311) of a jog table unit (310) and is mounted on the rotational drive section (450). When the user depresses the jog table unit (310), moving the same downward, at least one of the switches (501) is closed. The motion of the jot table unit (310) is reliably detected because it is detected at a position outside that part of the jog table unit (310), which is depressed so that good feeling of the operation can be obtained.

Abstract: To make simple in structure and to still ensure precise disc loading, a disc loading-and-unloading structure for a disc apparatus comprises a drive motor, a drive roll assembly, a free-roll slider, a rotary lever, a slider, and link-and-spring connection means. The drive roll assembly has first and second drive rolls, an intervening transmission gear wheel, and a rotatable arm plate. The first drive roll is rotatably fixed to a stationary stud axle next to one end of the disc slot, and is connected to the drive motor. The first and second drive rolls are fixed to the opposite ends of the rotatable arm plate with the intervening transmission gear wheel sandwiched therebetween. The free-roll slider is next to the other end of the disc slot. The free-roll slider has first and second free rolls, and a slidable arm plate, and the first and second free rolls are fixed to the opposite ends of the slidable arm plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information processing unit with improved operability. A reading section (10) reads information recorded in an optical disk, and outputs a read signal. A DSP (20) detects the read signal and processes to a reproducible form. A quick return button selects at least one of the processing details for starting or stopping the information processing and for changing a reproducing position of the information. When a reproducing state changing section (120) recognizes a change instruction for changing a processing state for the information, a reproduction control section (52) changes the processing state by the DSP 20 based on the processing details selected with the quick return button.

Abstract: A rotary tray apparatus includes a counter for counting L levels and H levels of a pulse signal in one cycle at a predetermined time interval, a detecting unit for detecting whether or not a signal of an opposite level is input during counting of respective levels executed by the counter, a memory for storing previously-input counted numbers of respective pulse signals as reference values, and a controlling unit for comparing a counted value at this input time point with the reference values in the memory when an opposite level detecting signal is sent out from the detecting unit 10a during counting, then deciding that a noise signal is input when the counted value is out of tolerances of the reference values, and then initializing the counted values and continuing determination of the identification numbers based on the input pulse signal.

Abstract: A disk recording-reproducing apparatus ensures a large transport distance of a tray which moves a disk-shaped recording medium between an ejecting position and a recording-reproducing position while decreasing a dimension in the transport direction. A drive section (47) is built into a tray (13) which can be extracted from and retracted into an external chassis (10) and moves a disk-shaped recording medium between the ejecting position and the recording-reproducing position. A pinion (56) comprises an output end of the drive section (47) and rolls on a rack (24) of a chucking slider (20) to self-propel the tray (13). After the tray (13) completely moves to the recording-reproducing apparatus side, an output from the drive section (47) of the tray (13) is used to move the chucking slider (20) to the ejecting direction of the tray (13). Then, a cam groove (23) provided on the chucking slider (20) is used to raise a base unit (30).

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an optical disc driving apparatus 100, 200 for driving an optical disc while reading out information contained in the optical disc, the optical disc having an outer peripheral surface, comprising: a housing 101 formed with an loading slot having the optical disc passed therethrough; first detecting means 102 for performing a detection of the outer peripheral surface of the optical disc to be moved into the housing 101; and second detecting means 103 for performing a detection of the outer peripheral surface of the optical disc to be moved into the housing 101 after the detection of the outer peripheral surface of the optical disc is performed by the first detecting means 102; and judging means 104 for judging whether one optical disc or partially overlapped optical discs are passed through the loading slot 101a of the housing 101 based on results detected by the first and second detecting means 102 and 103.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an external optical disk drive's open/closed status. The apparatus includes an upper housing, a cover, a solenoid valve sub-assembly, a solenoid valve base, a solenoid valve, a hook device, a torsion spring, an elastic plate, a lower housing, and two wires. When the cover is closed, the convex portion located at the front edge of the cover presses on the torsion spring, and the torsion spring contacts the elastic plate, resulting in an electrically conductive state. When the cover is opened, the torsion spring is released, and the torsion spring disengages from the elastic plate, disconnecting the circuit.

Abstract: A disc type recording and/or reproducing apparatus automatically performs the opening and closing of a shutter provided on a cartridge housing an optical disc in its case, and prevents the above-mentioned opening and closing mechanism from affecting the cartridge after an end of loading. When a DVR cartridge (51) is drawn into a recording and reproducing position by means of a tray (13), a shutter opening and closing mechanism (65) arranged on the side of the apparatus is relatively moved with regard to the cartridge (51). Thereby, shutter plates (100) of the cartridge (51) are opened or closed. Then, after the shutter plates (100) are completely released, the shutter opening and closing mechanism (65) is retracted by means of a cam (85) to be away from the cartridge (51).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieving data related to a data cartridge contained in a multi-plane media storage system. One or more data retrieval devices are attached to the cartridge access device. A transponder is attached to the data cartridge for storing the related data, and at least one reader attached to a cartridge access device of the media storage system is positionable adjacent the data cartridge for reading the related data from the transponder. A scanner adapted to scan bar code indicia on the data cartridges may also be attached to the cartridge access device at the opposite end from the reader.

Abstract: Provided is an information recording and reproducing device and an information recording and reproducing system, which comprise an external apparatus connection detector for detecting an electrical connection to an external apparatus. In a case where the external apparatus connection detector detects the connection to the external apparatus, ejection of an optical disk is prohibited. In a case where the connection to the external apparatus is not detected, the ejection of the disk is permitted. Accordingly, problems such as destruction of data occurring when the disk is ejected at a printing time can be prevented.

Abstract: During an operation to change the recording speed, an optical pickup (3) is retracted so as to play back a signal that has already been recording onto a disc D. A synchronization signal obtained from the signal that is played back by the optical pickup (3) and a recording reference signal are synchronized, and the recording operation is resumed from a recording interrupted position. The position where the optical pickup (3) is to be retracted is set on the basis of the time required to change the recording speed. Also, a rotational speed change operation for a spindle motor (1) for rotationally driving a disc D and the retract operation for the optical pickup (3) are performed concurrently.

Abstract: A disc conveying apparatus includes a first conveyor unit having a plurality of rollers which are arranged along a conveying path of a disc-shaped recording medium with gaps therebetween, which move in a direction away from the conveying path and rotate individually, and which convey the disc-shaped recording medium by successively rolling on a peripheral surface of the disc-shaped recording medium to pass the disc-shaped recording medium from one to another, a second conveyor unit which faces the first conveyor unit across the disc-shaped recording medium being conveyed, which is oriented along the conveying path, and which retains the disc-shaped recording medium between the first conveyor unit and the second conveyor unit, and a control unit which detects the position of the disc-shaped recording medium and controls the rotation of the rollers on the basis of the movement of the rollers in the direction away from the conveying path.

Abstract: A loading motor control device of an optical device, which controls a loading motor to move a tray for loading or unloading a disc, and to raise and lower a pickup deck. The loading motor control device includes an optical sensor that has a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, which are separated by a predetermined space and are face with each other; and a shutter that is provided on a sliding cam to move back and forth in the predetermined space, and that has a plurality of opening holes, through which a light beam emitted from the light-emitting portion passes, wherein the loading motor is controlled in multiple modes corresponding to the respective positions of the plurality of opening holes. The loading motor can be controlled adequately and correctly in multiple modes and with a simple structure.

Abstract: There are provided: an optical pickup feed mechanism (12) that detects a disk signal; a disk loading mechanism (11) that feeds a disk D by means of a loading roller (11b) that is driven by a loading motor (11a); a mechanism control section (20) that controls drive of the loading motor (11a); and an authentication control section (30) that authenticates the authorized user and outputs a disk ejection instruction to the mechanism control section (20) if the registered password and disk ejection instruction are input.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the position of a plunge mechanism which is mounted to a cartridge engaging assembly is disclosed herein. The apparatus may be embodied in a cartridge engaging assembly having a plunge mechanism that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The plunge mechanism is provided with a reference mark that moves with the plunge mechanism. A detector is mounted to the cartridge engaging assembly, wherein the detector senses an image of the reference mark and produces an output signal related thereto. A control system is operatively associated with the detector and is responsive to the output signal produced thereby. The control system is also operatively associated with the plunge mechanism so that it regulates the position of the plunge mechanism based on the output signal.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the position of a plunge mechanism which is mounted to a cartridge engaging assembly are disclosed herein. In one method, the position of a plunge mechanism associated with a cartridge engaging assembly is regulated by 1) providing a reference mark on the plunge mechanism, 2) detecting a size of the reference mark on the plunge mechanism, and then 3) determining the position of the plunge mechanism based on the size of the detected reference mark. In another method, a plunge mechanism is moved to an extended position within a cartridge engaging assembly by 1) initiating movement of the plunge mechanism from a retracted toward an extended position in accordance with an open loop control schedule, and then 2) after moving the plunge mechanism for a predetermined distance, switching control of the movement of the plunge mechanism to a closed loop control schedule, and monitoring a detector which detects a reference mark provided on the plunge mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of single-button control for switching between a tray open/close mode and a music playing function mode of an optical disc drive. The modes of the optical disc drive are switched by detection of the duration of pressing the single button. The optical disc drive enters a music playing function mode to play music when the pressed time is longer than a predetermined time and a tray open/close mode to control only the opening and closing functions of a loading tray when the pressed time is shorter than the predetermined time. Thus, the functions of controlling the loading tray and playing music are operated by single button without requiring additional buttons, even in the absence of corresponding music playing software.

Abstract: In a disc drive apparatus, provided in the front face thereof is a changeover switch for changing over settings between a master and a slave in working of disc drive apparatus. Changeover switch is electrically connected to a substrate in the interior thereof by a cable. A cover is provided near the front face of changeover switch so as to cover it. A prescribed lock mechanism is provided to cover so that cover is neither opened erroneously nor changed over in operation of disc drive apparatus. A previous locking of lock mechanism is cancelled in a state where disc drive apparatus in out of operation, thereby enabling changeover between settings of a master and a slave in working. With such a construction adopted, a disc drive apparatus is obtained in which change over is easily performed between settings of a master and a slave in working thereof and a set state thereof is immediately confirmed.

Abstract: A system for the duplication of binary data onto CD-R disks, the system including a copy unit, a host computer and computer software, the software being installed in the host computer to provide a user interface and to direct the transfer of data from the host computer to the copy unit, the copy unit including a set of multiple stacked recordable disk drives, a microprocessor electronically connected to the activating mechanism of a pivotal transport tower and to the set of multiple stacked recordable disk drives. A robotic disk pickup head on the pivotal transport tower is encompassed by a set of disk spindle members arranged in a symmetric semi-circular pattern around the central tower, the disk pickup head being connected to the pivotal transport tower with an elevator mechanism for lifting and transporting compact disks among the disk spindle members and any selected one of the stacked recordable disk drive members.

Abstract: A disc drive apparatus using a disc-like recording medium includes a casing, a substrate, two LED, a light guiding member, a white print portion, and a motor. The light guiding member is arranged adjacent to the two LED on the substrate for guiding light emitted from LED. The white print portion is positioned in a light emitting direction of LED, and formed on a surface of the substrate positioned below the light guiding member. The motor is arranged adjacent to the light guiding member and the white print portion on the substrate. The light guiding member is provided with a satin finish at a surface of a portion facing to the LED. The front panel includes a protrusion protruding below a portion that is farthest from the LED in a portion adjacent to a light emitting indication portion of the light guiding member.

Abstract: There are provided: an optical pickup feed mechanism (12) that detects a disk signal; a disk loading mechanism (11) that feeds a disk D by means of a loading roller (11b) that is driven by a loading motor (11a); a mechanism control section (20) that controls drive of the loading motor (11a); and an authentication control section (30) that authenticates the authorized user and outputs a disk ejection instruction to the mechanism control section (20) if the registered password and disk ejection instruction are input. The authentication control section (30) is provided with a time setting section (36) that stores a set time length in memory (32), a timer (37) that measures time, and a time decision section (38) that determines lapse of the set time length in accordance with the time length stored in the memory section (32) and the time measured by the timer (37).

Abstract: An information recording medium reproducing system has an insertion opening, a recording medium storing portion and a medium carrying device. Photodetectors are provided for detecting passing of the recording medium and for producing a passing signal when the medium passes. A controller is provided for controlling operation of the medium carrying device. The controller applies a discharge signal to the medium carrying device when the passing signal is not produced within a predetermined time, whereby the medium carrying device is actuated in discharge operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of reducing a program selection time in an optical disc multi-changer by determining whether a disc is mounted on a disc mounting unit before it is determined whether the disc is chucked and a type of the disc is discriminated. The method of operating the optical disc multi-changer having a tray with disc mounting units, includes receiving a signal to determine whether a disc is mounted on a current disc mounting unit of the disc mounting units, outputting a command signal to move to a next disc mounting unit of the disc mounting units where the received signal indicates that no disc is mounted on the current disc mounting unit, and receiving a program selection signal where the received signal is received from all disc mounting units. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a program selection time by determining whether the disc is mounted on the disc mounting unit before the disc chucking and discrimination of the type of the disc are performed.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method of operating a multi-changer of an optical disc player which restricts an initial operation of the multi-changer of the optical disc by referring to a disc chucking and tray open/close states. According to the method, it is determined whether a type of a disc, which is currently mounted in the disc mounting unit, has been determined before, if a tray open or close key is inputted. If it is determined that the type of the disc has not been determined before, the tray is opened or closed. Then, if the tray is closed, the type of the disc is determined after chucking the disc which is currently mounted in the disc mounting unit. According to the method, it is possible to stabilize a player by restricting an initiating operation of the multi-changer of the optical disc, which occurs needlessly due to a tray open/close key, when a disc is not yet chucked.

Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus is provided with: a clamping device (900) capable of clamping and clamp-releasing a recording medium (100), a rotating device (20) for rotating the recording medium clamped by the clamping device; a reading device (30) disposed opposite to an information record surface of the recording medium for reading information recorded on the information record surface of the recording medium; a driving device (34, 34D, 32) capable of moving the reading device in a radial direction of the recording medium; and a linkage device (24, 83, 85) for linking a clamping or clamp-releasing action by the clamping device with a movement of the reading device by the driving device.

Abstract: An optical disk drive includes a case, a tray which is slidably provided to the case and receives an optical disk, and a ground member which is electrically connected to the case and contacts one side of the optical disk as the tray slides in or out of the case. In the optical disk drive, by removing a static electricity remaining on the optical disk through the ground member, where the tray is loaded, foreign materials such as dust can be prevented from adhering to the optical disk. Accordingly, a stable and accurate optical signal processing can be guaranteed, thereby improving the reliability of the optical disk drive and the optical disk.

Abstract: In an optical disc apparatus, loading operation and an unloading operation are performed a plurality of times while changing the movement speed of a tray. A movement speed of the tray at which a shock that is produced during a movement of the tray is smaller than an upper limit, and a time period required for the loading operation and the unloading operation is shortest is determined as the movement speed of the tray in the loading operation and the unloading operation. An optical disc placed on the tray can be prevented from being damaged by a shock produced during a movement of the tray, and the time period required for the loading operation and the unloading operation can be prevented from being prolonged.

Abstract: Provided are: a turn table for storing a disk shaped recording medium Dn to be vertically placed; a disk drive unit disposed at the center part of the table, the disk drive unit mounting a recording medium Dn to record and/or reproduce an information signal SIN; disk carrying means for carrying the recording medium Dn between the disk drive unit and the turn table; and a control device, wherein the control device controls the turn table and disk carrying medium so as to detect whether or not the recording medium Dn is stored in the disk storage unit, judge an information recording face of the recording medium Dn removed from the disk storage unit, and based on the judgment result, mount the recording medium Dn intact on the disk drive unit or invert the recording medium Dn, thereby remounting the medium on the disk drive.

Abstract: An ejecting device of an optical disk apparatus measures the time from timing when chucking is canceled until timing when a tray is ejected from the main body by a predetermined amount, and determines timing for applying a brake by using the measured time. Consequently, the tray can be always ejected by an appropriate amount without being affected by the magnitude of the load during the movement of the tray and without being affected by the change over time of the main body of the apparatus.

Abstract: An information recording medium conveyer is provided, which provides countermeasures against power interruptions with high reliability. When a power interruption occurs during a loading operation with a conveying roller, the first unloading operation is initiated. When the outputs from detection sensors satisfy a predetermined condition during the first unloading operation, the process is initialized to cause the conveying roller to initiate a re-loading operation, thereby loading an information recording medium into a tray. On the other hand, when the outputs from the detection sensors do not change in accordance with a predetermined sequence during the re-loading operation, the process initiates the second unloading operation.

Abstract: During an ejecting or unloading operation of an information recording medium by a conveying roller, if detection signals are output from detecting sensors indicating that the object being ejected or unloaded has already been discharged from an insertion hole although it has not, then the insertion hole is closed by the door. If, for some reasons, the door fails to close the insertion hole within a predetermined time, the conveying roller performs a forcible ejecting operation, whereby the object left inside is forcibly ejected to the outside. Thus, ejection or unloading of a medium is carried out without failure.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus includes a record and reproduce section to record or reproduce information signal onto or from an information medium, a determination section to determine at least one of a kind and a state of the medium, a function management section to manage functions for recording and functions for reproduction, and to select functions which can be performed from the managed functions according to the determination result of the determination section, and a display control section to control a display unit to display a list of functions selected by the function management section.

Abstract: An information recording medium reproducing system has an insertion opening, a recording medium storing portion and a medium carrying device. Photodetectors are provided for detecting passing of the recording medium and for producing a passing signal when the medium passes. A controller is provided for controlling operation of the medium carrying device. The controller applies a discharge signal to the medium carrying device when the passing signal is not produced within a predetermined time, whereby the medium carrying device is actuated in discharge operation.

Abstract: An information recording-reproducing apparatus includes carrier rollers 1a, 2a arranged in a carriage path having a width almost equal to a diameter of a large diameter disc, and a mechanical side switch PSW at one peripheral end of the carriage path. First and second optical detectors P1, P2 are arranged in the carriage path at an interval smaller than a diameter of the small diameter disc. The first optical detector P1 and the side switch PSW are arranged at an interval larger than the diameter of the small diameter disc, while the second optical detector P2 and the side switch PSW are arranged at an interval smaller than the diameter of the small diameter disc. The type of the disc as well as difference between the disc and an object other than the disc are determined based on the detection signals from the optical detectors P1, P2 and the side switch PSW.

Abstract: Battery-powered computer systems have evolved into multi-media systems which can playback two-hour movies stored on Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs). However, battery lives are generally too short to permit users to view an entire movie without interruption, requiring users who resume playback to fast-forward to an approximate point where the interruption occurred. Accordingly, the present invention provides system, method, and software embodiments which monitor battery status during DVD playback, and upon detection of low battery level, record a current playback position. Subsequent to the replacement or recharge of the battery, playback may be automatically resumed at the recorded playback position, thereby saving both time and power in recovering from the interruption. Other embodiments omit battery monitoring by periodically recording playback position and facilitate recovery from interruptions of data-transfer operations.

Abstract: When an action for turning off the power of a host computer is performed, the host computer transmits control information to a disk drive to the effect that chucking should be canceled. Accordingly, the disk drive cancels chucking of a disk and transmits information to the host computer to the effect that cancel has been completed. Receiving the information to the effect that chucking has been canceled, the host computer terminates a disk drive application, confirms that all of the started applications are completed, and then terminates OS (Operating System).

Abstract: An information recording/reproducing apparatus determines whether ejection of an optical disk stored in an optical disk drive or in a changer is allowed when receiving a command for ejecting the optical disk to the outside. The information recording/reproducing apparatus allows the optical disk to be ejected only when judging that the ejection is allowed. When judging that the ejection is not allowed, the information recording/reproducing apparatus rejects the ejection. Prohibition of ejection of an optical disk on which information whose copyright is to be protected has been recorded enables the use of the information for private hobby and at the same time prevents pirated versions or the like from being produced, thus realizing copyright protection.

Abstract: A microcomputer system and method of utilizing a repeated reset operation to enter the microcomputer system into different operating modes, particularly a microcomputer system without a keyboard, in which only a reset key is needed to set the required operating mode. The microcomputer system of the present invention comprises: a microcomputer; a memory connected to the microcomputer; a reset key to reset the microcomputer system; and a reset circuit to provide a power on reset pulse required in the microcomputer system or to receive the reset pulse produced by reset key. The microcomputer system checks both a specific memory area content for only a first specific value and a dedicated address content in the memory for a second specific value. If both only the first specific value in specific memory area and the second specific value in dedicated address are present, the microcomputer system is set to an abnormal operating mode. Otherwise, the specific value is written into the dedicated address in the memory.

Abstract: A disk device has an optical pickup feed mechanism for reciprocating an optical pickup between the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of a disc in the radial direction thereof. The optical pickup feed mechanism includes a threaded shaft threaded with a thread portion formed on an optical pickup main body for reciprocating the optical pickup main body in the radial direction of the disc while supporting it, a rotating drive source for reciprocating the optical pickup main body, and a rotation transmission gear fixed to an end of the threaded shaft for transmitting the rotation of the rotating drive source to the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A magnetically suspended CD-ROM drive is proposed, which is characterized by using electromagnetic attraction/repulsion force to move a disc-holding support tray for loading or ejecting a compact disc into or out of the CD-ROM drive. Without employing a gear mechanism of a conventional CD-ROM drive for mechanically operating the support tray, this magnetically suspended CD-ROM drive is beneficial as not having to install additional equipment such as a read/write head moving device, thereby making fabrication processes and equipment maintenance more cost-effective to implement.

Abstract: A disc device comprising a transfer unit operable to provide a transferring force to a disc inserted from the outside to transfer the disc into a storage area in the device, a sensor unit for detecting the position of the inserted disc, and a control unit for controlling a operational speed of the transfer unit. The control unit controls the operational speed of the transfer unit in the disc loading direction at a low-speed until the disc inserted from the outside reaches the transfer unit. The control unit then adjusts the operational speed of the transfer unit in the disc loading direction from a low-speed to a high-speed when the sensor unit detects that the disc is inserted into the position in which a transferring force from the transfer unit is given to the disc, or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Accordingly, the disc device reduces operation noise and resistance when the disc is inserted.

Abstract: A first detector is provided for detecting an optical disc inserted in an opening of a reproducing system and for producing a first signal, and a second detector is provided on a reproducing device for detecting the disc carried to the device and for producing a second signal. A sensing circuit is provided for sensing a temporary reduction of a voltage of power supplied to the system and for producing a temporary reduction signal. A control means is provided to be responsive to the first signal and to the temporary reduction signal for operating a carrying device to carry the disc in an unloading direction, and in a loading direction when the disc reaches a predetermined position.

Abstract: When the user enters a command to eject an optical disc from an optical-disc apparatus by operating an input unit, a CPU records information such as an operating mode and a location accessed immediately prior to ejection of the disc into a RAM unit as resume-function related information. The resume-function related information is then supplied to the optical disc to be recorded thereon by way of a write-in channel buffer, a switch, an ECC circuit, an RF & demodulation/modulation circuit and an optical head. Accordingly it is possible to make an access to a location on an optical disc accessed immediately prior to ejection of the disc from an optical-disc apparatus when the disc is reinserted into the optical-disc apparatus.

Abstract: A disc loading device for an optical disc drive that discriminates between standard sized optical discs and other objects. In the disc-loading device, two one-degree-of-freedom detecting arms are disposed near the slot of the optical disc drive. An edge sensor including an emitting component and a receiving component is disposed between two detecting arms. A control unit receives data from the detecting arms and the edge sensor when the edge sensor detects the periphery of an object inserted into the optical disc drive. The data is used to calculate the size of the inserted object. By comparing the measured size with the standard sizes of optical discs, the disc loading device can determine whether or not the inserted object is an optical disc or another object. If the control unit determines that the inserted object is not an optical disc, the object is unloaded.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling, storing and reloading carriers for disk-shaped items, such as semiconductor wafers or CDs, has at least one cleaning unit and at least one storage unit for the carriers containing the disk-shaped items. The apparatus further has at least one sorting unit for the disk-shaped items. The cleaning unit, the storage unit and the sorting apparatus are integral component parts of the apparatus and are operated by a common automatic control.