Abstract: Disk drive characterized by improved means for partitioning flexible magnetic recording disks with "external" pneumatic director means for selecting a partitioning jet stream and directing it into the pack-hub, and beyond into the gap between any two disks--this means constituting rotationally-stabilized jet-select apparatus and associated jet-distributor structure.The invention avoids the problems and inconvenience of such alternate techniques as axially positioning a distributor piston within a pack-hub or of rotationally positioning (phasing) a jet nozzle relative to the co-rotating pack.

Abstract: Techniques and associated apparatus for positioning a magnetic transducer system relative to a selected recording track on a magnetic recording disk.Record information (computer data bits) is recorded along one or more information zones (tracks) of the disk and head-positioning information is derived from this according to a novel "track-on-data" scheme. This scheme uses a "di-gap" transducer system comprising at least one related pair of transducer gaps aligned to register and sense information along a common record track, with the gaps being skewed oblique to the track direction, and aligned transverse to one another.

Abstract: Shown and described are paired floppy-disk memory modules advantageously interlaced together and coupled to a CPU to provide a direct-access Mass Store Memory capability, each module comprising a pair of "short-stack" floppy disk files and an associated pair of transducer-actuator assemblies "shared" by the files.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel rigid flying head presenting a "compound-foil" face to a passing flexible record segment which is induced to automatically assume a prescribed, relatively controlled "approach zone" and associated constant spacing relative to the head face.

Abstract: A disk pack cartridge opening and partitioning apparatus is described, particularly as adapted for inclusion in disk drive apparatus wherein each cartridge comprises a spreadable jacket containing a pack of compactly stacked, hole-encoded flexible magnetic recording disks. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus provides means for automatically spreading the jacket followed by partitioning of the stack between a selected pair of adjacent disks.

Abstract: Principal embodiment teaches method and apparatus for fine positioning (centering) of a magnetic recording transducer relative to the concentric tracks of a rotatable magnetic disk having an "embedded" format (i.e., work data and servo data interspersed in alternate sectors along each track -- vs. "dedicated servo tracks"). The servo data sectors comprise repeating groups of servo tracks used to provide coarse and fine radial positioning signals for the transducer relative to the work data tracks.The servo system controls head-positioning carriage means to keep the transducer gap "centered" during Reading and Writing operations using improved fast digital AGC circuit means and also provides timing information (synchronized clock signals, timing-decode) determined by the drive, rather than external means.

Abstract: Principal embodiment teaches method and apparatus for radial positioning of a magnetic recording transducer relative to the concentric tracks of a rotatable magnetic disk having work data and servo data interspersed in alternate sectors along each track. The servo data sectors comprise repeating groups of servo tracks used to provide coarse and fine radial positioning signals for the transducer relative to the work data tracks.The servo system control hard-positioning carriage means [to seek target track and keep transducer gap "centered" during Reading and Writing operations] and also provides timing information (synchronized clock signals, timing-decode) determined by the drive, rather than external means. An "embedded" format, rather than "dedicated", is used for laying down the servo information.

Abstract: Techniques and associated apparatus for recording and detecting data; and especially for detecting and processing recorded data with greater accuracy.Record information (computer data bits) is recorded along one or more information zones (tracks) of a medium. Head-positioning information may be derived from this, using a "di-gap" transducer system comprising at least one related pair of transducer gaps aligned to register and sense information along a common record track, with the gaps being skewed oblique to the track direction, and aligned transverse to one another.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are characterized by flexible disk packs and related storage apparatus characterized by disks with a circumferential tab section adapted to be engaged by associated partition wedge means; in one form each disk is identical and the disks are stacked so that each tab occupies a unique angular position in the stack -- this facilitating selective engagement of any tab by the wedge so as to effect pack-partition and exposure of a "selected" disk surface for transducer access.

Abstract: Embodiment illustrates technique for better controlling "head spacing" i.e., spacing of a magnetic transducer from the recording surface of a moving medium, such as a magnetic disk -- this involving impressing signals on the recording surface (along a given track) at two prescribed frequencies, so that, upon detection of this signal, one frequency will be attenuated discriminatorily more than the other at all "erroneous" head spacings whereby a "null-seeking" servo control and associated head elevation system may be monitored to maintain optimum head spacing, (e.g., where two frequencies detected at same amplitude). Better control of head/medium spacing in non-contact magnetic recording systems is achieved, especially where one signal is a very high frequency signal which is significantly attenuated whenever there is significant spacing error, while it is readily detected at the proper spacing; while the other signal is relatively unaffected by head spacing.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for plating a thin magnetic recording film having "uniaxial anistropy" wherein a magnetic plating head and plating anode are disposed in cooperative relation adjacent the substrate-cathode to comprise a "plating transducer" which may be translated relative to the substrate so as to sweep the magnetic-gap-field across the substrate to align the plated material as it is deposited. Such an arrangement is especially apt for pre-aligning a film plated along the annular recording tracks of a disk substrate, the disk being rotated past the transducer-anode array which is aligned radially across the disk's recording face.

Abstract: Improved partitioning subassembly, particularly as adapted for inclusion in disk drive apparatus for handling flexible disk packs, these packs preferably comprising flexible hole-encoded, disks compactly stacked in contiguous, superposed registration and packaged in a protective jacket; the subassembly, in a preferred embodiment, constituting a pair of separator-plungers adapted to operate through the encoded hole pattern to selectively and automatically partition the disk pack to enable the associated entry and manipulation of a transducer assembly into the pack.

Abstract: Improved disk drive apparatus for driving and selectively partitioning a flexible disk pack. Each pack contains flexible disks compactly stacked in contiguous, superposed registration and packaged in a protective jacket. The apparatus provides for automatic opening of the disk pack jacket, automatic selective partitioning of the disk pack therewithin, and automatic entry and manipulation of a transducer assembly into the pack for the performance of a transducing operation with respect to a surface of a selected disk.

Abstract: An improved cartridge is described comprising a jacket especially adapted for containing a pack of flexible disks compactly stacked in superposed registration. Each disk is "hole-encoded" and the jacket cooperates with the pack to permit convenient insertion and withdrawal of a disk pack while also permitting selective partitioning of the pack as well as the performance of a transducing operation on a selected disk, all while contained within the jacket.

Abstract: Data is recorded on a magnetic recording disk with data transducers adjustably positioned relative to respective "data zones," each zone comprising a prescribed number of adjacent data tracks. A family of such transducers may be mounted together as a unitary recording head which is positionable radially over an excursion approximating the width of the (multi-track) data zones. A typical head reciprocation excursion approximates from one dozen to several dozen mils; thus, the heads are aptly mounted on flexure pivots and reciprocated directly by electro-magnetic means which are mechanically isolated from the head array.

Abstract: Improved for subassembly partitioning, particularly as adapted for inclusion in disk drive apparatus for handling flexible disk packs, these packs preferably comprising flexible hole-encoded, disks compactly stacked in contiguous, superposed registration and packaged in a protective jacket; the subassembly, in one preferred embodiment, comprising a pair of double, nested separator-plungers, each pair being adapted to operate through the encoded hole pattern to selectively and automatically partition the disk pack as well as "center" a selected disk, thereby enabling the associated entry and manipulation of a double-opposed transducer assembly into the pack, enveloping the so-centered disk.

Abstract: Improved flexible disk magnetic storage systems and associated sub-assemblies and media are illustrated in the embodiments as comprising a pack of flexible magnetic recording disks stacked for co-rotation at high rpm on a manipulator assembly which includes a pneumatic separator-hub adapted to be shifted axially along the disk array so as to direct an air jet between selected disks and thus "partition" the stack for entry of a transducer assembly.

Abstract: Improved disk pack media for data storage illustrated as comprising a pack of flexible magnetic recording disks perforated for partitioning and adapted for stacking each in a different respective rotational orientation to facilitate partitioning. All disks are hole-encoded in a common pattern, then stacked to dispose each in a unique rotational "misregistration" relative to all others -- thereby opening-up and/or closing-off adjacent "partition bores" and permitting associated automatic apparatus to selectively partition the pack and expose any desired disk-side for operation thereon.

Abstract: Improved flexible disk storage media comprising a pack of flexible recording disks adapted for compact stacking in superposed registration. Each disk is hole-encoded to permit associated disk partitioning apparatus to provide automatic selective partitioning of the pack for selecting a desired disk for the performance of a recording and/or reproducing operation with respect to a surface thereof. Each multiple disk pack is removably contained in a protective jacket during partitioning and transducing operations. The jacket cooperates with automatic jacket-opening means so as to provide for convenient insertion and withdrawal of a disk pack while permitting selective partitioning of the pack while contained in the jacket for the performance of a transducing operation on a selected disk in the pack.

Abstract: An improved vehicle-mounted winch is disclosed characterized by a sliding bar allowing use of a web or strand to be secured thereto and tightened thereby, e.g., to secure a load.