Abstract: An optical data storage system is contemplated, employing improved optical disk media, these characterized by multiple layers, including various under layers, an optical absorber layer, and overcoating layers, such as a "soft pad" layer (e.g., a fluoropolymer) overlaid with a "Hard" layer (e.g., a radiation-cured acrylic) as an outer protective overcoat. Taught are "Spiral" coating techniques (FIG. 3) specified for applying the "Hard" layer and preferably involving: applying the coating mix as arcuate "bead segments" about the disk center, these being formulated and applied to properly "set-up" and quickly "level" (e.g., close enough to one another and "self-leveling").

Abstract: A disc drive arrangement including RW head actuator driven by an improved voice coil motor, having ceramic back-magnets which are subdivided to give improved magnetic characteristics and operation (increased working flux and an increase in efficiency and effective power acceleration for given current--e.g., thus decreasing "access time").

Abstract: An optical data storage system is contemplated, one employing a data-modulated writing laser beam and a non-erasing reading laser beam of predetermined wavelength.Improved optical media for such systems are described, these characterized by multiple layers whose optical characteristics and thickness are chosen to accommodate a prescribed writing and reading energy and wavelength and so provide an "anti-reflection" condition for unrecorded portions of the medium and a relatively higher reflectivity for recorded portions. A preferred optical medium includes a highly reflective aluminum layer, a relatively transparent polymer spacer layer overlying the reflective layer, and an optical absorber (recording) layer overlying the spacer layer.Overcoating structure is specified in some detail; e.g., as a "soft pad" layer (e.g., fluoropolymer) on the absorber, with a "Hard" layer (e.g., radiation-cured acrylic) laid over the "soft pad" as an outer protective overcoat.

Abstract: Described is a novel technique and associated arrangement for determining the noise-free value of a system parameter (e.g., head position in a disk drive) which is time variable and (usually) has a noise component as detected. The technique involves processing the (as detected) noise-including value and passing it through "Second Order/Summing" filter means.For instance, the technique is described as particularly useful with the "track-following servo" (part of the transducer positioning means) in a high density disk file (where track density is higher than usual) to secure superior head-displacement error values which are more noise-free. Thus, (see FIG. 4), a pair of first values V.sub.a, V.sub.b are secured by detecting motor current sense voltage V.sub.i, integrating it with respect to time and passing the result through a pair of novel "second order filter" means--one hand-pass (F.sub.1), the other low-pass (F.sub.2); while also securing a third value V.sub.

Abstract: Improved disk drive equipment is illustrated, being characterized by improved partitioning means for partitioning a stack of flexible magnetic recording disks axially (end-wise).

Abstract: One embodiment discloses a method and apparatus whereby each time a tape is wound upon a prescribed reel, the winding pattern may be assumed to leave the array of tape edges in a unique "edge profile" represented by the position of each winding edge as viewed from one side of the reel along a radial direction--this "profile" being interpreted as a "winding signature"; the signature may be detected via reflections of an energy beam and recorded in a convenient encoded fashion for possible use in uniquely identifying and documenting each unspooling/rewind sequence to thereby determine whether the tape has been "unspooled".

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser recording arrangement including a mirror for redirecting the laser beam in a controlled scan mode plus an associated electro-optical position monitor for monitoring mirror orientation, these being housed in a unitary casting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser recording arrangement including a pivotable mirror for redirecting the laser beam in a controlled scan mode plus an associated electro-optical position monitor for monitoring mirror orientation, these being housed in a unitary casting with a particular torsional form of pivot suspension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiant energy optoelectronic position monitor system which detects the angular position of a "galvonometer mirror" (beam scanner) used in an optical disk memory arrangement.

Abstract: A principle embodiment teaches a strobing method and associated apparatus for magnetic recording/detecting systems especially adapted for use in high performance, high capacity, low cost disk drives wherein there is provided strobing means adapted to produce a chain of timing pulses and to distribute them relatively uniformly across a data cell of variable length and so provide a sampling means for such cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser recording arrangement including a pivoting mirror adapted for redirecting the laser beam in a controlled scan mode plus an associated electro-optical position monitor for monitoring mirror orientation, with a particular form of magnetic motor provided to activate mirror-pivoting.

Abstract: Described is a fixture for glass-bonding a digital magnetic recording slider workpiece (the component parts thereof), while holding them carefully aligned. In one preferred embodiment this fixture includes a slot for receiving a number of such work pieces in pre-assembled form registering and aligning them together and providing retainer means individually for each work piece adapted to resiliently and selectively engage each work piece and hold it positively in careful, precise alignment while glass-bonding and related operations carried out on the array of multiple work pieces so-aligned and retained.

Abstract: An optical data storage system is contemplated, one employing a data-modulated writing laser beam and a nonerasing reading laser beam of predetermined wavelength.Improved optical media for such systems are described, these characterized by multiple layers whose optical characteristics and thickness are chosen to accommodate a prescribed writing and reading energy and wavelength and so provide an "anti-friction" condition for unrecorded portions of the medium and a relatively higher reflectivity for recorded portions. A preferred optical medium includes a highly reflective aluminum layer, a relatively transparent polymer spacer layer overlying the reflective layer, and an optical absorber (recording) layer overlying the spacer layer.Overcoating structure is specified in some detail; e.g., as a "soft pad" layer (e.g., fluoropolymer) on the absorber, with a "Hard" layer (e.g., radiation-cured acrylic) laid over the "soft pad" as an outer protective overcoat.

Abstract: Described is a novel method and associated fixture for magnetically attracting and holding back-bar means to respective magnetic core-leg portions of a typical magnetic slider assembly.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the fabrication of metal oxide patterns on a substrate adapted for use with thin film magnetic heads. The metal oxide pattern has a precisely defined geometry including nearly vertical side walls, for minimizing read/write errors. In addition, a filler material formed from a non-magnetic, non-metallic compound is provided on the substrate in a pattern complimentary to the metal oxide pattern. In accordance with the subject invention, the top surface of the metal oxide pattern and the filler material are co-planar. By this arrangement, subsequent layers may be uniformly deposited without discontinuities. The subject method includes a plurality of distinct masking and etching steps in order to achieve the desired result.

Abstract: Improved disk pack media for data storage is illustrated as comprising a pack of flexible magnetic recording disks which may be partitioned "end-wise".The disk pack is flanked top and bottom by respective "dummy packs" and end-plates, the end-plates being formed simply from a stack of contiguous flexible disks.

Abstract: Techniques and associated apparatus for a magnetic disk transducing system adapted to record along spiral tracks in a Herringbone pattern, using a pair of orthogonal skew gaps, operating in tandem.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of an improved aqueous magnetic coating composition employing a polyacrylic latex polymer as a dispersant. As preferred embodiments, the composition further comprises a polymeric binder having both hard and soft components, as well as the inclusion of flow agents, antifoaming agents, wetting agents and lubricants.

Abstract: An optical data storage system is contemplated, one employing a data-modulated writing laser beam (FIG. 2: .circle.L ) with improved associated optical media (FIG. 2), these characterized by multiple layers (FIG. 2:c,d,e,f,g)--more particularly, a highly reflective aluminum layer (c), a relatively transparent polymer spacer layer (d) overlying the reflective layer, and an optical absorber (recording) layer (e) overlying the spacer layer, plus an overcoating structure, e.g., as a "soft pad" layer (f; e.g., a fluoropolymer) on the absorber, with a "Hard" layer (g; e.g., a radiation-cured acrylic) laid over the "soft pad" as an outer protective overcoat. "Spiral" coating techniques (FIG. 3) are specified for applying the "Hard" layer.

Abstract: One embodiment discloses a method and apparatus whereby each time a tape is wound upon a prescribed reel, the winding pattern may be assumed to leave the array of tape edges in a unique "edge profile" represented by the position of each winding edge as viewed from one side of the reel along a radial direction--this "profile" being interpreted as a "winding signature"; the signature may be detected and recorded in a convenient encoded fashion for possible use in uniquely identifying and documenting each unspooling/rewind sequence to thereby monitor tape use.