Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems, and methods for limiting the travel of a data transfer head along the recording surface of a removable hard disk, particularly for recording and archiving of digital video and other data. A tab of a moveable linkage limits radial travel of a head support arm radially along the recording surface. The linkage will preferably be also used to ensure that the data transfer head is retracted to a parked position when no cartridge is inserted in the drive, and the linkage will often include a biasing spring to help eject the cartridge from the drive. The biasing spring may also be used to resiliently rebound the recording head safely back toward the recording surface.

Abstract: A disk drive for use with a digital video disk has an adjustable head load ramp mounted to a housing. The head load ramp comprises a ramp body having a proximal end, a distal end and a cam surface near the distal end. An adjustment mechanism at the proximal end adjustably couples the ramp body to the housing, such that adjustment of the adjustment mechanism varies a height of the cam surface relative to the digital video disk by pivoting the ramp body at a pivot disposed between the proximal end and the distal end.