Abstract: A disc handling mechanism is disclosed that transfers a disc between a multi-disc storage rack and a cartridge-type disc player. The disc handling mechanism includes a dedicated cartridge that moves between the storage rack and the disc player, plus mechanisms for transferring the disc between the storage rack and the cartridge. The invention includes a cartridge transfer mechanism for moving the cartridge between a first position adjacent the storage rack and a second position adjacent the player, disc feed mechanism for transferring a disc from the storage rack to the cartridge, and disc extraction mechanism for transferring the disc from the cartridge to the storage rack.

Abstract: An automatic disc changer apparatus operable for selecting and loading any one of a plurality of data discs onto multiple disc players or other data input/output device is disclosed. The disc changer apparatus includes a disc storage rack that stores the discs in a toroidal arrangement, a disc selecting mechanism for selecting a disc for loading onto the data input/output device, a plurality of disc players, and a plurality of disc handling mechanisms, each associated with a disc player, for transferring a selected disc from the disc storage rack to the disc player.

Abstract: An automatic disc changer apparatus operable for selecting and loading any one of a plurality of digital data discs onto the spindle of a disc player or other data input/output device is disclosed. The disc changer apparatus includes a disc storage rack that stores the discs in a toroidal arrangement surrounding the disc player, a disc selecting mechanism for selecting a disc for loading onto the data input/output device, a disc staging mechanism for transferring the selected disc from the disc storage rack to a position adjacent to the data input/output device, and a spindle loading mechanism for loading the selected disc onto the spindle of the data input/ouput device.