Abstract: A cleaning cartridge for cleaning the magnetic heads, tape scraper, and drive wheel of computer tape drives that use tape cartridges. The cleaning cartridge is adapted to be inserted into the tape drive and can simultaneously clean (1) the heads and tape scraper by rubbing a cleaning pad against the heads and the tape scraper in a direction that is perpendicular to the tape path and (2) the drive wheel by causing a second cleaning pad to move in a direction which horizontally intersects the tape path and contacts the drive wheel.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the magnetic heads in flexible disk equipment or the like. The device includes a cleaning disk made of an absorbant and porous fibrous material having an area saturatable with a liquid cleaning solution. The cleaning disk is rotatably supported within an essentially flat shell made of plastic or other material, the shell being similar to the plastic shells often used to contain flexible magnetic disks used in such equipment. The shell includes on one side an opening enabling the cleaning disk to come into contact with a magnetic head. Opposite the opening on the other side of the cleaning disk is disposed a removable member.

Abstract: A container for storing floppy diskettes or similarly shaped objects which enables a selected stored floppy diskette to be located and retrieved rapidly and efficiently is described. The container comprises a box having parallel guideways on opposite sides, the guideways defining storage spaces for the floppy diskettes. A lifter tree comprising a hinged support arm corresponding to each floppy diskette and located within the space for each floppy diskette is swingable to raise the floppy diskette. A rotating camshaft extending the length of the storage container has cams corresponding to each support arm, the cams corresponding to adjacent support arms being located at different radial positions around the camshaft. The cams engage lever arms located on the support arms of the lifter tree.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a floppy disk with fluid is described. The system comprises a mechanism for grasping the floppy disk about its center and rotating it, fluid absorbing pads which are movable into and out of contact with the magnetic surfaces of the floppy disk through the read/write openings in the floppy disk envelope and a dispensing source for providing fluid to the pads. In a preferred embodiment, electrical signals control the sequence of operations whereby the floppy disk is grasped by a clutch and spindle mechansim and rotated, fluid is dispensed to the pads, and the pads are moved into contact with the surfaces of the floppy disk to treat the disk. Periodic treatment of a floppy disk with a fluid containing a lubricant enhances the reliability and increases the life of the floppy disk.

Abstract: A storage container for storing planar packages, such a floppy disks, having a storage bin to which a front cover is pivotally attached so as to be rotatable outwardly and downwardly through an angle placing the front cover to the rear of the storage bin where it serves as a supporting base. Within the storage bin is disposed a wedge rotatably attached, and with an actuating lever, which, when rotated appropriately, causes planar packages stored in the storage bin to be raised into echelon display, enabling observation of information that may be present on the upper margins of the planar surfaces of the packages.

Abstract: A cleaning system for flexible disk equipment or the like. The system includes a cleaning disk made of an absorbent and porous fibrous material which has an area substantially saturated with a liquid cleaning solution. The cleaning disk is rotatably supported within a flat jacket. The jacket includes opposed openings on either side so as to expose a portion of the cleaning disk to enable the disk to come into contact with a magnetic head or heads. At least one of the openings is enlarged to expose a relatively large portion of the surface of the cleaning disk, so as to facilitate complete saturation of an area of the cleaning disk with a liquid cleaning solution while leaving a portion of the cleaning disk dry. The jacket containing the disk is placed within a flexible disk system which rotates the saturated disk, thus causing the magnetic head(s) to be cleaned in a non-abrasive fashion with a wet, dry, wet action. An improved jacket for use with a thickened cleaning disk is also disclosed.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive apparatus for treating a floppy disk with conditioning fluid in order to clean, lubricate and destaticize the floppy disk is described. The apparatus comprises a means for grasping the floppy disk about its center and rotating it, fluid absorbing pads which are moveable into and out of contact with the magnetic surfaces of the floppy disk through the read/write opening in the floppy disk envelope by mechanical means and a means for dispensing fluid to the pads. In one preferred embodiment, the mechanical rotation of a lever causes the floppy disk to be grasped and released through the cooperation of an axial cam and a pin riding on the cam. Rotation of the lever also moves the pads into and out of contact with the floppy disk. In a second preferred embodiment, a timer provided with a gear wheel controls an axial cam for grasping and releasing the floppy disk and a radial cam which moves the pads into and out of contact with the floppy disk.