Abstract: The autoloading mechanism accepts diskettes stacked in an input tray and loads each into a slightly modified commercial disk drive for read-write operations. At the end of these operations, the diskette is either rejected or inserted into an output tray. The diskette transport mechanism uses a pair of belts, unidirectionally travelling along a simple loop-shaped path, to load an input diskette into the drive and insert an output diskette into the output tray while travelling a distance equal to half the belt length. The disk drive is easily removed for servicing or replacement.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for handling magnetic recording disks of the type known as floppy disks rotatably mounted in envelopes. The apparatus comprises a bin for receiving a stack of disks and means for moving the lowermost disks one-by-one out of the stack and laterally of the bin to a first location at which one or more functions are performed with the disk, such as rotating the disks and writing data on the disks as they rotate. The disk at the first location is pulled into a second location beneath the bin, and the disk is allowed to gravitate from the second location onto a pivotal selector plate which transfers the disk into either of two collector locations. The aforesaid steps are repeated until all the supply of disks in the bin has been depleted.