Abstract: An apparatus and system for recording, playing, handling, and storing a plurality of media disks in a plurality of configurations and a device for moving any disk into and out of a media disk storage mechanism and into or out of a selected media player/recorder on demand, and a controller for directing operation of the device for moving the disks and controlling selection of operation of the media disk storage mechanism.

Abstract: An optical disk device including a tray in which recording mediums having differing outer diameters can be selectively mounted. The tray carries the recording media into the main body of the optical disk device wherein it is, chucked by a turntable. Holding members for holding the recording medium at a predetermined position relative to a mounting face of the tray are provided in a front portion and a rear portion respectively relative to the transport direction of the tray. At least one of the holding members is movable between a first holding position for holding a small diameter recording medium, and a second holding position for holding a large diameter recording medium. The holding member is biased toward the first holding position by a biasing member.

Abstract: A magnetic read head having a multilayer magnetoresistant element and a concentrator, and a method of production the magnetic read head. The magnetic head includes a multilayer magnetoresistant element across a head gap of the concentrator positioned to the rear of pole pieces defining the gap of the head. Such a magnetic head may find particular application to magnetic recording.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a robotic gripping hand capable of holding multiple storage media cartridges for retrieving and depositing cartridges within a storage library subsystem. The invention comprises a method and apparatus for indexing a tray adapted to hold multiple storage cartridges. The tray is attached to the robotic hand to enable the hand to select among several cartridges to be manipulated by a single gripper subassembly. The gripper subassembly may retrieve a cartridge from a storage library subsystem and insert it into an available position in the indexing tray without affecting other cartridges already retained in other positions of the indexing tray. Likewise the gripper may remove a cartridge from a position in the indexing tray and return it to the storage library subsystem without affecting other cartridge already retained in other positions of the indexing tray.