Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning cartridge for cleaning the magnetic heads and the scraper of computer tape drives that use tape cartridges and more particularly streamer and start-stop drives. This cleaning cartridge can be inserted into the tape drive and can simultaneously clean the heads and the scraper by rubbing a cleaning pad against the heads and the scraper in a direction that is perpendicular to the tape path. This pad is made from an absorbent material that can be saturated with a cleaning fluid, so the pad will collect foreign particles when it is rubbed against the heads. The cartridge can be manually operated or it can engage the drive mechanism of the tape drive.

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 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is 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 and its associated pressure pad if one is used. 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) and the pressure pad to be cleaned in a non-abrasive fashion with a wet, dry, wet action.

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: This invention relates to a cleaning composition for records, tape heads, magnetic surfaces, film, and the like. The cleaning composition comprises a mixture of fluorinated hydrocarbon, alcohol, antistatic agent, and lubricant in specific proportions. By the use of the cleaning solution of the present invention, cleaning, conditioning, and anti-static protection is afforded to a surface cleaned therewith.