Abstract: The recording head of the present invention forms flux reversals in a recording medium by a discharge of electric current. The electric discharge, proportional to the magnitude of the current, forms a magnetic field which induces the flux reversals in the recording medium.

Abstract: A data storage system is provided for storing and retrieving data. The system includes: a conveyor system for carrying a plurality of data cartridges; and, a plurality of independently operable drive mechanisms, each one having a data cartridge transfer mechanism. The conveyor system is adapted to position a selected one of the data cartridges to the transfer mechanism of a selected one of the drive mechanisms. When so positioned, the transfer mechanism removes the data cartridge and inserts it into the drive mechanism for processing (i.e., data may be written onto the data cartridge or data may be read from the data cartridge). The data cartridge may then be withdrawn from the drive mechanism after processing and returned to the conveyor system. Because each one of the drive mechanisms is operable independently of the other drives and each drive has its own transfer mechanism, more than one data cartridge may be processed during the same time period, or during overlapping time periods.

Abstract: A data storage system is provided for storing and retrieving data. The system includes: a conveyor system for carrying a plurality of data cartridges; and, a plurality of independently operable drive mechanisms, each one having a data cartridge transfer mechanism. The conveyor system is adapted to position a selected one of the data cartridges to the transfer mechanism of a selected one of the drive mechanisms. When so positioned, the transfer mechanism removes the data cartridge and inserts it into the drive mechanism for processing (i.e., data may be written onto the data cartridge or data may be read from the data cartridge). The data cartridge may then be withdrawn from the drive mechanism after processing and returned to the conveyor system. Because each one of the drive mechanisms is operable independently of the other drives and each drive has its own transfer mechanism, more than one data cartridge may be processed during the same time period, or during overlapping time periods.

Abstract: An apparatus (24) and method for selectively engaging and ejecting a cartridge (99) containing an information storage medium. The apparatus comprises a frame assembly (42) and a drive (44) for driving the frame assembly along a path of axial displacement (84). Cartridge engagement members (46) are attached to the frame assembly for engaging a cartridge. A detector (50) is connected to the frame assembly in a manner to travel essentially in unison with the frame assembly as the frame assembly travels along the path of axial displacement. A cartridge ejector (52) is attached to the frame assembly and responsively coupled to the detector for ejecting a cartridge held by the cartridge engagement members when the detector and the frame assembly cease to travel in unison with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus (24) and method for selectively engaging and ejecting a cartridge (99) containing information storage medium. The apparatus comprises a frame assembly (42) and a drive (44) for driving the frame assembly along a path of axial displacement (84). Cartridge engagement members (46) are attached to the frame assembly for engaging a cartridge. A detector (50) is connected to the frame assembly in a manner to travel essentially in unison with the frame assembly as the frame assembly travels along the path of axial displacement. A cartridge ejector (52) is attached to the frame assembly and responsively coupled to the detector for ejecting a cartridge held by the cartridge engagement members when the detector and the frame assembly cease to travel in unison with one another.

Abstract: A cartridge rack (70) includes ribs (816) for partitioning the rack into cells (826) for accommodating magnetic tape cartridges. A pair of resilient engagement fingers (832) are provided in each cell (826). Each engagement finger (826) has a chevron-shaped projection (840) to engage a light path window (862) provided on a lid of a standard 8 mm. magnetic tape cartridge. The ribs (816) also have a cartridge engagement ridge (860) thereon which engages a larger lip gap (863L) of a standard 8 mm. magnetic tape cartridge when the cartridge is inserted in a required orientation into a cell (826) of the rack (70). The rack (70) also has a bridging member (818) which is surmounted by an indicia (868) bearing projection (866). The rack (70) further has resilient engagement tabs (870) for mounting the rack (70) on an extrusion mount (76). Orientation means (880) are provided on a bottom wall of the rack (70 ) to preclude the rack from being mounted on the extrusion mount in any but the required orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) and method is provided for front loading of cartridge (100) of magnetic information storage medium into a read/write relationship with a read/write unit (32). The apparatus includes a cartridge-supporting tray (24) which is accommodated in a frame (22). A door (26) is pivotally connected to the frame (22) for enclosing the cartridge in a cavity (30) defined by the frame (22). The frame (22) has a pair of guide slots (62, 63) provided on opposing frame sidewalls. Orientation pins (60, 61) provided on the tray (24) extend through the guide slots (62,63). The guide slots (62, 63) define a path of travel for the tray (24) and the cartridge that includes counterclockwise motion about a first pivot point (64) followed by clockwise motion about a second pivot point (66). The drive door (26) has a linkage (70) which engages the tray orientation pins (60), whereby closing and opening the drive door (26) causes the dual pivoting action of the cartridge and tray into a fully loaded position.

Abstract: A restricted flow alert for use in the access arm of the main clean-out plug location in a commercial or residential sewage system includes a diaphragm which moves in response to the presence of to close a switch and actuate an alarm. A pneumatic time delay prevents the alarm from being actuated in response to transient flow conditions in the sewer line and allows operation of the alarm at any physical orientation relative to the axis of the body of the restricted flow alert.

Abstract: The present invention is a magazine for retaining a plurality of magnetic cartridges (3480 style) for loading into a tape drive autoloader. The magazine comprises a series of cartridge slots having integral spring detents to retain the cartridges in the magazine. Integral gear racks are formed on the rear wall of the magazine to enable the autoloader to manipulate the magazine either sequentially or for random access to the cartridges. Horizontal slots are formed on the side wall of each cartridge slot so that the autoloader can directly engage the cartridges for loading into a tape drive. The magazine is formed of a one-piece molded plastic body having inherent lubrication properties.

Abstract: A fluid-operated transmission device has an impeller mounted within an input chamber which is driven by a motor or other motive source. A variable-speed rotor is positioned within an output chamber, the volume of which is selectively adjustable by positioning of a baffle means so that the volume of the output chamber which forms part of the fluid flow circuit may be selectively adjusted, thereby adjusting the speed of hydraulic fluid passing through the output chamber, and thereby the speed of the output rotor at constant output power. Fluid flow direction means are provided which enable braking and/or reversing direction of rotation of the variable-speed rotor by changing the direction of flow of the fluid impinging onto the impingement surface thereof.