Abstract: Improved disk pack media for data storage is illustrated as comprising a pack of flexible magnetic recording disks which may be partitioned "end-wise".In one embodiment the disks are perforated for partitioning and also stacked in a different respective rotational orientation to facilitate end-wise partitioning. The disks are hole-encoded and either cut in different hole patterns, or else cut in a common hole pattern and stacked to dispose each in a unique rotational "misregistration" relative to all others--the result being to generate sets of "partition bores" permitting associated automatic apparatus to selectively partition the pack and expose any desired disk-side for operation thereon.In another embodiment the disks are stacked between apertured spacers about a hollow spindle, the spacers and disks being partition-apertured and stacked to generate a set of partition bores.

Abstract: Improved disk drive equipment is illustrated, being characterized by improved partitioning means for partitioning a stack of flexible magnetic recording disks axially (end-wise).

Abstract: A disk pack cartridge opening and partitioning apparatus is described, particularly as adapted for inclusion in disk drive apparatus wherein each cartridge comprises a spreadable jacket containing a pack of compactly stacked, hole-encoded flexible magnetic recording disks. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus provides means for automatically spreading the jacket followed by partitioning of the stack between a selected pair of adjacent disks.

Abstract: Improved partitioning subassembly, particularly as adapted for inclusion in disk drive apparatus for handling flexible disk packs, these packs preferably comprising flexible hole-encoded, disks compactly stacked in contiguous, superposed registration and packaged in a protective jacket; the subassembly, in a preferred embodiment, constituting a pair of separator-plungers adapted to operate through the encoded hole pattern to selectively and automatically partition the disk pack to enable the associated entry and manipulation of a transducer assembly into the pack.

Abstract: Improved disk drive apparatus for driving and selectively partitioning a flexible disk pack. Each pack contains flexible disks compactly stacked in contiguous, superposed registration and packaged in a protective jacket. The apparatus provides for automatic opening of the disk pack jacket, automatic selective partitioning of the disk pack therewithin, and automatic entry and manipulation of a transducer assembly into the pack for the performance of a transducing operation with respect to a surface of a selected disk.

Abstract: An improved cartridge is described comprising a jacket especially adapted for containing a pack of flexible disks compactly stacked in superposed registration. Each disk is "hole-encoded" and the jacket cooperates with the pack to permit convenient insertion and withdrawal of a disk pack while also permitting selective partitioning of the pack as well as the performance of a transducing operation on a selected disk, all while contained within the jacket.

Abstract: Improved flexible disk storage media comprising a pack of flexible recording disks adapted for compact stacking in superposed registration. Each disk is hole-encoded to permit associated disk partitioning apparatus to provide automatic selective partitioning of the pack for selecting a desired disk for the performance of a recording and/or reproducing operation with respect to a surface thereof. Each multiple disk pack is removably contained in a protective jacket during partitioning and transducing operations. The jacket cooperates with automatic jacket-opening means so as to provide for convenient insertion and withdrawal of a disk pack while permitting selective partitioning of the pack while contained in the jacket for the performance of a transducing operation on a selected disk in the pack.