Abstract: A threader prevents misthreading of a flexible magnetic media when it is inserted into a disk drive. The threader is situated in the disk drive such that it has a height greater than a height of a lower half of a load ramp, upon which the disk driver's rotary actuator parks when it is not reading or writing to the disk. Preferably, the threader is a pliable piece of material that is ramp shaped.

Abstract: A threader prevents misthreading of a flexible magnetic media when it is inserted into a disk drive. The threader is situated in the disk drive such that it has a height greater than a height of a lower half of a load ramp, upon which the disk drive's rotary actuator parks when it is not reading or writing to the disk. Preferably, the threader is a pliable piece of material that is ramp shaped.

Abstract: A digital imaging device that utilizes a disk drive and a magnetic storage medium for transferring digital images. The device enables the user to transfer digital images from a flash card to a removable magnetic storage medium having high capacity. The device can also be used to view, edit or organize the digital images on a television, computer monitor or the like.

Abstract: A combination of a digital audio player and recorder and a cradle. The digital audio player and recorder comprises: a data storage device capable of receiving a data storage medium; a printed circuit assembly (PCA) connected to the data storage device, a housing enclosing the data storage device and the PCA, and a first connector extending through the housing and connected to the PCA for transferring data between the cradle and the data storage device. The cradle comprises a receptacle adapted to receive the player and recorder, a second connector adapted to detachably couple with the first connector, and a third connector adapted to detachably couple with an external data source.

Abstract: A data storage system having a disk cartridge with a rotary inner shell to permit access to a medium is disclosed. The cartridge comprises a latch disposed on an edge of the cartridge for locking the cartridge in a closed position. A flexible lever in the data storage device is adapted to engage and unlock the latch during cartridge insertion. The lever having a spring portion flexes away from the cartridge as it is further inserted into the data storage device.

Abstract: A disk cartridge has a passive shutter opening mechanism. The cartridge is adapted so that during insertion into a drive, the shutter is automatically opened. A projection is coupled to a shutter surface. The projection is sized so that it impinges on the front of the drive as the cartridge is inserted. This impingement causes the shutter to open and no levers are required to activate the shutter. The shutter also has a latch that operates to keep the shutter in the closed position. As the cartridge is inserted into the drive, the latch impinges on the drive opening causing the latch to release the shutter.