Abstract: Improved spacer means for flexible magnetic disk pack storage systems are illustrated in the embodiments, each preferably comprising a set of fingers arrayed on each disk.

Abstract: An arrangement for loading a tape cartridge in a deck of a magnetic tape transport has a motor-driven pair of cams engaging different ones of a pair of pivotally mounted elongated arms disposed beneath the deck with one of the arms mounting a pawl extending through an aperture in the deck. Rotation of the cams causes movement of the pawl-mounting arm enabling the pawl to engage a ridge at the underside of a tape cartridge being loaded in the deck and push the cartridge into the region of an operative position adjacent a magnetic transducer assembly. Movement of the other elongated arm in conjunction with the pawl-mounting arm slides a fork assembly beneath the deck so as to raise three different pins coupled thereto and mounted within the deck.

Abstract: Fixture means and method for accurately positioning a carrier member or button with a magnetic slider head having a gap, in a carriage to be mounted in magnetic information storage equipment, particularly adapted for use with micro and mini computers. The fixture embodies a pair of parallel rods on which the carriage can be mounted for relative sliding movement. The fixture has a transparent panel at one end. The carriage is positionable in the fixture with the carrier button and the magnetic slider head directly underneath the transparent panel. A plunger and spring is provided in the fixture to provide a holding force against the magnetic slider head against the underside of the transparent panel. A video camera is provided having a lens with a reticle in it positioned with the optical axis aligned to provide an image of the magnetic gap.

Abstract: Disclosed are flexible disk packs formed of disks which have an engagement section along their periphery, this section being adapted to be engaged by associated partition wedge means; in one embodiment each disk is made identical and includes a "partition edge"; then the disks are stacked so that each edge occupies a unique angular position in the stack--this facilitating engagement of any edge by the wedge, according to when the wedge is activated; whereby to effect pack-partition and exposure of a "selected" disk surface for transducer access.

Abstract: Shown and described are paired floppy-disk memory modules advantageously interlaced together and coupled to a CPU to provide a direct-access Mass Store Memory capability, each module comprising a pair of "short-stack" floppy disk files and an associated pair of transducer-actuator assemblies "shared" by the files.

Abstract: Embodiment illustrates technique for better controlling "head spacing" i.e., spacing of a magnetic transducer from the recording surface of a moving medium, such as a magnetic disk -- this involving impressing signals on the recording surface (along a given track) at two prescribed frequencies, so that, upon detection of this signal, one frequency will be attenuated discriminatorily more than the other at all "erroneous" head spacings whereby a "null-seeking" servo control and associated head elevation system may be monitored to maintain optimum head spacing, (e.g., where two frequencies detected at same amplitude). Better control of head/medium spacing in non-contact magnetic recording systems is achieved, especially where one signal is a very high frequency signal which is significantly attenuated whenever there is significant spacing error, while it is readily detected at the proper spacing; while the other signal is relatively unaffected by head spacing.

Abstract: Data is recorded on a magnetic recording disk with data transducers adjustably positioned relative to respective "data zones," each zone comprising a prescribed number of adjacent data tracks. A family of such transducers may be mounted together as a unitary recording head which is positionable radially over an excursion approximating the width of the (multi-track) data zones. A typical head reciprocation excursion approximates from one dozen to several dozen mils; thus, the heads are aptly mounted on flexure pivots and reciprocated directly by electro-magnetic means which are mechanically isolated from the head array.