Abstract: When an external device (not shown) is connected to a matching connector of a variety of connectors (235–260), a microcontroller 205 detects the matching connector (235–260) and the external device, then accesses a memory (210) to get an appropriate connector core, device driver and an application, in accordance with the detected requirements of the external device. The microcontroller (205) uses the connector core, device driver and application to configure a programmable logic device (PLD) 230 to support communication with the external device through the matching connector (235–260).

Abstract: A floating frame for an optical disc loader. It includes a pivoting-type sub-chassis of 1-degree of freedom of movement. It is rigidly connected to a chassis without any floaters. Floaters are placed at the four comers of the chassis to support the entire loader. The floater has a wide mid-section and a narrow tip. Above the mid-section are upper slots, and below the mid-section are lower slots. The floater should preferably be made of flexible material such as rubber.

Abstract: When an external device (not shown) is connected to a matching connector of a variety of connectors (235-260), a microcontroller 205 detects the matching connector (235-260) and the external device, then accesses a memory (210) to get an appropriate connector core, device driver and an application, in accordance with the detected requirements of the external device. The microcontroller (205) uses the connector core, device driver and application to configure a programmable logic device (PLD) 230 to support communication with the external device through the matching connector (235-260).

Abstract: An universal loader platform in an optical storage disc drive which can accommodate different traverse mechanisms and the method for orienting a given traverse mechanism in such a manner as to fit into the universal loader mechanism. This is accomplished by providing an internal cavity in the loader mechanism with sufficient space to accommodate traverse mechanisms and OPU's of many different sizes and shapes. The traverse mechanism is positioned within the internal cavity in a manner whereby the lateral center of the turntable coincides with the lateral center of the tray in its fully retracted position. A suitable adapter is provided to realize the proper positioning of the traverse mechanism. A suitable chuck system is designed to match the corresponding turntable, and a lifter with a suitable lifting height is provided to ensure that the turntable at its lifted position can interact with the chuck.

Abstract: A floating frame for an optical disc loader. It includes a pivoting-type sub-chassis of 1-degree of freedom of movement. It is rigidly connected to a chassis without any floaters. Floaters are placed at the four comers of the chassis to support the entire loader. The floater has a wide mid-section and a narrow tip. Above the mid-section are upper slots, and below the mid-section are lower slots. The floater should preferably be made of flexible material such as rubber.

Abstract: An off-axis optical pickup mechanism for dual-sided optical storage discs comprises an optical pickup unit (OPU) connected to an optical pipe. A baffle is provided which surrounds the OPU and a cover is provided which is placed on top of the baffle. To be able to controllably rotate the optical pipe, a first gear is attached to the pipe. The first gear is meshed with the second gear which is connected to the motor. The optical pipe comprises a top hollow tube having a top channel and a bottom tube having a bottom channel, and a main body having a main channel. Each channel terminates to a lens element. The optical pickup mechanism should be positioned in an optical storage drive such that an optical storage disc can be placed in between the two lens element of the optical pipe.

Abstract: A disc loading mechanism for a optical disc drive,. The loading mechanism includes a chassis, loader tray, a linear gear bar, lifter, motor, gear train, and a sub-chassis. The pivoting sub-chassis, which supports an optical reader, rotates around a fixed axis and has 1-degree of freedom. The loader tray is slidably attached to the chassis such that it can move from a fully out-position, the position where a disc would be loaded, to a fully in-position, the position where the optical reader would engage the disc. The linear gear bar has a long rigid body with gear teeth along the length of its body. It is slidably attached to the loader tray and performs multiple functions including facilitating the movement of the loader tray, the lifting of the sub-chassis, and the timing of the loading mechanism.