Abstract: A disk drive unit for a removable disk (D), in particular for use in mobile devices, comprises a spindle (1) driven by an electric motor (2) and supporting the disk (D) in its operating position. It further comprises one or two loading mechanisms (4A and 4B) to load mechanical energy into a storage mechanism (5) for storing the loaded energy. A release mechanism (6) is provided to release the stored energy stepwise to the spindle in order to assist during a plurality of start-ups of the disk rotation. The two loading mechanisms (4A and 4B) are adapted to load mechanical energy provided by the user during insertion of the disk and energy released during the deceleration of the rotation of the disk, respectively. The electrical power consumption of the disk drive unit is reduced by the storage of the mechanical energy and its stepwise release.

Abstract: The invention relates to an information carrier comprising at least a first area (12) comprising a first recordable material having thermal properties suitable for writing at a first recording speed and a second area (13) comprising a second recordable material having thermal properties suitable for writing at a second recording speed. The second recording speed is greater than the first recording speed.

Abstract: A disk drive unit for a disk, e.g. for use in a mobile device, comprises a spindle (1) positioned within the disk drive unit and adapted to support the disk rotatably in an operating position. An electric motor (2) is operatively coupled to the spindle (1) to rotate it. An auxiliary electric motor (3) is connectable to the spindle to accelerate the spindle during start-up. This auxiliary motor can be selected to work efficiently at zero speed. The electric motor may be a low-power motor, resulting in a reduced power consumption.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical disc (35, 36, 37) comprising a magnetic substrate (10, 20, 30) and to an optical recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing such an optical disc. By virtue of its magnetic properties, said magnetic substrate is able to clamp the optical disc onto a turntable of said recording and/or reproducing apparatus instead of a hub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical record carrier (55) recording apparatus (5) such as a small form factor optical drive and to a portable device (1), such as a mobile phone or a palmtop computer, comprising such an optical record carrier (55) recording apparatus (5). To enable different accessing modes having different data rates depending on the power mode of the recording apparatus an appropriate switching means (53) is provided in the recording apparatus for switching accessing means (54) for accessing an optical record carrier (55) for reading data from or recording data to said optical record carrier (55) between said accessing modes. A first accessing mode has a low data rate and is used in a low power mode while a second accessing mode has a high data rate and is used or allowed to be used in a high power mode.

Abstract: An apparatus processes the data contained in this carrier (1) by moving (rotating) it. The motor, which rotates the data carrier needs angular information on the rotary part of the motor for commutation. For measuring accurately this angle, marks are placed on the data carrier. A detector senses these marks so that the measurement of the angle is easily performed. Application: The invention is well suited for small sized optical discs.

Abstract: A disc comprising a substrate layer which comprises a support plate and a registration layer connected to the support plate. A protective plate is situated at the side of the registration layer remote from the support plate, which protective plate can be detachably fastened to the substrate layer. The support plate is disc-shaped and is provided with at least one raised edge extending upwards from a circumferential edge, by means of which the protective plate can be detachably fastened.

Abstract: A device for handling at least one optical disc which comprises two main surfaces and a circumferential edge (12) interconnecting the main surfaces. The device is provided at least with a loading mechanism (30), which loading mechanism is provided with means (31, 32; 33, 34; 36, 37). Said means can be fastened during operation against at least two positions on the circumferential edge of the optical disc that can be positioned in the loading mechanism, which positions are at a distance from one another.