Abstract: A deflection mirror tower (DMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of prism members, each having an angular mirror surface, arranged along a vertical axis of the DMT and configured at a predetermined angular orientation to deflect a laser beam to a respective disk surface. The DMT is generally fabricated using a two-level partitioning process. Several prepared glass substrates, i.e., one for each mirror type, are initially sliced into bars having predetermined geometries. A bar from each substrate is sequentially aligned to a master reference and bonded to adjacent bars to form an intermediate bar stack. The stack is then segmented into a plurality of DMT components, each having a plurality of prism members.

Abstract: A deflection mirror tower (DMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of prism members, each having an angular mirror surface, arranged along a vertical axis of the DMT and configured at a predetermined angular orientation to deflect a laser beam to a respective disk surface. The DMT is generally fabricated using a two-level partitioning process. Several prepared glass substrates, i.e., one for each mirror type, are initially sliced into bars having predetermined geometries. A bar from each substrate is sequentially aligned to a master reference and bonded to adjacent bars to form an intermediate bar stack. The stack is then segmented into a plurality of DMT components, each having a plurality of prism members.

Abstract: A deflection mirror tower (DMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of prism members, each having an angular mirror surface, arranged along a vertical axis of the DMT and configured at a predetermined angular orientation to deflect a laser beam to a respective disk surface.

Abstract: A deflection mirror tower (DMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of prism members, each having an angular mirror surface, arranged along a vertical axis of the DMT and configured at a predetermined angular orientation to deflect a laser beam to a respective disk surface.

Abstract: A deflection mirror tower (DMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of prism members, each having an angular mirror surface, arranged along a vertical axis of the DMT and configured at a predetermined angular orientation to deflect a laser beam to a respective disk surface. The DMT is generally fabricated using a two-level partitioning process. Several prepared glass substrates, i.e., one for each mirror type, are initially sliced into bars having predetermined geometries. A bar from each substrate is sequentially aligned to a master reference and bonded to adjacent bars to form an intermediate bar stack. The stack is then segmented into a plurality of DMT components, each having a plurality of prism members.

Abstract: A lens/mirror tower (LMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of lens and mirror elements integrally formed on a monolithic, optically-clear substrate. There is a specific lens/mirror set for each recording disk surface of the optical storage device; however, the mirror elements are preferably configured as one reflective surface of the substrate. The lenses are molded onto the opposite surface in a single operation that fixes their relative positions. The LMT is generally fabricated using a lens replication process. Initially, a glass substrate is formed with a trapezoidal configuration. A lens array mold is also formed with a plurality of cavities arranged in overlapping pairs. The cavities are filled with optical-quality resin and the mold is applied to the surface of the substrate opposing the reflective angular, e.g., 45.degree., surface. Once cured, the resin serves as an array of lenses that are aligned with the optical paths to the objective lenses of the disk array.

Abstract: A deflection mirror tower (DMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of prism members, each having an angular mirror surface, arranged along a vertical axis of the DMT and configured at a predetermined angular orientation to deflect a laser beam to a respective disk surface. The DMT is generally fabricated using a two-level partitioning process. Several prepared glass substrates, i.e., one for each mirror type, are initially sliced into bars having predetermined geometries. A bar from each substrate is sequentially aligned to a master reference and bonded to adjacent bars to form an intermediate bar stack. The stack is then segmented into a plurality of DMT components, each having a plurality of prism members.

Abstract: A remote fine positioning mechanism of an optical storage device includes a stationary galvanometer-controlled mirror (galvo mirror) and an imaging lens, the imaging lens positioned to provide an image of the galvo mirror at the front focal point of an objective lens mounted to an optical head assembly. The galvo mirror functions as a beam steering element that is rotated about a steering axis to change the angle of incidence of a collimated laser beam with respect to the objective lens during track selection operations. Thus, for rotation of the galvo mirror to change the direction of the laser beam, the system operates as though the mirror were physically located at that focal point. To perform the imaging function, the imaging lens decollimates the beam. A collimation-correction lens is therefore provided to ensure, in combination with the imaging lens, that the laser beam remains collimated when it reaches the objective lens.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a read/write head of a data storage disk. The cleaning apparatus comprises a mounting base mounted adjacent to the disk. The base includes a rachet mechanism for rotating a cleaning pad. The ratchet mechanism is activated by an actuator arm for positioning the read/write head as the arm moves the read/write head across a cleaning surface of the pad. A loading ramp is used to vertically position the head relative to the cleaning pad, The ratchet mechanism can be used with either a rotary or linear actuator. The cleaning pad can have a brush with bristles, or a foamed backed cloth. The cleaning pad is particularly suited for read/write heads having a grooved air-bearing surface likely to collect dust.

Abstract: A double-sided optical storage disk comprises a single substrate having a microstructure formed on each side surface thereof. The microstructure is in the form of grooves or pits arranged in a spiral or concentric circles. Formed on each side surface of the substrate are a reflective layer, and a transparent protective layer. The reflective layer is formed of aluminum alloy. The protective outer layer is formed of a transparent anti-corrosive material, specifically compatibly with an air-bearing, low-flying, read head, preferably silicon nitride.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a read/write head of a data storage disk. The cleaning apparatus comprises a mounting base mounted adjacent to the disk. The base includes a V-shaped lever mechanism for rotating a cleaning pad. The V-shaped lever mechanism is activated by an actuator arm for positioning the read/write head as the arm moves the read/write head across a cleaning surface of the pad. A loading ramp is used to vertically position the head relative to the cleaning pad. The V-shaped lever mechanism can be used with either a rotary or linear actuator. The cleaning pad can have a brush with bristles, or a foamed backed cloth. The cleaning pad is particularly suited for read/write heads having a grooved air-bearing surface likely to collect dust.

Abstract: A lens/mirror tower (LMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of lens and mirror elements integrally formed on a monolithic, optically-clear substrate. There is a specific lens/mirror set for each recording disk surface of the optical storage device; however, the mirror elements are preferably configured as one reflective surface of the substrate. The lenses are molded onto the opposite surface in a single operation that fixes their relative positions. The LMT is generally fabricated using a lens replication process. Initially, a glass substrate is formed with a trapezoidal configuration. A lens array mold is also formed with a plurality of cavities arranged in overlapping pairs. The cavities are filled with optical-quality resin and the mold is applied to the surface of the substrate opposing the reflective angular, e.g., 45.degree., surface. Once cured, the resin serves as an array of lenses that are aligned with the optical paths to the objective lenses of the disk array.

Abstract: A removable disk cartridge for use with a rotary actuated disk drive includes an enclosure having a top, a bottom, and a side connecting the top and bottom. The enclosure has a cutout formed by removal of a portion of the top, removal of a facing portion of the bottom, and removal of a portion of the side connecting the removed top and bottom portions. A disk is mounted for rotation inside the enclosure. The disk is exposed at a top surface, a bottom surface, and an edge. A door is pivotally mounted on the enclosure. The door has a top surface to shield the top surface of the disk, a lower surface to shield the bottom surface of the disk, and a side surface to shield the edge of the disk. The door has a closed position to fully seal the cutout, and the door has an open position to fully expose the cutout. Access to the top surface, bottom surface, and edge of the disk is provided by the exposed cutout.

Abstract: A surface selection mechanism is disclosed for an optical disk storage system. The mechanism comprises a linearly movable slider having a first and second mirror mounted side by side thereon. The first and second mirrors have reflective mirrors positioned at right angles with respect to each other. The mechanism includes apparatus for positioning the slider so that either the first or second mirror is positioned at the optical axis of a light beam to direct the light beam at either a first or a second recording surface of a double sided disc.

Abstract: An optical storage system comprises a disk assembly, an optical assembly and a carriage assembly arranged to provide a high-performance, multiple-disk storage device. The disk assembly includes a plurality of disks axially spaced on a rotatably mounted spindle and configured to record data on pairs of opposing facing recording surfaces. The optical assembly includes a static optics package for generating a collimated optical beam used to store and retrieve data from the disks, and a beam distribution system for directing the optical beam to a selected recording disk surface. The carriage assembly includes a plurality of carriage arms supporting head assemblies that are arranged for insertion between the pairs of opposing recording disk surfaces. The head assemblies are further arranged in facing relation to the recording disk surfaces to receive the optical beam from the beam distribution system and direct the beam onto the disk surface.

Abstract: A lens/mirror tower (LMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of lens and mirror elements integrally formed on a monolithic, optically-clear substrate. There is a specific lens/mirror set for each recording disk surface of the optical storage device; however, the mirror elements are preferably configured as one reflective surface of the substrate. The lenses are molded onto the opposite surface in a single operation that fixes their relative positions. The LMT is generally fabricated using a lens replication process. Initially, a glass substrate is formed with a trapezoidal configuration. A lens array mold is also formed with a plurality of cavities arranged in overlapping pairs. The cavities are filled with optical-quality resin and the mold is applied to the surface of the substrate opposing the reflective angular, e.g., 45.degree., surface. Once cured, the resin serves as an array of lenses that are aligned with the optical paths to the objective lenses of the disk array.

Abstract: A low-profile magneto-optical media for double sided recording of information. The media comprises a single polycarbonate substrate having a relief in the form of tracking grooves or sampled-servo pits on each side surface thereof. Formed on each relief surface are thin-film active layers including a reflective layer, a transparent dielectric layer, a magneto-optical recording layer, and a transparent protective layer. The reflective layer is preferably formed of aluminum alloy. The dielectric layer is preferably formed of aluminum nitride or silicon nitride. The recording layer is formed of an amorphous vertically oriented magnetic material, preferably a rare-earth transition-metal alloy, for example, Tb-Fe-Co. The protective outer layer is formed of a transparent anti-corrosive material specifically compatibly with an air-bearing, low-flying, read/write head, preferably silicon nitride.

Abstract: A gimbal-type flexure having a lateral cross band support member for flexibly coupling a transducer slider to a load beam on the actuator arm of a disc type data storage drive.

Abstract: Modulating the intensity of directed energy for thermal writing of memory cells overwrites bits of either state in a storage layer of magnetic material irrespective of the preexisting condition of the cell without employing a magnetic field whose origin is external to the storage layer. Directed energy is synchronized with the medium by superimposing, preferably nonmagnetically, self-timing information on the medium itself and synchronously recovering the self-timing information to assist in directing energy to the medium. The medium itself has a magnetic layer plus recoverable timing information fixed in the medium along a predetermined path preferably embodied in a fixed periodic uniform variation in the nonmagnetic reflection properties along the track.