Abstract: A compact disc loader and transport apparatus for placement within a compact disc storage magazine structure for transporting selected discs. The magazine structure includes a movement mechanism for movement of the loader and transport apparatus between storage shelves and drive mechanisms for retrieval and delivery of discs. The loader and transport apparatus has two laterally adjacent disc transport positions each including a plurality of disc engagers for cooperative frictional engagement of a disc presented thereto at at least two edge sites of the disc. Each disc engager is mounted at a periphery site of a respective motor driven rotatable platform whose rotation in cooperation with the rotation of at least one other platform moves the disc from or to a disc transport position of the loader and transport apparatus or between disc transport positions thereof. The loader and transport apparatus can then travel for delivery and/or further disc retrieval at another storage shelf or drive mechanism.

Abstract: A compact disc loader and transport apparatus for placement within a compact disc storage magazine for transporting selected compact discs, with the magazine including a movement mechanism for movement of the loader and transport apparatus between disc storage shelves and one or more drive mechanisms for retrieval and delivery of discs. The loader and transport apparatus has a plurality of disc engagers for cooperative frictional rotational engagement of a compact disc presented thereto at least two edge sites of the disc. Each disc engager is mounted at a periphery site of a respective motor driven rotatable platform whose rotation in cooperation with the rotation of at least one other platform moves the disc from or to a disc transport position of the loader and transport apparatus and thereafter cease rotation. The loader and transport apparatus can then travel for delivery and/or further disc retrieval at another storage shelf or drive mechanism.

Abstract: A disc optics system for accessing data from one side of a disc is provided with a plurality of optics sets. The optics sets are formed to access data from a disc in response to a control signal and generate a data signal representative of accessed data. The optics sets are positioned at radially variable portions of one side of a disc. The disc optics system is further provided with a multiplexer. The multiplexer is formed to receive data signals from the plurality of optics sets and to selectively output a single data signal in response to a selection signal. The disc optics system is further provided with a controller. The controller is formed to output a control signal to the plurality of optics sets for selectively accessing data from the disc and cause the multiplexer to selectively output a single data signal.

Abstract: A method for enhancing access to desired data stored upon CD-ROM's and the like pre-positions optics of a CD-ROM reader to a position such that the optics will be proximate a lead-in position for the desired data stored upon the selected CD-ROM after the selected CD-ROM is loaded into the CD-ROM reader. The pre-positioning is performed prior to the selected CD-ROM being loaded into the CD-ROM reader. After the selected CD-ROM is loaded into the CD-ROM reader, the optics of the CD-ROM reader are positioned to the lead-in position for the desired data block and data is read from the selected CD-ROM.

Abstract: A method for enhancing access to CD-ROM's and the like stored in a magazine has the steps of: loading a CD-ROM into a CD-ROM reader; reading a table of contents from the CD-ROM; storing the table of contents in a non-volatile memory device; and storing the CD-ROM at a known location within the magazine. Data on the CD-ROM can thus subsequently be read without re-reading the table of contents thereof. Necessary information from the table of contents is retrieved from the non-volatile memory device.