Abstract: Cartridge positioning apparatus for loading and unloading the disk cartridge of an information storage disk drive system employs a dual function, motor-actuated, laterally moving linear drive mechanism to drive a plurality of drive plates located in an interstitial space between a cartridge receiving guide means and a central mount plate by means of a drive tab extending up through the mount plate. The tab engages a camming plate which operates against the central portion of a pivoted sector gear to convert the lateral tab drive motion into amplified longitudinal motion parallel with the direction that the disk cartridge is inserted and removed. The camming plate includes an idling provision to hold the sector gear stationary while the motor-performs other load functions. The sector gear drives a longitudinal drive mechanism which carries one or more members adapted to contact the disk cartridge for loading or unloading the cartridge depending on the direction of movement of the motor-actuated drive tab.

Abstract: A disc drive arrangement 10 for accessing information from and recording information onto a disc 25 to be retained in a cartridge 27 which comprises a carriage 24 for mounting and transporting the head 26, 28 accurately relative to the cartridge 27. The carriage 24 includes a base 100 upon which is mounted the head 26, 28 and cylindrical roller bearings 214, 216, 218, 220 and 222. The roller bearings 214, 216, 218, 220 and 222 roll on a plurality of hardened rods 228, 230 which are mounted on a track 102 which is affixed to the floor 16 of the disc drive 10. At least one of the roller bearings 214, 216, 218, 220 and 222, is resiliently mounted relative to the base 100 in order to evenly distribute the load placed by the base 100 on the track 102. Further any potential contaminants collecting on the rods are urged to one or the other side of the rods 228, 230 as the cylindrical rollers 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 roll on said rods thereby insuring accurate position of the head 26, 28.

Abstract: A disc drive arrangement 10 for accessing information from and recording information onto a disc 25 retained in a cartridge 27 comprises a linkage 22 operatively connecting a door 18 to a head 26, 28 mounted on a carriage 24 for urging the head 26, 28 away from the cartridge 27 when the door 18 is opened. The linkage includes an arm 154 with a cam surface 158 which urges the head 26, 28 away in an accelerated manner. A dashpot 188 operably connected to the head 26, 28 and linkage 22 allows the head 26, 28 to dampingly settle on the disc 25 after the dome 18 is closed.

Abstract: A disc drive arrangement for accessing information from and recording information onto a disc retained in a cartridge comprises a housing, a door, at least one reading and recording head, a carriage for mounting and transporting the head, and linkage operatively connecting the door to the carriage for urging said head away from the cartridge when the door is opened. As this linkage is mechanical, the head can always be urged from the disc even during power failure so that if the cartridge is removed, the head and the information on the disc are not damaged.