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.