Abstract: In a device for retrieving and recording (read/write) information on at least one rigid disk, a stepping motor servo system operated in an open-loop manner is provided to rapidly and accurately position read/write heads relative to the disk. A fixed guide shaft adjacent to and transverse to the motor shaft carries a carriage slidably thereon, preferably on oil impregnated bearings, the carriage member including a gear rack and the stepping motor having a pinion gear thereon interfacing with the gear rack. A preload bearing is urged against the carriage at a position between the guide shaft and the pinion gear such that the carriage is rotated around the guide shaft into engagement with the pinion gear at the rack portion thereof.

Abstract: A ventilation and filtration system and method for an enclosure isolating a memory device spinning disk mechanism from airborne contaminants in which a vent through a remote filter from the ambient atmosphere is positioned with one opening adjacent the center portion of the spinning disk whereby the enclosure is vented through the filter to the ambient pressure at a location at substantially the lowest pressure within the enclosure as a result of the air pumping action of the spinning disk to thereby over pressurize the remainder of the enclosure and minimize unfiltered leaks of outside air into the enclosure.

Abstract: In a data storage system using a non-rigid magnetic storage surface, such as a floppy disc, and in which recording and reproduction are to be effected on both sides of the element by contact transducers, significant improvements over prior art devices are realized by employing a fixed transducer on one side of the element, and a movable transducer element on the opposite side. The movable transducer may be gimbal mounted on a pivoted spring-loaded arm of low mass and high stiffness to urge the magnetic storage surface against the fixed transducer with a light force. The force is adequate, together with a slight penetration of the fixed transducer into the plane of the disc, to correct deflections of the storage surface in directions transverse to its principal plane in the region between the transducers. Thus the transducers are maintained in operative relation for maximum flux interchange, but without introducing undue wear or requiring a long head settling time.

Abstract: An electromagnetic compensating balance for the measurement of forces having a permanent magnet circuit assembly with an annular enclosed housing and with a central core defining a narrow annular air gap between a portion of the housing and core, and having a movable bobbin concentrically arranged around the core with a coil located in the air gap, the bobbin having end portions projecting above and below the housing which are connected to leaf support members for independent support of the bobbin from the magnet assembly, the upper end portions being connected to a weighing pan for weighing samples.