Abstract: A dual cartridge engaging assembly comprising a first cartridge engaging device for engaging a first cartridge and displacing it along a first longitudinal cartridge displacement path. The assembly also comprises a second cartridge engaging device for engaging a second cartridge and displacing it along a second longitudinal cartridge displacement path which is parallel to the first longitudinal cartridge displacement path. The assembly also comprises a unitary reversible drive for providing mechanical energy to produce the longitudinal displacement of the first and second cartridge engaging devices and to produce flipping displacement of the first and second cartridge engaging devices about a central longitudinal axis parallel to the first and second longitudinal cartridge displacement paths. The assembly also comprises a passively switchable linkage for transferring mechanical energy from the unitary reversible drive to the first and second cartridge engaging devices.

Abstract: A write-erase magnet assembly for a data storage device including: a permanent magnet having a longitudinal axis and having a first longitudinally extending face portion with a first polarity and a second longitudinally extending face portion with a second polarity opposite the first polarity for alternately producing write and erase magnetic bias fields on an adjacently positioned data storage medium; a magnet support assembly for rotatably supporting the permanent magnet; a magnetic detent fixedly positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the permanent magnet for magnetically producing a biasing torque on the magnet tending to orient the closer of the first and second face portions of the permanent magnet in adjacent relationship with the detent. A coil for applying flipping torque and braking torque for an eddy current rotation dampening assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A write-erase magnet assembly for a data storage device including: a permanent magnet having a longitudinal axis and having a first longitudinally extending face portion with a first polarity and a second longitudinally extending face portion with a second polarity opposite the first polarity for alternately producing write and erase magnetic bias fields on an adjacently positioned data storage medium; a magnet support assembly for rotatably supporting the permanent magnet; a magnetic detent fixedly positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the permanent magnet for magnetically producing a biasing torque on the magnet tending to orient the closer of the first and second face portions of the permanent magnet in adjacent relationship with the detent. A coil for applying flipping torque and braking torque for an eddy current rotation dampening assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magneto-optic disk drive includes a magneto-optic disk and a rotary arm for positioning a focus/bias field switching assembly adjacent bit positions on the disk. A bias field switching assembly includes an annular permanent magnet mounted within a guide for movement between write and erase positions and an objective lens. The magnet has central and pole surfaces generally parallel to the disk. Coils on the guide are energized to drive the magnet between the write and erase positions. In its erase position the magnet impinges a first polarity erase magnetic field on the disk. In its write position the magnet impinges a second polarity write magnetic field upon the disk. The magnet is releasably latched in both its write and erase positions by ferro-magnetic elements mounted to the guide.

Abstract: An optical disk drive includes a drive motor for rotating an optical disk and a rotary arm having first and second opposite ends. The rotary arm is mounted for rotation in a plane parallel to the disk plane by a mount. An objective lens is mounted to the rotary arm adjacent the second end. The objective lens is driven and positioned about a focus axis with respect to the disk plane by a focus motor. A laser, detector and optics are mounted to the radial arm. A tracking drive coil for producing a magnetic field is mounted to the second end of the radial arm immediately adjacent the objective lens. Permanent magnets on opposite sides of the tracking drive coil produce a magnetic field which cooperates with the magnetic field of the tracking drive coil to drive and position the objective lens about a tracking axis with respect to the optical disk plane.

Abstract: A magneto-optic disk drive includes cartridge-receiving guide tracks and a push-latch mechanism mounted in an upper portion of a half-hight enclosure, and a baseplate assembly pivotally mounted in a lower portion of the enclosure. The baseplate assembly includes a baseplate, a drive motor and spindle mounted to the baseplate, and a rotary arm mounted to the baseplate by a pivot mechanism. Optical head components including a focusing and bias field switching assembly are mounted to the rotary arm. A tracking motor includes coils mounted to an end of the rotary arm directly adjacent to the focusing and bias field switching assembly, and permanent magnets mounted to the baseplate. An optical disk cartridge is pushed into the drive and latched into its inserted position when the baseplate assembly is in a load/unload position. A baseplate drive mechanism raises the baseplate assembly to its operative position causing the drive motor and spindle to engage and rotate the optical disk.

Abstract: A magneto-optic disk drive includes a magneto-optic disk and a rotary arm for positioning a focus/bias field switching assembly adjacent bit positions on the disk. A bias field switching assembly includes an annular permanent magnet mounted within a guide for movement between write and erase positions and an objective lens. The magnet has central and pole surfaces generally parallel to the disk. Coils on the guide are energized to drive the magnet between the write and erase positions. In its erase position the magnet impinges a first polarity erase magnetic field on the disk. In its write position the magnet impinges a second polarity write magnetic field upon the disk. The magnet is releasably latched in both its write and erase positions by ferro-magnetic elements mounted to the guide.

Abstract: A two axis linear motor for carrying the objective lens for optical focusing and optical tracking in an optical recording system has a stationary structure for providing a magnetic field and a moving armature structure. The stationary structure may have two permanent magnets and several pole pieces to properly shape the field with respect to the armature. In one embodiment, a central elongated pole piece and two parallel adjacent elongated pole pieces which are associated with two permanent magnets to form flux gaps with the central pole piece. Flux returns to the magnets through a lower pole piece to which the central pole piece is attached. The central and lower pole pieces have an aperture through which the laser beam may pass on its way to and from the objective lens.