Abstract: A positioning mechanism for a read/write head of recording/playback machine of the type utilizing discs upon which information is magnetically stored in concentric tracks includes a stationary guide member, a carriage which is connected to the guide member and which carries a read/write head for compliance to the surface of a disc upon which information is magnetically stored, a single capstan member which is driven to rotate incrementally from one angular position to another, and a flexible nonstretchable band which is wound at least once about the capstan and which has opposite ends extending from the capstan to connection to the carriage. During the period of rotation of the capstan, one end portion of the band is fed off the capstan while the opposite end portion is concommitantly wound onto the capstan; the tension exerted by the end portion which is wound onto the capstan draws the carriage member into motion relative to the guide member.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping and driving a flexible disc for use with a rotatable spindle having a generally conical portion forming a camming surface, and a general cylindrical portion forming a first disc clamping surface and a disc registration surface, the apparatus comprising a generally annular hub having a plurality of stops and being rotatable about and movable along an axis, a plurality of fingers hingedly connected to the outer periphery of the hub, each of the fingers including a second disc clamping surface and a registration engaging surface, a circular spring for biasing the fingers radially inwardly against the stops such that the second disc clamping surfaces form a ring that contacts the camming surface when the hub is moved into engagement with the spindle, and a lifter for carrying the hub assembly and for moving it along the axis, whereby when the disc is loaded between the spindle and the hub and the lifter moves the hub along the axis such that the ring contacts the spindle, continued axial

Abstract: An improved magnetic read/write head-positioning apparatus including a cantilevered lead screw head carriage-driving mechanism and a damping assembly for damping any transverse motion of the unsupported end of the lead screw. The damping assembly includes a leaf spring having one end affixed to the supporting frame and the other end positioned opposite the unsupported end of the lead screw, and a slider button disposed between the leaf spring and the unsupported lead screw end and carried by the lead screw so as to frictionally engage the leaf spring and cause a force to be exerted on the unsupported lead screw end tending to resist any transverse motion thereof.

Abstract: A print hammer apparatus is disclosed which comprises a resilient member having a fixed end and a movable end, the movable end being movable between a cocked position and a striking position, a hammer affixed to the movable end and carried thereby over an arcuate path between the cocked position and the striking position, the hammer including an impact head at one end and a flag member at the other end, the flag member being of magnetic material and having a flag face with a surface which is at all points angularly disposed at an angle other than normal to the path, a stator pole piece having a pole face which matingly corresponds to the flag face, a magnetic side pole disposed laterally of the path, a permanent magnet coupled to the pole piece and to the side pole and operative to develop a magnetic force for causing the hammer to move against the influence of the resilient member and into the cocked position with the flag face engaging the pole face, and a coil disposed on the pole piece for momentarily dev