Abstract: A data storage diskette incorporates a hub having a reduced diameter. A circular sheet of magnetic media is mounted about the hub. The reduced diameter imparts added flexibility to inner regions of the sheet of magnetic media between the bond point of the sheet and a point at which magnetic heads access the sheet for data read and write operations. The added flexibility enables the sheet of magnetic media to more readily be bent to align with a gap defined by the magnetic heads. The enhanced alignment enables a read/write axis of the magnetic heads to be perpendicularly aligned with the sheet of magnetic media in the inner regions, thereby maintaining signal amplitude in such regions.

Abstract: The apparatus for handling and operating on an article includes a flexible member having a working surface and at least one fluid orifice which pass through the flexible member and terminates in outlets on the working surface. The flexible member is a web made of a plurality of stacked layers. Fluid supplied to the working surface through the orifices act on articles placed in close proximity to the working surface.

Abstract: A cartridge for a disc-shaped recording medium, the cartridge including a cover shell and a base shell which house a flexible, magnetic recording medium therebetween. A movable shutter is provided along a front edge of the cartridge for covering, when in the closed position, an opening in each shell which allows a read/write head to access the recording medium. The shutter is windowless and has triangle-shaped portions which cover the read/write head access openings. The shutter includes a raised rib along its periphery and has a rounded corner. A raised rib may also be provided on the cartridge shell adjacent the read/write head access opening to prevent debris particles from entering the interior of the cartridge via the head access opening. The shutter is reinforced to prevent bending and has a rounded corner to minimize the chance that the shutter corner will become snagged on some other object, such as loose clothing.

Abstract: A loop-shaped drive and drive system for retrieving and storing information on flexible recording strips. The drive has a loop-shaped conduit having a working surface on its inner periphery. A fluid, such as air, is supplied to the conduit and emerges from an array of uniformly distributed orifices in the working surface. Fluid streams from the orifices support the recording strip above the working surface and transport it around the inner periphery of the loop-shaped conduit. As the strip travels around the loop-shaped conduit, it passes in close proximity with at least one transducer, thereby allowing the transducer(s) to read/write information on the strip.

Abstract: A container is used to hold and transport punched diskette media to prevent contamination of and damage to the media. The container includes an outer shell comprising a cover and a base formed of a durable, pre-formed material. The base has an inner surface having at least one protruding male structure suitable for receiving and mounting a first hollow portion of a spindle. The cover has a second inner surface having a recessed female structure suitable for receiving another portion of a spindle. In addition, a spindle mounting member designed to carry a plurality of punched diskette media is included in the container. The spindle mounting member is an elongate spindle with a hollowed end for placement on the protruding male structure in the base and an end suitable for placement within the recessed female structure in the cover. The spindle mounting member includes a circumferential or annular media holder suitable for supporting media placed on the spindle. A closure member securely closes the container.

Abstract: A drive system for rotating a disk includes a housing having a planar element with a working surface which includes a spindle which facilitates rotational movement of the disk relative to the drive assembly. A plurality of orifices extend through planar element at an acute angle relative to the working surface and are arranged in a circular array. A conduit assembly delivers fluid to the housing. The fluid exits through the orifices outlets to provide a motive force for rotating the disk around the spindle, while also providing a pressure differential to support the medium.