Abstract: A holder for a rigid information disc comprises a rectangular frame which includes a first disc-supporting section near a first peripheral side of the frame and a second disc-supporting section adjoining a second peripheral side located opposite the first side. The frame carries movable clamping means for clamping the information disc onto the frame. The frame is at least in part resiliently deflectable and is capable of returning from a deflected position to a flat position. The first and the second disc-supporting sections are interconnected by at least one resilient connecting element which permits deflection of the frame into the deflected position in which position the first and the second peripheral sides extend at least substantially parallel to each other. The clamping means can be actuated; the clamping means are situated near the connecting elements and in the deflected position of the frame do not release the information disc until these means have been actuated.

Abstract: A protective cartridge assembly for protecting the sensitive recording surface of an information recording disk, said assembly being comprised of a cartridge housing having a pair of cartridge stand-offs attached to the inner upper surface of the cartridge housing, a cartridge tray for supporting the disk placed therein, and a disk spacer ring attached to the disk. The cartridge housing has an opening in its side in which the cartridge insert tray is slidably mounted. The cartridge housing has a protruding lip which cooperates with a recess in the exterior portion of the cartridge tray to sealably close the cartridge assembly thereby preventing contamination from entering the cartridge interior. The cartridge housing stand-offs and the disk spacer rings cooperate to prevent the disk recording surface from contacting the interior surface of the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A carrier for substrate and media disk members is disclosed having a base member with upstanding side and end walls and a top surface having a media supporting recess projecting downwardly and including a plurality of continuous semi-circular V-shaped grooves each subtending an angle of less than 180 degrees. Locating means are provided along one side of the carrier for locating the carrier with respect to disk handling equipment. The carrier is provided with a transparent lid having side and end walls respectively telescopically enclosing side and end walls of the base member. The base member has elongate indentations for engaging the top surface of the lid member on which the base member is stacked, and the lid member is provided with elongate upwardly projecting support ridges which contact the underside of the base member stacked thereon.

Abstract: Structure is provided for separately sealing an optical disk cartridge and cooperating apparatus closed when the cartridge and apparatus are not operatively engaged for intended use, and for opening the cartridge and apparatus to each other while jointly closing them from the environment when they are so engaged. The optical disk includes a magnetically attractable hub bearing a compliant annular seal. The disk-containing cartridge is permanently closed except for a central drive-access opening in one wall thereof that is bounded by a circular rim concentrically aligned with the hub seal. Magnetic means on that wall atrract the hub and thereby draw its seal into firm contact with the rim, to seal the opening closed whenever the cartridge is not in use. The cooperating apparatus includes a drive spindle that is bounded by a circular flange also concentrically aligned with the hub seal.

Abstract: A disc-cleaning device wherein a cleaner having a cleaning portion for wiping the surface of a disc provided on the under surface thereof and a knob on the top surface thereof is housed in a case made by securing a cover to a support for the disc so that said cover can be opened and closed. The cover has a recess on the inside thereof into which the knob is received. The support has a disc-supporting depression in which the disc fits, and a mat is laid in the disc-supporting depression to support the underside of the disc. Notches are made at either side of the disc-supporting depression in which the disc fits, and the edge of the disc fitted into the disc-supporting depression projects from both of the notches. A brush member is removably attached to the cover.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed cassette cartridge is disclosed, which encapsulates an optical disk suitable for use in an optical information recording and retrieval device. The cassette cartridge comprises a structural casing having a cavity for containing said recording medium and a spindle hub adapter for rotating the disk for data access. Data transfer is accomplished through a flexibly mounted transparent window, said window serving not only as a hermetical seal but also to alleviate the need for a thick dust defocusing layer on the said encapsulated recording medium.

Abstract: A collapsible storage box for floppy disk includes a casing, a switch means and a collapsible storing means consisting of a plurality of storage bags for storing floppy disk for computor use whereby the collapsible bags can be extended to form a sector type for easy and convenient take-out or take-in service for the floppy disks.

Abstract: A cartridge to be inserted into a drive unit includes a casing containing a recording medium disc to be driven by the drive unit. The disc has a hub fixed at its center. Center windows are provided at opposite sides of the casing and allow the hub to be inserted therethrough. Head windows are provided also at opposite sides of the casing and allow a reading head to access information recorded on opposite sides of the disc. Shutters are provided around the center windows and normally cover the head windows. These shutters are rotatable about the center windows and uncover the head windows when the cartridge is inserted into the drive unit. An actuator for rotating the shutters is provided between the shutters and the outside of the casing. The actuator has a portion exposed to the outside of the casing so that the shutters are automatically and indirectly rotated by an external force applied to the actuator when the cartridge is inserted into the drive unit.

Abstract: A canister for holding a stack of floppy disks, during manufacture of diskettes, or during storage and shipment of the disks. The canister is impervious to ultraviolet radiation, and comprises a base and a deep cup-shaped cover which latches to the base during storage and/or shipment, and which is removed after the canister's base is coupled to the proper input station of a diskette manufacturing machine. The canister is adapted to hold disks of a number of different types, but all of the same size. For example, disks which have been burnished, but not tested, and disks which have been both burnished and tested are different type disks. The canister base is different colored, in accordance with the type disk which is to be held by the base. Also, the base carries a unique bar code and a unique mechanical interlock wall which identify the type disk to be held by the base.

Abstract: A promotional device which preferably includes a laminated record which can be detached along a perforated line is attached to the bottle or can carrier by means of spaced arms projecting from the device and having lock tabs which engage spaced webs in the carrier. When attached to the carrier the promotional device is positioned closely adjacent the side of the carrier and resists accidental removal.

Abstract: Centrally apertured discs which are to be subjected on one side to a treatment such as the deposition of a layer of material on the disc are carried on disc holders in a magazine which comprises a pair of opposed parallel walls and which has an open side between these walls through which the disc holders can be inserted in and removed from the magazine. The disc holders each comprise a rigid plate and attachment means for attaching a centrally apertured disc to each side of the plate, the attachment means engaging in the central aperture of each disc. The plate has at least one pair of opposed parallel edges for cooperation with guide rollers which are provided on the inner sides of the opposed walls of the magazine for guiding the disc holders during their insertion in and removal from the magazine in directions parallel to the opposed edges of the plates.

Abstract: A new page type holder adapted to store, e.g., computer disks. A finished page of the disk holder is generated from a single oversize piece of paper in order to provide a desired finished size page with at least one disk pocket on both the front and back face thereof. The disk pockets on the page are established by the overlying relation of the oversize unfolded page's top edge or bottom edge portions in combination with a binding element that (a) holds all finished pages and covers together one with the other in book configuration, and (b) holds each folded page together to define one side edge of the pockets on that page. The other side edge of the pockets, and the bottom edges of the pockets, on the finished page are defined by the folded configuration of the oversize unfolded page when it is in the finished page form.

Abstract: A colored diskette for holding a floppy disk with an outer colored substrate sheet forming an outer envelope, the inside of which is lined by a conductive layer acting as a shield and which is lined by a liner in which the disk rests. The data stored on the disk is color-coded so that the diskette may be easily stored and classified according to the color of the substrate.

Abstract: A magnetic disk jacket which encloses and protects a magnetic disk is rendered duplication resistant by hot-stamp transfer printing an area of the jacket which cannot be supported in a flat or planar condition against the application of pressure after the jacket has been at least partially assembled, hot-stamp transfer printing an area of the jacket which extends across a portion of the jacket which is to be folded at assembly, or embossing an area of the jacket which will be superposed over a panel of the partially assembled disk jacket. The printed or embossed area may also identify information which should be present on the disk.

Abstract: The video disc caddy comprises a relatively compliant, record retaining spine subject to removable reception in an outer sleeve. The outside lateral dimension of the spine is made larger than the corresponding dimension of the sleeve so that when the record/spine assembly is inserted into the sleeve, the spine gently squeezes the record to hold it in place upon insertion.

Abstract: The video disc caddy comprises a record retaining spine removably received inside an outer protective cover. The spine has an opening for receiving a disc record. Each side of the spine is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed, substantially semicircular wiping pads around the record receiving opening therein.

Abstract: A record album and slip case cut and folded from sheet paper board stock to provide a relatively flat box-like container having similar side panels spaced apart a limited distance and having one open end provided with a relatively long access notch extending inward from the edges of the side panels of said container in which the access notch is formed and bounded therealong by smooth reinforced edges resulting from tongues of the material folded inwardly upon the inner surfaces of the side panels and secured thereto by adhesive, certain of the tongues being of substantial size to afford protective stiffness to a substantial area of the side panels extending inward from the edges of the access notches, whereby no raw board edges appear on the boundaries of the open end and access notches therein.

Abstract: A disc accommodating case comprises an opaque jacket having an opening portion at one end thereof, for accommodating a disc recorded with information signals within an internal space formed in the jacket, and a member for closing the opening portion of the jacket accommodating the disc. The disc is provided with a display portion for displaying the surface side of the disc, at a predetermined position thereof. The jacket has a display window provided at a position opposing a part of the display portion of the disc accommodated within the jacket, for enabling the part of the display portion to be seen through the display window from outside the jacket.

Abstract: A case for a rotary recording medium comprises a jacket having a space for accommodating a rotary recording medium and an elongated opening on one end side of the jacket through which the rotary recording medium can enter and leave the jacket, and a lid member for closing the opening of the jacket. The jacket has projecting parts at the opening, at positions crossing the opening.

Abstract: A portable storage container for records comprising a body having a cavity for receiving a stack of vertically arranged records which has first and second plane ends. The cavity has a vertical back wall for engaging the second end of the stack of records and a front wall which is inclined for allowing selective displacement and separation of the tops of the records towards the front wall. A removable locking means is positionable for engaging the first end of the stack of records for retaining the records in a vertical position and preventing their displacement and separation during storage and transportation of the records.

Abstract: A case for enclosing a phonograph record, including a circular ring in which the record snap fits, and a circular cover adjacent each side of the record, the covers being hinged to the ring.

Abstract: A container for thin, flat articles has a box-like housing with an opening through which each article can be inserted into the housing and removed therefrom in a direction lying in the plane of the article, and a series of article support members within the housing in side-by-side parallel relationship to enable each article to be received between a respective adjacent pair of support members. One of the support members is a primary support member having a handle to enable the primary support member to be at least partially pulled out of the container through the opening, and the other support members are secondary support members.

Abstract: A cassette for storing and handling optical disks without touching them, including in particular video disks recorded on both sides, the cassette comprising a plate contained in a plastic envelope. The plate comprises a first cavity in which the disk to be protected is positioned. An additional annular cavity is provided in the bottom surface of the plate. The cover of the envelope comprises a cavity of shape matching that of the additional annular cavity such that the recorded areas of both sides of the disk are protected. Additional conical surfaces bearing one on the other are provided in the cover and plate around the edge of the first cavity. Means for locking the plate in the envelope are also provided.

Abstract: A phonograph record album used to present promotional music and song recordings to professional artists and writers, comprised of a first compartment for holding a phonograph record, and a coplanar second compartment for holding an information card, with the second compartment having serpentine side guide strips for maintaining lateral alignment of the card as it is moved into and out of its compartment, and flat springs attached between the bottom side of the second compartment and the card to prevent complete removal of the card from its compartment. In an alternate embodiment, the album is comprised of a separable information packet for containing the information card.

Abstract: The record side identification device for a video disc player includes a pair of switches. The order of closure of the switches depends upon which side of the record carrying caddy is uppermost in the player. A circuit means, responsive to the sequence of operation of the switches, lights appropriate one of the lamps to provide an indication of the record side subject to play.

Abstract: A stamper protector is disclosed which is comprised of a recording cover and a center cover. The recording cover is made of a laminated material which has a tough outer layer and a resilient soft inner layer. The recording cover is cut in the form of an annular ring of a size such that it will cover the entire recorded area of the stamper from the outer molding land to the unrecorded center portion of the stamper. The center cover is cut to a size which will cover the entire center of the recording cover when it is adhered to the outer layer of the recording cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package for books and like flat articles, comprising an inner, double folded carton envelope and an outer protective cover of paper or like thin material closing the edges of the carton envelope. According to the invention each one of the two opposite open edges of the carton envelope is closed by means of two flaps on the protective cover, one of the flaps being folded between the carton envelope and the protective cover, and the other one being folded over the outer side of the protective cover. The third open edge of the carton envelope is closed by means of double folded closing flap formed on the protective cover.

Abstract: A cartridge for enclosing a video-disc, which comprises a sleeve and a tray. The video-disc is located into a cavity hollowed in the tray and secured to the bottom of this cavity along a circular central zone through the medium of a plurality of magnetic patches glued to it and attracted by a circular magnet embedded in the bottom of the cavity.

Abstract: A spacer for use between two adjacent recorded discs in a stack of the discs includes a flat, circular, relatively rigid plate having opposed major surfaces and a hole through the center thereof. The plate has portions around its peripheral edge and the edge of the hole which are thicker than the rest of the plate and project beyond the major surfaces of the plate. The thicker portions of the spacer engage unrecorded surface portions of the adjacent recorded discs so as to space the recorded portions of the adjacent recorded discs from the major surfaces of the spacer plate to prevent dust, dirt and other contaminating particles from being pressed into or against the recorded portions of the recorded discs which may damage the recorded discs.

Abstract: A video magazine for use with a video cassette recorder apparatus comprises the combination of a video cassette having a series of indexable video programs, and a printed program which includes a series of program guides corresponding to each program in the series of indexable video programs on the video cassette. By referring to the printed program, the user may readily index the video cassette in the video recording apparatus to the desired program. The video cassette and the printed program are shipped and stored in an integral package formed of a generally rectangular sleeve for accommodating the printed program, and a second sleeve bonded to the first sleeve and of a size adapted to accommodate the video cassette. The resulting point-of-purchase package provides the consumer with an indication of the variety of programming available in the video magazine, and is of a configuration to inhibit shoplifting.

Abstract: A container for holding at least one recording disk, including a container base formed with a circular opening and a disk holding space, and engaging and holding members movable between a first position for engaging and holding the disk and a second position for releasing the disk from the holding engagement, the engaging and holding members in the first position preventing the disks from coming out from the disk holding space. The disk held in the container can be placed on a turntable of a disk playing system without requiring user's manual attention. Such a disk playing system includes, besides the turntable, a loading base, release pins, a disk cam for actuating the release pins, and a vertically moving screw. When the disk container is placed on the loading base, the disk cam rotates to move the release pins so as to bring the release pins into engagement with the respective engaging and holding members, and to move the latter to the second position in which the disk is placed on the turntable.

Abstract: A container for disc storage and transportation includes nestable spacers with disc supporting and locating rims. Vertical posts with a plurality of vertically spaced slots rise through the central opening of the spacers and are engageable by the cross bar of the spacer when the spacer is roatably twisted. Each slot has a downwardly facing inclined surface for urging the engaged spacers downward.

Abstract: A record side identification apparatus for a video disc player comprises a sensing member which is deflected to a first position and a second position in response to insertion of a video disc caddy into the player with a given side thereof respectively facing upward and downward. The deflected sensing member is depressed to illuminate the respective one of a pair of record side identification lights on the front instrument panel of the player during further insertion of the caddy into the player.

Abstract: An outer mailing jacket is made from a folded sheet of suitable material, such as corrugated cardboard. The jacket has corner panels for centrally positioning a product enclosed therein. The mailing jacket is especially designed for receiving and supporting phonograph records, without danger that a staple used to close the jacket might damage the record.

Abstract: A mechanism for latching a disc holder to a frame while unlatching the holder from its carrier. A pair of pivotally mounted pry bars are extendable between the opposite edges of a video disc holder and its caddy to unlatch the holder from the caddy. A pair of pivotally mounted wedges are projectible into recesses provided on the disc holder to hookingly engage the holder while the caddy is removed therefrom. A pair of springs urge the wedges into the holder whereas a second pair of springs urge the pry bars relative to the wedges to allow the pry bars to be pivoted away from the holder. Reinsertion of the caddy to recapture the holder results in the pry bars being forced against the wedges thereby unlatching the holder from the wedges and allowing the holder to relatch to the caddy.

Abstract: A record is removably subject to occupancy of a protective caddy comprising a jacket and a record retaining spine. The record is enclosed in the caddy such that a first side of the record is associated with a given side of the spine. To load a record into a player, such as a video disc player, an occupied caddy is inserted into an input slot provided in the player. A record extracting mechanism mounted in the player removes the retaining spine and the associated record from the jacket during jacket withdrawal subsequent to the occupied cover arrival at a fully inserted position in the player, whereby the record and the spine are retained within the player. A switch mounted in the player is subject to conditioning in a first state in response to insertion of the occupied cover with the given side of the spine facing upward, and is subject to conditioning in a second state in response to cover insertion with the given side facing downward.

Abstract: A record is removably subject to occupancy of a protective caddy comprising a jacket and a record retaining spine. The record is enclosed in the caddy such that a first side of the record is associated with a given side of the spine. To load a record into a player, such as a video disc player, an occupied caddy is inserted into an input slot provided in the player. A record extracting mechanism mounted in the player removes the retaining spine and the associated record from the jacket during jacket withdrawal subsequent to the occupied cover arrival at a fully inserted position in the player, whereby the record and the spine are retained within the player.

Abstract: A disc record caddy comprises a pair of substantially flat circular covers releasably held in channels defined along the inside rim of an expandable circular ring. Spring elements bias the ring into a contracted shape to radially restrain a disc retained between the pair of covers. A platform, mounted on a base of a disc record player system, horizontally supports the caddy in an elevated position over a turntable of the system and includes means for expanding the ring to release the covers. A turntable spindle incorporates a lowering/lifting mechanism which lowers the cover nearest the turntable and the disc supported thereon onto the turntable for record playback purposes, the other cover being retained at the platform level by the radially inward extension of the land defined between the ring channels.

Abstract: A video disc package includes a jacket having a record enclosing cavity and an end access opening in communication therewith. A record retaining member, comprising a spine and an annular element, is reciprocably mounted within the cavity. A portion of the spine extends into the end access opening and a further portion of the spine protrudes beyond the edges of the jacket defining the end access opening when the record retaining member is fully inserted into the jacket. The annular element has a through opening for receiving a record. Indicia is secured to the protruding portion of the spine for associating a given side of the spine with the first side of an enclosed record and the other side of the spine with the second side of the enclosed record. The record is enclosed within the package such that its first side is adjacent to the given side of the spine and its second side is contiguous to the other side of the spine.

Abstract: A video disc package includes a jacket having a record enclosing cavity and an end access opening in communication therewith. A record retaining member, comprising a spine and an annular element, is reciprocably mounted within the cavity. The spine portion forms a closure for the jacket when the retaining member is fully inserted therein. The annular element has a through opening for receiving a record. An edge of the spine portion remains exposed upon full insertion of the spine into the jacket. Indicia are secured to the exposed edge of the spine for associating a given side of the spine with the first side of an enclosed record and the other side of the spine with the second side of the enclosed record. The record is enclosed within the package such that its first side is adjacent to the given side of the spine and its second side is contiguous to the other side of the spine.

Abstract: A case for storing a tape cassette has inner and outer cases. Peripheral walls join opposite peripheral portions of top and bottom walls of the outer case to define an opening at one side through which the inner case with a cassette therein can be inserted into the outer case. The inner case has a side member which overlies a side of the cassette and is disposed in the opening in the outer case when the inner case with a cassette therein are stored in the outer case. Top and bottom panel members extend at substantial angles from the side member to be disposed against respective top and bottom surfaces of the cassette.

Abstract: A magazine for transport and operation in a device for a plurality of film-like flat recording media, especially of floppy disks. Details of the magazine according to the invention relate to a part which receives the recording medium, a lid, a mechanism for locking the said parts together, and a guide and gripper part.

Abstract: A protective cover, subject to a removable occupancy by a video disc, is inserted into a video disc player. During the insertion of an occupied cover into the player, an appropriately designed platform leads it to a fully inserted position such that a clamping device built into the player protrudes into the cover. The user then removes the cover allowing the video disc to remain in the player resting on the platform. When the player lid is closed, the platform is lowered to effect a transfer of the video disc resting thereon to the player turntable. Upon playback, the lid is raised to cause the video disc to rise with the platform. An empty cover is then inserted to return the video disc back into the cover. The subsequent withdrawal of the cover removes the enclosed video disc.

Abstract: A wafer packaging system for clean packaging and damage-free transporting of semiconductor wafers. The system includes tubular outer and inner containers, the inner container adapted to be contained by the outer container with the longitudinal axes of both containers extending in the same axial direction. The inner container includes provision for holding a plurality of the semiconductor wafers in spaced face-to-face relationship. The system provides a sealed container arrangement preventing contaminants outside the outer container from contaminating wafers within the inner container. Shock-absorbing features associated with the containers prevent shocks applied to the outer container from damaging the wafers.

Abstract: A packaging tray for an entertainment or educational disc in which the tray is formed with plastic sheet material with upright retaining posts that extend through and adjacent the ends of a pair of apertures in the disc.

Abstract: A record album having a circular or disc-shaped plastic cover is disclosed herein. The cover is fabricated from a pair of disc-shaped plastic sheets which are sealed along about one-half of the peripheral edge so as to define a pocket for receiving the record. Indicia may be applied to the cover so as to provide the cover with a record-appearing surface.

Abstract: A container with a receptacle for a record carrier such as a tape cassette is provided with at least one clamping device which is disposed on a wall of the container, by means of which device a graphic carrier, such as a letter, an index strip, a note etc. can be clamped in position in the container. The clamping device comprises a lug which projects into the receptacle for actuation of the device.

Abstract: A phonograph record is provided with a ring on its rim, the ring being of greater thickness than the record and extending outwardly from both faces of the record to protect the grooved record face from adjacent records on a record player, and when the records are stored in a stack or a rack. Generally radial ribs are spaced circumferentially apart on the opposite faces of the ring to prevent relative rotation of stacked records on a turn table. A gap is formed in the ring and is spanned by an outwardly arched band, the arching of the band being decreased as the ring expands to accommodate records of increasing diameter. A novel record storage is provided by suspending the records from hooks, or the like, which receive the arched bands, and if desired eyes may be formed integrally with the bands in order to more conveniently suspend the records in facially opposed relationship.

Abstract: A flexible or "floppy" disc such as is used for data storage is retained within an enclosure that substantially protects it from contaminants or damage from handling while not in use but still permits ready access to the disc by a machine. A hub nests the disc in a bore on a tray which is received by an envelope-type of housing so that a complete enclosure is provided. The flat surfaces of the housing act to retain the disc hub within the bore while in the cartridge. A latching arrangement between the tray and the housing permits either manual or machine release of the tray. The entire housing containing the tray and the disc is readily adapted to loading within a machine by means of a hub-engaging spindle to lift the disc from the tray after it has been removed from the housing. Strategically located ridges guide the disc hub into proper tray engagement when the disc is stored in the cartridge. A plurality of slots on the tray augment air flow under the disc.

Abstract: Guard device for storing a disk package comprising a jacket containing a flexible magnetic disk, said device being substantially rigid and having a front or cover surface, a back surface, sides and a bottom, said cover surface being preferably shorter in length than the back surface to permit a label on the jacket to be observed as well as to permit writing on the label and the sides preferably extending above the cover to protect the side edges of the disk package. The device also preferably includes ribs to protect a pocket for the disk package as well as restraining ribs located at the bottom of the pocket.