Abstract: For driving a video record on a video player use can be made of a clamping device which comprises a drive spindle on which record supporting means are disposed which inter alia comprise: a centering member, having a centering surface whose transverse dimension varies from smaller than to greater than the diameter of the record hole, which centering surface, also during operation, co-operates with the edge of a record hole; a record loading device which during operation presses the edge of the record hole against the centering surface; and record carrying means which frictionally co-operate with the video record and which are disposed at some radial distance from the centering member.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for writing upon a video record and for reading the video information from the video record after the writing is complete, and the video disc structure so written. The apparatus includes a laser and an optical system which directs the laser beam to a prepared rotating disc. The disc has a very thin metallic coating. A first lens acts to diverge the laser beam so as to fill a miscroscope objective lens which focuses the beam to a small spot of approximately 1 .mu.m in diameter. The spot contains sufficient energy to melt the metallic surface coating on the disc. The surface tension of the molten metal makes it draw back leaving a hole.Video information in the form suitable for display with a T.V. monitor is applied to an F.M. modulator for forming an F.M. signal. The F.M. signal intensity modulates a laser beam passing through a Pockels cell--Glan prism combination. The series of holes forming the coating of the disc represent the F.M. signal. Since an F.M.

Abstract: For use in recording data on chart paper mounted on a timer driven and operated, rotatable clock mechanism, improved chart paper is disclosed which incorporates a disk of paper having a writing surface thereon adapted to receive markings indicative of a measurement dependent on time, the disk incorporating a central opening. The disk further includes a pair of opposing, facing shoulders separated by a cut in the disk which shoulders include reinforcing means to thereby enable a rotating cutter to separate a single disk from adjacent stacked duplicate disks. The shoulder reinforcing means has alternate forms including a plastic wrap adjacent to both faces and the edge of one shoulder and another form comprising a tongue affixed to one shoulder and lapped beyond the opposing shoulder.

Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably retaining a bottom cover against a top cover in a disk cartridge. The latch assembly is manually activatable from outside the bottom cover and includes a portion adapted to enter and releasably engage in an opening in an end of the hub accessible through an aperture in the top cover; and is mounted on the bottom cover so as to restrict radial movement of the disk assembly while being axially movable to both facilitate engaging the latch assembly with the hub, and allow axial movement of an engaged disk assembly within the top cover.

Abstract: A flat major surface of a disc-shaped substrate (e.g., glass or plastic) is coated with a light-reflective layer (e.g., aluminum) which is coated with a dielectric material (e.g., silicon dioxide) highly transparent for light of a frequency supplied by a recording laser. The dielectric material is coated with a thin layer of a smooth continuous, low melting point, low thermal diffusion length metal (e.g., tellurium) absorptive for light of the frequencies supplied by the recording laser. The coating parameters are chosen to establish an anti-reflective condition for the coated record blank at the recording light frequency. The light output of the laser, which is intensity modulated in accordance with a signal to be recorded, is focused upon the coated surface of the disc as the disc is rotated.

Abstract: Video information is commonly recorded on a master record device such as a video disc by focussing a modulated recording beam on the master disc and rotating the disc relative to the focussed recording beam. During exposure, the recording beam travels across the rotating master disc so that a spiral track of video information is recorded. Because of the extremely small depth of focus, typically less than a micron, focus maintenance is simplified if the master disc recording surface is optically flat. This requirement has led to the use of a relatively expensive master video disc comprised of optically polished glass, quartz or other rigid material. In accordance with the present invention, a method of recording video information on a master disc is provided which permits the use of an inexpensive flexible master disc comprised of ESTAR or other similar material, and yet which enables an extremely small depth of focus to be accurately maintained.

Abstract: A hub for a disk storage medium which is a unitary article of two dissimilar metals having a single plated coating. An example is an aluminum support member and a joined steel armature plate wherein the two metals have been joined, cleaned and plated on exposed surfaces, but without plating on joining surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading a collet with respect to a rotatable drive hub of a magnetic disk drive machine for gripping a magnetic disk between the collet and drive hub including a leaf spring supported at opposite ends with respect to a machine frame and carrying the collet at an intermediate place between the ends. One of the ends of the spring is pivotally mounted on the frame, and a manually rotatable lever applies a force onto the leaf spring between its pivotal mounting and the collet so as to move the collet to engage the disk between the collet and drive hub against the resilience of the leaf spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disk-shaped record carrier, for example a video plate, which is provided on one side or on both sides with a radiation-reflecting surface structure in the form of an information track consisting of blocks and pits on which a reflecting layer of metal is provided. The plate can be read optically. According to the invention the reflecting metal layer is provided with a cover layer which is formed by a transparent plate which is connected to the metal surface by means of a radiation-curable lacquer. The lacquer is preferably a U.V. curing lacquer and contains a protic mixture of acrylic acid esters. The transparent plate is also preferably manufactured from a transparent synthetic resin and has a thickness of 200 .mu.m.

Abstract: In a device for recording vehicle speeds on a record carrier, the carrier includes a recording layer of a suitable colored paste and is combined with a lid as a unit which is removably mounted on the device housing. The recording layer is located between the lid and the record carrier. The circumferential periphery of the lid and of the record carrier are interconnected. In this arrangement at least the record carrier is transparent.

Abstract: Data recording apparatus wherein the data is recorded on a sheet in a spatial arrangement or pattern corresponding to the spatial arrangement of a plurality of containers that constitute a part of a fraction collecting apparatus. The fraction collector operates by moving a nozzle carrying the discharge from a fractionating column along a path on which the containers are disposed. There is a data recording sheet and a pen supported for inscribing a graph on such sheet. The pen moves in unison with the nozzle and is displaced in a direction transverse to the path so that the spatial arrangement of the graph corresponds to the spatial arrangement of the containers.

Abstract: A machine operative to sequentially pull jacketed flexible magnetic disk units (which may be termed "diskettes") into a data transferring position, close a collet on a disk driving spindle for clamping the disk onto the spindle for drivingly rotating the disk from the spindle and move magnetic heads into contact with the disk for a data transferring action. The machine includes a clothespin like picker or gripping device reciprocative so as to move into embracing relationship with the diskette and to then pull the diskette into data transferring position. The diskettes are contained in a magazine which is translatable transversely with respect to the path of travel of the picker device so that the picker device may be operative to grip any one of the series of diskettes, depending on the translated position of the magazine.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism in a flexible disk drive unit to protect the disk against damage by the disk engagement assembly. The mechanism operates to block the engagement assembly from moving into a position of engaging the disk when the disk is not fully inserted in the drive.

Abstract: A rotatable record carrier upon which reproducible information is recorded in the form of spaced apart pits in substantially concentric circular tracks on a surface of the carrier. A method of producing this record carrier is disclosed wherein, although the linear velocity of each track is dependent upon the radius of the track, the length of the pits in the respective tracks does not vary as a function of the change in the radius from one track to the next. A light beam is modulated with a rectangular pulse information signal, the duration of each pulse being controlled as a function of the radius of the track which is being scanned by the modulated light beam. For tracks having a smaller radius, the pulse duration is made larger than for tracks having a larger radius.

Abstract: An axially symmetrical, self-pressured air system has a substantially sealed enclosure for high speed rotating discs. Air admission to the enclosure is located such that pressures throughout the enclosure minimize the entrance of contaminants. A tangentially positioned chamber can be symmetrically arranged about a tangent in the cylindrical wall of the enclosure. Filters adjacent both the axial receiving means and the tangential chamber rid the enclosure of disc damaging impurities.

Abstract: Improved flexible disk magnetic storage systems and associated sub-assemblies and media are illustrated in the embodiments as comprising a pack of flexible magnetic recording disks stacked for co-rotation at high rpm on a manipulator assembly which includes a pneumatic separator-hub adapted to be shifted axially along the disk array so as to direct an air jet between selected disks and thus "partition" the stack for entry of a transducer assembly.

Abstract: A drive spindle assembly for a disc recorder, and particularly one using a rigid disc, having a direct-coupled spindle shaft arrangement which includes a disc-support platform mounted concentrically at one end of the spindle shaft and a DC motor attached to the other end of the spindle shaft, which spaced bearings supporting the shaft medially between the motor and the support platform. Preferably, the motor is of the flat, compact printed circuit-rotor type known as a "pancake" motor, and the disc-support platform preferably incorporates air-impelling vanes on one side and bleed orifices extending through it, so that air is drawn along the spindle assembly to cool it, and then impelled outwardly over both sides of the recording disc to help aerodynamically fly the recording heads on a thin film of air over the surface of the disc.

Abstract: A magnetic disk member for a memory disk file usable in a data processing system includes an eccentric multi-lobed triangular center locating hole to facilitate concentric mounting of the locating hole centerlines in a multiple disk pack memory. The disks are centered in a disk pack by placing onto a drive hub having ribs to match the lobes of the locating holes.

Abstract: A container for a magnetic data recording disc includes a flat cassette shaped for insertion into a receptacle of disc memory of a data processing apparatus. A normally closed opening in a sidewall of the cassette provides access to the disc for recording and/or reading heads of the data processing apparatus. The cassette includes a pair of generally parallel walls that extend in a direction generally parallel to faces of the disc. One of the opposing walls includes an opening for enabling rotary drive means of the apparatus to be coupled to an annular hub of the disc. The opposed walls are rigid, but elastically deformable. In a free state, the opposed walls are outwardly convex. An internal projection extends from the center of the other opposed wall. The projection has an annular bearing surface facing the inside face of the other wall. The one opposing wall has an opening coaxial with the projection. The opening is surrounded by an annular bearing surface on the outside face of the one wall.

Abstract: A record structure for recording with a radiation beam uses a transparent disc or drum, a coaxial backing disc or drum and two coaxial resilient ring-shaped seals to provide an enclosure between the discs or drums. Radiation-sensitive recording material on the side of the disc or drum within the enclosure is thereby protected from ambient dust particles and other contaminations, while the gaseous or solid by-products of the inter-action between the recording material and the radiation beam in the area around which the beam impinges are substantially contained between the disc surfaces and cannot produce deposits on an objective lens used to focus the radiation beam or poison the user.

Abstract: High speed writing apparatus, for mapping 1:1 polar plots of disc record defect locations on disc-shaped electrosensitive paper, accepts electrical signals representing defect occurrences from a defect detector which scans the disc record surface in a spiral scanning pattern. These signals activate a high voltage switch circuit that produces an electric current between an electric writing pen stylus and a conducting surface of a turntable of the printing apparatus upon which the disc shaped electrosensitive paper is mounted. Relative motion is established between the turntable and the writing pen in a manner causing markings resulting from pen activations to be located on the electrosensitive paper with radial and circumferential positions corresponding to the locations of the defects appearing on the disc record, thereby generating 1:1 polar plots of the defect locations on the paper.

Abstract: Audio/video disc playback apparatus includes a housing, a cover hinged to the housing, a rotor disc mounted in the housing and driven by a motor, and a pressure disc rotatably mounted underside of the cover for providing pressure contact with the rotor disc by the weight of the cover with an audio/video disc held therebetween. The pressure disc is loosely coupled to a mounting attached to the cover by means of a suspension which permits it to disengage from the mounting when the pressure disc comes to contact with the rotor disc as the cover is brought to the closed position so that the pressure disc is self-aligned to the axis of the rotor disc.

Abstract: An interchangeable random-access magnetic storage element, comprising an electromagnetic disk disposed in a substantially cylindrical dust-proof enclosure, which as an assembly can be fitted onto a drive spindle of a drive means. The enclosure comprises two covers which are clamped against each other with the insertion of dust seals, which together with the magnetic disk are rotated by the drive spindle, the upper cover being axially lifted by lifting cams provided on the drive spindle, so that an annular slot is obtained between the lower and upper cover for the passage of electromagnetic recording and reproducing means. At its top the drive spindle comprises an axially movable pressure member, which upon closure of a cover of the drive means is depressed and thus clamps the electromagnetic disk onto the spindle and simultaneously lifts the upper cover.

Abstract: Data recording apparatus wherein the data is recorded on a sheet in a spatial arrangement or pattern corresponding to the spatial arrangement of a plurality of containers that constitute a part of a fraction collecting apparatus. The fraction collector operates by moving a nozzle carrying the discharge from a fractionating column along a path on which the containers are disposed. There is a data recording sheet and a pen supported for inscribing a graph on such sheet. The pen moves in unison with the nozzle and is displaced in a direction transverse to the path so that the spatial arrangement of the graph corresponds to the spatial arrangement of the containers.

Abstract: A flexible information storage disc includes a central mounting portion and an outer body portion providing a surface area on which information may be recorded. The central mounting portion is provided with a least first and second apertures disposed radially outwardly with respect to the geometric center of the disc. The first and second apertures are respectively arcuately elongated in directions conforming to rotation of the disc about its geometric center. The leading end of the first aperture is defined by a pair of straight edges angularly intersecting at an apex and the leading end of the second aperture is defined by a single straight edge.

Abstract: Information is recorded and/or read on the upper major surface of a flexible information storage disc. The disc is contained within a housing to provide a cartridge or cassette, the housing protecting the recording surface of the disc. The housing includes an opening for receiving a rotational means coupled to a body having a cylindrical surface. The flexible disc is rotated over the cylindrical surface with the lower major surface of such disc facing the cylindrical surface so that rotation of the disc causes the disc to conform to the curvature of the body. An opening is provided in the housing exposing a portion of the upper major surface of the disc so that a recording and/or playback head is selectively passed over the recording surface of the disc for reading and/or writing information on the disc as it rotates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for writing video information with a laser on a recording surface employing a protective foil on the writing surface through which foil the laser write beam is focussed. A stream of filtered gas is passed between the foil and the writing surface to remove any gaseous or particulate by-products of the writing process, and to protect the writing surface from room contaminance.

Abstract: A magnetic disk information storage apparatus comprises a head/disk assembly removably mounted in a housing assembly. The head/disk assembly encloses rotatably mounted disks, and accessing heads mounted for linear movement on a carriage. Fixed to the carriage and therefore part of the subassembly is a linear actuator coil. The linear actuator magnet structure which cooperates with the coil to produce motion of the carriage is located in the housing assembly. Loadings of the subassembly into the housing assembly locates the actuator coil in a magnetic flux gap of the magnet structure.

Abstract: A magnetic disc of improved durability is provided which has an undercoating of a relatively thick tin-nickel layer with a cobalt-containing magnetic layer over said tin-nickel layer and having an oxidized surface.

Abstract: A hub assembly for releasably securing an apertured record disc upon a base member includes a hollow elastic sleeve deformable from an upright quiescent position for receiving a disc to a compressed operative position. An actuator, engageable with the sleeve and displaceable from quiescent to operative positions, compresses the sleeve to secure the disc upon the base member. A latch, engageable with the actuator, retains the actuator in its operative position but is releasable by a spring to permit the compressed sleeve and actuator to their quiescent position and thus free the disc.

Abstract: A recording device using a circular chart wherein the major portion of the chart containing the central portion thereof is driven so as to rotate in a first plane, the lesser portion thereof being folded so as to rotate in a second plane angularly disposed, and preferably orthogonal, to the drive plane. A writing means, such as a stylus, is in writing contact with the chart on its major portion so that the recordal of information thereon occurs in the drive plane. The folded lesser portion of the chart is retained in place during rotation by the inner surface of one side of the case in which it is enclosed.

Abstract: The tendency of circular draw plates used in disc cartridges containing a magnetic disc memory to warp during fabrication is significantly reduced by a draw plate which includes two warp reducing apertures each spaced at an angle of 90.degree. from the posts along the circumference of said draw plate. An improved post is disclosed. The post includes a coarse knurl which is urged into a post aperture formed in the draw plate.A ring magnet in the bottom cover is also disclosed. The single ring magnet replaces several pot magnets of prior art cartridges and significantly reduces the cost of producing the disc cartridge. A U-shaped magnet cup into which a magnet is positioned concentrates the magnetic lines of force and thereby increases the magnet's magnetic efficiency.

Abstract: An improved spring-loaded spindle lock shaft for disk drive media to prevent introducing eccentricity in a disk pack when the pack is attached to a motor driven spindle and is rotated thereby.

Abstract: A playing apparatus, in particular a video player, for playing round records provided with information tracks and comprising a housing with a substantially flat covering plate, a drive spindle, a cover which is hinged to the housing and a stabilizing plate which is resiliently connected to the cover. On the cover a number of supports are provided which when the cover is closed support the stabilizing plate at a height which is accurately defined relative to the covering plate.

Abstract: A housing of the apparatus has two sections which are relatively pivotable between an open and a closed position. A drive is provided in one of these sections for rotating the record carrier and includes a rotary support for the record carrier and a spindle which extends through a center opening of the record carrier. A self-centering element is provided in the other housing section, being mounted therein with freedom of play so that it can center itself relative to the spindle in response to movement of the housing sections towards their closed position, the element being adapted to snap in its centered position against a record carrier on the support when the housing sections move to their closed position, so that the element rotates with the support and record carrier.

Abstract: A clamping device for rotatably driving an information carrying record such as a rigid or flexible video record and comprising a drive spindle, a record support disposed thereon, a substantially conical centring member having a diameter which varies from a diameter smaller than to greater than that of the record hole, which also during operation co-operates with the edge of the central hole in the record, and furthermore resilient pressure means for pressing the centring surface and the edge of the central hole in the record against each other.

Abstract: A recording device comprising means for supporting a first record and a second record in adjacent parallel relationship, recording pens for recording data on said first and second records, means for displacing said records relative to said recording pens, and roller for deflecting at least part of said first record out of the plane of the undeflected part of the record whereby data recorded on both records can be scanned from a common direction.

Abstract: A diametrically-enlargeable cylindrical drum portion, preferably comprised of a plurality of movable segmental elements, each of U-shaped or other configuration having a pair of spaced legs or sides, which are resiliently flexible toward one another, mounted in a circuitous pattern on a rotatable member to form outwardly-projecting inner and outer generally concentric annular shoulder formations. The outer such formation provides a segmented hub for receiving a disc by its center opening, such hub being expandable against the opening in the disc to center the latter, as a result of moving a tapered actuator against the inner such annular formation, such actuator preferably comprising a conically angled ridge formation on a rotatable element which is movable into registering contact with the first such member.

Abstract: Cartridges containing a tray retained flexible disc with the tray locked to the cartridge housing are accepted so that the tray is unlocked and withdrawn from the cartridge housing into an operating position internal to a receiver. The cartridge housing is held in a relatively fixed position so that it cannot be removed from the receiver unless the tray has been properly returned to the cartridge housing and again locked therein. The flexible disc is automatically clamped into a spindle arrangement and rotary motion applied thereto when a detector indicates that the disc is in the proper operating position. The tray is returned to the cartridge housing in essentially a reverse sequence from the loading operaton but with additional means for insuring that the disc has stopped rotation prior to return to the tray and is properly seated on the tray prior to its return to the cartridge housing.

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: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a spindle assembly for a disc drive comprising a drive shaft with a centering hub and support plate which interfit in a manner to support and center a disc pack on the disc drive.

Abstract: Multiple (e.g. 500) ultra-thin flexible storage disks are stacked in a closely spaced configuration between circular end plates and arranged for rotation together with the plates about a common axis. Recording surfaces of the rotating disks are deflected to successively expand (open) and contract (close) a selected interface and thereby provide recording access at the expanded interface. Separation of the selected interfacing surfaces for access is facilitated by maintaining a predetermined air pressure between the contracted disks which conditions the rotation of the disks to bistability in the contracted position. Thus only a small initiating force is required to expand any selected interface with the disks initially contracted. This reduces disk wear. Expansion of a selected interface is accelerated (for shortening access time) by applying vacuum to the disks in synchronism with the initiating force.