Abstract: A pickup apparatus of an optical card has an improved data transfer efficiency and miniaturization and thin shape of the apparatus can be realized. The length of a line segment connecting a center of an objective lens provided in a rotational optical unit and a center of a rotary drum is set to a length specified by a length in the major side direction on a recording surface of the optical card and (1+cos.theta./2). An optical pickup apparatus has: a fixed optical unit SOP; a rotary drum in reflecting mirrors for guiding a light beam B emitted from the fixed optical unit SOP to a recording surface of an optical card and an objective lens are mounted; and a rotational optical unit ROP having a rotary motor for rotating the rotary drum, wherein information is recorded and reproduced to and from the recording surface of the optical card.

Abstract: In the present invention, electrons flow through a free or excitable magnet, or reflect from it, to make its magnetization respond. To accomplish this, the spin vectors of the flowing electrons are preferentially polarized by an auxiliary ferromagnet, whose moment orientation is fixed. The electrons flow between the fixed and free ferromagnets through a non-magnetic metallic spacer which is thick enough to make the static inter-magnetic exchange coupling negligible. While transmitting thru or reflecting from the free ferromagnet, the spins of the moving electrons interact by quantum-mechanical exchange with the local, permanently present, spontaneously-polarized electron spins of the free magnet. This interaction causes a transfer of vectorial angular momentum between the several metallic layers in the device which causes the magnetization vector of the free magnet to change its direction continually with time. Thus excited, the magnetization vector will precess about its original axis.

Abstract: A hard disk format is disclosed which sequentially arranges a number of different sector types, each having a different format, into frames which are repeated around the tracks of a magnetic disk. The sector types and frame arrangements are chosen so that servo bursts are optimally located around the tracks of a magnetic disk. The sectors of the magnetic disk may have servo bursts located virtually anywhere within each sector. A magnetic disk controller used in conjunction with the magnetic disk processes each sector during reading from or writing to a sector according to whether or not the sector contains a servo burst.

Abstract: A novel disk controller and method performed by a disk controller is disclosed which provides a highly efficient means of interrupting the reading or writing of a field in a sector on a magnetic disk for skipping over a servo burst located anywhere within the field. The servo burst may be located at a different location in the fields of successive sectors. In the preferred embodiment, the servo burst skipping operation is controlled by microcode in the disk controller's sequencer RAM, and the servo burst skipping operation is initiated by a servo interrupt signal. The servo interrupt signal is generated by the disk controller when a servo burst is to occur. This servo interrupt signal may be generated at fixed time intervals, using a count from a disk clock, or by counting the bytes in a sector leading to the servo burst.

Abstract: A novel disk controller and method performed by a disk controller is disclosed which provides a highly efficient means of interrupting the reading or writing of a field in a sector on a magnetic disk, for skipping over a servo burst located anywhere within the field. The servo burst may be located at a different location in the fields of successive sectors. In the preferred embodiment, the servo burst skipping operation is controlled by microcode in the disk controller's sequencer RAM, and the servo burst skipping operation is initiated by a servo interrupt signal. The servo interrupt signal is generated by the disk controller when a servo burst is about to occur. This servo interrupt signal may be generated at fixed time intervals, using a count from a disk clock, or by counting the bytes in a sector leading to the servo burst.

Abstract: An actuator assembly latching apparatus for a disk drive is realized with an elongated flexible vane disposed in proximity to a rotating disk. The rotating disk produces an airflow at different speeds across the flexible vane. Resulting differential ambient air pressures produce a net force which deflects the vane toward the disk surface thereby to unlatch a head arm actuator assembly within the disk drive. Once disk rotation ceases, the vane returns to its original, undeflected position and latches the head arm actuator assembly to maintain heads at a radially innermost parking location on the disk surfaces.

Abstract: An axial compact direct drive for a storage disk comprises a stator, a rotor carrying a hub for receiving storage disks and a bearing arrangement. The bearing arrangement is disposed at a radially external edge of the hub to rotatably support the hub against axial and radial movement. The rotor is electrically driven at locations in the center of the stator or at locations surrounding the stator.

Abstract: An aerodynamic actuator latch for a disk file uses a fringe field from permanent magnets of the actuator assembly to generate a reverse bias torque, in lieu of a separate return spring. The latching mechanism includes a stop arm portion which cooperates with an actuator arm portion to ensure that the head of a disk file locked in a landing zone when the storage disk is not rotating. The reverse bias torque is preferably provided to the actuator mechanism via cooperation of a ferromagnetic slug within the stop arm portion and the fringe field of the actuator magnets.

Abstract: A rotary inertial latch is disclosed for maintaining the actuator of a disk drive in its proper position when the drive is not in operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a magneto-optical disk inspecting apparatus in which n pairs of a write head and a read head, and the area of the magneto-optical disk to be inspected is divided in n zones, the respective n pairs being assigned to the respective n zones so that the respective read heads read the data written in the magneto-optical disk by the respective write heads, whereby characteristics of the magneto-optical disk can be inspected. An inspection is conducted by n pairs of a write head and a read head assigned to n zones of the area of the magneto-optical disk to be inspected, whereby the inspection time can be shortened.

Abstract: A magnetic disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus in which a magnetic disc cassette containing a magnetic disc provided with a center hub is loaded so that the center hub engages with a rotary shaft of a disc rotating motor to rotate the magnetic disc. A cam for displacing a magnetic head is fitted to the outer periphery of a boss supporting a bearing which supports rotatably the rotary shaft, so that the force from the cam can be transmitted to the magnetic head through a bearing utilizing the rotational movement having a high transmission efficiency. As a result, a pulse motor for displacing the magnetic head can be made compact in size and light in weight and the power consumption of the pulse motor can be reduced. The cam is interposed between the level of the magnetic head and the chassis and the rotary shaft of the disc rotating motor is used also as the rotation center for the cam via a bearing mechanism, so that the magnetic head can access any position.

Abstract: A computer system providing for quick removal and quick and simple installation of a disk drive unit into the system. A latching and positioning arrangement provides releasable support for the disk drive unit and achieves automatic electric connections with the installation of the disk drive unit in the computer system.

Abstract: A disk cartridge having a housing in which a disk is rotatably mounted via a hub assembly. The housing includes two cover plates, each of which has a door aperture that is selectively covered by a door that is controlled by a dedicated door control assembly. When the cartridge is inserted into a disk drive, each door is opened by its respective door opening assembly such that both sides of the disk are accessible for magnetic or optical read/write operations.In the preferred embodiment, the hub assembly includes two hub halves, at least one of which includes a plurality of resilient fingers for leveling a surface of the disk when the cartridge is contained within the disk drive. At least one of the hub halves also includes a channel having a plurality of pockets formed therein such that when a spindle base having a torque transferring element is positioned adjacent to the pockets, one of the pockets is able to substantially immediately receive the torque transferring element.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a rotary member, comprising: a rotational drive for driving the rotary member so as to rotate the rotary member about an axis of the rotary member; an encoder for detecting a rotational position of the rotational drive device; a control device for controlling, in response to an output signal of the encoder, the rotational drive device so as to rotate the rotational drive device at a uniform speed; a processing device for processing an arbitrary position of the rotary member rotating at the uniform speed; a position detecting device for detecting, on the basis of the output signal of the encoder, a rotational position of the rotary member by raising a resolution of the output signal of the encoder; and a processing control device for controlling the processing device on the basis of the rotational position of the rotary member detected by the position detecting device.

Abstract: An actuator lock for a disk drive in which fixed air vanes projecting between a adjacent disks divert air flow, generated by disk rotation, into a narrowing passage adjacent the disks to impinge upon an air vane forming part of a rotatably mounted actuator lock, to angularly move the actuator lock to release an actuator assembly for movement of the magnetic heads thereon in track seeking and track following operations.

Abstract: An installation mechanism for a removable computer drive module with a handle operated automatically engaging dual rack and pinion device. The pinions are carried by the handle which is pivotally mounted adjacent a module receiving opening in a console. The module carries a pair of rails that have the rack gears formed integrally at one end. After the handle is pivoted to an upward position, the module is inserted into the console and pushed forward engaging the handle pinions. Further pushing on the module causes driving engagement between the racks and the pinions forcing the handle to pivot downwardly. The connectors between the module and the console are engaged by grasping and rotating the handle further downwardly driving the module further into the console.

Abstract: Apparatus for centering and clamping a disk on a spindle-drive is disclosed. A bistable magnetic clamp normally held in an axially offset position from the plane of the disk is preferentially drawn to a coupler washer on the spindle-drive when the spindle-drive and clamping device are relatively moved toward each other after the disk is inserted into the drive. To accommodate significant initial misalignment of the disk, as might typically occur with a cartridge mounted disk, in a very short throw clamping motion, a multi-frustrum centering member is used. The frustrum surface nearest the disk has a gradual slope assuring meshing of the centering member with the central aperture of the disk over a wide range of initial misalignment. Once the disk is coarsely centered, precision centering is achieved during the final clamping stage by the second frustrum surface which is at steep slope relative to the plane of the disk.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording on and/or reproducing from a recording medium. The apparatus includes a head supported by a head mount movable in the radial direction of the recording medium and a head positioning member for displacing the head mount to position the head with respect to the recording medium. The head positioning member includes a shaft for rotating the recording medium about its axis of rotation and a cam which is rotatable about the shaft, the axis of rotation of the cam and recording medium being coincident and the rotation of the shaft being independent of the rotation of the cam. The cam is made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially equal to that of the material of the recording medium.

Abstract: A computer system providing for quick removal and quick and simple installation of a disk drive unit into the system. A latching and positioning arrangement provides releasable support for the disk drive unit and achieves automatic electric connections with the installation of the disk drive unit in the computer system.

Abstract: A recording or reproducing apparatus has a mounting member arranged at a recording medium receiving member. The mounting member press fits the recording medium onto the drive shaft of the apparatus as the receiving member is moved to place the recording medium in a recording or reproducing position. The apparatus is provided with a release member for releasing the mounting member when a cover member is moved to a given position in which it closes the opening in the receiving member for receiving the recording medium.

Abstract: A ceramic stabilizer is shown for minimizing the drag experienced in a magnetic interface between the stabilizer and a rapidly moving pliable magnetic disk. The stabilizer includes a stabilizing block with an opening through which a magnetic head protrudes for engagement with the disk. A flat, circumferential air bearing surface on the ceramic block surrounds the opening adjacent the disk for generating coupling forces that deform the disk out of its nominal plane and into intimate contact with a transducing gap on the head. The air bearing surface possesses an RMS surface roughness of at least 10 Angstroms because of its ceramic composition. The advancing disk interacts with the roughed air bearing surface of the stabilizer to generate a microscopic turbulence therebetween which functions as a "lubricant" to lower drag, and thereby to lower current draw on the motor rotating the disk. A preferred ceramic material is barium titanate.

Abstract: Clamping device (21) for clamping an optical disc on a turntable comprises a disc-pressure means (23), a support (5) for the disc-pressure means, which support is movable between an operating position and a rest position, and a permanent-magnet system comprising a first axially magnetized annular magnet (31) and a second axially magnetized magnet (29) secured to the support and to the disc-operating means respectively. In the operating position of the support the disc-pressure means is pressed against the disc on the turntable by magnetic force and the disc-pressure means is freely rotatable relative to the support. The permanent magnets are positioned coaxially relative to each other, a radial air gap (33) being formed between the first magnet (31) and the second magnet (29) in the operating position of the support.

Abstract: In a magnetic disk apparatus adapted such that a magnetic disk made of a hard disk type carrier with a magnetic recording region formed on the surface thereof is rotated in a high speed therein, air is introduced between its slider formed integral with a magnetic head and the magnetic disk, whereby the magnetic head is floated over the magnetic disk and allowed to write data on the magnetic recording layer or read data written on the magnetic recording layer, the magnetic disk apparatus is disclosed wherein the angle of obliquity of the main axis of the slider at the innermost circumferential portion of the recording region with respect to the radial direction of the magnetic disk is set to such angle as will bring the floating height of the edge portion of the slider toward the center of the magnetic disk and the floating height of the edge portion thereof toward the outermost circumference are virtually equal to each other.

Abstract: A virgin disk is exteriorly secured across an open wall of a casing. When the disk is inserted in the slot of a computer and locked inside by a lever, the casing prevents access to the lever and to the disk and to the removal of the latter from the computer.

Abstract: A tracking device has a linear motor having a driving coil, a speed sensor having a detection coil, and a moving member reciprocated in a predetermined range together with the driving coil and the detection coil. The moving member receives a driving force upon application of a current to the driving coil, and the detection coil generates a signal according to the speed of the moving member. The speed sensor includes two coils connected with each other in such a direction as to phase-cancel an induced voltage due to a magnetic field generated by the driving coil; at least one of the two coils is the detection coil. The detection coil and the driving coil are arranged on one side of the moving member in a single unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed an information recording and reproducing apparatus which is provided with a disk-shaped recording medium having a recording face allowing information recording and reproduction from both sides; a recording head positioned at a side of the recording face to record information thereon; a reproducing head positioned at the other side of the recording face to reproduce information recorded on the recording face; and a rotary drive unit for independently driving at least two of the disk-shaped recording medium, recording head and reproducing head about a same axis and in the circumferential direction of the recording medium.

Abstract: A disk drive which includes an automatic parking brake for retaining the driver arm in a predetermined position when power is removed from the disk drive. The brake is mounted externally to the driver arm, reducing the weight of the driver arm. The brake consists of a spring loaded member held in place during operation of the disk drive by a solenoid acting as an electromagnet. When power is cut off, the solenoid releases the member and the spring biases it against the driver arm and forces the driver arm to a parked position.

Abstract: A fault tolerant computing facility is disclosed. The facility includes a housing array for containing a plurality of hardware element modules such as disk drives, a plurality of modularized power supplies and plural power distribution modules, each being connected to a separate source of primary facility power. Each module is self aligning and blind-mateable with the housing and may be installed and removed without tools, without disturbing the electrical cabling within the cabinet, and automatically by a maintenance robot. The logical identity of each module is established by programming at a control panel and by corresponding physical location of installation of each module within the housing array.

Abstract: A device for aligning a disk contained in a cartridge with a motor and transducer of a disk drive is disclosed. A record disk contained within a rigid apertured cartridge is inserted into a disk drive for use with that disk drive. Insertion of the cartridge into the disk drive causes engagement of a reference surface of the cartridge with a reference surface of a spicule member contained within the disk drive. The spicule member carries the transducer and drive spindle of the disk drive. The spicule member also contains a clamping device which ensures proper engagement of the cartridge reference surface and the spicule reference surface. The result is the proper alignment between the disk contained in the rigid cartridge and the transducer and motor spindle carried by the spicule member.

Abstract: A magnetic recording apparatus including a base, a drive shaft mounted on the base for rotating a magnetic disc, a movable member adapted to reciprocate in a radial direction of the magnetic disc while holding a magnetic head, the movable member being urged in a first direction; a motor; a gear reduction mechanism including a plurality of gears wherein the plurality of gears and the drive shaft are connected to the motor wherein the rotational direction of the motor is controlled in either forward or reverse operation selectively; a support portion; and a belt mechanism for pulling said movable member in a direction opposite the first direction, one end of the belt being connected to a rotation output portion of the reduction mechanism, an intermediate part of the belt mechanism engaging the movable member and an opposite end of the belt mechanism being fixed to the support portion such that accurate tracking action is attained.

Abstract: A dynamic latching mechanism for a disc drive includes a latch rotatable about a pivot which captures an extension on the carriage. The latch is mounted in a frame directly attached to the disc drive housing. A spring loaded plunger normally is biased against the latch to hold it in place and thus restrain the carriage after the extension has been captured and power removed. A solenoid withdraws the plunger and allows release of the carriage. A brake plate is provided sliding on the plunger. A protrusion which extends from the latch frame and thus the disc drive housing cooperates with an edge of the brake plate. In the event of sudden shock to the housing, the shock force is transmitted to the protrusion which tilts the brake plate, freezing the plunger against the latch and preventing the latch from releasing from the extension on the carriage, so that the carriage is properly restrained even in the event of a significant shock.

Abstract: A disc jacket, especially for a photo-magnetic disk which records, reproduces and erases information, has a single opening configured to receive both a recording head and a central spindle. The opening extends along the whole radius of the disk to enable effective use of a larger area of the disc. The opening is opened and closed by a pair of shutter blades which automatically open when the disk jacket is inserted in an information recording and reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus using a disc-shaped flexible record-bearing medium such as a disc-shaped flexible magnetic sheet, which includes a loading device for placing the medium at a predetermined position for signal recording and/or reproduction, a recording and/or reproducing head arranged to confront the medium when the medium is placed at the predetermined position, a rotation mechanism for rotating the medium relative to the head, a stop member for stopping the rotation of the medium by the rotation mechanism, and a control system responsive to the stop member for causing the loading device to retract the medium from the predetermined position, whereby the medium is prevented from being deformed by the head in a condition in which the medium is not being rotated by the rotation mechanism.

Abstract: An improved safety latch is provided for a data storage device, for locking the transducer carriage to restrain the data transducer to a predetermined landing zone during non-rotation of data storage disks and for releasing the carriage in response to airflow generated by disk rotation, the latch comprising an integral member including a moveable airvane disposed between two disks for being deflected by airflow generated by rotation of the disks, a latching member responsive to deflection of the airvane means to release the carriage and an integral counterweight. The latch includes a magnetic bias spring for providing a predetermined bias by magnetic field deflection to the latch in order to urge the latch into engagement with the carriage in the absense of airflow sufficient to deflect the airvane means to overcome the bias and thereby release the latch.

Abstract: A disc unit for recording or reproducing information on or from a recording/reproducing disc loaded therein, in which the disc, which is inserted into the disc unit through an insertion opening thereof is transferred to its operative position and the loaded disc is transferred from its operative position toward the insertion opening, through which the disc is discharged. The loaded disc is clamped at its operative position by the clamping mechanism. The single driving motor is selectively coupled to either one of the disc transfer mechanism or the clamping mechanism. The loaded disc can be discharged manually from the unit by controlling the rotating axis of the single driving motor from the outside of the unit. The insertion opening is shielded automatically when the loading is completed by the shielding plate. The plate may display a sign "LOADED". The recording/reproducing disc may be a magnetic disc or an optical disc.

Abstract: A cassette handling apparatus having a main body part; a cassette receiving part arranged to be able to assume first and second states relative to the main body part; a moving member arranged to be in a first state when a portion of the cassette is loaded on the cassette receiving part and in a second state upon completion of cassette loading; and a device for preventing the cassette receiving part from shifting from the first to the second state thereof when the moving member is in the first state thereof and for allowing the cassette receiving part to shift from the first to the second state thereof when the moving member is in its second state, whereby the cassette can be reliably prevented without fail from being used in an incompletely loaded condition on the cassette receiving part.

Abstract: An aerodynamically powered release latch mechanism for a fixed disk data file is disclosed. An airflow generator disk is commonly journalled with a single data storage disk for generating airflow in an enclosed chamber. A latch is journalled for rotation relative to a base casting and has an axis of rotation spaced a predetermined distance away from the periphery of the data storage disk. The latch includes a vane movably disposed in a space defined between the airflow generator disk and the data storage disk so as to be deflected by airflow generated by rotation thereof. A releasable engagement mechanism engages a rotary actuator assembly in a locking position in the range of relative movements therebetween whenever airflow is insufficient to deflect the vane. A bias spring is operable between the latch and the base casting for maintaining the engagement mechanism in locking position in the absence of airflow.

Abstract: A disc type of information storage and retrieval system is disclosed herein. This system utilizes a cartridge type of information storage disc arrangement including a rotating disc and its own bearing pin about which the disc rotates and an information retrieval arrangement including means for supporting the disc arrangement in an operating position. The disc arrangement and the information retrieval arrangement include cooperating means for moving a read head forming part of the retrieval arrangement in one direction along a straight line path in response to the clockwise rotation of the rotating disc and in the opposite direction along the same path in response to the counterclockwise rotation of the rotating disc. The overall assembly includes other features as well.

Abstract: A computer system providing for quick removal and quick and simple installation of a disk drive unit into the system. A latching and positioning arrangement provides releasable support for the disk drive unit and achieves automatic electrical connections with the installation of the disk drive unit in the computer system.

Abstract: A turntable for placing a recording disk such as an optical information storage disk has a rotatable shaft to which an electrically conductive rotor is fixed. Inner and outer stators are disposed in confronting relation to each other with the rotor interposed therebetween. Each stator has a C shape with a recess in which there is placed one end of a radial feed unit for moving a pickup head radially across the turntable for recording information on or retrieving information from the disk on the turntable while the latter is being rotated. The outer stator comprises a comb-shaped block having a plurality of teeth with coils wound thereon in different phases. When sinusoidal currents are supplied to the coils, the stator produces a moving sinusoidal magnetic field to rotate the rotor according to the principles of a polyphase induction motor. The rotor may double as the turntable.

Abstract: Loading mechanism for a disk drive is designed to load and to center any one of several disk cartridges having various thicknesses so that the disk within the cartridge is registered in a predetermined plane of rotation. A pair of guide rails, upper and lower, is mounted at each side of the insertion path for the cartridge. The upper and lower rails are movable relative to each other and relative to the frame of the disk drive. This allows the rails to separate to receive individual diskette cartridges having different thicknesses. After a cartridge is inserted, the loading mechanism will move the cartridge to a reference position where the disk within the cartridge is in the plane of rotaiton. The separation of the guide rails controls the reference position to which the cartridge is moved.

Abstract: A venturi or other air deflecting means is provided on the inside of the casing of a disc drive. The venturi or air deflecting means is arranged so that air, which is caused to move by the rotating disc, passes it and creates the lowest pressure inside the disc casing. This low pressure area is communicated to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: In a magnetic disk cartridge, a dial member is rotatable relative to the cartridge housing to a plurality of positions for indicating the number of tracks recorded on a disk surface. A resilient locking finger is connected to the dial member for engaging respective engagable means on the housing, which correspond to the various track number positions. Whenever the cartridge is removed from a recording and/or playback apparatus, the locking finger engages one of the engagable means to prevent the dial member from rotating out of the last position to which it was rotated. An access opening is provided in the housing to receive a rotational driver of the apparatus for rotating the dial member to its track number positions. The locking finger is supported for movement by the rotational driver to separate from any one of the engagable means as the driver is received through the access opening, thereby freeing the dial member for rotation by the driver.

Abstract: A device for orienting magnetic particles contained in a magnetic layer on a disc-shaped magnetic recording medium along the circumference of the recording medium. The magnetic layer is provided on a substrate. The orientation is effected by a magnetic field developed by a pair of permanent magnets and which the recording medium traverses during rotation. The permanent magnets are individually shaped flat and arranged to oppose each other at their pole-faces which are common in polarity. A trailing edge of each magnet located with respect to relative movement of the rotating recording medium extends and aligns with the radius of the recording medium.

Abstract: In a head-to-disk stabilizing unit of a recording and/or reproducing apparatus, a flat air bearing surface surrounds an elongate opening to a negative pressure cavity. A record and/or playback head is arranged in the cavity with its transducer means (e.g., a magnetic gap) disposed at the opening in substantially coplanar relation with the air bearing surface. If a flexible magnetic disk is rotated at a relatively high speed to move successive radial portions of the disk over the air bearing surface and the opening, the surface will stabilize each portion of the rotated disk by damping out any flutter before a negative pressure formed in the cavity pulls the disk portion substantially into contact with the transducer means, thereby ensuring a constant and intimate transducer-to-disk magnetic coupling.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for a magnetic disk drive apparatus including a biasing means for returning a carriage on which the magnetic head is mounted to a fixed position whenever a power source for the apparatus is cut off, and force compensation circuits operably connected to the carriage for supplying the carriage with an opposite force equivalent to the force of the biasing means as a function of the magnetic head position relative to the disk. The control force compensation circuits the speed of the carriage as it changes position from one track to another track and maintain the magnetic head in proper position over the selected track once it is reached.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for latching the read/write heads of a magnetic disk memory in a parking zone. The mechanism permits the heads to operate in the read/write mode within small distances of the parking zone and requires no additional electrical power. The mechanism includes a spring pawl cantilevered from the head/arm assembly and a latch plate pivotally mounted on the disk memory housing. In the latched condition of the head/arm assembly, the tip of the pawl engages a small abutment surface on the latch plate which is spring biased to arrest the motion of the assembly. Unlatching is effected by actuating the head/arm assembly to overcome the bias of the latch plate spring.

Abstract: A head cleaner includes a generally flat, rectangular sheath 10 formed of flexible top and bottom walls 11 and 12 as is standard in floppy disk construction. The magnetic disk that would be within the sheath is replaced by a flat, absorbent member 17 which has an opening 18 such that it can be mounted on the hub of a disk drive. One of the walls of the sheath has an aperture 22 through which head 34 can extend and contact the absorbent member. A liquid solvent is applied in the aperture to the absorbent member to dissolve built up oxides on the head. The aperture is made wider than standard apertures for floppy disks, and there are additional apertures on other edges of the sheath for providing additional windows. Other windows may be through the other wall of the sheath such that there are eight total windows in the head cleaners. Therefore, the head cleaner can be inserted into the disk drive with any edge leading and with either wall on the head side of the drive.

Abstract: A floppy disk drive mechanism includes a clamping lever which is turned to align the floppy disk with a drive spindle and clamp it thereto. The clamping lever is not accessible until the disk has been fully inserted into the drive mechanism thus minimizing damage as may occur by operating the clamping mechanism when the disk is not fully inserted. Further, turning of the accessible handle causes a rotational clamping device to be moved vertically downward along a line perpendicular to the plane of the floppy disk so as to further align the disk with the drive spindle and clamp it thereto. The clamping lever also is not accessible when in the fully clamped condition. An overcenter link holds the clamping mechanism in the fully clamped condition and a lock-out prevents ejection of said disk during operation. By pushing a release button, the over-center link is disengaged and a spring-loaded mechanism unclamps the clamping mechanism and raises the read/write head free of the disk.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing signals on a flexible disc which is rotatably mounted in a jacket having an indicator for indicating the number of tracks on which the signals have already been recorded, a transducer records and/or reproduces the signals on a surface of the disc so as to form a plurality of circular tracks thereon. The transducer is subsequently moved in the radial direction of the disc to the next adjacent track. The apparatus is further provided with an indicator driving mechanism for driving the indicator of the jacket to shift the latter to a corresponding position as related to the number of the recorded tracks. The indicator driving mechanism is driven in synchronism with the movement of the transducer.