Abstract: A memory device is described that is capable of expanding an amount of storage capacity available to a host computer without requiring a user to purchase a new, higher capacity memory device that may be bulky and expensive. The memory device includes a host connector that allows a host computer access to a memory within the memory device. The memory device also includes a first set of electrical contacts accessible through a top major surface of a memory device housing and a second set of electrical contacts accessible through a bottom major surface of the memory device housing. The first and second sets of electrical contacts allow a device, such as another memory device, to couple to the host computer through the memory device. In this way, the amount of memory available to the host computer can be increased while maintaining a small form factor for each of the devices.

Abstract: A CD drive includes an upper cover, a disk tray, a clamp, a push piece, and a guiding rod. The upper cover includes a guiding track and the disk tray is installed below the upper cover in a slidable manner. Additionally, the clamp is installed on the upper cover in a moveable manner, while the push piece is installed on the disk tray. The guiding rod has a first end fixed on the push piece, and a second end slidably installed in the guiding track. When the disk tray slides in or slides out of the upper cover, the guiding rod will slide along the guiding track and move the push piece to push the clamp upward so as to prevent the clamp from scraping an optical disk.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing signals on and/or from a recording medium includes a recording and/or reproducing portion for recording and/or reproducing signals on and/or from the recording medium, a carrying portion for carrying the recording medium, and first and second sliders. The first slider is movable in one direction for moving the carrying portion together with the recording medium up to a specific withdrawal position. The second slider is movable in a direction being substantially the same as the one direction for moving the recording medium carried by the carrying portion to a recording and/or reproducing position corresponding to a position of the recording and/or reproducing portion. The first slider and the second slider are overlapped to each other in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A disk device having a disk loading mechanism including an elastic body retracting space which is formed by cutting away a corner portion of a support portion of a first selector lever that is positioned forward of an elastic body and is closer to a chassis, the elastic member retracting space is not so spacious as to receive a whole of the elastic body but is spacious enough for the elastic body to be displaced while being twisted to the elastic body retracting space when the elastic body is sunk under a protruding portion of the chassis.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention can be regarded as a method of making disk drives. The method includes providing a frame array. The frame array includes a frame, a plurality of disk drive base portions, and a plurality of tie bars connected between the frame and the disk drive base portions. The method further includes attaching a respective disk drive component to each of the disk drive base portions. The method further includes removing the disk drive base portions from the frame by severing the tie bars.

Abstract: A magnetic disk cartridge for use in a disk drive having both a slot and a guide portion. The magnetic disk cartridge comprises a generally disk-shaped housing in which a magnetic disk is rotatably housed, and protrusions. The protrusions are formed on the main surface of the housing and are used for positioning the magnetic disk cartridge in a direction capable of recording and reproduction in cooperation with the guide portion of the disk drive when the magnetic disk cartridge is loaded in the disk drive.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing signals on and/or from a recording medium includes a recording and/or reproducing portion for recording and/or reproducing signals on and/or from the recording medium, a carrying portion for carrying the recording medium, and first and second sliders. The first slider is movable in one direction for moving the carrying portion together with the recording medium up to a specific withdrawal position. The second slider is movable in a direction being substantially the same as the one direction for moving the recording medium carried by the carrying portion to a recording and/or reproducing position corresponding to a position of the recording and/or reproducing portion. The first slider and the second slider are overlapped to each other in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A system for exchanging digital data among a plurality of hand-held computer devices. Digital signals are written by a first hand-held device to a mini-cartridge that mini-cartridge is inter-operable among a class of hand-held devices, each of which is equipped with a mini-disk drive. A common digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.

Abstract: A disk drive apparatus according to the present invention includes a horizontal guide mechanism and a vertical guide mechanism, which are disposed between a frame (10) and a slider (60) for slidably guiding the slider (60). The horizontal guide mechanism includes an engaging piece (69b) disposed in at least one of the frame (10) and the slider (60) and an engaging hole (24a), which is disposed in the other and is engaged with the engaging piece (69b). One of the frame (10) and the slider (60), in which the engaging piece (69b) is formed, is made of a metallic sheet material while the engaging piece (69b) is formed by bending part of the metallic sheet material. Forming the engaging piece (69b) by bending part of the metallic sheet material in such a manner simplifies the structure of the disk drive apparatus according to the present invention so that the fabrication is facilitated, enabling fabricating cost to be reduced.

Abstract: A detachable storage unit is connected to host equipment in a computer system and holds an ejectable storage medium. The storage unit has a connection detector that detects whether or not the storage unit is connected to the host equipment, and a storage medium detector that detects the presence of a storage medium within the storage unit. A medium ejection instructor sends a medium ejection instruction to an automatic medium ejection mechanism upon receiving information that indicates that the storage medium might be moved. The storage medium is then ejected from the storage unit which prevents damage caused by the storage medium colliding with internal components of the storage unit while the storage unit is being moved.

Abstract: There is provided an optical recording media cartridge, which is provided with a case that accommodates the optical recording media and that has an opening, and a shutter that is attached to the case and that is movable between a first position at which the shutter covers the opening and a second position. The optical recording media cartridge is further provided with a shutter lock mechanism that locks the shutter while the shutter is positioned at the first position, and a shutter release mechanism that releases the shutter locked by the shutter lock mechanism by utilizing a magnetic force exerted thereon.

Abstract: A relative adjustment between an optical disc rotating mechanism and an optical pickup is adjusted by rotating a rotary member against a biasing force of an engaging projection. As the rotary member is rotated, the projection is slid for movement on an inclined surface, changing a relative position between the rotary member and a bottom wall of a subsidiary chassis, causing the subsidiary chassis to have a varied inclination relative to a main chassis. An adjusted condition is maintained by an engaging force between an engaging groove and the engaging projection biased toward the rotary member.

Abstract: A disc drive device for driving a disc accommodated in a cartridge comprises: a magnetic head; a magnetic head supporting member for supporting the magnetic head to contact the disc and to be separated from the disc; a lifting plate configured to lift the magnetic head supporting member; and moving means for moving the lifting plate in a direction parallel to a surface of the disc, in which the moving means moves the lifting plate in the parallel direction until the lifting plate abuts the magnetic head supporting member, and further moves the lifting plate in the parallel direction with the lifting plate abutting the magnetic head supporting member so that the lifting plate lifts the magnetic head supporting member up to separate the magnetic head from the disc.

Abstract: A computing system is adapted for use with an optical disk drive, and includes a motherboard and a control key. The motherboard is adapted to be coupled electrically to the optical disk drive. The control key is coupled electrically to the motherboard, and is operable so as to provide a control signal to the motherboard. The motherboard is adapted to control disk loading and disk unloading operations of the optical disk drive in accordance with the control signal provided by the control key.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a housing, a cartridge tray, and a cam plate. The cartridge tray is adapted to hold a cartridge that includes a data storage disk. The housing has a pair of vertical cartridge tray pin slots which hold tray pins that are part of the cartridge tray. The cam plate includes a pair of cam slots formed at an oblique angle to the cartridge tray pin slots. The tray pins extend through the cam slots into the cartridge tray pin slots. Movement of the cam plate back and forth causes the tray pins and cartridge tray to move vertically between a loaded position, where data can be read from or written to the data storage disk, to an unloaded position. The use of two cartridge tray pins allows the cartridge tray to rotate about an axis defined by the tray pins, and this action assists in locating the cartridge precisely in a repeatable position, in contact with a plurality of datums, when it is fully loaded.

Abstract: A recording medium drive unit includes an insertion opening through which a recording medium is inserted, a holder receiving the recording medium inserted through the insertion opening, a connector, a holder drive part moving the holder to a loading position so that the recording medium is connected to the connector, and a clamp mechanism pressing opposing sides of the recording medium when the recording medium is inserted into the holder. The clamp mechanism is provided to a side of the holder so as to be slidable thereon, and holds the recording medium by the opposing sides thereof.

Abstract: To provide a disc-transfer roll for use in a disc device which can firmly hold and transfer a disc without slip, it comprises a hollow cylindrical body of an elastic material and a cylindrical support body press-fitted in the hollow cylindrical body. The hollow cylindrical body has a plurality of spline slots formed on its inner circumference, whereas the cylindrical support body has another plurality of spline ridges to define predetermined unfilled spaces between the concentric cylindrical bodies.

Abstract: A system for exchanging digital data among a plurality of hand-held computer devices. Digital signals are written by a first hand-held device to a mini-cartridge that mini-cartridge is inter-operable among a class of hand-held device, each of which is equipped with a mini disk drive. A common digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.

Abstract: A disk drive has a tray with a chassis secured to the tray, the tray and the chassis being housed inside a housing. The disk drive includes a slide mechanism that is positioned between the chassis and the tray, and which is movable independently from the chassis. The disk drive also includes a locking and ejection mechanism that includes a first part that is secured to the chassis and a second part that is secured to the slide mechanism. The tray is locked inside the housing when the first part and second part engage each other, and the tray is ejected from the housing when engagement between the first part and second part is released.

Abstract: A disk drive motor (5) for driving and rotating a recording medium (disk), a head (57) for recording or playing back information to/from this disk, and a head drive mechanism for driving the head, are disposed inside a case body (15, 16) of the magnetic recording unit. A lid body (17) to close the cartridge insertion slot (18) is disposed the case body (15, 16) at a position facing the cartridge insertion slot (18). When the lid body (17) falls down the front side and the cartridge insertion slot (18) is opened, the top face of the lid body (17) becomes substantially on the same plane as the top face of the frame plate where the disk drive motor (5) and the head (17) drive mechanism are mounted.

Abstract: A removable disk cartridge drive has an eject member that moves from a forward position to a rearward position upon insertion of the cartridge from the drive. A coupling member extends between an eject button on the drive and a switch which energizes an electro-mechanical device to eject the cartridge when the switch is triggered. The coupling member is a clear plastic which transmits light to the eject button to indicate the presence of a cartridge in the drive.

Abstract: In an ejection mechanism (30) mounted on one side surface (11c) of a drive (10) in order to eject a cartridge (20) from the drive, a damping member (32, 33) for braking movement of an ejection lever (31) by engaging with the eject lever has a stopper (331c) for stopping the movement of the ejection lever. A mounting position of the damping member to the one side surface is adjusted by a mounting adjusting arrangement (331a, 331b, 34). When the cartridge is inserted in the drive, the ejection lever (31) having an engaging portion (311) for engaging with a front end surface (22) of the cartridge is urged in an ejection direction (B) by an ejection spring (37).

Abstract: A disk drive has a cartridge eject mechanism for ejecting the cartridge from the drive. An impedance lever is added to the eject mechanism to prevent cartridge ejection when the read/write heads of the drive are reading or writing data. The impedance lever has an impedance projection, a rotation spring and an actuator follower projection which interacts with the sliding lever of the eject mechanism to prevent untimely ejection of the disk cartridge.

Abstract: A disk device having a disk loading mechanism including an elastic body retracting space which is formed by cutting away a corner portion of a support portion of a first selector lever that is positioned forward of an elastic body and is closer to a chassis, the elastic member retracting space is not so spacious as to receive a whole of the elastic body but is spacious enough for the elastic body to be displaced while being twisted to the elastic body retracting space when the elastic body is sunk under a protruding portion of the chassis.

Abstract: Generation of metallic dust due to metal-on-metal sliding contact between a case of a magnetic disk cartridge and a housing portion of a PC card type drive apparatus during insertion and ejection of the magnetic disk cartridge into and from the PC card type drive apparatus. A non-metallic coating having a low frictional coefficient and anti-wear properties is provided on surfaces of metal parts of the housing portion against which outer surfaces of the magnetic disk cartridge case slide during insertion and ejection thereof into and from the housing portion.

Abstract: A disk cartridge ejection mechanism in which a disk cartridge is moved from a loading position where recording and reproducing of information are possible for a medium in the cartridge to a cartridge-removable position where the cartridge can be taken out of an information recording and reproducing apparatus, wherein there are provided a cartridge engagement device that engages with the cartridge when the cartridge moves from the loading position to the cartridge-removable position to prohibit the cartridge to move beyond the cartridge-removable position, a cartridge engagement assistance device that prevents releasing of engagement of the cartridge engagement device for the cartridge, when the cartridge moves to the cartridge-removable position and an assistance releasing device that releases the state wherein a cartridge engagement assistance device that prevents releasing of engagement of the cartridge engagement device, after the cartridge moves from the loading position to the cartridge-removable positio

Abstract: An opener for opening the shutter door of a disk cartridge. The opener includes an opener beam having a slot section and a pin that passes through the slot section of the opener beam to be fastened onto a base metal plate. Therefore, the opener beam is able to slide with respect to the fixed pin within the opener slot. A first slot is also formed in the base metal plate so that a slider attached to the head section of the opener beam is able to slide freely inside the slot. In addition, the opener has a spring with one end fastened to the base metal plate while the other end is fastened to a spring lock pin of the opener beam. A second slot on the base metal plate permits the spring lock pin to slide inside the slot. In an alternative design, by using pins that fasten onto the base metal plate, there is no need to form first or second slots on the base metal plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a storage device including a turntable assembly movable between a raised position and a lowered position, a load plate adapted to move from a first position to a second position in concert with insertion of a carrier into the storage device, and a spring for biasing the load plate to the second position. When the load plate is moved to the second position, the turntable assembly is moved to the raised position. The storage device further includes a base and a timing arm mounted on the base so as to be pivotally movable between a third position for maintaining the load plate in the first position and a fourth position for disengaging the load plate in concert with the insertion of the carrier to allow movement of the load plate to the second position.

Abstract: A recording medium loading device includes a holder into which a cartridge containing a disk-like recording medium is inserted from a predetermined side, a cartridge retraction mechanism that retracts the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted to an insertion detection position inside the holder, and a prevent mechanism, the prevent mechanism being moved in a direction of insertion of the cartridge by the cartridge retraction mechanism when the cartridge is inserted from the predetermined side.

Abstract: To provide a removable disk drive which can discharge static electricity with which a recording disk is charged, which does not produce noise and metal powder when a spindle motor shaft is rotated, and the electric power consumption of which is small. A removable disk drive 10 is provided with an electrostatic brush 5 disposed between a spindle motor shaft 1 and a housing 4 and formed of a conductive material. When operation of inserting a recording disk 6 in the removable disk drive 10 is on the way, the electrostatic brush 5 is in contact with the spindle motor shaft 1 and the housing 4 to discharge static electricity with which the recording disk 6 is charged to the housing 4 through the spindle motor shaft 1 and the electrostatic brush 5. After the recording disk 6 is completely inserted in the removable disk drive 10, the electrostatic brush 5 is out of contact with the spindle motor shaft 1 to prevent noise and metal powder from being produced when the spindle motor shaft 1 is rotated.

Abstract: Side holders 52, 52 are provided at either side in the width direction interior relative to stationary holder(s). Parallel link mechanism(s) is or are provided for causing side holders 52, 52 to move in the cartridge 40 width direction. When a cartridge 40 which is one of a plurality of types of cartridge other than a cartridge or cartridges of the type or types that is or are smallest in width is inserted therein, pressure from that inserted cartridge 40 causes actuation of parallel link mechanism(s), and respective side holders 52, 52 move outward in coupled fashion to form insertion space in agreement with width direction dimension(s) of cartridge 40.

Abstract: A system for exchanging digital data among a plurality of hand-held computer devices. Digital signals are written by a first hand-held device to a mini-cartridge that mini-cartridge is inter-operable among a class of hand-held device, each of which is equipped with a mini disk drive. A common digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to provide controlled horizontal and vertical movements of a disk shuttle inside a disk drive, and also to open/close an access door on the shuttle for accessing one or more recording media inside the shuttle.

Abstract: To perform ejection of a disk cartridge and head loading (landing) and/or unloading (takeoff) with a single driving source and prevent damage to a disk upon head landing and takeoff. A cam protrusion which is an outputting section of a geared motor is moved at a low speed and acts upon a head lifting mechanism by which, by rotation of the geared motor in one direction (CW direction), ejection of a cartridge is performed, but by rotation in the other direction (CCW direction), landing of magnetic heads is performed for head loading of the magnetic heads.

Abstract: A disk storage apparatus has a magnetic head (8) that is completely retracted outside of a disk cartridge, except upon a reading/writing operation. The magnetic head (8) is inserted into the disk cartridge (16) only upon the reading/writing operation. The disk storage apparatus can completely retract a rotation actuator to an outside of a disk cartridge. The disk storage apparatus can be reliably and stably operated and has a reduced overall thickness.

Abstract: An ejection mechanism for a recording and/or reproducing apparatus by which a recording medium cartridge is to be improved in tractability and reliability in the recording medium cartridge ejecting operation and to lower a production cost. The ejection mechanism includes an insertion/ejection opening for insertion/ejection of a disc cartridge with respect to a main body portion of a recording and/or reproducing apparatus, a lid provided for opening/closing the insertion/ejection opening and a slide operating member for ejecting the disc cartridge from the insertion/ejection opening. The lid is provided with an actuating member for actuating the slide operating member in a lid opening operation relative to the insertion/ejection opening.

Abstract: A holder is pivoted to a chassis upwardly and downwardly movably. A lateral shift restraining piece is positioned on the chassis at a small distance away from an inner side surface of the holder, is opposed to a side plate of the holder in a horizontal posture, and is out of opposed relation with the side plate when the holder is in an upright posture. A pivotal movement restraining piece is elastically deformably provided on the chassis for preventing the holder from opening excessively by the contact of an end thereof with the holder when the holder is pivotally moved upward.

Abstract: In a disk drive for using a disk cartridge including a magnetic disk, a reinforcing arrangement is coupled to a main frame, a main board, and a disk receiving/ejecting mechanism which is for receiving and ejecting the disk cartridge. The reinforcing arrangement resists an external stress, applied between the main frame and a cover opposite to the main frame, to protect a head assembly which is movable between the man frame and the cover in a radial direction of the magnetic disk. The main board and the disk receiving/ejecting mechanism are placed between the main frame and the cover and is coupled to the main frame.

Abstract: In a disk drive for using a disk cartridge including a magnetic disk, a reinforcing arrangement is coupled to a main frame, a main board fixed to the main frame, and a head assembly which is movable in a radial direction of the magnetic disk. The reinforcing arrangement inhibits internal collision in the head assembly even when the disk drive is subjected to a mechanical shock. The main board and the head assembly is placed between the main frame and a cover which is opposite to the main frame.

Abstract: A disk player has a disk cartridge for being loaded thereon, and accommodating a disk-type recording medium. The disk cartridge has a shutter arranged thereon, for performing slide-opening/closing in order to expose an information surface of the disk-type recording medium. The disk player includes a carrier mechanism for carrying the disk cartridge to an information regenerating location and an information recording location, and a shutter sliding mechanism for slide-opening/closing the shutter. The shutter assumes an intermediate position of sliding when the disk cartridge is located at one of the information regenerating location and. the information recording location, and assumes a terminal position of sliding when the shutter is located at the other one of the locations. The disk player also includes a driving mechanism including an engaging element and an engaged element which is separated from the engaging element when the information recording mechanism is not driven.

Abstract: A device for accommodating cartridge, wherein a holder allowing a cartridge to be inserted therein is pivotally supported on a chassis with the holder being biased in a closing direction, an upper door is pivotally supported at the free end portion of the holder, a first inclined surface coming in contact with the inserted cartridge and kickout piece coming in contact with the chassis when the holder rises are provided on the upper door, the upper door is biased by a spring in such a direction that a contact face closes the opening of the holder, and the upper door moves between a door opening position in which the cartridge pushes the contact face when the cartridge is inserted so as to expose the opening of the holder and the kickout piece pushes the chassis so as to lift the holder against the biasing force of a spring and a door closing position in which, as the cartridge is further inserted, the cartridge returns in such a direction that the contact face closes the opening after coming out of the contact

Abstract: A driving apparatus for a recording medium, wherein the recording medium is accommodated within a case, the case is adapted so that slanting sections are constructed at both end sections in a front end section that is on a side of insertion into the driving apparatus, and in the driving apparatus, stoppers for preventing error insertion are provided in correspondence with the slanting sections of the case, which are constructed at the both end sections in the front end section, and the stoppers are constructed so that, in case that the case in which the slanting sections are constructed at the both end sections in the front end section is inserted into the driving apparatus, the stoppers are subject to release action by means of the slanting sections of the both end sections in the front end section of the case, and permit insertion of the case, and in case that a case in which slanting sections are not constructed at least one end section in a front end section is inserted, the stoppers cannot be subject to

Abstract: A detent structure for a removable disk cartridge comprising a removable cartridge and a receiving seat, the cartridge is fixedly provided in the front thereof with a handle, a press member with a similar shape to that of the handle is provided inside of the handle, the press member is connected with the cartridge by means of a spring and synchronically controls a detent member provided on and protruding out of the cartridge, the detent member also has a spring connecting to the cartridge. The receiving seat has on both sides thereof an engaging hole to allow the cartridge to fit in the receiving seat; the detent member can be firmly engaged therein to prevent the cartridge from drawing out. When the press member is pressed, the detent member is retracted inwardly to relieve engagement of the engaging holes to allow removing of the cartridge. Bearing surfaces are formed inside of the cartridge from rubber sheets connected with the cartridge; therefore, the cartridge has a good vibration-proofing effect.

Abstract: A disk drive has a cartridge eject mechanism for ejecting the cartridge from the drive. An impedance lever is added to the eject mechanism to prevent cartridge ejection when the read/write heads of the drive are reading or writing data. The impedance lever has an impedance projection, a rotation spring and an actuator follower projection which interacts with the sliding lever of the eject mechanism to prevent untimely ejection of the disk cartridge.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for receiving a memory card. A card connector is disposed in an opening of an exterior wall of the electronic apparatus. A door connected to the electronic apparatus pivots between and open and closed position. In the open position, a slot integral with the door removably receives the memory card. In the closed position, an exterior surface of the door covers the opening. An aperture in the slot is arranged in overlapping registration with the electrical connection portion when the door is in the closed position whereby, when a memory card is disposed within the slot, a terminal portion of the memory card forms an electrical connection with the electrical connection portion.

Abstract: A loading mechanism part for feeding a disc cartridge into a drive unit comprises a swing arm to be rotated by the drive of a rotation driving system, a loading arm provided in the drive unit to be rotated by the rotation of the swing arm, and a catch member provided in the drive unit for introducing the disc cartridge according to the rotation of the loading arm.

Abstract: A storage drive has a cartridge retention and ejection assembly for receiving and retaining a storage cartridge therein and for ejecting the retained cartridge. In the assembly, a rotatable member rotates on an axis between a first position and a second position, and is biased to the first position. The member includes a base with the axis and a cartridge-contacting arm extending from the base. The member is arranged in the drive such that a cartridge received within the drive contacts the cartridge-contacting arm and thereby rotates the member from the first position to the second position. Releasing the rotatable member from the second position to the first position causes the cartridge-contacting arm of the member to forcibly push against the cartridge and eject same from the drive.

Abstract: A removable disk cartridge drive has an eject member that moves from a forward position to a rearward position upon insertion of the cartridge from the drive. A coupling member extends between an eject button on the drive and a switch which energizes an electro-mechanical device to eject the cartridge when the switch is triggered. The coupling member is a clear plastic which transmits light to the eject button to indicate the presence of a cartridge in the drive.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge (14) can be removably inserted into a drive (13), so that respective connectors (52, 67) move into engagement. Two pawls (81, 82) are biased by a spring (119), and engage the cartridge to releasably lock the cartridge in its inserted position. In order to remove the cartridge from the drive, an eject mechanism is actuated, and includes a motorized drive mechanism (221) that moves an eject member (171). The eject member disengages the pawls from the cartridge, effects sufficient movement of the cartridge so as to disengage the connectors, and positions the pawls so that they will properly engage the next cartridge inserted into the drive.

Abstract: A door 20 is rotatably attached to a disk cartridge 1. In mounting the disk cartridge 1, an opening and closing pin 224 moving along a groove 223 is engaged with the door 20 and the door 20 is opened. For example, when the opening and closing pin 224 cannot return to a normal standby position by some cause, a front face of the door 20 and a projected streak portion 206 are brought into contact with each other and the disk cartridge 1 cannot be inserted further. Therefore, even when the disk cartridge 1 is inserted in a state where the door 20 is not opened, there is avoided beforehand an accident where the disk cartridge 1 collides with a head, a lamp or the like to cause the destruction thereof.