Abstract: The disc device comprises disc selector spindle that hold discs in a stacked state, separate lowermost disc from other discs, and supply separated lowermost disc to drive unit. The disc selector spindle includes first, second, and third support claws that move to storage position at which each support claw is stored inside center hole of disc and protrusion position at which each support claw protrudes in a region located in the vicinity of inner diameter of disc in plan view. First support claw moves to storage position and protrusion position independently of the movements of second support claw and third support claw. Second support claw is disposed so as to be shifted from third support claw in a stacking direction of disc by a thickness of one disc, and to move from storage position to protrusion position at a timing different from a timing of third support claw.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser heterodyne interferometer based system for audibly producing sounds recorded on a cylinder recording, such as an Edison type wax cylinder, or a 33, 45 or 78 RPM LP (long play) record. The system generally comprises an optical system mounted on an optical platform, and an audio recording medium mounted on a platform operatively positioned relative to the optics platform. The optical system comprises an interferometer type structure that uses laser generated light propagated either through free space or through fiber, a platform on which the optical system is mounted, and a platform on which the recording media (e.g., cylinder or record) is mounted.

Abstract: An optical pick-up apparatus according to the invention optically performs at least one of selective recording of information onto a plurality of recording layers of a plurality of optical recording mediums arranged in layers, and selective reproduction of information from the plurality of recording layers. Switching in optical circuits which are each adapted to guide a light beam to a desired recording layer is performed using a movable mirror, a galvano mirror or a biaxial movable mirror, to thereby perform selective recording of information onto the plurality of recording layers of optical disks or selective reproduction of information from the plurality of recording layers.

Abstract: A disk dispenser dispenses memory storage disks including CD's and the like. The disk dispenser includes an upper guide and a lower guide attached to the upper guide. The upper and lower guides are formed with axially offset openings. The lower guide has a rim for supporting a disk. A plate mounts between the lower guide and the upper guide. The plate has an arced edge for contacting a disk. The plate slides, causing the arced edge of the plate to dispense the disk through the opening in the lower guide.

Abstract: A disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus provided with disc exchange function to carry out recording/reproduction while carrying out exchange between plural discs held within a disc holding body. This recording and, or reproducing apparatus comprises a disc holding body within which plural discs are held at predetermined intervals (spacings) in a stacked state, a biasing member for biasing respective discs held within the disc holding body in a direction projected from the disc holding body, a recording/reproduction unit for carrying out recording and/or reproduction of information signals with respect to the optical disc drawn out, and a carrying mechanism for taking out a predetermined one disc from the disc holding body to carry it to the recording/reproduction unit.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide an inexpensive and high-quality disc changer by inserting a plurality of spacers and discs around a pair of spindles without the need for a stocker and subtrays. A vertical drive means drives a group of spacers (40) held by a disk holding means to select an arbitrary disc (12) from a group of discs (12), and a horizontal transfer means transfers it to a sound recording/reproduction position. An elevation return means prevents the disc (12) from slipping out from the spacer (40) on both spindles (19, 25). A disc presser means prevents the disc (12) from slipping out from the spacer (40). A spacer detachment prevention means prevents the spacer (40) from being detached from the lower spindle (19).

Abstract: A disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus provided with disc exchange function to carry out recording/reproduction while carrying out exchange between plural discs held within a disc holding body includes a disc holding body within which plural discs are held at predetermined intervals (spacings) in a stacked state, a biasing member for biasing respective discs held within the disc holding body in a direction projected from the disc holding body, a recording/reproduction unit for carrying out recording and/or reproduction of information signals with respect to the optical disc drawn out, and a carrying mechanism for taking out a predetermined one disc from the disc holding body to carry it to the recording/reproduction unit.

Abstract: A disc player has two opposite disc magazines with a plurality of disc holders which each receive a disc and are arranged one above the other in compartments. A transport arrangement movable in the direction of the stack of discs in the magazine conveys a desired disc with its associated disc holder between the compartment and a playback unit. The transport arrangement has a horizontally movable pulling-out arrangement provided with a carriage with a pick-up arm. In order to simplify the construction, the pick-up arm, which is rigidly linked to the carriage of the delivery arrangement, may be horizontally moved between and vertically moved within the disc magazines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented cylindrical audio-visual device (10) having interlocking disks (12) a first disk (12A) has a first disk bottom side (12AB) with a first disk bottom side female connector (12ABB) centrally positioned thereon. The adjacent second disk (12B) has a second disk top side (12BA) with a second disk top side male connector (12BAB) centrally positioned thereon. The second disk top side male connector (12BAB) is complimentary to and inserts into the first disk bottom side female connector (12ABB) thereby interlocking the first disk (12A) to the adjacent second disk (12B). Each interlocked disk (12) has a disk side (12AC . . . 12JC) having a respective disk side audio-visual track (12ACA . . . 12JCA) thereon. The respective disk side audio-visual tracks (12ACA . . . 12JCA) each represent a separate audio and/or visual track analogous to a song and a music video, respectively.

Abstract: A high speed information read/write system includes a substantially cylindrical information storing device including at least one storage cylinder having at least one information storage medium thereon. A head device including at least one head cylinder is disposed coaxially with the storage cylinder and has a plurality of head members mounted thereon. An information input/output device outputs information to the information storage medium of the storage cylinder through the head device and inputs the information from the information storage medium through the head device. A drive device rotates the information storing device and effects a relative movement between the information storing device and the head device.

Abstract: A compact disk changer includes a magazine having an inner body and an outer body that are rotatable independently of one another about a common axis of rotation. The inner and outer bodies are slideably interconnected by a helical member so that relative rotation between the bodies in a first direction increases the axial spacing between them and relative rotation in a second direction decreases the axial spacing. This construction reduces the size of the changer and does not require precision tolerances between moving parts. A plurality of compact discs are stacked within the magazine, and each disk is supported by a disk holder. When the disk at the top or end of the sack is to be played, relative rotation between the inner and outer bodies creates an axially extending space adjacent the selected disk and a playing mechanism is inserted into that space.

Abstract: A magazine controlling method is disclosed for smoothly stopping a disk storing magazine. According to the method of the invention, the rotational speed of the disk storing magazine in rotation is reduced upon the magazine reaching a position a small distance short of a predetermined stop position, and the magazine is then stopped at the predetermined stop position.

Abstract: A compact disk changer includes a magazine having an inner body and an outer body that are rotatable independently of one another about a common axis of rotation. The inner and outer bodies are slideably interconnected by a helical member so that relative rotation between the bodies in a first direction increases the axial spacing between them and relative rotation in a second direction decreases the axial spacing. This construction reduces the size of the changer and does not require precision tolerances between moving parts. A plurality of compact discs are stacked within the magazine, and each disk is supported by a disk holder. When the disk at the top or end of the stack is to be played, relative rotation between the inner and outer bodies creates an axially extending space, adjacent the selected disk and a playing mechanism is inserted into that space.