Abstract: A cartridge changing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of holders, each holding a cartridge with a disc inserted therein, a pair of base carriers each having a gripping portion for gripping a pin fixed to one of the plurality of holders and each engaged with one of a pair of screw shafts so as to be able to move back and forth as the screw shafts are rotated, and a pair of slide carriers which are combined with the base carriers and can be moved on the screw shafts together with the base carriers, respectively. Cartridges are replaced by the back and forth movement of the pair of the carriers. Consequently, it is possible to simplify the carrier construction, eliminate the necessity of providing a plurality of gripping functions for one set of the carriers, thereby leading to reduction of required parts and further, make the carriers move vertically without interfering with anything at a position in which unloading is completed, thereby leading to reduction of operating time.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus for an optical tape for optically recording and reproducing information on an optical tape having a thermal converting layer. An optical pickup is divided into two separate parts, one for recording and the other for reproducing, and has an erasing device for optically erasing with the optical pickup for reproducing. The optical pickup for reproducing has a collimating lens for collimating the divergent light beam of a laser diode for reproducing or erasing the information group recorded on at least one track of the optical tape at the same time, a cylindrical lens for focussing the collimated light beam in the vertical direction, and a photodiode array for detecting light reflected from the tape. Also, the optical pickup for reproducing employs an aperture having a square hole for effectively focussing the light beam.

Abstract: A free standing data transfer device is arranged to couple a facsimile machine to a telephone line. The data transfer device includes a processor coupled to each of a modem, a computer controlled switch mechanism and a data storage device. A telephone input terminal is adapted to couple the telephone line to each of the modem and a telephone output terminal, that is, in turn, adapted for coupling to the facsimile machine. The computer controlled switch mechanism intercouples the input and output terminals for control of the connection to the facsimile machine by the processor via the processor coupling to the switch mechanism. In this manner, the device of the present invention provides a direct, in-line coupling for the facsimile machine vis-a-vis the telephone line.

Abstract: A high speed data storage and retrieval system includes a storage module, a reader and a changer apparatus. A protective cartridge is provided for storing, protecting and transporting an optical disc enclosed therein. The storage module includes pins for insertion into corresponding holes in one surface of the cartridge during storage. During transport the changer apparatus having electromagnetic means grips the cartridge by spring clips attached to the cartridge. A window cut in the side of the protective cartridge effects readability of the disc enclosed therein without removing the disc from the cartridge during the reading operation. The cartridge also includes a set of holes in another surface of the cartridge for receiving a corresponding set of pins when the enclosed optical disc is placed in the read position.