Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes determining whether a medium in a drive is in motion, the drive being mounted in a receptacle, in response to determining that the medium is in motion, preventing physical removal of the drive from the receptacle, and in response to determining that the medium is not in motion, allowing physical removal of the drive from the receptacle. In another embodiment, a computer program product for controlling removal of a drive includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se. The program instructions are readable and/or executable by a computer to cause the computer to perform the foregoing method.

Abstract: A data archive system includes a data library apparatus and a server. The data library apparatus includes recording media having recording surfaces on both surfaces, a recording media storage unit for storing the recording media, a recording/reproducing unit for the surface for recording/reproducing the data on/from the surface of the recording media, a recording/reproducing unit for the rear surface for recording/reproducing the data on/from the rear surface, and a recording media transporting unit for transporting the recording media between the recording media storage units. The server includes a data configuration unit for allocating the data for recording on the surface and the rear surface of the recording media and a controller for controlling the data library apparatus. The data configuration unit of the server alternately allocates the recording data on the surface and the rear surface of the recording media different from each other.

Abstract: On a host computer (300), writing software for controlling recording and image forming operations of an optical disc recording apparatus (10) is installed. When the writing software is activated, the host computer (300) requests the user to input various settings relating to record information and image information before giving instructions for starting recording and those for starting image formation to the optical disc recording apparatus (10), and, in accordance with various settings which are input in response to the request, determines the recording and image forming operations of the optical disc recording apparatus (10).

Abstract: An optical disc device includes a first optomechanical mechanism, a second optomechanical mechanism, and a positioning mechanism. The first optomechanical mechanism is located under an optical disc insertable into the optical disc drive to optically access a bottom surface of the optical disc. The second optomechanical mechanism is located over the optical disc insertable into the optical disc drive to optically access a top surface of the optical disc. The positioning mechanism is to precisely locate the second optomechanical mechanism over the optical disc for optically accessing the top surface of the optical disc and to prevent the second optomechanical mechanism from interfering with movement of the optical disc during insertion and removal of the optical disc into and from the optical disc drive.

Abstract: An optical disc device has a first optomechanical mechanism, a second optomechanical mechanism, and a sled mechanism. The first optomechanical mechanism is located under an optical disc insertable into the optical disc device to optically access a bottom surface of the optical disc. The second optomechanical mechanism is located over the optical disc insertable into the optical disc device to optically access a top surface of the optical disc. The first and the second optomechanical mechanism are disposed on the sled mechanism. Movement of the sled mechanism results in both the first and the second optomechanical mechanism moving radially in relation to the optical disc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing continuous uninterrupted playback of a dual sided optical disk during side-to-side changing of the optical disk. The point at which a dual-sided optical disk will be switched between sides is determined. At some point prior to the switching of sides of the disk, a portion of the data at the end of the first side of the disk is transferred to a memory. During the switching of the disk to the second side, the stored data is read out from the memory to provide uninterrupted continuous playback of the optical disk.

Abstract: A disk magazine and disk changer device for holding multiple two-sided disk media wherein the magazine can be turned upside-down so as to allow both sides of the disk media to be utilized. In order to allow handling of two-sided disks, disk transport trays are provided above and below the disk media. A single disk transport tray operates to handle the disk medium above the given tray and below the given tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turning device for turning double-sided information carriers such as Compact Discs, in an apparatus having at least one tray carrying an individual information carrier and removable from at least one function unit such as a magaine (3) and/or a playback/recording drive. The invention has a simple and compact design, and is energy-saving and freely configurable to ensure dependable and fast operation in an automatic environment. The turning device is arranged stationary inside the apparatus near the function units and is accommodated in its own housing or holding frame is changeably installable in a predetermined holder or in one of the holders for the function units.

Abstract: A disk file apparatus having a storage device (4) for multistageously storing disk cartridges (3) each containing a disk therein while keeping each of said disk cartridges horizontal, a drive device (5), and an automatic disk exchanging device (7) including a carrier device (6) for taking out a disk cartridge in between said storage device and said drive device, carrying the disk cartridge vertically and supplying the disk cartridge, wherein: slide mechanisms (60) are provided on a carrier frame (17) so that the opening/closing of claw arms (24) of a holder (21) provided in the carrier device is interlocked with the going-in-and-out operation of the holder mechanically; the carrier frame is supported so as to be rotatable in the form of a cantilever on the horizontal center of a cartridge storage portion inside thereof; and an inverting device (33) having a solenoid (50) and clutch gears (46, 47) is provided in a holder carrying device (32).

Abstract: A both-sided optical disc player for recording/reproducing information on a both-sided disc includes a disc deck having a turntable being shaft-supported by a spindle motor to be rotated for driving the disc and an optical pickup slidably connected on the upper portion of the disc deck. A disc tray guides the disc to the turntable for loading the disc onto the disc deck. A clamp apparatus pressively supports the both-sided disc on the turntable. The both-sided disc seated on the turntable is transferred up and down centering about the optical pickup by a transfer apparatus to reproduce respective sides of the both-sided disc. Thus, trembling of the optical pickup is significantly reduced to realize stable recording/playback operations.

Abstract: A disk player has a guide member for guiding an optical pickup carrier along both sides of a double-sided disk. In order to prevent interference between the pickup carrier and the periphery of the disk during turning movement of the pickup carrier around the periphery of the disk from one of the upper and lower sides of the disk to the other side, the guide member is shaped like a horseshoe. The guide member includes upper and lower straight sections for guiding the pickup carrier, respectively, along the upper and lower sides of the disc, and an arched section extending vertically around the periphery of the disk and connecting the outer ends of the upper and lower straight sections. The upper and lower straight sections are not parallel to each other, but rather they are inclined in such a fanlike manner that the outer ends are wider apart.

Abstract: A drive unit having an input/output port for loading and/or unloading a cartridge therethrough and for reading and/or writing information on a disc; a stocker arranged to be confronted with the input/output port of the drive port and having a plurality of storage locations removably storing the cartridges therein, the storage locations being arranged to store the cartridges along a length thereof so that the stored cartridges are aligned substantially in parallel to each other; a vertical carrier for transporting the drive unit in a vertical direction parallel to the length of the storage locations of the stocker so that the input/output port of the drive unit can be confronted with one of the plurality of storage locations of the stocker; and a horizontal carrier for transporting the cartridge in a horizontal direction so as to transport the cartridge between the stocker and the drive unit.

Abstract: A pickup turnove apparatus of a disk player of a new turn-type in which a U-shape shuttle device acting as a pickup turnover means is provided at the rear of a pickup feeding plate of the disk player and turned over from a lower position to an upper position or vice versa with a pickup mounted thereon, thereby to increase the reliability of a turnover operation, to restrict noise occurrence during the turnover operation, and to reduce time required for the turnover operation.

Abstract: An optical pickup can be inverted accurately and smoothly regardless of the skew operation of the optical pickup. The present invention is directed to a disc player in which a single optical pickup (37) is inverted in an opposing relation to both surfaces of a disc (D) at the same time when it is elevated so that both surfaces of the disc (D) can be reproduced. As an inverting mechanism (79) of the optical pickup (37), an inverting gear (80) is attached to a supporting shaft (53) on which the optical pickup (37) is supported. On the other hand, an inverting rack (81) which is meshed with the inverting gear (80) so as to invert the optical pickup (37) is attached through a supporting frame (82) to a lower chassis (4) which is skewed.

Abstract: A continuous both-side playback type video disc apparatus having an external command signal generator for generating an external command signal to an external recorder in response to a playback start signal or a lead-in or lead-out track detection signal obtained from a signal reading head, and also an external command signal output terminal for supplying the external command signal therefrom. Synchronized operation control is executed in such a manner that, upon completion of playing back one side of a disc, the recording operation of the external recorder is temporarily brought to a halt by a pause signal at the instant of detection of the lead-out track by the signal reading head, and after proceeding to playback of the other side of the disc, the recording operation is resumed at the instant of detection of the lead-in track on the other side of the disc by the signal reading head.

Abstract: An optical disk device of the type having two optical heads for accessing both sides of an optical disk at the same time. The device has a loading mechanism which moves two subbases each carrying one of the two heads therewith in opposite directions, i.e., toward or away from an optical disk. The weight of one subbase and members mounted thereon and the weight of the other subbase and members mounted thereon act in opposite directions with respect to the drive force of the loading mechanism and thereby cancel each other.

Abstract: A disc chucking apparatus for use in an automatic disc changer for a disc player includes an arm base 28 which is vertically movable and reversible with respect to a chassis 1, and a disc base 34 fixedly mounted on the arm member. The disc base 34 has a central insert member 34a for being inserted in the central hole of a disc and a disc support surface 34b for abutting engagement with a peripheral edge of the central hole of the disc. A rod 35 extends axially slidably through the central insert member 34a, and a pantographic link mechanism 38 is operatively coupled between the disc base 34 and an end of the rod 35, and collapsible and extensible in response to sliding movement of the rod 35. When the arm base 28 is vertically moved in response to sliding movement of the rod 35, with the presser assembly 38 extended, the central insert member 34a and the presser assembly 38 are inserted into the central hole of the disc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for successive reproducing in an optical disc recording/reproducing system, can perform the conventional successive reproducing function plus a successive reproducing function capable of generating a reproducing signal while transferring the pickup. For this special successive reproduction, the apparatus has a memory which outputs reproducing information of a second reproducing side which has been previously stored during the time period required for both transferring the pickup and skipping portions of the disc to prevent repeated reproduction, and key input unit including separate control keys for selecting normal successive reproduction and special successive reproduction or a single mode selecting key, so that the user can selectively reproduce disc information as desired. In the special successive reproducing mode, reproduction continues with an uninterrupted supply of the reproducing signal.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus for a double-sided optical disk has an optical pickup unit for reproducing information from the optical disk, and base members carrying driving unit for shifting the pickup unit and a guide mechanism for guiding the movement of the pickup unit. The drive of the pickup unit is conducted through a timing belt, and different reduction systems are used for reproducing operation of the optical pickup unit and for the shifting of the optical pickup unit from one to the other sides of the disk, by the operation of a switching mechanism for effecting switching between these reduction systems, such that, during the reproduction, the optical pickup unit is moved finely to provide a high resolution, whereas the shifting of the optical pickup unit from one to the other side of the disk is effected at a high speed. The motor as the power source therefore can operate at a low speed, thus reducing levels of vibration and noise.

Abstract: A disc player for playing a first disc having data recorded on both sides thereof and also a second disc having data recorded on only one side thereof has disc drive means loadable with one of the first and second discs selectively. Whether the disc loaded on the drive means is the first disc or the second disc is detected from the data read by pickup means. When the second disc is detected, the pickup means is positioned for the data recording side of the second disc automatically so as to reproduce signals therefrom. Accordingly, even if the second disc is loaded with the disc side oriented erroneously, the data can be read from the recording side at all times.

Abstract: A double-sided playing disc player is disclosed in which recorded signals are reproduced from a disc, on both faces of which signals are recorded, by a pickup disposed on the side of a turntable (4) or another pickup disposed on the side opposite to the turntable. The disc player comprises a first centering hub (6) mounted on the turntable, a clamping mechanism (11) for clamping the disc placed on the turntable, and a second centering hub (14) mounted on the clamper mechanism.

Abstract: A disk drive according to a first embodiment includes a pickup movable along a radial direction of the disk and a reversing mechanism for moving the pickup from one side of the disk to the other side by rotating the pickup about an axis corresponding to the radial direction of the disk. In a second embodiment, there can be only one pickup which can reverse sides of the disk or a pickup on each side of the disk. The pickup(s) are moved along guide rails on either side of the disk and the guide rails are supported by rotatable base members. A linking arm links the two base members together so that rotation of one will cause rotation of the other. In a third embodiment, a pickup and a rack are supported on a slider for moving the pickup along the surface of a disk. The rack has three toothed surfaces including first, second, and third surfaces for engaging first, second and third feed screws, respectively.

Abstract: A double-side playing optical disk player which plays both sides of a disk placed on a turntable by driving and guiding a carriage carrying an optical pickup with a guide driving mechanism along both surfaces of the disk. The guide driving mechanism is composed of first and second guide mechanisms disposed on respective sides of the disk-carrying surface of the turntable, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the carriage between prescribed engaging/disengaging positions on the front and rear sides of the disk.

Abstract: A double-sided reproducing disk player wherein reduction in size and simplification in structure of a carriage can be attained and reduction in number of parts and simplification in construction of the entire arrangement can be attained to attain reduction in overall size and also in production cost. The player comprises upper and lower face guide mechanisms for guiding a carriage, on which an optical pickup is carried, along upper and lower surfaces of a disk, respectively. The upper and lower face guide mechanisms are carried on a carrying device which is supported for tilting motion on a stationary frame of the player, and the tilt angle of the carrying device with respect to the stationary frame is adjusted by a tilt angle adjusting device. The tilt angle adjusting device includes an eccentric member on the stationary frame and a spring for biasing the carrying device into cooperation with the eccentric member.

Abstract: A cartridge handling system including a cartridge engaging assembly for engaging an exposed end portion of a cartridge positioned in an aligned holding unit; a longitudinal displacement assembly for longitudinally displacing a cartridge engaged by the engaging assembly; a flipping assembly for invertingly rotating a cartridge engaged by the engaging assembly about a longitudinally extending flip axis; a lateral displacement assembly for laterally displacing a cartridge engaged by the engaging assembly; and a unitary, rotatable drive motor drivingly linked to the longitudinal displacement assembly, the flipping assembly, and the lateral displacement assembly for providing driving force thereto. The cartridge handling system is constructed and arranged such that neither sensors nor motors need be mounted on any moving system components.

Abstract: A double-sided playing disc player is disclosed in which recorded signals are reproduced from a disc, on both faces of which signals are recorded, by a pickup disposed on the side of a turntable or another pickup disposed on the side opposite to the turntable. The disc player comprises a first centering hub mounted on the turntable, a clamping mechanism for clamping the disc placed on the turntable, and a second centering hub mounted on the clamper mechanism.

Abstract: An optical storage disk reading apparatus (10) allows the simultaneous reading of both sides of an optical storage disk (44). An upper base plate (12) and a lower base plate (14) pivot about hinges (22-28) through the action of lead screws (30-32). The lead screws (30-32) are turned by separate stepper motors (38-39) which drive follower nuts (34-36) therealong. The follower nuts (34-36) are interconnected to the baseplates (12-14) by yokes (40-42). As the lead screws (30-32) drive the follower nuts (34-36), the yokes (40-42) pivotally move the base plates (12-14) about the hinges (22-28). A cartridge (46) containing the storage disk (44) is loaded into the apparatus (10) along receiving channels (48-50). The channels (48-50) hold the cartridge (46) from movement while the disk (44) is free to move therein with the lower base plate (14) through an interconnecting drive spindle (20).

Abstract: To accurately move a pickup 31 along a radial line of an optical disc in an optical disc apparatus for recording signals on both sides of the disc or reproducing the signals from the both sides, the pickup 31 is mounted on a support base 30 coupled to transport means and movable by being guided by a U-shaped guide assembly 5 which is fixedly and accurately positioned on a chassis carrying a disc drive motor. The guide assembly 5 comprises a pair of straight travel guide portions disposed in parallel to each other on opposite sides of the plane of rotation of the disc, and a circular-arc guide portion interconnecting the two guide portions. When reproducing the recorded signals, the pickup 31 accurately reciprocatingly moves on the disc radial line along the straight travel guide portions, and when the reproduction position is changed from one side of the disc to the other side, the pickup quickly moves upward or downward along the circular-arc guide portion.

Abstract: A front loading type disk player which can play both sides of a single disk without ejecting the disk from and reinserting it into the disk player after playing one side. In addition, the disk player can play one or both sides of multiple disks without ejecting or reinserting disks. The disk player includes a movable carrier on which at least two trays are movably mounted. The carrier can be moved in a first direction so as to project from or retract into a housing of the disk player, and the trays can be moved in the first direction with respect to the carrier and a second, vertical direction e.g. perpendicular to the first direction. The trays are moved by moving a chassis, which supports them, with respect to the carrier. The trays are independently movable in the first direction and the chassis 11 is movable in the vertical direction in a stepwise fashion so that the disks stored on the trays can be properly individually placed on the turntable and removed therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing signals from both sides of a disc which comprises a detector for detecting that the signal reproduction side of the disc opposed to the pickup is being changed over from one side to the other side, and a device for notifying the user that the reproduction side is being changed over according to an output signal from the detector. The notifying device enables the user to properly recognize the state of the pickup during the travel thereof between the both sides of the disc.

Abstract: A signal reproducing system for use in an optical disc player comprises a photodetector including at least first and second photodetecting elements which are so disposed that a beam spot is formed on the first and second photodetecting elements by a light beam caused to impinge upon and reflected at an optical record disc and are aligned along a direction of movement of a diffraction pattern appearing in the beam spot in accordance with a record track on the optical record disc, a phase shifter for varying at least a phase of one of first and second output signals obtained respectively based on detection outputs of the first and second photodetecting elements, a switch for causing the first and second output signals selectively to pass through the phase shifter in response to a direction of movement of the record track in relation to the light beam incident upon the optical record disc, and a mixer operative to add one of the first and second output signals derived from the phase shifter to the other of the f

Abstract: A disk file apparatus including a transfer member disposed at the upper side of a shelf for accommodating a multiplicity of cartridges each receiving a disk both sides of which are able to be subjected to recording and reproducing, each cartridge having a forward extending groove formed in the rear portion thereof. The transfer member has lever means which is arranged such that, when a cartridge having the same rating as that of said cartridges is inserted into the transfer member, the lever means detects whether or not there is a groove which is formed in the rear portion of the cartridge.

Abstract: A front loading disc player plays back both sides of a loaded disc without ejecting and reloading the disc. The front loading disc player has a playback unit disposed in a player housing and having a turntable and an optical pickup, and a disc transfer mechanism for carrying a disc to be played back and transferring the disc into a playback position. The playback unit is movable by a playback means moving mechanism between a first position corresponding to one side of the disc having reached the playback position and a second position corresponding to the other side of the disc.

Abstract: To accurately move a pickup 31 along a radial line of an optical disc in an optical disc apparatus for recording signals on both sides of the disc or reproducing the signals from the both sides, the pickup 31 is mounted on a support base 30 coupled to transport means and movable by being guided by a U-shaped guide assembly 5 which is fixedly and accurately positioned on a chassis carrying a disc drive motor. The guide assembly 5 comprises a pair of straight travel guide portions disposed in parallel to each other on opposite sides of the plane of rotation of the disc, and a circular-arc guide portion interconnecting the two guide portions. When reproducing the recorded signals, the pickup 31 accurately reciprocatingly moves on the disc radial line along the straight travel guide portions, and when the reproduction position is changed from one side of the disc to the other side, the pickup quickly moves upward or downward along the circular-arc guide portion.

Abstract: A disk player for double-side disks, such as video disks, having a reduced overall size and simplified structure. The pickup, spindle, spindle motor, and disk clamper of the player are mounted on a rotary frame. To change from playing one side of the disk to the other, the disk is conveyed out of the player, the rotary frame is rotated through 180 degrees, and the disk conveyed back into the player. The disk is then again clamped against the spindle and played.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automated library for data storage disks. Such library comprises at least one disk drive, means for storing a large number of disks, and disk transport means for transporting disks between the disk drive and disk-storing means. The disk-transporting means comprises a bi-directional disk picker assembly which operates to convey selected disks into and out of the disk-storing means and disk drive. A movably mounted drive unit functions to rotatably support the disk picker assembly for movement about an axis which is perpendicular to the direction in which disks are conveyed by such assembly, whereby "picked" disks can be flipped 180 degrees to present either side to the disk drive. The picker assembly handles each disk by means of a carrier, a generally rectangular frame which surrounds and releasably captures a disk. The picker mechanism is adapted to handle such carrier in any one of four different orientations.

Abstract: A video disc player having a base and a protective cover pivotally hinged on the base and adapted to be opened and closed to permit a disc to be inserted or removed from the rotary drive assembly is provided with a device for automatically turning over a disc carried by the rotary drive assembly as an incident to opening and closing the cover by powered drive units; the turning over includes a ninety degree phase in which the disc slides under its own weight between substantially vertical and horizontal positions while the bottom edge of the disc slides laterally and a ninety degree phase in which the disc pivots about the bottom edge between substantially horizontal and vertical positions; guides are provided on the underside of the cover and the base for guiding both the bottom edge and the top edge of the disc during its sliding movement and for supporting the bottom edge of the disc for pivotal movement about an axis adjacent the pivotal axis of the cover.