Abstract: A data storage system includes: a plurality of data storage devices; a motherboard containing a baseboard management controller (BMC); and a network switch configured to route network traffic to the plurality of data storage devices. The BMC is configured to identify a group of data storage devices among the plurality of data storage devices based on device-specific information received from the plurality of data storage devices and send identifiers of the group of data storage devices to a querying party.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for self service delivery of content stored on removable media. A self service terminal stores a plurality of titles in a repository, and copies of titles are stored to removable media devices maintained in the self service terminal. In response to a user selection of an available title made during a transaction, a removable media device storing a copy of the selected title is delivered to the user. Anticipated demand is estimated and titles are stored to removable devices as needed to maintain an inventory to meet the estimated demand, including overwriting existing titles already stored on removable media, and overwriting returned media as needed.

Abstract: A disc transfer device according to the present disclosure is a disc transfer device that transfers a disc in a first direction from a first position toward a third position via a second position, and includes a roller, a roller support mechanism, a first retaining member, a second retaining member, and a retaining member support mechanism. The roller rotates in a state of contact with a disc end face on one side in a second direction being orthogonal to the first direction, until the disc reaches the third position from the first position. The roller support mechanism supports the roller such that the roller is in contact with the transferred disc and is moveable in the first direction and the second direction. The first retaining member extends in the first direction, and is brought into contact with the disc end face on the other side in the second direction until the disc reaches at least the second position from the first position.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for selecting resources (such as of a distributed storage system) for detection of file system mounts of storage devices. For example, one method involves obtaining first information by performing an access of file information. The file information indicates attributes of data blocks stored by a storage device. The storage device includes the storage information. The first access is performed at a first time. The method also involves obtaining second information by performing another access of the file information, at a second time. The method also involves calculating a difference between the first information and the second information. The method involves determining, based on the difference, whether the device was dismounted between the first time and the second time.

Abstract: An information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information record medium that are controlled to generate an operation effect sound that differs for each user of a card upon an operation for electronic money are provided. A card 10 records user information 12, balance information 13, and audio data 14. The card 10 makes a settlement of electronic money with a vending machine 20 to buy a commodity. When the card 10 is presented to the vending machine 20, it reads the user information 12, the balance information 13, and the audio data 14 from the card 10 through wireless communications. The vending machine 20 makes a settlement on the basis of both information of the commodity that a user has selected and the balance information 13. As a result, the vending machine 20 provides the selected commodity to the user. On the other hand, with audio data 14, at a predetermined timing of the settlement, a predetermined sound is output.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in combat medical training are provided. In some instances, the combat medical simulators facilitate training of common field medical techniques including tracheostomy, wound care, tourniquet use, pneumothorax, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and/or other medical treatments. Further, the combat medical simulators have joints that provide realistic ranges of motions to enhance the realism of the training experience.

Abstract: A navigation system is provided. A medium insertion port is disposed on the front surface of a main unit and a portable recording medium is loaded into or unloaded from the main unit through the medium insertion port. A display unit is disposed on the front surface of the main unit and can move between a closed position where the medium insertion port is covered and an opened position where the medium insertion port is exposed. A limitation section limits the movement of the display unit to the opened position. A limitation removing section removes the limitation by the limitation section. An operation section receives an operation on the navigation system. The operation section can receive an operation other than an operation to be intrinsically received by the operation section. The limitation removing section removes the limitation by the limitation section when the operation section receives the operation other than the operation to be intrinsically received.

Abstract: A method for providing a content entity from a storage disc is described. The storage disc comprises at least one further content entity. Each content entity comprises a main menu and at least one submenu accessible via the main menu. The storage disc further comprises an entity selection menu. The entity selection menu comprises a link to the main menu of the content entity to be provided. The method comprises providing the entity selection menu for reproduction, receiving a selection of the content entity to be provided, detecting that the storage disc comprises a plurality of content entities, mapping a pre-defined start address to a different start address and providing the selected content entity for reproduction based on the different start address. The pre-defined start address is mapped to a different start address of the storage disc associated with the main menu of the selected content entity to be provided.

Abstract: An optical recording/reproducing apparatus having a label printer for printing labels on an optical disk and a method for printing labels on an optical disk. The optical recording/reproducing apparatus includes an optical disk drive unit recording and reproducing information on a recording surface of an optical disk, a label printer module printing labels on a label surface of the optical disk using thermal transfer, and a controller controlling a label printing operation of the optical disk drive unit and the label printer module, wherein the label printer module includes a ribbon cartridge in which a thermal transfer ribbon to which dyes are attached is wound and which is disposed to face the label surface of the optical disk mounted in the optical disk drive unit, and a thermal printhead transferring the dyes attached to the thermal transfer ribbon onto the label surface of the optical disk using thermal transfer.

Abstract: An information handling system includes an optical disc drive. The optical disc drive is connected to an auxiliary power source so that a drive tray of the optical disc drive can be opened or closed, or a disc inserted or ejected from the optical disc drive when the information handling system is in a low-power mode. In response to these actions in the low-power mode, information is stored to record that the drive tray has been opened or closed. Accordingly, when the information handling system returns to a normal mode, it can take appropriate action, such as dismounting a logical volume associated with a disc that was previously in the drive. Because the optical disc drive can be physically accessed in the low-power mode, the information handling system does not have to enter the normal power mode in order for discs to be retrieved or inserted.

Abstract: An optical recording/reproducing apparatus having a label printer for printing labels on an optical disk and a method for printing labels on an optical disk. The optical recording/reproducing apparatus includes an optical disk drive unit recording and reproducing information on a recording surface of an optical disk, a label printer module printing labels on a label surface of the optical disk using thermal transfer, and a controller controlling a label printing operation of the optical disk drive unit and the label printer module, wherein the label printer module includes a ribbon cartridge in which a thermal transfer ribbon to which dyes are attached is wound and which is disposed to face the label surface of the optical disk mounted in the optical disk drive unit, and a thermal printhead transferring the dyes attached to the thermal transfer ribbon onto the label surface of the optical disk using thermal transfer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of diagnosing an error in a cartridge drive, comprises detecting an occurrence of a defined event in a cartridge drive, in response to the defined event, initiating an analysis routine of at least one event log from the cartridge drive, and invoking an intervention routine when the analysis indicates that the defined event represents a failure threat.

Abstract: The effect of detection errors when detecting if a disc recording medium is in a disc drive is eliminated. A control unit 17 detects if an optical disc 11 was supplied to an optical disc drive 13 based on the operation of the transportation unit 16, causes the optical disc drive 13 to detect if an optical disc 11 is inside the disc drive, and compares the results of these detection operations. If the results do not match, the control unit 17 causes the optical disc drive 13 to repeat the operation discharging and loading the optical disc 11, and causes the optical disc drive 13 to again detect if an optical disc 11 is present after the discharge and loading operation. The control unit 17 then determines if the new detection result from the optical disc drive 13 and the detection result related to supplying the optical disc 11 to the optical disc drive 13 match, and based on the result of this evaluation detects an optical disc drive 13 operating error.

Abstract: A media processor such as a CD publisher functions as a media library. The CD publisher takes out media from a media storage unit, sets the media in a media drive, performs writing of data, and stores the media in a writing-completed media storage unit if there is a data writing request and/or an additional data writing request. The publisher takes out the target media from the media storage unit on the basis of details stored in the storage unit and sets the media in the media drive if there is a data reference request and a data output request. Data of the media can be referenced from the outside, and media in which data writing has been completed can be used as a media library. When final additional writing is completed or there is a discharge command of the media, printing of a label related to data written on a label surface of the media is collectively performed, and then the media is discharged.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for recording, playing, handling, and storing a plurality of media disks in a plurality of configurations and a device for moving any disk into and out of a media disk storage mechanism and into or out of a selected media player/recorder on demand, and a controller for directing operation of the device for moving the disks and controlling selection of operation of the media disk storage mechanism.

Abstract: An auto feed, copy and print apparatus for information storage disks and a method of the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame, a read/write and print device and a feeding device. The read/write and print device and the feeding device are mounted on the frame. The feeding apparatus feeds a disk once by gravity onto a tray of the read/write and print device. The tray retracts so as to perform copy and print disk cover operations. The Method includes steps of providing disks, using a feeding device to support the disks and feeds a single disk once by gravity, receiving the disk on a tray, retracting the tray with the disk into a read/write and print device, and using the read/write and print apparatus to write data into the disk and print the disk's cover.

Abstract: A optical disc drive is disclosed. The optical disc drive includes a housing and a tray configured to accommodate a disc therein. The optical disc drive also includes an automatic return-type eject switch, a drive controller, and an eject controller. Mounted in the housing, the automatic return-type eject switch is configured to generate an eject signal. In response to the eject signal, the drive controller ejects the tray. In response to the eject signal, the eject controller supplies an electric power to the optical disc drive, and transmits a pseudo eject signal to the drive controller to eject the tray by way of a line through which the eject signal has been transferred after a predetermined time period from the supply of the electric power has lapsed.

Abstract: An autoloader system with modularization architecture and self-adaptive motion control ability for mass optical disks duplication includes four physical modules: a robot arm module with sensors and joints dedicates for delivering and picking up optical disks; an optical disk duplication tower has a number of optical drives in a stack, or a matrix for optical disk duplication; a motion control module has an embedded motion controller and a power source to synchronize the motion of robot arm and duplication; a platform module has a base frame to fix other modules and a user interface. Some disk stacks are situated on top of platform module. The use of a self-adaptive control algorithm, consisting of a Motion Strategy Database, Initial Process, Motion Planning Process, Motion Generation Process and Motion Monitor Process, to ascertain system configurations and components furthest satisfy the required flexibility for modifying/upgrading hardware or ever-changing user needs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer system capable of automatically duplicating data into discs with automatically blank-disc-supplying. The invention can be implemented by software, hardware, or any of the combinations. Since the invention does not utilize a mechanical arm to move the discs, the structure of the invention saves space compared with a traditional disc duplicating machine; moreover, the cost is less than that of the prior art.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an optical disk device performs a disk loading and unloading operation based on at least one driving signal containing multiple pulses of different widths. The pulses are applied to control a motor to unclamp the disk relative to a spindle. Because the signal is formed from multiple pulses of different widths, the unclamping operation is performed with little or no shock forces and as a result the disk is ejected without damage and without being dislodged from the device.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus 10, such as a computer, includes a first unit 20 having a keyboard 21 and a second unit 30 coupled to the first unit 20 having a display screen 31 through a two-axis coupling section 40 to be opened, closed, and rotated relative to the first unit 20. The computer may be used either as a notebook PC or a tablet PC, and includes an optical disk drive 26 for accessing an optical disk. The present invention protects the optical disk and the optical disk drive against damage when the computer is used in the tablet PC mode. Depending on the status of the second unit 30 relative to the first unit 20, the apparatus enables or disables use of optical disk drive 26, including the drive ejection button.

Abstract: Application program interfaces for controlling an external media changer from a computer are provided. The application program interfaces allow for loading and identification of discs in a media changer. The application program interfaces can further allow for control of media changer functions such as locking of media changer elements and playback of disc content for discs in the media changer.

Abstract: An information reproducing device includes an information recording medium housing portion 8 for housing an information recording medium 7 that is detachably attached, a pickup 75 for reading information recorded at least on the information recording medium 7, and a pickup restrainer 94 for restraining a displacement that exceeds a normal operating range of the pickup 75, wherein the pickup restrainer 94 is constructed to displace in response to loading/unloading of the information recording medium 7 into/from the information recording medium housing portion 8.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a control method of an information processing device, includes measuring a movement amount of a body with a sensor, invalidating an operation of a switch which ejects an optical disc held in an optical disc drive, in a case where the movement amount of the body is a threshold value V1 or more, and validating the operation of the switch in accordance with a measured value of the sensor, after invalidating the operation of the switch.

Abstract: There is provided a disc drive adopting a slot-in loading by which an optical disc (2) is loaded into or ejected out of the device body through a disc slot. The disc drive can have loaded therein a large-diameter optical disc (2A) and small-diameter optical disc (2B), different in outside diameter from each other. With the small-diameter optical disc being set on a turn-table (23a), an objective lens (25a) is retreated in a direction away from the signal recording surface of the small-diameter optical disc when a pickup moving mechanism (26) moves an optical pickup (25) between the outer and inner radii of the small-diameter optical disc.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disc playback apparatus with a built-in disc drive which performs hand-close process. The control unit 60 has the A/D input port P which is given the voltage of the terminal of the loading motor 78, after voltage reduction by the dividing resistors R1 and R2. It acquires the voltage applied to the A/D input port P at intervals of 20 ms if the disc tray 10 is in its completely ejected state and compares the acquired voltage with a predefined threshold value. If the acquired voltage is lower than the predefined threshold value, it clears the count, and if the acquired voltage is higher than the predefined value, it increments the count. If the count over 5, the control unit 60 delivers control signals to the driver circuit 88, thereby driving the loading motor to retract the disc tray 10.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus comprises an open key for inputting an open command for causing a loading unit to move a medium holding member from a closed position to an opened position, a setting unit arranged to set the open key press duration, required for the loading unit to perform an opening operation, to the shortest time period or a longer time period than the shortest time period, and a control unit arranged to cause, in a case where the open key is operated, the loading unit to perform the opening operation when the open key press duration reaches the open key press duration set by the setting unit.

Abstract: The effect of detection errors when detecting if a disc recording medium is in a disc drive is eliminated. A control unit 17 detects if an optical disc 11 was supplied to an optical disc drive 13 based on the operation of the transportation unit 16, causes the optical disc drive 13 to detect if an optical disc 11 is inside the disc drive, and compares the results of these detection operations. If the results do not match, the control unit 17 causes the optical disc drive 13 to repeat the operation discharging and loading the optical disc 11, and causes the optical disc drive 13 to again detect if an optical disc 11 is present after the discharge and loading operation. The control unit 17 then determines if the new detection result from the optical disc drive 13 and the detection result related to supplying the optical disc 11 to the optical disc drive 13 match, and based on the result of this evaluation detects an optical disc drive 13 operating error.

Abstract: A load/unload control system for a tray, the load/unload control system includes a control module and a drive module. The control module is used for controlling a voltage, the control module includes a storage unit for storing instructions and an output unit constructed and arranged for reading the instructions from the storage unit and outputting the instructions. The drive module is coupled to the drive module for supplying the voltage adapted to move the tray based on the instructions, the instructions comprising at least one step-up voltage instruction for increasing the voltage during a load process and at least one step-down voltage instruction for decreasing the voltage during an unload process. A related control method for controlling a voltage to load/unload a tray is also provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting a size of an optical disk loaded in an optical disk drive is disclosed. The optical disk drive has an optical pickup head, and the initial position of the optical pickup head is located on the outer side of a track. The steps of the method are described as follows. First, the optical disk is loaded. Then, the optical pickup head is moved from the initial position to a first position, and a laser beam is irradiated simultaneously. The laser beam reflected by the optical disk is received by the optical pickup head. According to the condition of the reflected laser beam received by the optical pickup head, the size of the disk can be determined.

Abstract: An information retrieval device having an insertion slot for inserting a medium having data to be retrieved includes an input unit for sending a signal upon accepting an input, an eject unit for ejecting the medium in the insertion slot and a control unit for controlling the eject unit upon receiving the signal from the input unit after an ejection instruction is accepted by the input unit. The signal to the control unit from the input unit after the ejection instruction on the input unit establishes an ejection prohibition control with the eject unit for prohibiting media ejection operation of the eject unit while an ejection prohibition state of the eject unit is brought into effect by using the input unit.

Abstract: A media processor such as a CD publisher functions as a media library. The CD publisher takes out media from a media storage unit, sets the media in a media drive, performs writing of data, and stores the media in a writing-completed media storage unit if there is a data writing request and/or an additional data writing request. The publisher takes out the target media from the media storage unit on the basis of details stored in the storage unit and sets the media in the media drive if there is a data reference request and a data output request. Data of the media can be referenced from the outside, and media in which data writing has been completed can be used as a media library. When final additional writing is completed or there is a discharge command of the media, printing of a label related to data written on a label surface of the media is collectively performed, and then the media is discharged.

Abstract: An automatic disc eject device for a disc-loading tray of an optical disc drive comprises: a disc-loading frame, a movable disc-loading piece and a pivot. The movable disc-loading piece is connected to the disc-loading frame by a pivot to form a disc-loading tray. When ejecting the disc, the movable disc-loading piece rotates downward about the pivot to allow the optical disc to fall by gravity without having to take the disc out of the disc-loading tray manually. Therefore, the automatic disc eject device can improve the disc-burning efficiency and speed, reduce the labor consumption and improve the productivity.

Abstract: Systems and method for initializing the software for an optical disc player are provided. The optical disc player may include an operating system, an application framework, and a disc loader comprising a disc tray. The method may also include, in response to receiving a tray open request, executing a board support package. The package supports a loading of the operating system and may establish a communication protocol with the loader. Finally, the package may execute a disc tray open command code. One embodiment of the method may conclude by loading the operating system.

Abstract: An optical disk drive including a sliding portion, which moves a sub frame upward or downward against a main frame; a sensor, which includes tension members which are provided in both sides of the sliding portion so that the tension members are elastically deformed to apply an additional load to the sliding portion when the sliding portion slides, and stopper members which contact the tension members and elastically deform the tension members when the sliding portion slides; and a controller, which senses a current change of a driving motor when the additional load is applied to the sliding portion, recognizes whether the tray is loaded or unloaded onto or from the main frame, and controls the driving motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical information storage apparatus incorporates in a housing: a medium storing section in which optical storage media are stored; an information access section that makes an information access to the optical storage medium; and a medium moving section that moves the optical storage medium between the medium storing section and the information access section, to increase storage capacity and to reduce the size of the apparatus. The medium moving section executes a supply process of moving the optical storage medium along a supply path from the medium storing section to the information access section and a recovery process of moving the optical storage medium along a recovery path from the information access section to the medium storing section, the optical storage medium on the supply path and another optical storage medium being on the recovery path able to pass each other.

Abstract: There are provided: an optical pickup feed mechanism (12) that detects a disk signal; a disk loading mechanism (11) that feeds a disk D by means of a loading roller (11b) that is driven by a loading motor (11a); a mechanism control section (20) that controls drive of the loading motor (11a); and an authentication control section (30) that authenticates the authorized user and outputs a disk ejection instruction to the mechanism control section (20) if the registered password and disk ejection instruction are input. The authentication control section (30) is provided with a time setting section (36) that stores a set time length in memory (32), a timer (37) that measures time, and a time decision section (38) that determines lapse of the set time length in accordance with the time length stored in the memory section (32) and the time measured by the timer (37).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor mechanism of an optical disc device for detecting tray in/out motion, which comprises a swing bar having a actuating bar, a spinning center and a protrusion portion; a gear for driving the protrusion portion to rotate the swing bar against the spinning center; at least one sensor for emitting a signal that the tray has been already moved in/out when it is touched by the actuating bar, so that the device prepares to perform next function.

Abstract: An autoloader system with modularization architecture and self-adaptive motion control ability for mass optical disks duplication includes four physical modules: a robot arm module with sensors and joints dedicates for delivering and picking up optical disks; an optical disk duplication tower has a number of optical drives in a stack, or a matrix for optical disk duplication; a motion control module has an embedded motion controller and a power source to synchronize the motion of robot arm and duplication; a platform module has a base frame to fix other modules and a user interface. Some disk stacks are situated on top of platform module. The use of a self-adaptive control algorithm, consisting of a Motion Strategy Database, Initial Process, Motion Planning Process, Motion Generation Process and Motion Monitor Process, to ascertain system configurations and components furthest satisfy the required flexibility for modifying/upgrading hardware or ever-changing user needs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of ejecting/loading a tray of an optical disk player using a digitizer connected to a personal computer (PC) or a keyboard, even though an EJECT button is not installed on a control panel of an optical disk includes using a optical disk control program stored in the optical disk player. The optical disk control program is to be installed in a personal computer (PC) and controls the ejection/loading of a tray of an optical disk player. If a predetermined key or key combination is entered through the computer, an EJECT or LOAD command is applied to the optical disk player in response to entering of the predetermined key combination via the optical disk control program. The tray of the optical disk player can be ejected/loaded using the keyboard or digitizer, and thus there is no need to install the EJECT button in the optical disk player.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus that can solve the problem with the prior art that a removable electronic device is removed while the removable electronic device is in operation, leading to unfavorable results. A disk unit is removably attached to the main body of the electronic apparatus and receives at least one removable hard disk as a removable electronic device removably attached thereto. A locking mechanism locks together the disk unit and the main body. A CPU controls the locking mechanism to inhibit the disk unit and the main body from being locked together while the removable hard disk is in operation.

Abstract: A system for the duplication of binary data onto CD-R disks, the system including a copy unit, a host computer and computer software, the software being installed in the host computer to provide a user interface and to direct the transfer of data from the host computer to the copy unit including a set of multiple stacked recordable disk drives, a microprocessor electronically connected to the activating mechanism of a pivotal transport tower and to the set of multiple stacked recordable disk drives. A robotic disk pickup head on the pivotal transport tower is encompassed by a set of disk spindle members arranged in a symmetric semi-circular pattern around the central tower, the disk pickup head being connected to the pivotal transport tower with an elevator mechanism for lifting and transporting compact disks among the disk spindle members and any selected one of the stacked recordable disk drive members.

Abstract: A compact disc processing system allows for more efficient processing of compact discs. The system included a transporter mechanism that can grip and transport more than one compact disc at a time. As such, a second disc can be gripped while a first disc is being processed. This eliminates the need to wait for processing operations, such as recording or printing, to be completed prior to transporting the second disc. The system includes a gripping head with at least two vacuum controlled mechanisms for selectively gripping the discs. A disc organizer can be provided which includes trays that can be used to store discs for selective retrieval. The organizer eliminates the difficulty encountered in locating a processed disc from a large stack of discs.

Abstract: Provided are: a turn table for storing a disk shaped recording medium Dn to be vertically placed; a disk drive unit disposed at the center part of the table, the disk drive unit mounting a recording medium Dn to record and/or reproduce an information signal SIN; disk carrying means for carrying the recording medium Dn between the disk drive unit and the turn table; and a control device, wherein the control device controls the turn table and disk carrying medium so as to detect whether or not the recording medium Dn is stored in the disk storage unit, judge an information recording face of the recording medium Dn removed from the disk storage unit, and based on the judgment result, mount the recording medium Dn intact on the disk drive unit or invert the recording medium Dn, thereby remounting the medium on the disk drive.

Abstract: An optical disk loading apparatus (1) for unloading a case (10) from a case stacking device (3) where a plurality of cases (10) are stacked with each case (10) closed and placed upstandingly, transferring the case (10) via a conveyor (2) and loading optical disks (D1, D2) into the case (10). The optical disk loading apparatus (1) includes a case unloading and inverting device (4) that unloads a case (10) from a case supplying conveyor (30) of the case stacking device (3) and inverts the case (10) 90 degrees upstandingly, a case opening device (5) that opens the inverted case (10) to a flat state at its inverted position, and optical disk loading devices (6, 6?) that load optical disks (D1, D2) into the opened case (10). Since the case opening device (5) can be placed at a position in the vicinity of an upstream end of the conveyor (2), the whole length of the conveyor (2) is shortened, thereby shortening the whole length (L) of the optical disk loading apparatus (1).

Abstract: A system for the duplication of binary data onto CD-R disks, the system including a copy unit, a host computer and computer software, the software being installed in the host computer to provide a user interface and to direct the transfer of data from the host computer to the copy unit, the copy unit including a set of multiple stacked recordable disk drives, a microprocessor electronically connected to the activating mechanism of a pivotal transport tower and to the set of multiple stacked recordable disk drives. A robotic disk pickup head on the pivotal transport tower is encompassed by a set of disk spindle members arranged in a symmetric semi-circular pattern around the central tower, the disk pickup head being connected to the pivotal transport tower with an elevator mechanism for lifting and transporting compact disks among the disk spindle members and any selected one of the stacked recordable disk drive members.

Abstract: A disk force-ejection and force-loading device for use in an optical disk drive. The optical disk drive includes an active gear of a drive motor for loading and ejecting an optical disk and a housing including a position hole nearby the active gear of the drive mo- tor. The disk force-ejection and force-loading device includes a drive element installed on one end of the disk force-ejection and force-loading device for connecting and driving the active gear of the drive motor via the position hole, a motivity provider for rotating the drive element, and a power provider for providing electric power to the motivity provider.

Abstract: A loading device for loading an information carrier into a recording/playback unit is provided. The loading device includes a pair of gripping elements that are actuatable to grip the information carrier therebetween. A transport mechanism moves the gripping elements during the loading of the information carrier. The gripping elements are supported by the transport mechanism for movement relative to the transport mechanism. A control mechanism is provided for actuating the gripping elements when the gripping elements are moved by the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A disk-anchoring device for use in an optical disk drive to receive and locate an optical disk includes a substrate, a clamper, a clamper frame, a clamper holder, an elastic element, a frame clamper and a rack slider. The clamper frame has a first protrusion portion. The rack slider has an inclined portion and a second protrusion portion. The elastic element is elastically positioned on the substrate and can function to press down the clamper frame. When the optical disk is loaded, the rack slider can move to have the first protrusion portion of the clamper frame abut the second protrusion portion of the rack slider. The optical disk positioned in the optical disk drive can then be hold elastically and accurately by the clamper, the elastic element, and abutment between the first protrusion portion of the clamper frame and the second protrusion portion of the sliding plate.

Abstract: A reproducing/recording apparatus including a first disk tray (11) for mounting a first disk thereon and a second disk tray (12) for mounting a second disk that is of a type different from the type of the firs disk thereon. The first disk tray (11) is adapted to be moved into and away from the apparatus through a single disk inlet/outlet port (10A) with the second disk tray (12) laid thereon. The reproducing/recording apparatus can be downsized even when it is adapted to reproduce information from and record information onto a number of disks of different types.