Abstract: An optical data storage device having at least two removable rotatable disks and at least one actuator assembly for writing data onto each side of the disks and reading the data recorded on each side of the disks is provided. The disks are rotated by a dual stator/dual rotor spindle motor. The actuators are driven by a dual coil/dual moving magnet actuator.

Abstract: A disk drive apparatus includes at least one disk, a head-arm assembly, and a controller circuit. The head arm assembly includes at least one read/write head. The head-arm assembly is movable to enable the read/write head to access a writable surface of the disk. The controller circuit also causes the read/write head to record data on the writable surface of the disk in a write append format.

Abstract: A disk apparatus includes a playback unit having a reading unit for reading information recorded on a disk, and a turntable on which the disk is placed, the playback unit being movable between a lateral side of a disk conveying path and a central portion of the disk, an arc-shaped stocker for stocking the disk, the stocker being shaped like a part of a circle whose more than half of its area including a center is removed in order to make it possible for the playback unit to move toward the central portion of the disk, and a supporting member disposed separately from the stocker opposite to a part of the disk which is not held by the stocker, the supporting member restricting horizontal movements of the disk.

Abstract: Disk drive spin-up is staggered to reduce peak power requirements. Spin-up of the drives is controlled by selectively delaying voltage inputs to the disk drives. Alternately, spin-up of the drives is controlled by staggering the timing of communications to the disk drives.

Abstract: A disk changer for CD and DVD disks including a rotatable platter with several slots each adapted for receiving a disk generally needs two optical sensors. The first sensor is adapted for detecting the number of a related slot of the platter and for providing a stop signal for the rotation of the platter. The second sensor is adapted for detecting the presence or absence of a disk in a given slot. Said sensors and their associated evaluation circuits are expensive components. Therefore it is an object to simplify the means for realizing said sensors. Said second sensor has the form of a link hingedly mounted between its two ends a first end of the link contacting the surface of the disk and a second end of the link cooperating with said first optical sensor. By this solution said second sensor and its associated evaluation circuit can be omitted substantially reducing the total costs of the changer.