Abstract: A method of storing a data storage device includes but is not limited to emplacing a data storage device in a container, the container having surfaces; and writing storable data to the data storage device by transmitting energy through a surface of the container. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present application. Other methods and apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk for storing data, the disk comprising a public area for storing plaintext data and a pristine area for storing encrypted data. The disk drive comprises a head for reading the encrypted data from the pristine area of the disk, and a control system for controlling access to the pristine area of the disk. Authentication circuitry within the disk drive is provided for authenticating a request received from an external entity to access the pristine area of the disk and for enabling the control system if the request is authenticated. The disk drive further comprises a secret drive key, and decryption circuitry responsive to the secret drive key, for decrypting the encrypted data stored in the pristine area of the disk.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for transferring audio data to a data recorder adopting a personal computer bus to receive audio data enters into data communication mode over a bus without conducting preparation steps for transferring data when a record request is received. The preparation steps include occupying the bus and issuing packet commands. Real-time data such as an audio signal are transferred with no delay to a general optical disk driver satisfying the personal computer (PC) bus interfacing requirement. This allows adoption of a general disk driver for data recording instead of an exclusive audio disk driver, thereby reducing manufacturing cost of a digital audio recorder and enabling the disk driver installed in a digital audio recorder to be used in other devices such as a PC.

Abstract: A service system is provided for recording spoken passages exchanged between parties, for example, via the public telephone system. The service system is called into action preferably by the agreement of the parties and is used to make a recording of the spoken exchanges between the parties. At the termination of recording, each party is preferably provided with the opportunity to review the recording and asked to confirm their acceptance of the recording. The service system then provides a reference copy of the recording. Where a digital copy of the recording is made, the parties are preferably required to indicate their acceptance by digitally signing and returning the recording to the service system.

Abstract: A master tape moves between first supply and take-up reels over a pinch roller. A slave tape moves between second supply and take-up reels over a capstan. First and second guides are respectively constructed and positioned to regulate the movement of the master and slave tapes to aligned positions on the pinch roller and the capstan. A heater between the pinch roller and the second guide heats essentially only a thermomagnetic layer on the slave tape to at least the Curie temperature. The heater is adjustably positioned to facilitate the movement of the slave tape to the aligned position on the capstan. Brake shoes respectively between the first guide and the first supply reel, and between the second guide and the second supply reel, control master and slave tape tensions and damp any variations in tensions. The pinch roller is movable to a first position, locked in position relative to the capstan, to abut the capstan and facilitate the transfer of magnetic information from the master tape to the slave tape.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical turntable system for optically playing phonograph records having a recorded signal in a groove formed by a wall having a position modulated by the recorded signal. An optical unit includes an optical source providing a first light beam incident onto the wall to provide a reflected beam from the wall forming a reflected spot at a reflected position proportional to the recorded signal and also includes an optical sensor for sensing the reflected postion of the reflected spot to provide an output data signal proportional to the recorded signal. The optical unit also includes a tracking assembly which functions to position the optical unit over the section of the groove of interest as the record turns.