In a random access storage device a head transported relative to a rotating assembly of flexible disks and a pair of co-rotating end plates operates in clearance spaces formed by sliding the disks apart at a selected interface. One of the end plates is attached to a low friction spline which is quickly shiftable between predetermined axial limit positions. In the most confining position of this plate a single selected interface space between the disks is partially opened by deflection of the disks. The partial opening is sufficient to establish a pressure difference relative to the other interfaces but not enough for unobstructed entrance of the head. Shortly after formation of the partial opening the shiftable plate is actuated away from the disks in a quick movement. Due to the suction effects accompanying this movement, and the just-mentioned pressure difference, the disks between the partial opening and the shifting plate are cohesively moved away from the selected interface as a sliding unit; thereby expanding that interface sufficiently to accommodate the head.
Improved flexible disk pack magnetic storage systems and associated elements are illustrated as adapted for end-wise pneumatic partitioning of a pack of flexible record disks and indicate, among other features, the use of "isolation packs" flanking the record pack to better isolate it, and especially the outer record-disks, from an outer pair of end-plates between which the isolation packs are disposed, the size and composition of each isolation pack being optimized and the gaps between isolation disks preferably coupled, pneumatically, to prescribed record-gaps and varied in height, with "large" isolation gaps coupled to "record-gaps" that are more difficult to partition.
Method and apparatus for opening stacked disk memory members arranged in a pack for co-rotation and having substantial freedom of axial movement relative to one another, the opening being accomplished by engaging the disk pack with drive means having axially extending pins of varying length, and of a predetermined pattern with the increments of pin length variation being substantially equal to the desired openings between the disk members, and the disk memory members having openings defined therein with corresponding patterns adjacent disk memory members having progressively fewer openings to receive pins of a predetermined pattern with the result that all pins of a predetermined length bear upon a disk memory member and axially separate it from the adjacent disk memory member, thereby providing an opening at the termini of each set of pins of common length.
A multidisk containing player comprises: a playing device including a turntable, a pickup, and a disk clamp mechanism, the playing device being provided within a player housing, a magazine accommodating a plurality of disks and being removably mounted on a mounting portion as installed within the player housing, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the playing device toward a disk to be played and loading the playing means to the disk to be played. The magazine includes a housing having an upper half portion and a lower half portion, the two portions being separate from each other.
Improved flexible disk magnetic storage systems and associated sub-assemblies and media are illustrated in the embodiments as comprising a pack of flexible magnetic recording disks stacked for co-rotation at high rpm on a manipulator assembly which includes a pneumatic separator-hub adapted to be shifted axially along the disk array so as to direct an air jet between selected disks and thus "partition" the stack for entry of a transducer assembly.
Improved disk drive equipment is illustrated, being characterized by improved partitioning means for partitioning a stack of flexible magnetic recording disks axially (end-wise).
