摘要 |
Structure is provided for separately sealing an optical disk cartridge and cooperating apparatus closed when the cartridge and apparatus are not operatively engaged for intended use, and for opening the cartridge and apparatus to each other while jointly closing them from the environment when they are so engaged. The optical disk includes a magnetically attractable hub bearing a compliant annular seal. The disk-containing cartridge is permanently closed except for a central drive-access opening in one wall thereof that is bounded by a circular rim concentrically aligned with the hub seal. Magnetic means on that wall atrract the hub and thereby draw its seal into firm contact with the rim, to seal the opening closed whenever the cartridge is not in use. The cooperating apparatus includes a drive spindle that is bounded by a circular flange also concentrically aligned with the hub seal. Associated mechanism engages the spindle axially with the hub so as to move the flange into contact with the hub seal while moving the seal out of contact with the rim. Encircling the spindle is a resiliently flexible housing member bearing a compliant annular seal concentrically aligned with both the flange and the rim. The housing member is biased toward the flange and rim so as to urge its seal into contact with either the flange, to seal the housing closed whenever the spindle is not engaged with the hub, or the rim, to seal the housing to the cartridge when the spindle is so engaged.
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