PARTITIONABLE DISC MEMORY WITH FLEXIBLE DISCS AND CONFORMALLY SUSPENDED HEAD

摘要

Normally confined record surfaces of ultra-thin continuously rotating flexible magnetic record discs (nominal thickness 0.0017 inches), arranged in a laminar configuration of several hundred aggregately deformable discs, are accessed by aerodynamically stabilized flexure. The rotational path is partitioned by an axially translated airfoil blade at axial interface positions between randomly selected discs, and a semi-rigidly suspended contoured head is positioned independently of the partitioning blade in compliant relation to the surface of revolution traced by a disc surface at the interface. That surface conforms intimately to the convex head contour, separated from the head only by a very thin hydrodynamically generated air film. The arrangement thus provides high lineal density of bit recording. Tendency of the partitioned discs to flutter during the partitioning action and thereby potentially interfere with or delay positioning of the head, is counteracted by specific design features of the disclosed partitioning and stabilizing assemblies. The conformal position of the head is established at a peripheral zone of the interface record surface and glides radially to a selected track position of the record without interruption of the conformal relation. The aggregate assembly is characterized by volumetric efficiency (recording bit densities in excess of 1010 bits in a volume of 250 cubic inches) and access efficiency (1 sec). Plural partitioning and transducing mechanisms can be associated with a single pack; either as stand-by redundant elements or to provide access to record surfaces on opposite sides of partition interfaces. Plural packs are aggregatable on a common spindle or on separate spindles.