Max E Davis

US Patent:

42913462, Sep 22, 1981

Filed:

Jun 4, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/045142

Inventors:

Harold J. Beecroft - Austin TX
Max G. Davis - Plano TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G11B 2110
G11B 555

US Classification:

360 75

Abstract:

An information storage system for recording data on a flexible magnetic recording disc is provided. The information storage system includes an optoelectronic system for determining the position of a magnetic head transducer, which is used to read and/or write information on the disc, with respect to the disc. The optoelectronic system has a moveable shutter member with a plurality of apertures formed therein for moving along with the head. The shutter member moves with respect to a stationary mask member having first and second sets of apertures formed therein. As the shutter moves, selected apertures of the mask member are in registration with apertures in the shutter, thereby allowing light to pass therethrough, while other apertures of the mask member are blocked off by solid portions of the shutter, thereby blocking off light passage. The optoelectronic system senses which apertures of the mask member are open and which are blocked off and generates an electrical signal indicative thereof. Since the shutter movements correspond to head movements, the signal corresponds to the relative position of the head with respect to the disc.