Importance

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Abstract

A floppy disk drive mechanism includes a clamping lever which is turned to align the floppy disk with a drive spindle and clamp it thereto. The clamping lever is not accessible until the disk has been fully inserted into the drive mechanism thus minimizing damage as may occur by operating the clamping mechanism when the disk is not fully inserted. Further, turning of the accessible handle causes a rotational clamping device to be moved vertically downward along a line perpendicular to the plane of the floppy disk so as to further align the disk with the drive spindle and clamp it thereto. The clamping lever also is not accessible when in the fully clamped condition. An overcenter link holds the clamping mechanism in the fully clamped condition and a lock-out prevents ejection of said disk during operation. By pushing a release button, the over-center link is disengaged and a spring-loaded mechanism unclamps the clamping mechanism and raises the read/write head free of the disk. The spring-loaded mechanism includes a member that strikes the disk driving it partially out from the drive mechanism so that it can be readily removed. At the same time, the clamping lever is returned to its recessed, rest position.

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First Claim