Recording system with gas supported record medium

Abstract

A recording apparatus of a type employing a thin pliant disc of recording material with a transducer disposed to advance and retreat across the disc in recording relation thereto employs a drive construction for rotating the disc and a base member having a generally smooth crowned surface underlying the disc. The crowned surface includes a radially extending crest defined by flanking portions sloping away from the crest region formed therebetween. The crest extends linearly across the surface (preferably on a radius or diameter) of the disc. Means for rotating the disc relative to the underlying base member in surface following relation causes the recording surface of the disc to be subjected to tensioning forces derived from the conjoint change in angular direction of the disc and the change in the plane of movement of the disc as it passes across the crest region thereby smoothing uneven or irregular portions of the recording surface passing beneath the transducer. In addition, a supplemental supply of suitable gas, such as air, is blown upwardly against the undersurface of the disc along a radius so as to space the disc uniformly from the base member to provide substantially uniform head-to-disc contact.