Apparatus and methods for backside stabilization of flexible optical

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for providing Bernoulli stabilization to flexible media in an information storage system, are shown to include a stabilizer having a body on which a first surface is formed of a contour sufficient to provide Bernoulli stabilization to media passing thereover. The stabilizer is positioned so that the first surface is proximate backside of the media. In one embodiment, the first surface has a number of grooves which channel air passing between the first surface and the backside. In those situations where the flexible media includes two flexible disks, each having an active side and a backside and where the disks are oriented so that the backsides face one another, the body further includes a second surface of a contour sufficient to provide Bernoulli stabilization to media passing thereover. In such situations the stabilizer is positioned between the disks. In a still further embodiment the disks are rotatably mounted in a cartridge which includes a housing having an opening along one side thereof to allow access to the disks and a separator, attached to the housing and positioned between the disks, for providing separation of the disks. In such a situation when the cartridge is positioned in relation to the information system the space between the disks is accessible.