WO1998035352A2

WO1998035352A2 - Compact disc storage and loader system

Info

Publication number: WO1998035352A2
Application number: PCT/US1998/001912
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Rene Bos; Robert L. Montelius, Jr.; Richard J. Denning
Original assignee: Multidisc Technologies
Priority date: 1997-02-07
Filing date: 1998-02-02
Publication date: 1998-08-13
Also published as: WO1998035352A3; AU6140398A

Abstract

A compact disc storage and loader system comprising a disc storage magazine having a plurality of storage shelves, and methodology for storing and extracting a compact disc utilizing a storage shelf and a disc transport shelf. In one embodiment, each storage shelf (50) is able to accommodate one compact disc (30) thereon for storage, and has a structure (52, 54) for grasping opposing edges of a compact disc. In another embodiment, each shelf (216) of the magazine has an extractor mechanism (220) movably mounted thereon such that movement of the extractor mechanism will push a disc (218) disposed on the shelf for subsequent delivery and use. In another embodiment, each shelf (328) has a disc retention portion of a planar dimension sufficiently less than the diameter of the disc (318) such that a disc (318) is held by friction fit along at least a portion of its periphery.

Description

COMPACT DISC STORAGE AND LOADER SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

This invention relates in general to compact disc storage and retrieval, and in particular to a disc storage and loader system having a disc storage magazine with a plurality of storage shelves and a disc transport shelf, wherein each shelf can have a disc retention structure for grasping and holding a disc during disc retrieval from the other shelf or disc delivery to the other shelf.

Background of the Invention Compact disc storage and retrieval has become a significant factor for consideration in view of the proliferation of use of these discs for data storage in association with computerized information that must be readily available. One effective manner of storing discs is to employ storage magazines generally constructed to provide a plurality of ^* shelves upon which discs reside until needed. When a particular disc is to be retrieved, a transport mechanism automatically travels to the specific magazine shelf where that disc is stored and fetches the disc for delivery to an optical driver for ultimate display of data contained on the disc.

Although various storage and transport mechanisms are available, many are relatively complicated, both in their construction and their retrieval operational steps. As a result, malfunctions can occur which, of course, not only slow information retrieval, but also can prove costly to repair. In view of these problems, it is apparent that a need is present for a reliable and relatively simply constructed disc storage and transport system. Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage and loader system comprising both a disc storage magazine having a plurality of storage shelves and a disc transport shelf, with each shelf constructed to cooperatively participate in disc retrieval and disc reception.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage and loader system wherein each of the storage and transport shelves can have a structure for grasping opposing edges of a compact disc for transferring a disc between one shelf and the other.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage magazine wherein each individual shelf can have defined thereon a disc retention portion in which a disc is releasably held in place until extracted through displacement by an extraction member mounted in association with each shelf.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage magazine wherein each individual shelf can have an extractor mechanism and a lock mechanism selectively operable by an actuator mechanism to unlock and remove a stored disc.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent throughout the description thereof which now follows.

Summary of the Invention The present invention is a compact disc storage and loader system comprising a disc storage magazine having a plurality of storage shelves, and methodology for storing and extracting a compact disc utilizing a storage shelf and a disc transport shelf.

In one embodiment, each storage shelf is able to accommodate one compact disc thereon for storage, and has a structure for grasping opposing edges of a compact disc. The system additionally comprises a longitudinally movable disc transport shelf juxtapositionable to any disc storage shelf and bearing a structure unit also for grasping opposing edges of a compact disc. Preferably, the structure of each storage shelf for grasping discs is two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers. Likewise, the structure unit of the transport shelf has two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers also for grasping the opposing edges of a disc. Finger structure configuration is such that the finger structures associated with one shelf can engage opposing edges of a compact disc held by the finger structures associated with the other shelf, while simultaneously pushing outwardly and releasing the finger structures of that other shelf upon movement of the finger structure unit toward the storage shelf to thereby extract the disc so held. Thus, the fingers associated with either shelf can extract a disc from the other shelf.

In another embodiment, each shelf of the magazine has an extractor mechanism movably mounted thereon such that movement of the extractor mechanism from a home position will push a disc disposed on the shelf from the shelf for subsequent delivery and use. Each shelf additionally has a selectively releasable lock mechanism mounted thereto for locking a disc on the shelf. An externally operable actuator mechanism is also mounted to each shelf. The actuator mechanism has an engager in communication with an extractor engager acceptor of the extractor mechanism and a lock engager acceptor of the lock mechanism, and is operable to move the extractor mechanism and release the lock mechanism to thereby push a compact disc from the shelf for subsequent delivery and use. In a preferred embodiment the extractor mechanism is a pair of pivotally mounted opposing arms, with each arm having a distal end situated at least partially behind a rearward edge portion of a disc on the shelf when each arm is in the home position. The lock mechanism is a pair of pivotally mounted opposing struts each having a distal end positioned against a forward edge portion of a disc on the shelf when each strut is in a locked configuration. As used throughout, a rearward edge portion of a disc is any location behind the full diameter of the disc when the axis of the full diameter of the disc is in substantial alignment with an open edge of the shelf, and a forward edge portion of a disc is any location ahead of the full diameter of the disc. In this preferred embodiment the actuator mechanism is a pair of opposing movable plungers each engageable with one lock mechanism and one extractor mechanism such that movement of each plunger pivotally moves one lock mechanism and one extractor mechanism to thereby release the one lock mechanism and apply pushing pressure against a rearward edge portion of a disc on the shelf. The preferred engager of the actuator mechanism comprises actuator gear teeth, while the extractor engager acceptor and the lock engager acceptor are gear teeth intermeshable with the actuator gear teeth. In another embodiment, each shelf of the magazine has defined thereon a disc retention portion of a planar dimension sufficiently less than the diameter of the disc such that a disc within the disc retention portion is held by friction fit along at least a portion of its periphery. An extractor member is movably mounted to each shelf such that movement of the extractor member from a home position will push a disc disposed on the disc retention portion of the shelf from the shelf, while a tension retainer is in communication with the extractor member to thereby retain the member in the home position for movement only when pressure is applied to it. In a preferred embodiment the extractor member is an arm pivotally mounted to be pivotally movable, and the disc retention portion is defined laterally by a border structure of the magazine and by a side wall of the extractor arm. The border structure and side wall are positioned in opposition to each other when the extractor arm is in the home position, and function to releasably retain or lock the disc in place through friction fit of the periphery of the disc by the border structure and side wall. A selectively operable actuator is in communication with the extractor arm, and operation thereof results in pivotal movement of the extractor arm to thereby push the stored disc from the shelf to a carrier or other apparatus for subsequent delivery and use at a site of data display. Overall, the present invention provides a compact disc storage and loader system that operates efficiently while being economically advantageous in both initial acquisition and long-term operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a compact disc changer system;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a front elevation view of one compact disc changer system module along line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a front elevation view of plurality of modules forming an expandable compact disc changer system;

Figures 4a-4c are top plan views of a shelf within the magazine upon which is stored a compact disc and top plan views of a disc transport shelf sequentially removing the disc;

Figures 5a-5c are top plan views as in Figures 4a-4c with the disc transport shelf sequentially delivering the disc to the magazine shelf;

Figures 6a-6c are top plan views of a storage shelf upon which is stored a compact disc and top plan views of a disc transport shelf sequentially removing the disc;

Figures 7a-7c are top plan views as in Figures 6a-6c with the disc transport shelf sequentially delivering the disc to the storage shelf. Figure 8 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a shelf within the magazine upon which is stored a compact disc; Figures 9a-9c show a progression of disc extraction from the shelf of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a shelf within a magazine upon which is stored a compact disc;

Figures 11a and lib are top plan views of the shelf of Figure 10 showing progressive extraction of the compact disc from the shelf by an extractor arm; and

Figure 12 is a top plan view of a shelf illustrating a second embodiment of an extractor arm.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figure 1, a compact disc storage and loader system 10 includes two banks of cylinders 12 within each module 16 separated by an open zone which is an access channel 14 for transporter robotics carrying a disc transport shelf 48 as shown in Figures 4 and 5 and described later. Each cylinder 12 can house one or more operating components as required for a particular installation, as well as one or more disc storage magazines.

Referring to Figure 2, each module 16 in the preferred embodiment is a housing divided into two imaginary levels 18, 20. Both levels can be used for operating components or for disc storage, or one level can be used for disc storage while the other level an operating component. A plurality of modules 16 are stacked on top of each other as shown in Figure 3 to thereby construct the storage and loader system 10. The access channel 14 of each module 16 is aligned with that of the immediately adjacent module to thereby form a continuous channel among all modules 16 for disc retrieval and replacement using transporter robotics therein disposed. Each module 16 is releasably secured to its next adjacent module with standard draw latches (not shown) on opposing sides of the modules, while module alignment is assured with standard guide pins and pin slots (not shown) situated at the housing walls. A top plate 22 covers the uppermost module, while a base plate 24 is disposed beneath the lowermost module. The respective access channels 14 of all modules 16 are in communication with each other to thereby provide full robotics access among all modules 16 and resultant travel of the disc transport shelf 48 as described below.

Referring to Figures 4a-4c and 5a-5c, a storage shelf 26 of a magazine module 16 comprising a stack of shelves is shown. Specifically, each storage shelf 26 has a disc retention portion 28 having a planar dimension sufficiently less, preferably about 1/64 inch less, than the disc 30 stored thereon such that the disc 30 within the disc retention portion 28 is held by friction fit along at least a portion of its periphery. The disc retention portion 28 is defined by a semi-circular housing 32 situated to project about the inner portion of the storage shelf 26. The storage shelf 26 additionally has pivotally movable opposing fingers 36, 38 each having a pivotal spring 40, 42 at respective pivot sites 44, 46 such that the fingers 36, 38 can move laterally as illustrated in Figures 4a-4c and 5a-5c.

Working in cooperation with the storage shelf 26 and fingers 36, 38 thereof is a disc transport shelf 48 longitudinally movable throughout the access channel 14 by robotics to thereby be juxtapositionable to any disc storage shelf 26. The transport shelf 48 includes a structure unit 50 laterally movable on tracks 64, 66 toward and away from a respective storage shelf 26 and having pivotally movable opposing fingers 52, 54 each having a pivotal spring 56, 58 at respective pivot sites 60, 62 such that the fingers 52, 54 can move laterally as illustrated in Figures 4a-4c and 5a-5c.

Sequential operation of the storage and loader system 10 is illustrated first in Figures 4a-4c wherein the disc 30 is being removed from the storage shelf 26 by the transport shelf 48, and second in Figures 5a-5c wherein the disc 30 is being delivered to the storage shelf 26 by the transport shelf 48. Referring to Figure 4a, the disc 30 is held by friction fit by the semicircular housing 32 of the storage shelf 26, while the fingers 36, 38 grasp the opposing edges of the disc 30. The structure unit 50 of the transport shelf 48 is advanced toward the shelf 26, but is not engaging the disc 30.

Figure 4b illustrates the fingers 52, 54 engaging the disc 30 while simultaneously pushing outwardly the fingers 36, 33 associated with the shelf 26. As is apparent in the drawings, each finger 36, 38, 52, 54 has a respective distal end 68 shaped as an arrow with two respective opposing angular sides meeting at respective tips 70 to thereby mechanically cause lateral outward movement of one finger through tip impingement thereon by lateral movement of the structure unit 50. In Figure 4b, the disc 30 is engaged by the fingers 52, 54, but has not yet been moved. Figure 4c shows completed extraction and movement of the disc 30 from the storage shelf 26 to the transport shelf 48 via the structure unit 50 moving on the tracks 64, 66, with the disc 30 being retained by the fingers 52, 54. Such retention on the transport shelf 48 permits longitudinal movement of the transport shelf 48 by the robotics in the access channel 14 to a disc drive site (not shown) for data retrieval.

Figures 5a-5c illustrate delivery of the disc 30 by the transport shelf 48 to the storage shelf 26. In particular, the structure unit 50 in Figure 5a has moved the disc 30 toward the storage shelf 26 while engaging the periphery of the disc 30 with the opposing fingers 52, 54. The transport shelf 48 has been placed in position adjacent the shelf 26 by the robotics in the access channel 14.

Figure 5b shows the disc 30 in place and held by friction fit by the disc retention portion 28 of the shelf 26 as the disc is grasped by the opposing fingers 36, 38 associated with the storage shelf 26. As is see, the fingers 36, 38 associated with the storage shelf 26 push the fingers 52, 54 associated with the transport shelf 48 laterally outwardly to thereby disengage disc grasp by the fingers 52, 54. Finally, Figure 5c illustrates partial withdrawal of the structure unit 50 moving on the tracks 64, 66, with the fingers 52, 54 of the structure unit 50 pivoted inwardly. The transport shelf 48 is now ready to move to another storage shelf 26 and once again retrieve a disc 30 for delivery to a disc drive site.

Each of Figure sets 6a-6c and 7a-7c illustrate a compact disc retrieval and delivery system 110. Specifically, a storage shelf 112 has a disc retention portion 114 having a planar dimension sufficiently less, preferably about 1/64 inch less, than the disc 116 stored thereon such that the disc 116 within the disc retention portion 114 is held by friction fit along at least a portion of its periphery. The disc retention portion 114 is defined by a semi-circular housing 118 situated to project about the inner portion of the storage shelf 112. The storage shelf 112 additionally has pivotally movable opposing fingers 120, 122 each having a pivotal spring 124, 126 at respective pivot sites 128, 130 such that the fingers 120, 122 can move laterally as illustrated in Figures 6a-6c and 7a-7c.

Working in cooperation with the storage shelf 112 and fingers 120, 122 thereof is a disc transport shelf 132. The transport shelf 132 includes a structure unit 134 laterally movable on tracks 148, 150 toward and away from the storage shelf 112 and having pivotally movable opposing fingers 136, 138 each having a pivotal spring 140, 142 at respective pivot sites 144, 146 such that the fingers 136, 138 can move laterally as illustrated in Figures 6a-6c and 7a-7c. Sequential operation of the retrieval and delivery system 110 is illustrated first in Figures 6a-6c wherein the disc 116 is being removed from the storage shelf 112 by the transport shelf 132, and second in Figures 7a-7c wherein the disc 116 is being delivered to the storage shelf 112 by the transport shelf 132. Referring to Figure 6a, the disc 116 is held by friction fit by the semi-circular housing 118 of the storage shelf 112, while the fingers 120, 122 grasp the opposing edges of the disc 116. The structure unit 134 of the transport shelf 132 is advanced toward the shelf 112, but is not engaging the disc 116.

Figure 6b illustrates the fingers 136, 138 engaging the disc 116 while simultaneously pushing outwardly the fingers 120, 122 associated with the shelf 112. As is apparent in the drawings, each finger 120, 122, 136, 138 has a respective distal end 152 shaped as an arrow with two respective opposing angular sides meeting at respective tips 154 to thereby mechanically cause lateral outward movement of one finger through tip impingement thereon by lateral movement of the structure unit 134. In Figure 6b, the disc 116 is engaged by the fingers 136, 138, but has not yet been moved.

Figure 6c shows completed extraction and movement of the disc 116 from the storage shelf 112 to the transport shelf 132 via the structure unit 134 moving on the tracks 148, 150, with the disc 116 being retained by the fingers 136, 138.

Figures 7a-7c illustrate delivery of the disc 116 by the transport shelf 132 to the storage shelf 112. In particular, the structure unit 134 in Figure 7a has moved the disc 116 toward the storage shelf 112 while engaging the periphery of the disc 116 with the opposing fingers 136, 138. Figure 7b shows the disc 116 in place and held by friction fit by the disc retention portion 114 of the shelf 112 as the disc is grasped by the opposing fingers 120, 122 associated with the storage shelf 112. As is seen, the fingers 120, 122 associated with the storage shelf 112 push the fingers 136, 138 associated with the transport shelf 132 laterally outwardly to thereby disengage disc grasp by the fingers 136, 138. Figure 7c illustrates partial withdrawal of the structure unit 134 moving on the tracks 148,1 50, with the fingers 136, 138 of the structure unit 134 pivoted inwardly.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9a-9c, a shelf 216 comprises another embodiment of the invention. As shown, a disc 218 resides on the shelf 216 which is configured with a relief or taper as known in the art beneath the disc 218 to thereby prevent scratching or marring during disc movement. Two opposing arms 220, 222 function as an extractor mechanism and are pivotally mounted at respective axes 224, 226 to the shelf 216, with each arm 220, 222 having a distal end situated behind a rearward edge portion 228 of the disc 218 when the arms 220, 222 are in their home positions as shown in Figure 8. Two opposing struts 230, 232 function as a lock mechanism and are pivotally mounted at respective axes 234, 236 to the shelf 216, with each strut 230, 232 having a distal end positioned against a forward edge portion 238 of the disc 218 when the struts 230, 232 are in a locking configuration as shown in Figure 8. Finally, two opposing movable plungers 240, 242 function as an actuator mechanism each respectively engageable with one strut 230, 232 and one arm 220, 222. Since both plungers 240, 242 are mirror images of each other, a description of plunger 240 applies equally to plunger 242. Thus, plunger 240 (as well as plunger 242) is fabricated with two sets of gear teeth 244, 246, while arm 220 (as well as arm 222) likewise is fabricated with gear teeth 248, and strut 230 (as well as strut 232) likewise is fabricated with gear teeth 250. The set of gear teeth 244 is positioned on the plunger 240 to engage gear teeth 248 of the arm 220 upon plunger movement, while the set of gear teeth 246 is positioned to engage gear teeth 250 of the strut 230. All components can be manufactured of appropriate plastic as would be recognized in the art. As is apparent, Figure 8 shows the disc 218 in a locked position on the shelf 216. Figures 9a-9c illustrate unlocking the disc 218 and its movement from the shelf 216. Specifically, Figure 9a shows the plungers 240, 242 moved inwardly a small distance to achieve pivotal movement of the struts 230, 232 away from the forward edge portion 238 of the disc 218 to thereby unlock the disc 218. Figure 9b illustrates continued movement of the plungers 240, 242 which results in flattened alignment of the struts 230, 232 with the plungers 240, 242 and pivotal movement of the arms 220, 222 such that the distal ends thereof in contact with the rearward edge portion 228 of the disc 218 push the disc 218 outwardly. Finally, Figure 9c illustrates completed movement of the plungers 240, 242 and movement of the disc 218 from the shelf 216. Simultaneous with such disc removal from the shelf 216 is disc pick up by a disc transfer apparatus (not shown) situated in the transporter channel 214 to carry the disc 218 to an optical reader for subsequent retrieval of stored data. In operation, plunger activation is accomplished when a user selects a disc 218 in accord with electromechanical controls known in the art as part of the magazine construction. Thus, the disc transfer apparatus can be fitted with plunger thrust devices as would be recognized by a skilled artisan to move the plungers 240, 242 inwardly for subsequent disc retrieval by the transfer apparatus. As is evident, reversing the above sequence of operation provides for disc return to a shelf 216.

The embodiment shown in Figures 10-12 is a shelf 316 upon which a compact disc 318 is stored as illustrated in Figures 10, 11a and lib. Specifically, each shelf 316 has a disc retention portion 320 having a planar dimension sufficiently less, preferably about 1/64 inch less, than the diameter of the disc 318 stored thereon such that the disc 318 within the disc retention portion 320 is held by friction fit along at least a portion of its periphery 322. The disc retention portion 320 is defined laterally by a border structure 324 of the magazine and by a side wall 326 of a pivotally movable extractor arm 328. The border structure 324 and side wall 326 are positioned in opposition to each other when the extractor arm 328 is in the home position as shown in Figure 10. A pivotal spring 330 is disposed at the pivot site 332 such that the extractor arm 328 is retained in the home position and movable only when pressure is applied to it.

Extraction of the disc 318 from the disc retention portion 320 of the shelf 316 moves the disc 318 to a carrier tray 334 for robotic transport as recognized in the art to a site of use. Figures 11a and lib illustrate operability of the extraction process. In particular, a plunger 336 functions as an actuator for activating the extractor arm 328. Figure 11a shows partial lateral movement of the plunger 336 with resultant partial movement of the arm 328, while Figure lib shows completed lateral movement of the plunger 336 and the arm 328 such that the disc 318 is extracted from the shelf 316 and placed on the carrier tray 334. Return of the plunger 336 to its original position results in the return of the extractor arm 328 to its home position as accomplished by the pivotal spring 330.

Figure 12 shows a second preferred embodiment of an extractor arm 340. As is apparent, the arm 340 is constructed to optimize a minimal amount of material by providing a void 342 between a base portion 344 and a disc contact portion 346. The disc contact portion 346 is resilient and thereby provides a friction fit for the disc 318 stored on the shelf. Activation of the arm 340 is accomplished in an identical manner to that described above. Thus, lateral movement of the plunger 336 pivotally moves the arm 340 to extract the disc 328 and deliver it to the carrier tray 334. Reverse movement of the plunger 336 results in the arm 340 pivotally returning to its home position through action of the pivotal spring 330. Such plunger activation is accomplished when a user selects a disc 318 in accord with electromechanical controls known in the art as part of the magazine construction.

As is apparent, the present invention provides compact disc storage that accomplishes a relatively high storage density while securely maintaining individual discs until extracted for data retrieval. While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art .

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A compact disc storage and loader system comprising: a) a disc storage magazine having a plurality of disc storage shelves, each shelf able to accommodate one compact disc thereon for storage and having a structure for grasping opposing edges of a compact disc; and b) a longitudinally movable disc transport shelf juxtapositionable to any disc storage shelf, said transport shelf having a structure unit for grasping opposing edges of a compact disc.

2. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein each shelf of the storage magazine has two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

3. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the structure unit of the disc transport shelf is laterally movable toward a storage shelf and comprises two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

4. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the fingers associated with one shelf can engage opposing edges of a compact disc held by the fingers associated with the other shelf while simultaneously pushing outwardly and releasing the fingers associated with said other shelf upon movement of the structure unit toward the storage shelf to thereby extract the disc so held.

5. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 4 wherein each finger has a distal end shaped as an arrow with two opposing angular sides meeting at a tip.

6. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the structure unit of the disc transport shelf is laterally movable toward a storage shelf and comprises two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

7. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the storage magazine is expandable and comprises a plurality of substantially identical modules aligned with each other.

8. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 7 wherein each module comprises a housing aligned with the housing of a next adjacent module and has therein a plurality of disc storage shelves .

9. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 8 wherein an access channel is aligned with the access channel of the next adjacent module and accommodates travel of the disc transport shelf which is integral with a robotics drive.

10. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein each shelf of the storage magazine has defined thereon a disc retention portion of a planar dimension sufficiently less than the diameter of the disc such that a disc within the disc retention portion is held by friction fit along at least a portion of its periphery.

11. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 10 wherein each shelf of the storage magazine has two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

12. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the structure unit of the disc transport shelf is laterally movable toward a storage shelf and comprises two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

13. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the fingers associated with one shelf can engage opposing edges of a compact disc held by the fingers associated with the other shelf while simultaneously pushing outwardly and releasing the fingers associated with said other shelf upon movement of the structure unit toward the storage shelf to thereby extract the disc so held.

14. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 13 wherein each finger has a distal end shaped as an arrow with two opposing angular sides meeting at a tip.

15. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the structure unit of the disc transport shelf is laterally movable toward a storage shelf and comprises two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

16. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the storage magazine is expandable and comprises a plurality of substantially identical modules aligned with each other.

17. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 16 wherein each module comprises a housing aligned with the housing of a next adjacent module and has therein a plurality of disc storage shelves.

18. A compact disc storage and loader system as claimed in Claim 17 wherein an access channel is aligned with the access channel of the next adjacent module and accommodates travel of the disc transport shelf which is integral with a robotics drive.

19. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system comprising: a) a disc storage shelf able to accommodate one compact disc thereon for storage and having a structure for grasping opposing edges of a compact disc; and b) a disc transport shelf having a structure unit for grasping opposing edges of a compact disc.

20. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the storage shelf has two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

21. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system as claimed in Claim 20 wherein the structure unit of the disc transport shelf is laterally movable toward the storage shelf and comprises two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

22. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system as claimed in Claim 21 wherein the fingers associated with one shelf can engage opposing edges of a compact disc held by the fingers associated with the other shelf while simultaneously pushing outwardly and releasing the fingers associated with said other shelf upon movement of the structure unit toward the storage shelf to thereby extract the disc so held.

23. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system as claimed in Claim 22 wherein each finger has a distal end shaped as an arrow with two opposing angular sides meeting at a tip.

24. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the structure unit of the disc transport shelf is laterally movable toward a storage shelf and comprises two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

25. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the storage shelf has defined thereon a disc retention portion of a planar dimension sufficiently less than the diameter of the disc such that a disc within the disc retention portion is held by friction fit along at least a portion of its periphery.

26. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the storage shelf has two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

27. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system as claimed in Claim 26 wherein the structure unit of the disc transport shelf is laterally movable toward a storage shelf and comprises two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

28. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system as claimed in Claim 27 wherein the fingers associated with one shelf can engage opposing edges of a compact disc held by the fingers associated with the other shelf while simultaneously pushing outwardly and releasing the fingers associated with said other shelf upon movement of the structure unit toward the storage shelf to thereby extract the disc so held.

29. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system as claimed in Claim 28 wherein each finger has a distal end shaped as an arrow with two opposing angular sides meeting at a tip.

30. A compact disc retrieval and delivery system as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the structure unit of the disc transport shelf is laterally movable toward the storage shelf and comprises two pivotally and springedly mounted opposing fingers for grasping the opposing edges of the compact disc.

31. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc in a compact disc storage magazine, the method comprising: a) providing a compact disc storage magazine having at least one compact disc stored therein on one shelf thereof, said magazine comprising:

1) a plurality of shelves, each shelf able to accommodate one compact disc thereon for storage; 2 ) an extractor mechanism movably mounted to each shelf such that movement of the extractor mechanism from a home position will push a disc disposed on the shelf from said shelf;

3 ) a selectively releasable lock mechanism mounted to each shelf for locking a disc on said shelf; b) providing an externally operable actuator mechanism mounted to each shelf, said actuator mechanism having an engager in communication with an extractor engager acceptor of the extractor mechanism and a lock engager acceptor of the lock mechanism, said actuator mechanism operable to move the extractor mechanism and release the lock mechanism; and c) operating the actuator mechanism on a shelf having a compact disc stored thereon to thereby release the lock mechanism and move the extractor mechanism to push the compact disc from the shelf for subsequent delivery and use.

32. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 31 wherein the extractor mechanism is a pair of pivotally mounted opposing arms, with each arm having a distal end situated at least partially behind a rearward edge portion of a disc on the shelf when each arm is in the home position.

33. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 32 wherein the lock mechanism is a pair of pivotally mounted opposing struts each having a distal end positioned against a forward edge portion of a disc on the shelf when each strut is in a locked configuration .

34. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 33 wherein the engager of the actuator mechanism comprises actuator gear teeth and wherein the extractor engager acceptor and the lock engager acceptor are gear teeth intermeshable with the actuator gear teeth.

35. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 34 wherein the actuator mechanism is a pair of opposing movable plungers each engageable with one lock mechanism and one extractor mechanism such that movement of each plunger pivotally moves said one lock mechanism and one extractor mechanism to thereby release said one lock mechanism and apply pushing pressure against a rearward edge portion of a disc on the shelf.

36. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 31 wherein the lock mechanism is a pair of pivotally mounted opposing struts each having a distal end positioned against a forward edge portion of a disc on the shelf when each strut is in a locked configuration.

37. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 31 wherein the engager of the actuator mechanism comprises actuator gear teeth and wherein the extractor engager acceptor and the lock engager acceptor are gear teeth intermeshable with the actuator gear teeth.

38. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 31 wherein the actuator mechanism is a pair of opposing movable plungers each engageable with one lock mechanism and one extractor mechanism such that movement of each plunger pivotally moves said one lock mechanism and one extractor mechanism to thereby release said one lock mechanism and apply pushing pressure against a rearward edge portion of a disc on the shelf.

39. A compact disc storage magazine comprising: a) a plurality of shelves, each shelf able to accommodate one compact disc thereon for storage; b) an extractor mechanism movably mounted to each shelf such that movement of the extractor mechanism from a home position will push a disc disposed on the shelf from said shelf; c) a selectively releasable lock mechanism mounted to each shelf for locking a disc on said shelf; d) an externally operable actuator mechanism mounted to each shelf, said actuator mechanism having an engager in communication with an extractor engager acceptor of the extractor mechanism and a lock engager acceptor of the lock mechanism, said actuator mechanism operable to move the extractor mechanism and release the lock mechanism to thereby push a compact disc on the shelf from the shelf for subsequent delivery and use.

40. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 39 wherein the extractor mechanism is a pair of pivotally mounted opposing arms, with each arm having a distal end situated at least partially behind a rearward edge portion of a disc when a disc is on the shelf when each arm is in the home position.

41. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 40 wherein the lock mechanism is a pair of pivotally mounted opposing struts each having a distal end positioned against a forward edge portion of a disc on the shelf when each strut is in a locked configuration.

42. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 41 wherein the engager of the actuator mechanism comprises actuator gear teeth and wherein the extractor engager acceptor and the lock engager acceptor are gear teeth intermeshable with the actuator gear teeth.

43. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 42 wherein the actuator mechanism is a pair of opposing movable plungers each engageable with one lock mechanism and one extractor mechanism such that movement of each plunger pivotally moves said one lock mechanism and one extractor mechanism to thereby release said one lock mechanism and apply pushing pressure against a rearward edge portion of a disc on the shelf.

44. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 39 wherein the lock mechanism is a pair of pivotally mounted opposing struts each having a distal end positioned against a forward edge portion of a disc on the shelf when each strut is in a locked configuration .

45. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 39 wherein the engager of the actuator mechanism comprises actuator gear teeth and wherein the extractor engager acceptor and the lock engager acceptor are gear teeth intermeshable with the actuator gear teeth.

46. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 39 wherein the actuator mechanism is a pair of opposing movable plungers each engageable with one lock mechanism and one extractor mechanism such that movement of each plunger pivotally moves said one lock mechanism and one extractor mechanism to thereby release said one lock mechanism and apply pushing pressure against a rearward edge portion of a disc on the shelf.

47. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc in a compact disc storage magazine, the method comprising: a) providing a compact disc storage magazine having at least one compact disc stored therein on one shelf thereof, said magazine comprising:

1) a plurality of shelves, each shelf able to accommodate one compact disc thereon for storage, said shelf having defined thereon a disc retention portion of a planar dimension sufficiently less than the diameter of the disc such that a disc within the disc retention portion is held by friction fit along at least a portion of its periphery;

2 ) an extractor member movably mounted to each shelf such that movement of the extractor member from a home position will push a disc disposed on the disc retention portion of the shelf from the shelf;

3 ) a tension retainer in communication with the extractor member to retain the member in the home position such that the member is movable only when pressure is applied to said member; b) providing a selectively operable actuator in communication with the extractor member, said actuator operable to move the extractor member; and c) operating the actuator on a shelf having a compact disc stored thereon to thereby move the extractor member and push the compact disc from the shelf for subsequent delivery and use.

48. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 47 wherein the extractor member of the shelf is an arm pivotally mounted to be pivotally movable .

49. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 48 wherein the disc retention portion of the shelf is defined laterally by a border structure of the magazine and by a side wall of the extractor arm, with said border structure and side wall positioned in opposition to each other when the extractor arm is in the home position.

50. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 49 wherein the retainer in communication with the extractor arm is a spring.

51. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 50 wherein the retainer is a pivotal spring disposed to pivotally mount the extractor arm to the shelf.

52. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 51 wherein the actuator in communication with the extractor arm is a slidable plunger having an end thereof in contact with the extractor arm such that sliding the plunger against the arm will pivotally move the arm.

53. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 47 wherein the disc retention portion of the shelf is defined laterally by a border structure of the magazine and by a side wall of the extractor member, with said border structure and side wall positioned in opposition to each other when the extractor member is in the home position.

54. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 47 wherein the retainer in communication with the extractor member is a spring.

55. A method of storing and extracting a compact disc as claimed in Claim 54 wherein the retainer is a pivotal spring disposed to pivotally mount the extractor member to the shelf.

56. A compact disc storage magazine comprising: a) a plurality of shelves, each shelf able to accommodate one compact disc thereon for storage, said shelf having defined thereon a disc retention portion of a planar dimension sufficiently less than the diameter of the disc such that a disc within the disc retention portion is held by friction fit along at least a portion of its periphery; b) an extractor member movably mounted to each shelf such that movement of the extractor member from a home position will push a disc disposed on the disc retention portion of the shelf from the shelf; and c) a tension retainer in communication with the extractor member to retain the member in the home position such that the member is movable only when pressure is applied to said member.

57. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 56 wherein the extractor member is an arm pivotally mounted to be pivotally movable.

58. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 57 wherein the disc retention portion is defined laterally by a border structure of the magazine and by a side wall of the extractor arm, with said border structure and side wall positioned in opposition to each other when the extractor arm is in the home position.

59. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 58 wherein the retainer is a spring.

60. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 59 wherein the retainer is a pivotal spring disposed to pivotally mount the extractor arm to the shelf.

61. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 60 wherein the extractor arm is movable by a selectively operable actuator in communication with the extractor arm.

62. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 61 wherein the actuator is a slidable plunger having an end thereof in contact with the extractor arm such that sliding the plunger against the arm will pivotally move the arm.

63. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 56 wherein the disc retention portion is defined laterally by a border structure of the magazine and by a side wall of the extractor member, with said border structure and side wall positioned in opposition to each other when the extractor member is in the home position.

64. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 56 wherein the extractor member is movable by a selectively operable actuator in communication with the extractor member.

65. A compact disc storage magazine as claimed in Claim 64 wherein the actuator is a slidable plunger having an end thereof in contact with the extractor member such that sliding the plunger against the member will move the member.