UNIVAC-RANDEX II - Random Access Data Storage System
G. J. Axel · Managing Requirements Knowledge, International Workshop on · 1899
A random access drum file, having 198.6 million bits total storage capacity, a bit density of 650 pulses per inch, and 385 milliseconds average data access time, is described in this paper.Two flying-magnetic-recording-heads transfer data to and from the drum file unit. They are self-supported, by a hydrodynamically generated air film, over two magnetically plated drums (24 inches diameter and 44 inches long). The heads, drums, and head-positioning servo are enclosed in a sealed and pressurized chamber to prevent their contamination by foreign material normally found in the atmospheric air.The text describes in detail:(1) The logic of operation and description of the overall drum file.(2) Construction of the flying-heads.(3) Descriptions of the servo and mechanical adder, which position the flying-heads over selected addresses on the drums.