Disk storage and handling magazine

Much data stored in digital form is stored on optical disks, such as audio compact disks or CD ROMs. In the case of software or music or the like stored on an optical disk, the data is mastered on the disk, i.e., the data is provided on the disk prior to the disk reaching the ultimate user of the data. Two examples of mastering are stamping or pressing vinyl audio recordings or injection molding compact disks or CD ROMs. Typically, a mastered software program CD-ROM or a mastered audio compact disk is produced in large quantities for wide distribution. Thus, the mastering process requires handling a large quantity of disks. Similarly, disks with data storage that is writeable by the user, such as writeable CD-ROMs or floppy disks, are also typically produced in large quantities. A disk storage and handling magazine has a spindle mounted on a bottom cap. Disks are loaded in the magazine by passing the spindle through a hole in the center of the disks. The disks may be separated by spacers to prevent the disks from touching each other. In some embodiments, the magazine includes a tube surrounding the spindle and a removable top cap fitting over the spindle and the tube. The magazine also includes a jacking mechanism that moves up and down the spindle for automatically unloading disks from the magazine. The jacking mechanism has a jacking plate mounted on at least one plug. The at least one plug seats in a hole in the bottom cap of the magazine to form an airtight seal when the jacking mechanism is at the bottom of the spindle.