Importance

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Abstract

A disk playback device holds a disk in a playback position. A turntable moves toward the disk to a raised position where its support surface is adjacent a back of the disk. A spindle inserts through a center hole of the disk to align the disk with the turntable. A clamper is held above the disk on a side of the disk opposite the turntable. The clamper is supported close enough to the disk that when the turntable is in the raised position, a magnet in the turntable exerts a substantial force on a piece of ferromagnetic material in the clamper. When the clamper is released it clamps the disk to the turntable. By bringing the clamper and turntable to the disk rather than moving the disk toward one or the other, no space is required for the displacement of the disk in a direction perpendicular to its surface. The clamper is supported by a pair of holders, slidable in a direction parallel to the surface of the disk. Wedge-shaped surfaces on the holders engage a flange on top of the clamper to lift and hold the clamper above the disk. If a disk is misaligned with the spindle when the turntable is brought to the raised position, the disk is pressed against the clamper. The clamper in turn presses against inclined surfaces of the holders causing the holders to spread apart. The spreading is detected to invoke a control routine to correct the misalignment.

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First Claim