Importance

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Abstract

A disk transport mechanism for a disk player employs a fixed disk guide and drive-side disk guide, the latter with a revolving belt, to support opposite edges of a disk. The disk is held between the fixed and drive-side disk guides to press the revolving belt against the disk edge causing the disk to roll along the fixed disk guide. Both guides have high friction surfaces, such as rubber, to prevent slipping of the disk. For user comfort, the revolving belt is on a side closest to the anticipated position of the user so the disk rotates in the most natural direction. To protect the belt and fixed support surface of the fixed disk guide, a disk guide of low friction material is located at the front of the fixed disk guide opposite the revolving belt. Upon insertion, the user pushing the disk toward the rear of the disk player and laterally away from the user's body (to the right for a disk player located to the right of a user holding the disk in the right hand), applies a force, with normal and shear components, to the disk guide. The normal force is greater against the disk guide than against the more vulnerable moving belt, located opposite the disk guide. The fixed disk guide surface is not contacted until the disk is released by the user so both surfaces are protected.

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First Claim