Importance

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Abstract

A compact disk player/changer for compact disks fits within the standard half-height disk drive form factor for computer peripherals. A disk, either 5 1/4-inch or 3 1/2 inch in size, is inserted through an aperture and supported, at opposite contact points on its edge, between laterally movable left and right-side disk guides. The disk's left side contacts a belt revolved on the left-side disk guide. The disk's right side contacts a fixed wall on the right-side disk guide. The belt slides along a rigid wall that prevents bowing from pressure exerted by the disk's edge. Thus, the right-side disk guide presents a flat movable wall that rolls the disk into the disk player along the fixed wall. The left and right-side disk guides move laterally to accommodate the disk as it is inserted. The spacing between the disk guides, once the disk is fully supported between the disk guides, is detected by a controller to determine the size of the disk. The position of the disk at insertion is accurately registered by the closing of a flap at the entrance of the front aperture. The position of the belt is detected by a rotational encoder on a pulley that supports one end of the belt. The disk size and registration position are used with belt position information to position the disk accurately irrespective of the disk size.

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First Claim