Abstract: The walls of a video disc caddy are vibrated at or near their resonant frequency to dislodge foreign matter adhering to the inside surfaces of the walls. The separated foreign matter is collected by the pressurized air circulating inside the caddy enclosure, and removed therefrom by means of a vacuum.

Abstract: In a video disc player, an empty sleeve is inserted into an input slot provided in the player along a pair of guide rails to retrieve a record/spine assembly retained therein. The caddy guide rails are provided with a set of oppositely disposed notches near the input slot to block the entry of the sleeve into the player if its entrance angle is too sharp, thereby reducing the possibility of retrieval of the spine without the record.

Abstract: A conveyor belt is located along the bottom of a tape bin to support a stack of tape folds. The tape bin contains a U-shaped cradle for shaping the upper run of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt drives the tape stack around the U-turn from the feed end of the bin to its payout end to present the output end of the tape with very little resistance or pressure from the tape stack.

Abstract: A stylus cartridge is equipped with a pair of integrally-molded flexural retaining fingers for locking a stylus arm within the confines of the cartridge body. When a slider member disposed on the cartridge is acted upon, it spreads the retaining fingers apart to release the stylus arm.

Abstract: A pickup carriage drive for a video disc player comprises a selective-activated motor mounted on a pickup carriage. A drive cord is strung between a pair of anchor points disposed in the player, and has a portion wrapped around the output shaft coupled to the drive motor. The motor, when energized, drives the carriage to follow the pickup stylus across the record during playback.

Abstract: In a video disc player, a stylus arm, having a track-following stylus at one end thereof, has its other end secured to a pickup cartridge by means of a compliant member. A conductive flylead disposed in the cartridge provides an electrical connection between an electrode incorporated in the stylus and a terminal disposed in the cartridge. The pickup cartridge is removably received in an arm carriage which is translated along a path disposed radially of the disc record during playback. Reception of the cartridge on the carriage establishes an electrical contact between the cartridge terminal and signal pickup circuits in the player. The pickup circuits additionally serve to sense a stylus position representative capacitance formed between the flylead and a second electrode mounted on the cartridge adjacent thereto.

Abstract: In a video disc player, an empty jacket is inserted into the player to retrieve a retained record. A pair of retractable retaining pins are arranged in the player to hold the record in place as the jacket is inserted into the player. The retaining pins are retracted just before the jacket could contact the pins.

Abstract: Video disc player includes a mechanism for actuating a transfer switch for selectively connecting either the antenna or the player to the television receiver.

Abstract: A pickup cartridge is received in a compartment provided in a translatable carriage of a video disc player. The spacing between the cartridge and the compartment walls is such that access to the cartridge is not permitted while the cartridge is contained therein. A grasp tab is disposed on the top wall of the cartridge to allow installation (and subsequent removal) of the cartridge into the carriage compartment.

Abstract: A video disc player is provided with a mechanism for providing an audible click just as the record caddy arrives at a fully inserted position in the player.

Abstract: The video disc player includes a selectively-actuated stylus arm lifter. When the player is in the PLAY mode, a forward bias is applied to the lifter electromagnet to cause it to lower the stylus on the record. When the player is disposed in the record LOAD/UNLOAD mode, the lifter is reverse biased to prevent the stylus from being lowered and coming in contact with moving parts during the record load/unload operations.

Abstract: A video disc player is provided with a set of depressible receiving pads for supporting a record retained therein. An actuating member, subject to engagement with a portion of a leading surface of a record caddy during insertion thereof into said player, depresses the record receiving pads to permit the caddy insertion.

Abstract: The record side identification device for a video disc player includes a pair of switches. The order of closure of the switches depends upon which side of the record carrying caddy is uppermost in the player. A circuit means, responsive to the sequence of operation of the switches, lights appropriate one of the lamps to provide an indication of the record side subject to play.

Abstract: A video disc player is fitted with a mechanism for detenting a stylus carriage against a travel limit stop. The detent mechanism includes a toothed member disposed on the carriage which engages a toothed wheel. The wheel is spring loaded such that in a certain carriage position the spring exerts a force on the carriage through the wheel, which urges the carriage against the limit stop. The detent mechanism impedes possible bounce back of the carriage.

Abstract: In a video disc player, a support roller is mounted to one end of a pickup carriage by means of an eccentric stud. The height of the roller in respect of the carriage is adjusted by changing the angular position of the eccentric stud. A support bracket is disposed at the other end of the carriage, where a pair of adjustable members are provided for adjustment of the relative spatial position of the carriage and the support bracket.

Abstract: In a video disc player, a mechanism, responsive to opening of the carriage lid, retracts a carriagemounted transducer to accommodate a pickup cartridge in a compartment provided in a pickup arm carriage. When the lid is closed, the subject mechanism advances the transducer to effect a secure engagement between the transducer and the cartridge.

Abstract: In a video disc player, a carriage is subject to translatory motion in correlation with radial motion of a playback stylus relative to a disc record disposed on a rotatable turntable. A stylus arm carrying the stylus at one end thereof has the other end secured to the carriage by means of a compliant rubber coupler. A magnetic element is disposed on the stylus arm near its free end. An electromagnet is fixedly mounted in the carriage adjacent to the stylus arm-mounted, magnetic element. The electromagnet is selectively actuated to cause a change in the radial location of the stylus.