Abstract: Stray light in a metering structure is controlled by surrounding with a rigid shield an elongated length of a strut and supporting on the rigid shield a surface finish which is highly absorptive of light. The strut is thermally decoupled from the rigid shield using a plurality of insulating web layers comprising a multi-layer insulation (MLI) system disposed between the strut and the rigid shield. The MLI in such scenarios (1) thermally isolates the strut from the shield (2) serves as a support structure to support the rigid shield on the strut, and (3) absorbs thermally induced mechanical stresses as between the rigid shield and the strut.

Abstract: A player for a media unit. The player includes a front plate formed of metal and having an opening configured to receive a media unit. The player also includes a cover mounted over the opening and having a slit. The slit is aligned with the opening and configured to allow the media unit to pass through the cover and enter the opening. The cover includes an electrical conductor that contacts the front plate and is in electrostatic communication with the slit. The conductor conducts electrostatic charge from the media unit to the front plate as the media unit passes through the slit. The media unit may be a CD, DVD, memory stick, minidisc or the like.