Patent ID: 7027367
Filing Date: 2006-04-11
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. Translation apparatus for moving a cartridge access device along a displacement path, comprising: a first elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path, said first elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end; a first elongate guide member integral with said first elongate gear rack and extending along the displacement path substantially between the first and second ends of said first elongate gear rack; a first bearing mounted to the cartridge access device, said first bearing engaging said first elongate guide member; a second elongate gear rack aligned along the displacement path and positioned in spaced-apart relation to said first elongate gear rack, said second elongate gear rack having a first end and a second end; a first drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said first drive pinion engaging said first elongate gear rack; a second drive pinion mounted to the cartridge access device, said second drive pinion engaging said second elongate gear rack; and pinion drive apparatus operatively associated with said first and second drive pinions, said pinion drive apparatus rotating said first and second drive pinions to move the cartridge access device between the first and second ends of said first and second elongate gear racks, wherein said first elongate guide member comprises first and second opposed bearing surfaces and wherein said first bearing mounted to the cartridge access device slidably engages the first and second opposed bearing surfaces of said first elongate guide member.