Patent ID: 6157513
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A cartridge picker assembly, comprising:a frame having a first side wall and a second side wall positioned in spaced-apart relation;a lateral guide surface associated with the first side wall of said frame, said lateral guide surface being substantially parallel to a lateral plane;a thumb assembly slidably mounted to the first and second side walls of said frame so that said thumb assembly is capable of moving toward and away from a cartridge access end of said frame;a guide member mounted to said thumb assembly, said guide member engaging said lateral guide surface on the first side wall of said frame; anda rack and pinion drive assembly operatively associated with said thumb assembly for moving said thumb assembly toward and away from the cartridge access end of said frame, said rack and pinion drive assembly including a gear rack mounted to said frame, said gear rack having a toothed side and a smooth side, wherein said lateral guide surface comprises the smooth side of said gear rack.