Overhead signal pickup device

Abstract

In a video disc player including a base, an information disc record mounted on a turntable for rotation relative to the base, a support housing carrying a signal pickup, and a lid for supporting the support housing, an overhead signal pickup drive is provided. A centering collar is rotatably suspended in the lid by a plurality of spring elements such that, when the lid is secured onto the base for playback, the axis of rotation of the collar coincides with that of the turntable. A plurality of friction pads are affixed to the collar such that, when the lid is closed, the friction pads are pressed against the unrecorded surface of the disc record and thereby transmitting rotation of the disc record to the collar when the player is operative. The rotation of the collar is transformed into a linear motion of the support housing, carrying the signal pickup, by various right-angle drives and clutch arrangements. A servo system is provided for maintaining a substantially constant attitude of the signal pickup, with respect to the information groove in the disc record, during playback. A thumbwheel is provided for adjusting the position of the signal pickup with respect to the disc record for selecting a particular program. A separate motor is provided for the purpose of a rapid approach or return of the support housing from or to a rest position.