Apparatus for retrieving and playing a plurality of discs

Abstract

An apparatus (14) for retrieving and loading disc-shaped objects including CD's (16) onto a CD player (20), such as for a CD juke box (10), is disclosed. The apparatus (14) retrieves an awaiting CD (16) from a loading station (18) and places the retrieved CD (16) onto a CD player (20). The apparatus (14) further returns the CD (16) from the player (20) to the loading station (18). The apparatus (14) comprises a pair of spaced, generally parallel tracks (24) adapted to generally straddle the CD player (20) and the loading station (18), and a pair of arms (30). A respective one of the arms (30) is associated with a respective one of each of the tracks (24). A motor (34) and gear (36) assembly moves the arms (30) in tandem along the tracks (24) between an extended position, an intermediate position and a retracted position. The retracted position is substantially in-line with the CD player (20). The extended position is substantially in-line with the loading station (18). The arms (30) move apart as they reach the loading station (18) to pass the awaiting CD (16), the arms (30) move together as the arms (30) begin to move to the intermediate position to grasp the periphery of the awaiting CD (16), and the arms (30) move apart as the arms (30) reach the retracted position to place the CD (16) onto the CD player (20).