Rotary actuator having preloaded spring crash stop

Claim 1

A rotary actuator and crash stop assembly comprising a support structure for supporting a plurality of magnets in spaced relationship and for supporting a pivot block assembly, said support structure including a slot for receiving and maintaining a leaf spring in compression, a plurality of magnets positioned in said support structure, a plurality of bearings mounted in said support structure, a shaft rotatably mounted in said bearings, a folded leaf spring haying two opposing spring arms joined by a base portion, means affixing said base portion to said support structure with said two opposing spring arms positioned in compression in said slot, and a pivot block assembly mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, said pivot block assembly including a coil extending from one side of said pivot block assembly and positioned between said plurality of magnets, at least one pickup head support arm extending from the opposite side of the pivot block assembly for positioning pickup heads, and two projecting ears, said leaf spring being positioned between said two projecting ears which engage said compressed leaf spring at the limits of travel of said pivot block whereby said leaf spring functions as a crash stop for said pivot block assembly.