Automatic apparatus for selectively sliding a write-protect tab

摘要

An apparatus for switching a write-protect tab of a computer disk includes a supply hopper for storing a plurality of disks and includes a mechanism for delivering the disks in a one-by-one manner to a switching area. At the switching area, a tungsten carbide tip is caused to move vertically into contact with a major surface of the tab, and then horizontally to slide the tab into the desired position. The tungsten carbide tip includes teeth that are arranged in mirror-imaged first and second sets, so that the apparatus operates equally well in either switching direction. After the tab has been moved to the desired position, the disk is delivered to the disk-receiving hopper and elevated to accommodate delivery of the next disk.