Electric heating – Metal heating – By arc
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-05
2001-02-20
Heinrich, Samuel M. (Department: 1725)
Electric heating
Metal heating
By arc
C219S121750, C219S121840, C264S400000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06191384
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for cleaning selected areas of an optical memory disc substrate during production of an optical memory disc, and more particularly, to a laser trimming system for cleaning dye from the outer edge of a disc substrate used in a CD-R or DVD-R manufacturing process.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The typical structure of a CD-R or DVD-R disc includes an energy absorbing dye layer deposited directly over a polymeric substrate. Next, a thin film reflective layer is typically formed directly over the dye layer, usually via magnetron sputtering. This reflective layer also functions as a barrier layer to isolate the dye layer. Finally, a radiation curable protective lacquer is applied directly over the reflective layer.
Because of cumulative stress associated with these various layers, the structure may tend to delaminate, starting at the outermost edge of the substrate. In order to reduce the likelihood of this type of failure, the protective lacquer must bond directly to the substrate surface at the outer edge of the substrate. Additionally, allowing the protective lacquer to bond directly to the polymeric substrate provides an effective barrier to atmospheric contamination of the energy absorbing and reflective layers. Simple masking can be used to shield the outer edge of the substrate during deposition of the reflective layer. However, masking is not practical during the spin coating step used to apply the dye layer. Some means of trimming the dye at the outer edge of the disc is therefore required, as removal of the dye at the outer edge of the disc is advantageous in preventing failure of the coated structure.
Typical approaches to trimming the dye at the outer edge of the disc include solvent “washing” and mechanical trimming operations. Solvent washing, however, requires precise control over the application and spin drying process. In addition, the initial cost of solvent, plus the cost of contaminated solvent disposal are substantial. Mechanical edge trimming is relatively easy to implement. However, debris generation, tooling wear, and proper cooling must be considered. Therefore, it has been found desirable to provide an edge trimming system for an optical memory disc which avoids these limitations and is easily implemented, reliable, and economical.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for selectively trimming dye from a recordable optical memory disc substrate which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method for selectively trimming dye from a recordable optical memory disc substrate which reduces operating expenses by eliminating the use of washing solvents and toxic solvent disposal.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method for selectively trimming dye from a recordable optical memory disc substrate which reduces maintenance expenses.
A further object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method for selectively trimming dye from a recordable optical memory disc substrate which improves product quality and reliability.
Various other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for selectively trimming a substrate for a recordable optical memory disc is provided which includes a substrate rotation assembly for rotating the disc substrate, an optical energy generation assembly, an optical assembly which receives the optical energy and directs a shaped beam directly upon the rotatable substrate to trim the dye coated thereon, and a byproduct removal assembly to direct the process byproducts away from the disc substrate for subsequent collection by a byproduct collection system.
In the apparatus and method of the present invention, an optical energy generation assembly in the form of a commercially available multi-diode semiconductor laser array produces the optical energy and supplies the energy to the optical assembly. The optical assembly of the present invention includes a fiber optic delivery system which receives the energy from the optical energy generation assembly and a focusing system for shaping the beam and directing the beam directly upon the rotatable substrate to trim the dye coated thereon.
In order to trim dye during production of optical disc substrates, such as optical disc substrates used in a CD-R and DVD-R process, a laser is utilized which has a wavelength between approximately 450 and 800 nm and has a maximum power of approximately 12 watts. In addition, the laser beam is shaped by the focusing optic system to have a diameter of approximately 0.5to 1.5 mm and is collimated within a length of between approximately 2 to 5 mm.
In order to remove the byproducts of the dye trimming operation away from the disc substrate, a byproduct removal assembly is utilized which is in the form of a fluidic jet assembly attached to the focusing optic system so as to extend at an angle of between approximately 5° to 80° toward a byproduct collection unit. The fluid discharged from the fluidic jet assembly can be any inert gas, such as nitrogen, argon or helium. In addition, air can be discharged from the jet as well as cryogenic liquids, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen. However, in order to lower power requirements, or facilitate special processing, a reactive gas, such as oxygen, carbon monoxide or methane, can be also discharged from the fluidic jet assembly.
Accordingly, the trimming apparatus and method of the present invention reduces operating expenses, by eliminating the cost of edge washing solvent and toxic solvent disposal, reduces maintenance expenses, due to its simple and reliable nature, and improves product quality and reliability, due to its superior performance.
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pat
Frommer Lawrence and Haug LLP
Heinrich Samuel M.
Tapematic S.p.A.
LandOfFree
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