Handling: hand and hoist-line implements – Grapple – Expanding
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-15
2001-04-24
Kramer, Dean J. (Department: 2167)
Handling: hand and hoist-line implements
Grapple
Expanding
C294S100000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220640
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to compact discs and in particular the present invention relates to a device and method for gripping a compact disc for subsequent processing operations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Data is often stored on compact discs for use with information processing systems such as computers. Other types of data such as audio and video entertainment data can also be stored on compact discs for use with entertainment equipment. Both types of data are stored on compact disc by altering the optical characteristics of the compact discs. That is, a compact disc is read by monitoring a reflection of a light, such as a laser, which is focused on the compact disc.
One way of manufacturing a compact disc is to mold the compact disc using a plastic mold press. Each plastic mold is configured with the data such that each compact disc manufactured from the plastic mold is identical. This type of compact disc can not be programmed after manufacturing. Other types of compact discs are manufactured without data stored thereon. These types of compact discs can be custom programmed after manufacturing with data selected by a programmer. These compact discs are often referred to as recordable compact discs. Recording devices are commonly available in the industry to store selected data on recordable compact discs.
The recordable compact discs, therefore, are useful when a small production run of compact discs needs to be provided with specific data. That is, fabricating a plastic mold is not economically feasible for small production volumes of compact discs with a specific data content. Processing equipment has been described which can transport an un-recorded compact disc to a recorder and a printer for printing information or a label on the compact disc. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,629 entitled “CD Transporter” for a description of a device which allows for automated processing of recordable compact discs. As described therein, a compact disc gripper head can be used which includes three fingers that expand and retract to grip the compact disc.
FIGS. 1 and 2
illustrate top and perspective views of a compact disc
100
. The compact disc includes an axially positioned circular opening
102
. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,629 this circular opening is used to grip the CD using the three expandable fingers. The described gripper is relatively complicated and includes numerous moving parts. Further, this style of gripper does not allow for movement of a stack of numerous compact discs at one time.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a simplified device with a reduced number of moving parts which can be used to grip one or more compact discs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above mentioned problems with gripping compact discs and other problems are addressed by the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.
In one embodiment, a disc gripping device comprises a body, and a deflectable spring located in the body. The spring has a first length when the spring is in an undeflected state and a second length when the spring is in a deflected state. In the undeflected state the spring extends outside of the body. A force member is located in the body and coupled to the spring to provide a deflection force to the spring. In another embodiment, the spring extends in response to a deflecting force.
In another embodiment, a disc gripping device comprises a body having a substantially circular cross section, a tip connected to the body, and a flat deflectable spring located between the body and the tip and extending radially with respect to the body. The spring has first and second ends, and has a first length between the first and second ends when the spring is in an undeflected state and a second length when the spring is in a deflected state. In the undeflected state the first and second ends of the spring extend beyond an outside surface of the body. A rod axially extends through the body and is coupled in a substantially perpendicular position to the spring to provide a deflection force to the spring.
A method is provided for gripping a compact disc using a disc gripping device comprising a deflectable spring and a rod coupled to the spring to provide a deflection force to the spring. The method comprises retracting ends of the spring, positioning the spring in an opening of the compact disc, and extending the ends of the spring to grip an interior surface of the opening.
A second method is also provided for gripping a compact disc using a disc gripping device comprising a deflectable spring and a rod coupled to the spring to provide a deflection force to the spring. The method comprises retracting ends of the spring, positioning the spring below an opening of the compact disc, and extending the ends of the spring to extend radially beyond the opening to allow the ends of the spring to contact a bottom surface of the contact disc.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3083813 (1963-04-01), Lusher
patent: 3574381 (1971-04-01), Ocheltree
patent: 4173368 (1979-11-01), Haverbusch
patent: 5195794 (1993-03-01), Hummel, Jr. et al.
patent: 5542526 (1996-08-01), Wurgler
patent: 5713618 (1998-02-01), Kocsis
patent: 217-778 (1985-01-01), None
Jensen Steven R.
Nelson Westiin W.
Fogg Slifer & Polglaze, P.A.
Kramer Dean J.
Rimage Corporation
Slifer Russell D.
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