Abrading – Abrading process – Side face of disk
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-22
2003-10-28
Nguyen, Dung Van (Department: 3723)
Abrading
Abrading process
Side face of disk
C451S037000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06638149
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to a system for repairing scratches on optically-read discs, e.g., compact discs (often called “CD's”). More specifically, this invention provides a more efficient system for refurbishing the compact disc surface such that an optical reader, which uses a laser to read digital information stored on a compact disc, can read the digital information without the optical distortion caused by a scratch.
Typically, digitally recorded discs, known commonly as “CD” discs or “DVD” discs, contain audio or video information. The digital information is currently interpolated or read by an optical reader that uses one or more laser beams or other light amplified beams to read the digital information. The current state of the art of manufacture of these CD discs is such that they are comprised of a round disc composed of a synthetic material (e.g., plastic), with a typical diameter of approximately 4¾ inches and an approximate thickness of {fraction (1/16)} inches. The disc has a center aperture typically approximately ⅝ inches in diameter for receiving a centering spindle in a playback apparatus. Digitally recorded material typically extends on one side of the disc, from about ¾ inches from the center aperture outward to within about ¼ inch of the peripheral end of the disc. A bearing area typically extends on the other side, in approximately the same dimensions, for bearing on a playback apparatus which spins the disc at high speed. The digital information is contained on a relatively thin layer of metallic material covered by a protective layer of the synthetic material, usually a plastic. A laser within the playback apparatus reads the digital information through the plastic layer. Recently (for example), optically-read discs include multi-layer laminated discs; and it is pointed out that describing discs generally herein is not intended to limit the technology of optically-read discs which is addressed herein. If the plastic layer becomes scratched or stained, the laser light will distort and not accurately read the digital information.
Although such scratched discs may be commercially repaired in quantity, as from a rental facility, the individual consumer-user of such a disc has no inexpensive availability to such commercial repair services and will often consider the disc practically unrepairable and purchase a new one. Also, when attempting to trade an old disc for a new one, such individual consumer will often find that a scratched disc may not be traded in, and the used value is compromised. Thus, there exists a need for a more efficient solution to the problems of a consumer who owns scratched discs.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to fulfill the above-mentioned need by the provision of a disc repair system embodied by a consumer kit, which is provided for the purpose of user-repairing of the scratches, such that the digital information may be read by an optical reader playback apparatus. In addition, it is a primary object of this invention to provide such other advantages as will become apparent with reference to the following invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides a consumer kit for reconditioning a scratched operating surface of an optically-read disc, comprising, in combination: a holding means for holding the disc in a substantially stationary position with the operating surface exposed and facing upwardly; an abrader means for abrading the operating surface; a hand-held power tool means for powered rubbing of such abrader means on the operating surface; and a cleaning means for cleaning the operating surface. It also provides such a system further comprising a container means for containing such consumer kit within a box having a lid. Further, it provides such a system wherein such lid comprises such holding means. Also, it provides such a system wherein such box comprises spacer means for orderly arranging of elements of such consumer kit, and it provides such a system wherein such abrader means comprises a series of abrasives for abrading the operating surface in a user-controlled manner.
Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such hand-held power tool means comprises a powered rotary spindle; and such a system further comprises a set of polishing means removably attachable to such rotary spindle for polishing the operating surface. Still further, it provides such a system wherein abrader means further comprises such set of polishing means.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides a consumer kit for reconditioning a scratched operating surface of an optically-read disc, comprising, in combination: an optically-read-disc holder structured and arranged to hold the optically-read disc in a substantially stationary position with the operating surface exposed and facing upwardly; a set of abrasive products structured and arranged to abrade the operating surface in an ordered manner when rotatably rubbed on the operating surface; a hand-held rotary power tool having a powered rotary spindle structured and arranged to removably hold one such spindle-rotatable abrasive product; and a set of wipes each structured and arranged to clean the operating surface.
Additionally, it provides such a system further comprising a box having a lid, structured and arranged to contain such consumer kit; and such a system wherein such lid comprises such optically-read-disc holder; and further, wherein such box comprises a spacer structured and arranged to assist orderly arranging of elements of such consumer kit. It also provides such a system wherein such set of abrasive products comprises: a set of polishing pads each structured and arranged to be removably attached to such rotary spindle; and a polishing compound. And, it provides such a system wherein such set of abrasive products further comprises: a buffing pad structured and arranged to be removably attached to such rotary spindle; and a buffing compound.
Even further, it provides such a system wherein such set of abrasive products further comprises: a 15 grit micron abrading disc; a 9 grit micron abrading disc; a 3 grit micron abrading disc; a polishing compound less than 9 grit; and a cleaning disc having a lesser grit than the polishing compound. Still further, it provides such a system wherein such set of abrasive products further comprises a series of diamond grit abrasives ranging from about 60 micron diamond grit to about 6 micron diamond grit.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides a method for using consumer-kit elements to recondition a scratched operating surface of an optically-read disc, comprising, in combination, the steps of: placing the optically-read disc in a stationary position on a portable holder provided by the consumer kit, with the scratched operating surface facing upwardly; providing, by such consumer kit, a set of abrasion products structured and arranged to remove material from such scratched operating surface when rubbed on such scratched operating surface; using a hand-held rotating power tool, having a rotary spindle, provided by such consumer kit, rubbing in a polishing order a selection of such abrasion products on such scratched operating surface; and using cleaning elements provided by such consumer kit, cleaning such scratched operating surface. It also provides such a system wherein such set of abrasive products comprises a set of polishing pads each structured and arranged to be removably attached to such rotary spindle; and a polishing compound.
Even further, it provides such a system wherein such set of abrasive products further comprises: a buffing pad structured and arranged to be removably attached to such rotary spindle; and a buffing compound. Also, it provides such a system wherein such set of abrasive products further comprises: a 15 grit micron abrading disc; a 9 grit mic
Doherty William M.
Doherty, Jr. John L.
Lalli Edward A.
Nguyen Dung Van
Stoneman Martin L.
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