Disk-mount device for automatic successive testing of computer-drive disk blanks by interferometry
US6188485A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B5/0004
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A substantially vertical sample stage for interferometric testing of computer-drive disks is positioned along an inclined trackway. The stage includes three pressure tips that provide a fixed, aligned plane against which the back surface of the disk being tested is positioned in optical alignment with the reference surface of the instrument. The degree of protrusion of two of the pressure tips can be adjusted to set the proper tip/tilt of the disk. Each disk being tested is allowed to roll down the trackway by gravity to a rubber stop in front of the stage. The trackway is also tilted slightly to cause the disk to roll on edge and lean against the sidewall of the trackway. After the disk is stopped in front of the stage, a retractable finger engages the forward edge of the disk and produces a slight backward motion to release the disk from the rubber stop and align it with the stage. An air-stream burst is then applied to the back surface of the disk to create a suction that attracts the disk to the three pressure tips while supported by two edge points in contact with the retractable finger and the inclined trackway. Interferometric testing is carried out and, finally, the finger …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.