Exclusive Design Company

Frank D Ruble

Robert A Smith

John N Walsh

Roger R Stearman

The present invention provides an automated rigid-disk finishing system with 'fly-by-wire' control of each of the relevant parameters involved in the texturing process. The system includes an abrasive tape, a means for forcibly pressing the tape against the substrate to cut microscopic grooves into the substrate's surface, and a control means for simultaneously controlling the speed and tension of the tape and for sensing the tension developed in the tape on both sides of the tape/substrate interface. The described system is thus capable of establishing tape speed and tape tension simultaneously, while providing a measure of the actual work being accomplished on the rigid disk surface.

Automated rigid-disk finishing system providing in-line process control

An apparatus for texturing the front and back surfaces of a rigid-disk substrate used in magnetic recording systems is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first and second mechanical assemblies; each of the assemblies including an abrasive tape, a load-bearing roller member, and a means for moving said tape over said roller member. Each assembly further includes a means for applying various components of force to the roller members to abrasively press the tape against the substrate surface. The invented apparatus also includes a network for mechanically coupling each of the assemblies together such that the applied force components are identical for both the front and back surfaces of the substrate. The applied forces are made independent of the substrate's position or displacement.

Growing community of inventors

Saratoga, CA, United States of America

Frank D Ruble