Apparatus and method for the restoration of optical storage media

摘要

A restoration apparatus and method for removing scratches, defects and related imperfections that exist within the surface of an optical storage medium, such as audio, video and/or computer compact discs. The illustrated restoration apparatus includes a support carriage, having an interior portion containing fluids used in the restoration process. The apparatus further includes a retention disk for securing the CD to be restored. The retention disk is supported within a recess formed in the top surface of the support carriage. The recess is fluid tight so that the CD can be placed, and maintained, in fluid contact with various restoration liquids. Also, the retention disk is supported on a bearing surface so that the retention disk and the CD contained therein can freely rotate. The restoration apparatus also includes an arm, attached to the top surface of the support carriage with a hinge, within which is positioned a motor and a polishing head. The arm can be actuated so as to place the polishing head in surface contact with the CD. The polishing head is equipped with a restoration medium, such as an abrasive or a polishing material, to remove defects from the surface of the CD, and then restore the CD to a useable state. Rotation of the polishing head against the surface of the CD causes the CD to rotate in an opposite direction. A method for restoring the surface of a CD is also disclosed. The steps for restoring the CD include removing the protective layer of the CD so as to eliminate any scratches or imperfections that exist therein. Next, a polishing head and a suitable polishing material is used to add a new protective layer to the CD, thereby restoring its useability.