CA2272980A1 - Method for reconditioning digital recording discs - Google Patents

Method for reconditioning digital recording discs Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2272980A1
CA2272980A1 CA002272980A CA2272980A CA2272980A1 CA 2272980 A1 CA2272980 A1 CA 2272980A1 CA 002272980 A CA002272980 A CA 002272980A CA 2272980 A CA2272980 A CA 2272980A CA 2272980 A1 CA2272980 A1 CA 2272980A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
composition
weight
amount
repair kit
blend
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002272980A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Stanley Irwin Grossman
Howard Ira Miller
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rocky Mountain Traders Ltd
Original Assignee
Stanley Irwin Grossman
Rocky Mountain Traders Limited
Howard Ira Miller
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stanley Irwin Grossman, Rocky Mountain Traders Limited, Howard Ira Miller filed Critical Stanley Irwin Grossman
Publication of CA2272980A1 publication Critical patent/CA2272980A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11BINFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B23/00Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
    • G11B23/50Reconditioning of record carriers; Cleaning of record carriers ; Carrying-off electrostatic charges
    • G11B23/505Reconditioning of record carriers; Cleaning of record carriers ; Carrying-off electrostatic charges of disk carriers

Landscapes

  • Optical Record Carriers And Manufacture Thereof (AREA)
  • Paints Or Removers (AREA)

Abstract

The surface of a digital recording disc may be reconditioned by application of a first composition including a filler and then a second composition including a sealant. Any scratches or imperfections in the protective coating are filled by the first composition. The second composition then seals the first composition in place and preferably also provides a protective layer to help reduce the risk of future damage to the disc surface.
Preferably, the first composition comprises wax or a blend of waxes in amount of 5% by weight or less and further comprises one or more of (a) an inert polish media in an amount of 10% by weight or more, (b) a solvent in an amount of 30% by weight or more, (c) an emulsifier in an amount of 10% by weight or more, and (d) water in an amount of 30% by weight or less, and the second composition comprises wax or a blend of waxes in an amount of 10%
by weight or more and further comprises one or more of (a) a silicone or a blend of silicones in an amount of 5% by weight or more and (b) a solvent in an amount of 30% by weight or more where the percentages are based on the total weight of the first composition. The compositions may conveniently be provided in the form of a repair kit.

Description

METHOD FOR RECONDITIONING DIGITAL RECORDING DISCS
The present invention relates to the repair of digital recording discs, in particular, to the removal of imperfections on the protective coating.
Digital recording discs, including compact discs (CDs), laser discs, and the like, are widely used to store large amounts of different types of information. Modern digital discs may be formatted for use with audio, video or computer equipment that reads the data recorded on the discs. The technology associated with digital discs and digital playback equipment is well known to those skilled in the art. Basically, digital information is encoded as a sequence of pits within a disc, beneath an optically transparent protective layer of plastic, such as polycarbonate. A laser beam reads the digital information during playback, and the information is then processed and presented to the user in the form of sound or visual images. A significant drawback to polycarbonate in use as a protective layer, however, is that the exterior surface of the polycarbonate layer is prone to scratching.
If the exterior surface becomes too scratched or dirty, it can interfere with the passage of the laser beam. When this happens, the optical read-out system will backtrack until it reads 2 0 an unaffected sequence of pits and then continue. Often this leads to a "skip" or a constant "skipping", as the optical read-out system gets stuck on one sequence and the compact disc stops playing. Although modern optical read-out systems include error correction techniques, some scratches on the protective coating of a disc may still cause problems during playback. If such imperfections cause the optical read-out system to consistently 2 5 malfunction, then the disc itself may be unusable. Due to the high cost of digital discs, it is desirable to repair such damaged discs rather than replace them.
Consequently, various methods for treating the surface of a CD have been developed, however, these prior art methods suffer from several disadvantages.

One known method for repairing scratches on a digital disc involves sanding or grinding the protective coating until the imperfections are no longer present, for example, as described in EP 0342359 to Schmid. Typically, this process involves several sequential, time consuming steps using grinding elements or polishing compounds having varying grades. While this method may effectively repair the protective coating of a single digital disc, it has a major drawback in that each time a disc is repaired, more of the protective coating is removed. This enhances the risk of a scratch actually damaging the data stored on the disc.
Another process for repairing damaged digital discs involves the localised removal of scratches or imperfections from the protective layer of the disc. This process may have limited use because the spot removal of imperfections inherently creates an unbalanced disc. An unbalanced CD (which can spin at rotational speeds of up to 500 RPM) may cause focusing problems, vibrations, and signal distortion during playback.
Against this background, the present invention aims to provide a method of reconditioning the protective coating of a digital recording disc that restores the playback quality of the disc. In particular, it provides a method of reconditioning the coating of discs which is quick, easy, inexpensive and does not require specialist expertise to carry out the method.
2 0 The present invention also aims to provide a kit for reconditioning such discs.
More especially, the present invention avoids the use of complicated machinery and may be carried out by the ordinary person in the home or office, with minimal expense and time.
From a first aspect, the invention comprises a method for reconditioning digital recording discs comprising the steps of i) filling, and ii) sealing, in particular, to remove imperfections on the protective coating which cause malfunctioning of the optical read-out system.
From a further aspect, the invention encompasses a two part kit for reconditioning digital recording discs comprising two compositions to be used sequentially, namely a first composition, which includes a filler, and a second composition, which includes a sealant.
The first composition fills the imperfections and preferably also acts to remove dirt, dust and grease. In this way, the light refractivity is reduced so that the damage becomes substantially invisible to the laser beam.
The second composition, used after the first, acts to seal the first composition in place and preferably also provides a protective layer over the surface of the disc to protect the disc from further scratches, as well as dust and grease etc. The protective layer also adds an aesthetic shine to the disc.
In a preferred embodiment, the first, filler composition is applied to the exterior surface of the protective coating of the disc, and is rubbed onto the surface from the centre of the disc towards the outer edge. Rubbing is ideally carried out using a non-abrasive applicator, such as a soft cloth or sponge, and with sufficient force to treat substantially all the imperfections. The disc is rubbed for a relatively short period of time, before allowing the filler to dry.
Once the filler is dry, the second, sealing composition is applied to the same surface and rubbed with a second non-abrasive applicator to obtain an optically- and visually-desirable finish.
2 5 For ease of application, the preferred filler for use in the filler composition is a wax or blend thereof. The wax or blend of waxes act to fill any scratches and/or imperfections and are preferably hard enough to have sufficient adhesion to the surface.
It is further preferred that the first, filler composition includes an inert polishing medium, 3 0 for example, in the form of a mild abrasive.
In this regard, it is desirable that the polishing medium is sufficiently abrasive to clean the scratches on the plastic surface, but not too abrasive, otherwise the surface may be further scratched instead of polished.
In order to provide the desired consistency, the first composition advantageously also includes a solvent, as well as waxes and a polishing medium.
The solvent not only act as a carrier for the polish and a solvent for the wax, but furthermore, is believed to dissolve any grease and dirt on the disc thereby conditioning the protective coating of the disc.
Applicant has found that it is advantageous to use gum spirits of Turpentine as the solvent.
The first composition may additionally comprise an emulsifier and/or water.
The emulsifier is preferably included to hold the ingredients in suspension and prevent them from separating. It also ensures even dispersal of the polish within the liquid to prevent uneven polishing and unnecessary abrasion in selected areas.
2 0 Water may be added in an amount sufficient to provide the desired consistency, i.e. a consistency that is easily applicable to the surface.
A preferred embodiment of the first composition comprises waxes in amount of 5% or less.
In a further preferred embodiment, the first composition comprises waxes in amount of 5%
or less and further comprises any or all of (a) an inert polish media in an amount of 10% or more, (b) a solvent in an amount of 30% or more, whereby the solvent is preferably gum spirits of Turpentine, (c) an emulsifier in an amount of 10% or more, and/or (d) water in 3 0 an amount of 30% or less, where the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the first composition.

It is preferred that the sealant in the second composition is a wax or blend thereof, which provides a protective layer, for example, by sealing in the filling agent applied with the filler. The wax or blend of waxes also help restore any depth to the plastic coating which may be removed during the filling process.
It is advantageous if the second composition also includes a protective agent.
For example, Applicant has found it beneficial to use silicones, which aid polishing and improve the scratch-resistance of the surface.
It is further preferred if the second composition additionally includes a solvent, for example, an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, as well as a wax or blend of waxes.
In a preferred embodiment, the second composition comprises waxes in an amount of 10%
or more.
In a further preferred embodiment, the second composition comprises waxes in an amount of 10% or more and further comprises any or all of (a) silicones in an amount of 5% or more, and/or (b) a solvent in an amount of 30% or more, whereby the solvent is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, where the weight percentages are based on the total 2 0 weight of the second composition.
It is preferred that the invention comprises a kit of parts comprising the first composition and the second composition and preferably including at least one non-abrasive applicator.
Ideally two applicators are provided, one for each of the first and second compositions.
To prevent further scratching and/or the generation of dust and fluff, it is desirable that the or each non-abrasive applicators are made from a lint-free material.
In order to aid use, the kit of parts advantageously also includes instructions for use.
In a preferred embodiment, the kit of parts comprises the first composition, the second composition and further comprises any or all of (a) packaging, (b) at least one non-abrasive applicator, and/or (c) instructions for use.
It will be appreciated that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential attributes thereof.

Claims (32)

1. A digital recording disc repair kit for reconditioning the surface of a disc, wherein the kit comprises first and second compositions to be used sequentially on the surface, the first composition including a filler and the second composition including a sealant.
2. A repair kit according to claim 1, wherein the filler in the first composition comprises a wax or blend thereof.
3. A repair kit according to claim 2, wherein the wax or blend of waxes in the first composition is of a consistency sufficient to adhere to the disc surface.
4. A repair kit according to claim 1, wherein the first composition further includes an inert polishing medium.
5. A repair kit according to claim 4, wherein the inert polishing medium is a mild abrasive.
6. A repair kit according to claim 1, wherein the first composition further includes a solvent.
7. A repair kit according to claim 6, wherein the solvent comprises gum spirits of Turpentine.
8. A repair kit according to claim 1, wherein the first composition further includes an emulsifier and/or water.
9. A repair kit according to claim 2, wherein the first composition comprises wax or a blend of waxes in amount of 5% by weight or less based on the total weight of the first composition.
10. A repair kit according to claim 2, wherein the first composition comprises wax or a blend of waxes in amount of 5% by weight or less and further comprises one or more of (a) an inert polish media in an amount of 10% by weight or more, (b) a solvent in an amount of 30% by weight or more, (c) an emulsifier in an amount of 10% by weight or more, and (d) water in an amount of 30% by weight or less, where the percentages are based on the total weight of the first composition.
11. A repair kit according to claim 1, wherein the sealant in the second composition comprises a wax or blend thereof.
12. A repair kit according to claim 1, wherein the second composition further includes a protective agent.
13. A repair kit according to claim 12, wherein the protective agent comprises a silicone or blend thereof.
14. A repair kit according to claim 1, wherein the second composition further includes a solvent.
15. A repair kit according to claim 14, wherein the solvent comprises an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent.
16. A repair kit according to claim 11, wherein the second composition comprises wax or a blend of waxes in an amount of 10% by weight or more based on the total weight of the first composition.
17. A repair kit according to claim 11, wherein the second composition comprises wax or a blend of waxes in an amount of 10% by weight or more and further comprises one or more of (a) a silicone or a blend of silicones in an amount of 5% by weight or more and (b) a solvent in an amount of 30% by weight or more, where the percentages are based on the total weight of the second composition.
18. A repair kit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one non-abrasive applicator.
19. A repair kit according to claim 18, wherein two non-abrasive applicators are provided, one for each of the first and second compositions.
20. A repair kit according to claim 18, wherein the or each non-abrasive applicator is made from a lint-free material.
21. A method for reconditioning digital recording discs comprising the steps of:
i) filling any imperfections on the protective coating surface of the disc with a first composition and ii) sealing the first composition with a second composition.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the first composition is applied to the protective coating surface of the disc, is rubbed onto the surface and is allowed to dry before the second composition is applied to the same surface.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein polishing of the protective coating surface is carried out simultaneously with the filling step.
24. A method according to claim 21, wherein the surface is filled with a first composition.
25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the first composition comprises a wax or blend thereof as filler.
26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the first composition further comprises an inert polishing medium.
27. A method according to claim 25, wherein the first composition comprises wax or a blend of waxes in amount of 5% by weight or less and further comprises one or more of (a) an inert polish media in an amount of 10% by weight or more, (b) a solvent in an amount of 30% by weight or more, (c) an emulsifier in an amount of 10% by weight or more, and (d) water in an amount of 30% by weight or less, where the percentages are based on the total weight of the first composition.
28. A method according to claim 21, wherein the surface is sealed with a second composition.
29. A method according to claim 28, wherein the second composition comprises a wax or blend thereof as sealant.
30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the second composition further comprises a protective agent.
31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the protective agent comprises a silicone or blend thereof.
32. A method according to claim 29, wherein the second composition comprises wax or waxes in an amount of 10% by weight or more and further comprises one or more of (a) a protective agent in an amount of 5% by weight or more and (b) a solvent in an amount of 30% by weight or more, where the percentages are based on the total weight of the second composition.
CA002272980A 1998-10-29 1999-05-26 Method for reconditioning digital recording discs Abandoned CA2272980A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9823713.4 1998-10-29
GB9823713A GB2343288A (en) 1998-10-29 1998-10-29 Reconditioning of digital recording discs

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2272980A1 true CA2272980A1 (en) 2000-04-29

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ID=10841527

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002272980A Abandoned CA2272980A1 (en) 1998-10-29 1999-05-26 Method for reconditioning digital recording discs

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CA (1) CA2272980A1 (en)
DE (1) DE29823012U1 (en)
GB (1) GB2343288A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7911895B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2011-03-22 Sony Dadc Austria Ag Method for restoring data stored on an optical disc and optical disc drive suitable therefore

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2279799B (en) * 1993-06-11 1995-10-11 Trevor Alan Burroughs Shield for optical data storage medium
WO1995021890A1 (en) * 1994-02-09 1995-08-17 Boca Chemicals International Disc repair system
CA2288403A1 (en) * 1995-01-10 1996-07-18 Trevor Alan Burroughs Semi-permanent enclosure for optical data storage device
US5641345A (en) * 1995-09-26 1997-06-24 James R. Black Composition and method for refinishing compact disks

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7911895B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2011-03-22 Sony Dadc Austria Ag Method for restoring data stored on an optical disc and optical disc drive suitable therefore

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2343288A (en) 2000-05-03
DE29823012U1 (en) 1999-04-08
GB9823713D0 (en) 1998-12-23

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