Device and method of gripping a compact disc

• Main Authors: JENSEN STEVEN R, NELSON WESTIIN W
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 24.04.2001
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: HAND TOOLS; INFORMATION STORAGE; INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORDCARRIER AND TRANSDUCER; MANIPULATORS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PHYSICS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FORFASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING; TRANSPORTING

A compact gripping device includes a spring that can be retracted to retract ends of the spring via application of a force. The force can be either a downward (push) or upward (pull) force. The spring ends are retracted by removing the force. The spring engages a compact disc either by gripping an inside surface of a hole provided in the compact disc, or by contacting a bottom surface of the compact disc. An embodiment which grips the inside surface of the compact disc allows the compact disc to be axially rotated by the gripper, while the gripper which grips the bottom surface of the compact disc allows for multiple discs to be gripped at one time.