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Abstract

An apparatus for the automated profiling the edge of successive optical disks, and including an optical disk supply assembly for holding a supply of optical disks to be profiled, a turntable for receiving an optical disk to be profiled, and for reciprocating between an optical disk loading position and an optical disk profiling position. A clamping assembly is provided for clamping the optical disk in a stationary condition to the turntable during movement between the loading position and the profiling position. A profiling cutter profiles the edge of the optical disk into a predefined shape when the turntable is in the profiling position. A profiled optical disk accumulating assembly is provided for holding optical disks which have been profiled, and a vacuum pickup assembly is mounted for rotation on a shaft between a plurality of positions under automated control of an electronic controller for applying a lifting vacuum force to an optical disk on the optical disk supply assembly for removing an optical disk from the supply assembly, moving the optical disk to the turntable and interrupting the lifting force of the vacuum to place the optical disk on the turntable, applying a lifting vacuum force to the profiled optical disk to remove it from the turntable, and moving the optical disk to the profiled optical disk accumulating assembly for storage.

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First Claim