Abstract: An automatic wash station for cleaning magnetic disk recording and reproducing heads held in a magnetic head row tool during production of the magnetic heads to prevent damage due to abrasive particles or other contaminants. A first embodiment includes a housing through which a shuttle passes carrying a group of magnetic head row tools manually loaded in a vise. Dispensers above the shuttle spray DI water for a pre-rinse, surfactant and DI water during cleaning and brushing, DI water for a post rinse, and air for final drying. Rotating brushes are arranged parallel and perpendicular to the motion of the shuttle through the housing. The shuttle can move both through the housing in a straight fashion, and back and forth from side to side of the housing. Operation of the shuttle, dispensers and rotating brushes can be programmed to be automatic, or can be done manually. In a second embodiment, a spring loaded clamp operates to allow manual loading and unloading of individual magnetic head row tools.

Abstract: Selective plating apparatus for a web includes optical sensor means rigidly attached directly to the plating mask. The optical sensor means is physically isolated from corrosive chemical and vapors in the environment, and cleaning means keeps the ends of the optical fibers free of salt and chemicals and otherwise prevents corrosion.