Abstract: An orthodontic force mechanism includes a jack screw having a pair of ends, at least one of which is threaded, and a central spindle between the ends, which spindle has two intersecting radial through-holes therein. A pair of nut housings are mounted on the end portions of the jack screw, at least one of which is threadedly coupled to a threaded end portion of the jack screw. A lock mechanism mounted on the central spindle section includes a spring-loaded detent configured to engage an end opening of each of the through holes in the spindle when the through hole is in alignment with the detent, such that the spindle cannot rotate relative to the lock mechanism when the detent is inserted into a through hole. The detent can be moved out of engagement with a through hole using a tool inserted into that through hole from its opposite end.

Abstract: Disclosed are various systems, methods, and programs embodied in a computer readable medium for calibration of a lens position in an optical disc drive. In one embodiment, a method is provided that comprises manipulating a lens focus actuator to relocate the lens from a first position to a second position. The lens substantially focuses a laser onto the surface of the optical disc when in the second position. The method also comprises determining a first input setting delta to the lens focus actuator that corresponds to a predefined position offset of the lens. The first input setting delta is determined based upon a second input setting delta corresponding to a distance between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods for laser positioning in an optical disc drive are provided. In one embodiment, a laser positioning apparatus is provided in which an assembly is employed to position a first laser beam generated by a first laser relative to a first side of an optical disc site in the optical disc drive. Also, a structure is coupled to the assembly and configured to extend around an edge of the optical disc site to a second side of the optical disc site. The structure positions a second laser beam generated by a second laser relative to a second side of the optical disc site based upon a movement of the assembly.

Abstract: An optical scanning device and method are provided for marking an optically sensitive layer. The device can include an optical source capable of emitting a beam. At least one pivot can be configured to enable the beam to travel through a beam output arc. In addition, a mirror surface can be oriented toward the optically sensitive layer. The mirror surface can be configured to reflect the beam within the defined beam output arc onto a plurality of locations of the optically sensitive layer.

Abstract: An optical system for writing on a double-sided medium is disclosed. A beam source is configured to generate a light beam in a first direction relative to a first side of the medium. A steering mechanism is able to direct the light beam in a second direction substantially along the first side, such that the light beam is configured to impinge on a first reflector. The first reflector is able to reflect the light beam in a third direction, such that the light beam is routed outside a substantially opaque annulus of the medium, and is configured to impinge on a second reflector. The second reflector is able to reflect the light beam in a fourth direction substantially opposite the second direction, such that the light beam is configured to impinge on a third reflector. The third reflector is able to reflect the light beam in a fifth direction substantially toward a second side of the medium opposite the first side, such that the light beam strikes the second side of the medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of determining the location of a plurality of laser spots, comprising: determining a first distance of a first laser spot; determining a second distance of the first laser spot; determining a first distance of a second laser spot; determining a second distance of the second laser spot; and adjusting, if necessary, the locations of the first and second laser.

Abstract: An optical disc drive includes an optical mechanism and a preheating mechanism. The optical mechanism optically writes a label to an optically writable label area of an optical disc inserted into the optical disc drive, by heating pixels on the optically writable label area of the optical disc. The preheating mechanism, separate from the optical mechanism, preheats the optical disc prior to the optical mechanism heating the pixels on the optically writable label area of the optical disc.

Abstract: As an optical disc is being rotated within an optical drive, an optical mechanism of the optical drive traces a discrete spiral path relative to the optical disc. As the discrete spiral path is traced by the optical mechanism of the optical drive, the optical mechanism selectively writes to the optical disc.

Abstract: A known current is applied to the fine actuator for an optical mechanism of an optical drive. The distance that the optical mechanism radially travels in relation to a data side of an optical disc, in response to the applying of the known current, is determined. The fine actuator is calibrated based on the distance that the optical mechanism radially traveled and the known current.

Abstract: A method for detecting and optimizing the quality of a mark made by a laser on a recording medium, comprising (a) recording a test mark at a selected level of laser power and a selected speed of movement of the recording medium, (b) measuring at least one dimension of the test mark, (c) comparing the at least one dimension of the test mark to a stored reference value for at least one reference dimension, and (d) determining whether the at least one dimension of the test mark is comparable to the at least one dimension of the stored reference value.

Abstract: An optical print head (OPH) on the label side of an optical disc is positioned to a desired labeling position through a mechanical coupling between the OPH and an optical pickup unit (OPU) at the data side of the optical disc. The OPU is positioned to a target data track on the data side of the disc, and the OPH is moved to a desired label position through the mechanical coupling.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices and systems associated with a system and/or method for adjusting a laser beam.

Abstract: A method of compensating for output variations in laser power output over time in a system using a laser to record visible marks on an optical disc, the method comprising (a) applying a test light beam from the laser to the optical disc to determine a test value of an optical parameter, (b) determining a difference between the test value and a predetermined reference value for the optical parameter, and (c) adjusting the laser power output to compensate for the difference.

Abstract: Focus calibration in an optical drive. Optics are moved with respect to a disc in the optical drive. A first interface of the disc is optically detected at a first distance, and a first drive signal value is detected at the first interface. A drive signal change is determined using a second drive signal value at a second distance. A gain is determined using the drive signal change and a thickness associated with the first and second distances.

Abstract: Calibration of a focus offset in an optical drive. A calibration pattern, comprising a plurality of marked areas, is marked upon a medium. A user input is received, identifying a perceived darkest marked area of the calibration pattern. The focus offset is determined corresponding to the perceived darkest marked area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating laser write power in a digital media drive are disclosed. The method includes writing to a calibration portion on a digital media labeling layer with energy from a laser. The writing includes using at least two different laser power settings within the calibration portion. The method also includes measuring a parameter in the calibration segment, the parameter being indicative of the reflectivity of the labeling layer, and determining a calibrated laser write power setting based on the measured parameter and the at least two different laser write power settings.

Abstract: For at least some layers of a number of stacked layers of an optical disc that correspond to different colors, an optical beam is selectively impinged on a region of the optical disc. The optical beam has a wavelength to which the layer is uniquely sensitive as compared to other of the layers, to sufficiently heat the layer so as to cause the region to change from at least substantially translucent to a color to which the layer corresponds.

Abstract: A method of measuring a relative darkness of an image recorded on a recording medium, comprising: applying first electromagnetic energy having a first wavelength to the recording medium to record an image thereon, applying second electromagnetic energy having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength to the recorded image on the recording medium, and measuring a reflection of the second electromagnetic energy from the recorded image to determine the relative darkness of the recorded image.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied on a computer-readable medium are provided for calibrating a laser power in an optical disc drive. In one embodiment, a range of reflectivity of an optical disc in the optical disc drive is established. A calibration pattern of marked segments is written to the optical disc and the reflectivity of the marked segments is measured. An average reflectivity is generated for each one of a plurality of laser power settings within the range of reflectivity, thereby obtaining a curve that depicts the average reflectivity with respect to the laser power settings. The laser power setting at a knee of the curve is identified and a slope of the curve at a position on the curve where the average reflectivity decreases as the laser power settings increase is determined. The laser power setting is calculated that results in a predefined darkness based upon the laser power setting at the knee and based upon the slope.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied on a computer-readable medium are provided for calibrating a laser power in an optical disc drive. In one embodiment, a plurality of marked segments of a calibration pattern are created on a label surface of an optical disc with a laser in the optical disc drive. The marked segments are created by the application of assorted quanta of radiant energy from the laser. The reflectivity of the marked segments is measured. Ultimately, the laser power of a laser in the optical disc drive is set for writing a label based upon the reflectivities measured for each of the marked segments for each quantum of radiant energy.