Abstract: An optical recording medium comprising a read-only type disc and a pre-grooved disc bonded back-to-back to the read-only type disc is provided. Content from the read-only type disc side of the optical recording medium can be reproduced through a standards-compliant optical media player. Content can be recorded by a standards-compliant optical media recorder on the pre-grooved disc side of the optical recording medium.

Abstract: Improvements to an optical recording apparatus comprising a laser light source are provided. The improvements include installing a photodiode in an optical path of at least a portion of the laser light beam from the laser light source, and connecting said photodiode to a detection circuit. The photodiode detects the laser light beam and generates a detection signal based on the detected beam. The detection circuit monitors the detection signal and generates an alarm signal if the detection signal indicates a dropout in the laser beam. The alarm signal can trigger an alarm indicator and/or cause a recording process to be halted.

Abstract: An outfeed rail is provided. The outfeed rail assembly includes a rail arm and a pivoting abutment including a support arm attached to the rail arm and a pivoting abutment attached to the support arm. A first article is transported via a conveyor until it reaches the outfeed rail assembly. The first article moves along the roller until its momentum is stopped by the pivoting abutment. The first article rests at a stopped position until it is displaced from the stopped position by another article sent down the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing registration errors when mounting a plate cylinder in an optical disc printing system is provided. The apparatus comprises a locating member attached to an end of an imaging drum in the printing system, facing away from a drive member in the printing system, and a clamping tool including spring-loaded handles, a plurality of arms, and a locating sleeve integrally attached to an outer surface of one of the clamping tool arms. The apparatus allows an operator to maneuver the plate cylinder in radial and axial directions into a final, aligned position, and the clamping tool holds the plate cylinder in place in the final position while the operator secures the plate cylinder in the system.