Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for trimming flash from the outer edge of thermoplastic molded records and then finishing the outer edge. A molded record having flash on its outer edge is supported on a turntable and then rotated about its center. The flash and the outer edge of the record immediately adjacent the flash are selectively heated, preferably by using a focused infrared lamp, to a temperature above the glass transition temperature. A cutter is then advanced tangentially through the flash to remove the heat-softened flash from the record. The trimmed outer edge is then finished by bringing a shaped surface into contact with the softened edge and holding it there while rotating the record until the outer edge has the desired finished configuration. The heating is discontinued and the trimmed and finished outer edge is allowed to solidify.

Abstract: A mechanical scriber using a scribing tip, such as a diamond, provides controlled scriber forces with a spring-loaded compound lever arrangement. The scribing force and range of scribing depth are adjusted by a pair of adjustable micrometer heads. A semiconductor device, such as a multilayer solar cell, can be formed into scribed strips at each layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a recorded disc with a thin layer of a lubricant includes a chamber which is divided into two sections by a baffle extending across the chamber and vertically downwardly from the top of the chamber to a point spaced from the bottom of the chamber. An atomizer is mounted at the top of one section of the chamber and is connected to a source of air under pressure and a supply of lubricant. The atomizer is adapted to generate droplets of lubricant in the one section. An air inlet port in the side of the chamber opens into the one section and is connected to a source of air under pressure. An outlet opening is at the top of the other section of the chamber. The flow of air into the one section is controlled to carry the smaller droplets of the lubricant around the bottom of the baffle and up the other section to flow out of the chamber through the outlet port. The larger droplets fall to the bottom of the chamber and are carried away through a drain outlet in the bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: The walls of a video disc caddy are vibrated at or near their resonant frequency to dislodge foreign matter adhering to the inside surfaces of the walls. The separated foreign matter is collected by the pressurized air circulating inside the caddy enclosure, and removed therefrom by means of a vacuum.