Abstract: A method of and apparatus for recording information from a master medium onto a slave medium. In one embodiment, digital information on a master medium is reproduced and stored at a first rate, typically at real time, in a first high speed digital storage device such as a magnetic disk drive. The digital information stored in the first storage device, when needed, is transferred at a second rate, much higher than the first, to a second digital storage device in which it is stored until it is scheduled for duplication, at which time the digital information is repeatedly played back at a third rate, much higher than the first rate and slower than the second rate, is converted from digital information into analog information and applied to a duplicating device for recording the analog information onto a slave medium.

Abstract: A system for defacing compact discs so as destroy information stored thereon includes a defacer unit and a feed unit for feeding discs one at a time, with vertical orientation, to the defacer unit. A falling vertically-oriented disc is caught and held between two sets of driven endless rubber belts which transport the disc between opposed knurling wheels which embed grooves in opposite sides of the disc substrate without, however, cracking the substrate. The knurling wheels are designed to give the grooves an identifiable pattern.

Abstract: A method for removing the lacquer and aluminum coatings from the polycarbonate substrate of scrap compact discs so as to reclaim the polycarbonate includes the steps of immersing the discs in a an alkaline solution, heating the solution to a predetermined temperature and mechanically agitating the immersed discs by applying ultrasonic energy to the solution at a sufficient energy density and for a sufficient time to dissolve the lacquer and the aluminum into the solution. The solution containing the dissolved lacquer and aluminum is decanted from the stripped polycarbonate discs, the discs are washed with water to remove remanent alkaline solution, and then dried.

Abstract: A package for the retail display of a compact disc includes the hingedly connected base and cover of the conventional "jewel box", and a tray in which the disc is removably secured by a circular array of flexible fingers, in which the tray differs from the conventional tray in that it is transparent, instead of opaque, and has a narrow slot formed in the elevated portion which extends along its entire length. The compact disc is placed face down in the tray, and the tray is placed face down in the conventional box cover with the slot in the elevated portion receiving and firmly engaging the hinged-end wall of the base to thereby jamb the hinge and lock the box full-open. The locked-open box is shrink-wrapped with transparent film so as to make artwork on the disc itself, and other artwork placed on other available surfaces, clearly visible to browsing purchasers.