Abstract: An apparatus for molding an article, such as a preform, used in making information recorded discs, includes top and bottom mold members having recesses in their approved surfaces. The top mold member is mounted on the end of the piston rod of a pneumatic cylinder which is adapted to move the top mold member into mating relation with the bottom mold member so that the mold recesses form a mold cavity. The bottom mold member includes means for injecting a plastic mold material into the mold cavity. To mold a preform, the top mold member is moved by the pneumatic cylinder toward the bottom mold member to a collapsed position of the mold members where the mold cavity is of a volume less than the desired volume of the preform being molded. Plastic mold material is injected into the mold cavity until it is filled and additional mold material is injected into the mold forcing the top mold member away from the bottom mold member until the cavity is of the desired volume of the preform.

Abstract: The video disc caddy comprises a record retaining spine removably received inside an outer protective cover. The spine has an opening for receiving a disc record. Each side of the spine is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed, substantially semicircular wiping pads around the record receiving opening therein.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating a replica from a matrix. The apparatus consists of a rotatable lower turntable and a movable upper turntable assembly between which the replica and matrix assembly to be separated are clamped during the separation process. A tool is provided to selectively apply pressure to the outer edge of the matrix to cause the seal between the replica and the matrix to be broken and also to provide a gap between the replica and the matrix. A pair of opposing clamp members having an aperture in the jaws of the clamps is inserted into the gap between the replica and the matrix. The clamp members are advanced so as to lock the matrix to the surface of the lower turntable. A pair of upper clamp members which are mounted on the support assembly for the upper turntable are moved into position so as to engage the replica.

Abstract: A method for molding an article, such as a preform, used in making information recorded discs, includes use of top and bottom mold members having recesses in their approved surfaces. The top mold member is mounted on the end of the piston rod of a pneumatic cylinder which is adapted to move the top mold member into mating relation with the bottom mold member so that the mold recesses form a mold cavity. The bottom mold member includes means for injecting a plastic mold material into the mold cavity. To mold a preform, the top mold member is moved by the pneumatic cylinder toward the bottom mold member to a collapsed position of the mold members where the mold cavity is of a volume less than the desired volume of the preform being molded. Plastic mold material is injected into the mold cavity until it is filled and additional mold material is injected into the mold forcing the top mold member away from the bottom mold member until the cavity is of the desired volume of the preform.

Abstract: A stamper protector is disclosed which is comprised of a recording cover and a center cover. The recording cover is made of a laminated material which has a tough outer layer and a resilient soft inner layer. The recording cover is cut in the form of an annular ring of a size such that it will cover the entire recorded area of the stamper from the outer molding land to the unrecorded center portion of the stamper. The center cover is cut to a size which will cover the entire center of the recording cover when it is adhered to the outer layer of the recording cover.