Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for advancing a molded article from the molding station to the flash trimming station of an automated molding press. The transfer apparatus is comprised of a support member having a retainer and an expandable clamp member. The expandable clamp member is mounted within the retainer. The expandable clamp member, in its fully expanded position, has an interior size sufficient to hold a molded article by flash formed about the outer edge of the molded article. In the contracted position, the clamp has an inner edge larger than the size of the flash formed about the outer edge of the article. The transfer apparatus is pivotally mounted to oscillate between the molding station and the flash trimming station. In use, the transfer apparatus is positioned with the clamp member in the fully expanded position between the molds of the molding station so as to form a molding surface against which the flash can be molded in a uniform configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for trimming flash from molded thermoplastic records. The records which are advantageously trimmed using the apparatus of this invention have the flash secured to the outer diameter of the molded record with a web having a thickness which is substantially less than the thickness of the molded record and the principle portion of the flash. The apparatus of this invention has a rotatable turntable means for holding a record to be trimmed and a focused infrared heating means positioned relative to the turntable so as to selectively heat and soften the web prior to trimming. The softening of the web facilitates trimming the flash and the final finishing of the molded thermoplastic record.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in trimming of flash from molded thermoplastic records. The records which are advantageously trimmed using the apparatus of this invention have the flash secured to the outer diameter of the molded record with a web having a thickness which is substantially less than the thickness of the molded record and the principal portion of the flash. The apparatus of this invention has a turntable for holding the record during trimming and a manifold means for directing a heated gas over the web so as to selectively heat and soften the web thereby facilitating the trimming of the flash and final finishing of the outer diameter of the record.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for transferring a molded record from the record pressing station to the record trimming station of an automated record press. The transfer apparatus is comprised of a clamp which is circular in its closed position with an interior diameter large enough to hold a record by the flash formed about the outside diameter of the record. The clamp is pivotally mounted so as to oscillate between the record pressing station and the record trimming station. In use, the clamp is positioned in the closed position between the upper and lower molding platens so as to form a molding surface against which the flash is formed in a uniform configuration during molding. After the record is molded, the clamp in the closed position is oscillated to a position in alignment with the record trimming station. The clamp is then opened which releases the record for trimming. The clamp then returns to the record pressing station for the next molding cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflashing a molded recorded disc includes a turntable support for the disc and a scissors type knife having a pair of blades pivotally mounted together with one of the blades being mounted on a support which is positioned adjacent the turntable so that a portion of the flash of the disc extends between the blades. A pneumatic cylinder has a piston rod connected to a knife support to selectively move with the support and the knife toward and away from the disc. The blades have cooperating cutting edges for cutting through the flash and one of the blades has a front end cutting surface for removing the flash when the disc is rotated by the turntable. In the operation of the apparatus the knife first removes a major portion of the flash and then the knife is moved slowly inwardly against the edge of the disc to remove additional portions of the flash until the desired diameter of the disc is reached.