Abstract: The invention relates to a method of asymmetrically severing a plate (3) of brittle material, in which by means of a heat source (5) a thermal load is provided along a heating track asymmetrically with respect to the desired cutting line (7) and the plate (3) is severed along the desired cutting line (7).

Abstract: A static bearing, more particularly a static gas bearing, with a component to be journalled, which is movable with respect to a fixedly arranged bearing part. The bearing part is provided with one or more openings for the supply of a bearing medium between the bearing surfaces facing each other of the component and of the bearing part. The openings communicate with a supply of a bearing medium. A closure member is resiliently arranged opposite each of the supply openings in such a manner that with increasing pressure of the medium in the bearing gap between the surfaces of the component and the bearing part the closure member is moved away from the relevant supply openings and the flow resistance between the supply and the supply opening decreases.

Abstract: A method and a device for manufacturing an information carrier of synthetic material having a laminated structure, in which a transparent carrier is provided away from the mould with a resin layer and is then brought to a position opposite a mould with its resin layer facing the mould, after which the carrier is pressed against the mould progressively from a boundary surface of the carrier by means of one or more rollers and at least the part of the carrier located directly behind the roller or rollers is exposed for curing the resin layer, the carrier with the cured resin layer being subsequently removed from the mould and further transported.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer information disc, in particular a video disc, which is read by laser light. The disc comprises at least two radiation-reflecting optical structures each having a relief-like information track of regions situated alternately at a higher and a lower level which is read in reflection and on the basis of phase differences. Each of the optical structures is covered with a reflection layer at least one of which partially transmits the reading radiation so that upon reading the other optical structure or structures, the radiation passes through the structure provided with the partially transmitting reflection layer. The coefficients of reflection of the various reflective layers are preferably matched to each other in a manner such that upon reading the same amount of light returns from each optical structure. A suitable material for the partially reflective layer is a dielectric which has no light absorption.

Abstract: A device for making discs, comprising a press which includes at least one hydraulic pressure chamber, one wall of which is formed during operation by a flexible, thermally conductive plate which can be pressed against a thermoplastic substrate. The device comprises a first system of ducts which includes a pump whereby a hot liquid can be supplied to and discharged from the pressure chamber, and a second system of ducts which includes a pump whereby cold liquid can be supplied to the pressure chamber. The liquid in the systems of ducts and the pressure chamber is pressurized by means of an expansion vessel, the liquid part of which communicates with the pressure chamber as well as with both systems of ducts, its gas part communicating with a pressure control device.