Abstract: A method of forming a decorative panel having an embossed decorative indicia. The method includes the steps of forming a decorative design within an impressionable material to provide a positive mold. Then an elastomeric material is cast within the positive mold to provide a negative blanket casting. The negative blanket casting is removed from the positive mold. Next, an epoxy resin containing material is poured over the blanket casting to form an embossing plate having a decorative design substantially identical to the decorative design within the positive mold. Finally, a panel is embossed with the embossing plate under high temperature and pressure to form the decorative panel.

Abstract: An improved method for forming a disc substrate having a bottomed centering hole for rotating and driving the disc. The method includes injecting synthetic resin into a mold cavity formed by a first and second metal molds to form the substrate, and punching at least part of the centering hole by a movable member protruded into the mold cavity to form a through-hole. A stamper containing digital information is held in place inside the mold cavity by its inner circumference by means of a vacuum or a magnet.

Abstract: An improved injection molding apparatus having a fixed mold 7 having a molten resin passage 16b and a movable second mold 8 having a molten resin passage 18 is presented in which residual hardened resin left in molten resin passages of the injection apparatus is removed automatically after every injection operation. The invented device is provided with a reciprocating member 34 which is coupled in molten resin passages 16b, 18, and during the injection step, the molten resin passage 16b is extended to the molten resin passage 18 by moving the reciprocating member 34 into the second mold to communicate a mold cavity 17 with a resin injection device 14. After the completion of the injection step, the reciprocating member 34 is moved to the back position to remove any resin left in the molten resin passage towards the first mold.

Abstract: A method of making a transfer molded chip carrier. A semiconductor device (10) is first electrically and mechanically attached to a substrate (12). The substrate (12) is then treated by sputter etching so that it will provide good adhesion between the substrate and a molding compound (18) that is subsequently molded to the substrate (25). Portions of the treated substrate are then selectively contaminated in order to reduce the adhesion between these selected portions of the substrate and the molding compound. The molding compound is then formed around the semiconductor device so as to encapsulate it and also part of the surface of the substrate. Portions (20) of the transfer molded material that were molded over the selectively contaminated portions of the substrate (12) are then removed by breaking away.

Abstract: A method of forming end stops to a continuous slide fastener chain including element-free space portions at longitudinally spaced intervals, wherein as the chain is fed in the backward direction, a pair of rows of interengaged coupling elements extending on the downstream side of an element-free space portion is spread open by a chain splitting apparatus for subsequent molding of a separable end stop whereas a pair of rows of coupling elements on the upstream side of the element-free space portion is kept in engaged condition. After the separable end stop is molded, the chain is fed in the forward direction during which time a sprue portion and gate portions formed integrally with the separable end stop are caught by a chain splitting member of the chain splitting apparatus. The chain splitting member is then lowered to automatically remove the sprue portion and gate portions from the separable end stop.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing a slide fastener chain having rows of coupling elements and members of a separable bottom end stop assembly, two positioning holes are formed at predetermined positions on reinforcing films attached to a pair of fastener tapes. The positioning holes are used to position the fastener tapes relative to a molding unit with respect to each individual slide fastener length. Thus, even when a positioning error is produced due to a change in tension on the fastener tapes being processed, such error is limited to a small extent which is created only in the individual slide fastener length. Thus, the coupling elements and the first pin member and the second pin member can be molded precisely.

Abstract: A method and mold for making a wheel of a roller skate including a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart generally axially extending curvilinear paths. A speed skater, traveling a predominately circular course with such wheels properly aligned on such skates, is able to use air moving past the skater to increase skating speed. As air enters the curvilinear paths of the wheel the direction of air flow changes. In this manner, momentum is transferred from the moving air to the spinning wheels, thus increasing the number of revolutions of the wheel and the speed of the skater. The mold may be formed of polyurethane and use flexible fingers to form the curvilinear paths of the wheel.

Abstract: A process for producing, by compression molding, an insulator having a core and a housing consisting of a sheath portion and at least one shade portion around the sheath portion, including the steps of: (A) preliminarily forming a rubbery layer around an outer periphery of the core to obtain a preliminarily molded body by extrusion molding, (B) placing the preliminarily molded body between at least two mold units of a mold; (C) forming a compressed molding by compression molding said preliminarily molded body in a given shape inside a cavity defined by the at least two mold units; and (D) curing the resulting molding. An apparatus is also disclosed for producing such an insulator by compression molding, which apparatus includes (A) a preliminary molding unit, (B) a molding unit form forming a compressed molding from the preliminarily molded body in a given shape by using a mold, and (C) a heater for curing the rubber in the rubber layer.

Abstract: A method for producing an IC card including filling a confined space with a mixture including a foaming resin, the mixture having not been foamed yet, the space being confined by a frame having cut-out portions on inner edges and at least one through-hole passing through the frame in the lateral direction between the inside and the outside of the frame, a circuit board on which functional components are mounted and having edges fitted to one of the cut-out portions of the frame so that the surface of the circuit board on which functional components are mounted faces inward, the frame and the circuit board forming a substantially flat outer surface, and a thin plate having edges fitted to another of the cut-out portions of the frame with the thin plate opposing the circuit board, the frame and the thin plate forming a substantially flat outer surface; foaming the mixture at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, thus filling the confined space with foamed resin, and thus making the foamed resin

Abstract: An apparatus and process for expanding polymer films such as PTFE films includes gripping the unexpanded film about its periphery with a number of symmetrically disposed gripping members each equidistant from the center of the film. The gripping members are simultaneously rotated through an arc away from the center of the film, as by pivotally securing each gripping member to the end of an associated expansion arm and rotating the end of each expansion arm away from the center of the film while maintaining the gripping members equidistant from the center of the film. The expansion arms are uniformly rotated by a geared shaft powered by a drive mechanism that extends through the wall of an oven for coupling to an external motor. Also disclosed is an expanded PTFE film made in accordance with such process.

Abstract: A local pressurizing type injection molding apparatus including a stationary die, a movable die disposed for movement into and out of contact with the stationary diet a first local pressurizing pin extending through the movable die and having a tip facing a gate, and a second local pressurizing pin extending through the movable die and having a tip facing the cavity. The apparatus is further provided with first advancing mechanism for advancing the first local pressurizing pin, second advancing mechanism for advancing the second local pressurizing pint and a device for individually setting the points in time at which advancing movements of the first local pressurizing pin and the second local pressurizing pin are started and for individually setting the pressurizing pressures given by the first local pressurizing pin and the second local pressurizing pin.

Abstract: A molding machine has a mold material supply device, a die setting device, a separating device and a deburring device. The supply device includes a mold material feeding device, an extruding device for receiving a mold material from the mold material feeding device and extruding the mold material so as to form an extruded mold material, a cutting device for cutting the extruded mold material, and a transfer device for receiving the extruded mold material from the cutting device and transferring the same.

Abstract: A pair of semispherical molds, each having dimple-forming projections on a connecting portion is used to shape a resinous material into a golf ball having dimples on a seam corresponding to the connecting portion. A ball fixing means is utilized to hold the golf ball thereto with the seam uncovered. A cutting member disposed at an end of a rotary shaft, and having a radius of curvature smaller than a sectional radius of curvature of the dimple is utilized to remove a burr from the seam of the golf ball. The rotary shaft rotates on its axis and moves forward when the cutting member is brought into contact with the dimple on the seam and backward when the cutting member is brought into contact with a convex land portion. The cutting member is then pressed against the seam successively in alternate contact with the dimples and the land portions.

Abstract: The present intention intends to operate an ejector which carries out gate cut and product ejection in an injection molding machine, at optimal speeds, respectively. According to the present invention, a control unit for controlling hydraulic or electric drive means for operating one or more than one ejector pin comprises operation speed setting means for gate cut and another operation speed setting means for product ejection. Such a structure enables to carry out gate cut by operating an ejector unit controlled by an ejector unit operation speed setting means for a gate cut and, subsequently, to carry out a product ejection from metallic molds by operating the ejector unit controlled by another ejector unit operation speed setting means for product ejection. The ejector unit is set at a comparatively high operation speed for gate cut so that no gate trace will remain, and at a comparatively low operation speed for product ejection so that no cracks will be generated in the product.

Abstract: A vent valve for a gas assisted injection molding machine has a valve member to control flow from the mold cavity. A shear co-operates with an anvil in the passageway between the mold and valve member to sever material in the passageway as the molded article is ejected.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved method and apparatus for molding plastic products which results in the removal of plastic residue such as flash from the products during the molding process itself. The invention teaches the use of flash retainers, situated within the mold, and into which a portion of the plastic flash becomes trapped during the molding process. After the mold is opened, the product is removed, leaving the flash still secured to the mold. The flash is then removed from the mold by the use of ejector rods which are inserted to within the flash retainers, forcing the flash from the retainer and thereby releasing the flash from the mold. In one embodiment, the flash is pinched between two members which are moved simultaneously away from the molded product to tear the flash completely away from the outer periphery of the molded product.

Abstract: To encapsulate IC chips or other parts located in openings in a tape carrier, upper and lower mold halves are closed forming a cavity about each chip. The lower mold half has a lower mold part containing a lower cavity half, and a front wall extending down to a runner groove. A slide normally covers the runner groove and contains runner channels leading to a small side gate in each cavity, without any plastic contacting the tape. After molding the upper mold half is raised and ejector pins push the molded parts with it, away from the lower mold half, performing auto degating. The molded parts are then ejected from the upper mold half, the slide is retracted and the plastic in the runner system is ejected. This allows reel to reel encapsulation of chips or other parts on a tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing the burr from the seam of a golf ball made using a pair of semispherical molds each having dimple-forming projections on a connecting portion to shape resin into a golf ball having dimples on a seam corresponding to the connecting portion. A ball fixing mechanism holds the golf ball thereto with the seam uncovered. A cutting member having a cutting member, disposed at an end of a rotary shaft, having a radius of curvature smaller than a sectional radius of curvature of each of the dimples. The rotary shaft rotates on its axis and moves forward when the cutting member is brought into contact with each of the dimples on the seam and backward when the cutting member is brought into contact with a convex land thereon. Thereafter, the cutting member is pressed against the seam successively removing the burr while maintaining the integrity of each of the dimples.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing flash from a flexible molded part includes a support for supporting the part being deflashed in underlying relation with first and second pinch rollers which are located at opposite ends of the part, and first and second conveyor assemblies associated with the first and second pinch rollers, respectively, are adapted to move the flash at both ends of the part into engagement with the pinch rollers which are driven in opposite directions and have knurled surfaces, causing the flash to be pinched between the pinch rollers and the associated conveyor assemblies, pulling the flash from said part, the conveyor assemblies conveying the flash away from part.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of optical record disc substrates includes the steps of injecting a resin material into a plurality of disc-shaped cavities which are formed by closing a fixed mold half and a movable mold half; and cooling the injected resin material in the cavities. The cavities are grouped into a plurality of groups so that each group includes not less than one cavity, and each group is provided with a common actuation device so that each actuation device is independently operated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating an injection molded product from a sprue/runner formed with the injection molded product in injection molds includes a product receiver underlying the injection molds for receiving the product after the molds have been opened and a sprue/runner receiver underlying the injection molds for receiving the sprue/runners after the molds have been opened. The product receiver and the sprue/runner receiver are positioned relative to the molds and relative to each other such that the product falls onto the product receiver while being precluded from falling into the sprue/runner receiver and the sprue/runners fall into the sprue/runner receiver while being precluded from falling onto the product receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for degating an injection mold high aspect ratio injection mold plastic article includes a pair of spring biased mold inserts locatable against opposed sides of a runner following initial mold opening movement and wherein one of the pair of mold inserts has a cutting edge and a first operative position engageable with the part following solidification thereof for supporting the part within the mold along an edge portion thereof that is joined to the runner; and wherein the other of the pair of mold inserts has a cutting edge that cooperates with the cutting edge of the one mold insert following mold opening to cut the runner from the part during the ejection of the solidified part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for trimming a contoured non-round workpiece includes a torch for flame treating or trimming the workpiece by impinging a flame on the workpiece, a holding member for supporting the workpiece, the holding member being rotatably mounted relative to the torch, and a control member for cooperating the holding member with the torch so that the torch follows the contour of the workpiece when the holding member is rotated relative to the torch. The control member generates an electronic image of the workpiece and guides the torch along the contour of the workpiece in accordance with the image.

Abstract: Compression molding of elastomer to form an annular sealing lip bonded to a sintered polytetrafluoroethylene line over the lip, and to bond the elastomer to an annular metal case for the seal. The mold elements, anchoring the inner margin of the liner preform during molding, slide against each other for concentric alignment, bend the metal case to control back pressure on the elastomer being applied to the liner, and form a thin annular link of elastomer between the seal formed in the mold and the excess elastomer to be trimmed from the seal.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing pneumatic vehicle tires in a radially divided vulcanization mold provides a space for the excess rubber material outside of the tire contour to be vulcanized and thereby improves the trueness of the vulcanized tire.

Abstract: A mold and method of forming a butterfly valve and the novel valve formed. The concept includes providing a valve skeleton having a body portion, a hollow neck extending from the body portion to receive a valve stem and a cruciform-shaped actuator plate portion on the hollow neck, suspending the valve skeleton in a mold cavity in inverted orientation, and injecting reaction injection molding polymer by laminar flow into the bottom of the mold cavity with an amount of polymer sufficient to fill the space from the bottom up, encapsulating the skeleton, and overfill the space to force the leading edge of the polymer out the top of said space into said escape chamber to entrap residual gases into a severable offal member. The polymer encapsulates the cruciform-shaped actuator plate while filling the corner spaces thereof, except for fastener orifices which form adjacent the cruciform legs. A gate at the bottom of the mold assures laminar flow of polymer into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle tilt-out window with a resilient seal insert includes an annular frame which is bonded to the vehicle window opening. The frame includes a resilient double lip seal which is molded into a recess formed in the frame and the lip seal cooperates with a glass panel mounted upon the frame by homogeneous hinge tabs extending from the frame permitting the glass panel to be tilted relative to the frame for ventilation purposes and an articulated pivoting latch mounted to a homogeneous latch base locks the glass panel against the lip seal.

Abstract: A top sheet and a bottom sheet are thermoformed about a foam core which has feet making spaces for the tines of a fork lift truck. The top and bottom sheets meet at a line on the pallet edge to fuse and bond together and may be applied simultaneously to the core while the core is confined in a mold cavity.

Abstract: A process is provided wherein a laser is used to shape and/or trim a polymer tubular catheter material while in situ on a metal insertion needle or cannula. The laser process seals the interface between the polymer catheter material and the metal cannula to prevent the flow of blood between the tubular catheter and the introducing cannula during insertion into a patient. The interface is of sufficient strength to resist such blood flow, but still sufficiently weak to prevent the removal of the cannula needle after insertion into a patient.

Abstract: Production line and method for manufacturing strips of foil stabilized plastics moldings featuring a rotary reform machine that has a pair of reform wheels that are rotatably driven to profile the extrudate while matching the output speed of extrudate exiting from the extrusion die of a plastics extruder. The wheels have equal diameters and are motor driven at the same angular velocity so that forming dies in the wheels synchronize and cooperate to pressure mold spaced sections of the extrudate feeding therethrough to form high quality end corners with an offal section therebetween. A haul-off pulls the strip from the extruder die, the rotary reform machine, a water trough and flash trimmer and into a cutter where the offal is removed. The strip is maintained under a predetermined tension load by use of an adjustable friction brake on the stabilizer foil so that the heated plastics exiting the extruder will be uniform in initial profile, providing high quality extrudate feeding into the reforming wheels.

Abstract: An improved method of removing a stuck sprue from the ejector assembly of an injection molding machine and a tool for use in the method in which the tool has a body with a hollow lower portion having a bottom edge with peripherally spaced indentations. In the method, the tool is first heated to above the melting point of the molding material and the lower end is inserted into the stuck sprue. The tool is cooled to below the melting point of the molding material and then rocked back and forth to free the sprue from the ejector mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention essentially relates to a process for curing pipe insulation, including the employment of a two-part mold and the utilization of a device for the passage of curing air through the mold and through a pipe insulation preform which is arranged around a core disposed within the mold. The process for the curing of insulating chutes constituted of a fibrous materials, such as wool or the like, completely avoids the formation of any burrs which can conceivably be formed between interengaging and cooperating mold halves, one of which is a female and the other a complementary male component. A sharp and flexible leading edge in the male part is arranged to come into contact with the inner surface of the female part and to slide therealong before making contact with a preform for producing the pipe insulation, which is preferably a thermal wool material.

Abstract: A water ski tow line constructed to provide anti-rotation of the tow line handle. The water ski tow line has a handle with holes at each end traversing the handle. A tow line is attached to each end of the handle by passing the line around the handle and through the holes traversing the handle such that two lines are provided extending from tangent points on opposite sides of the handle. These two lines effectively provide opposing torques on either side of the handle, preventing rotation of the handle during use. The skier's hands are protected by end caps formed of a cup fitting over the end of the handle covering the rope, having a sheath extending away from the handle and covering the loop formed by the two lines. The two lines are then joined at a yoke forming a single tow line. A yoke protector is produced by a unique tool to cover and protect the yoke area of the water ski tow line.

Abstract: A process for making helmets for cyclists which includes steps of a) pre-heating a mold; b) putting a printing ink-coated plastic film or sheet to the lower die of the mold; c) letting the plastic film or sheet be heated to deform and to closely adhered to the cavity on the lower die; d) filling a polyurethane liquid; closing the upper die of the mold; e) putting the mold in a reactor for foaming; f) shape forming; g) mold stripping; i) trimming and vent hole making; and j) packing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing rectangular frames made of plastic materials, in which at least two four-head welding machines arranged on a turntable are alternatively fitted out with four plastic shaped pieces cut to a predetermined length with corresponding mitres, and clamped together. A frame is welded in a respective welding machine by applying heat and pressure to all mitre surfaces to form welding beads thereat. The welded frame is then transferred to a cleaning machine for treatment of protruding weld bead portions.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing segmented tubular products such as filters from nonwoven fibers. The system includes a die assembly, a collector assembly including a rotating mandrel, a withdrawer assembly, and a post-treatment assembly. The withdrawer assembly utilizes at least one threaded roller contacting either the inner or outer periphery of a tube formed on the mandrel to withdraw the tube from the mandrel in a controlled manner. The post-treatment assembly smoothes the outer surface of the tube prior to cutting by melting loose fiber strand strands extending therefrom. The properties of the finished product can be varied by altering the operation of the collector assembly and/or the withdrawer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of article manufacture and more particularly to an apparatus for removing the flashing from a manufactured article. The apparatus includes at least one gripping unit for gripping a portion of the flashing. The gripping unit is switched by a pneumatic actuator between an open and a clamping configuration. A support is provided upon which each gripping unit is movably mounted, and an indexing actuator is provided for indexing each gripping unit along the support between a rest position displaced from the support surface and a clamping position adjacent to the support surface. A control unit is provided for controlling the operation of the pneumatic actuator and the indexing actuator to effect removal of the flashing. The control unit causes each gripping unit, when in the clamping position, to switch from the open configuration to the clamping configuration to grip the flashing.

Abstract: An injection molding mechanism and method of its use for the formation in a single sequence of operations of weld-line free cylindrical container body portions having a central opening at one end. The central opening is formed by the removal of the central top sprue portion of the container body. The container body produced by this mechanism can be used as a pressurizable dispensing container.

Abstract: According to a method of producing a modular cover, a gate mark made during injection molding and left on a cover can not be seen from a vehicle occupant. A submarine gate is placed in a mold to contact with a surface of a molded modular cover which is hidden when the modular cover is in use. This mold is used to make a cover by one-color injection molding.

Abstract: A product, such as an optical disk substrate, having a minute surface pattern and a central hole is suitably obtained by an injection molding, wherein a resin is injected into a cavity defined by a mold including a movable half and a fixed half. The movable half is provided with an ejector ring reciprocally movable in a mold opening-and-closing direction and a gate cutter reciprocally movable at two strokes in the mold opening-and-closing direction. After the resin is injected into the cavity to form a product accompanied with a gate, the gate cutter is moved at a first stroke to cut the gate. Then the mold is opened, and substantially simultaneously with commencement of the mold opening, the product is released from the stamper and the gate cutter is moved at a second stage stroke in a direction causing the release of the product from the stamper.

Abstract: A storage or shipping carton for automotive parts or the like has disposed therewithin layers of resilient tubular dunnage having part configured cut outs in the side walls. The dunnage extends transversely of the carton between two of the side walls while the parts extend transversely of the dunnage between the other two side walls. The tubular dunnage is preferably formed of low density polyethylene and the notches in the dunnage are formed by flattening the dunnage and severing the side walls thereof while in the flattened condition and then reopening the dunnage to its normal configuration.

Abstract: A dresser apparatus is provided for a strand of blow-molded articles interconnected by shorter flashings. A first pair of first rollers and a second pair of second rollers are of the gear type and are mounted for rotation to define pinching planes therebetween along which the strand is directed. The second rollers are relatively spaced to engage the articles and flashings passing therebetween, and are spaced from the first rollers such that the second rollers engage each flashing or article while a succeeding article or flashing is being engaged by the first rollers. A second moving device rotates the second rollers at a predetermined speed which is greater than the speed of the first rollers. Thus, each flashing or article is pulled from the succeeding article or flashing.

Abstract: A molding machine has a mold material supply, a die setting assembly, separating and de-burring assemblies. The supply includes a mold material feed, an extruder for receiving a mold material from the mold material feed and extruding the mold material so as to form an extruded mold material, a cutter for cutting the extruded mold material, and a transfer assembly for receiving the extruded mold material from the cutter and transferring the same.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus for trimming blow molded plastic workpieces includes a torch for heat trimming the workpiece; a turntable for supporting the workpiece, rotatably mounted relative to the torch; and a cam for guiding the torch, the cam cooperating the turntable with the torch so that the torch follows a contour of the workpiece when the turntable is rotated relative to the torch. The cam is preferably disposed on the turntable and in registry with the workpiece, and has a contour selected according to the contour of a surface of the workpiece to be trimmed so as to properly position the torch relative to the surface of the workpiece to be trimmed.

Abstract: A method for producing foam-filled stud walls includes introducing at least a portion of an unfilled stud wall between a backplate, with the sheathing against the backplate, and a dam having a compressible membrane draped over one face thereof and a non-adhering sheet draped over the compressible membrane for presenting to the studs; moving the dam against the bottom portion of the open side of the stud wall; introducing foam between the backplate and the dam to fill the stud wall therebetween; moving the dam while unrolling the non-adhering sheet and compressible membrane; introducing additional foam to fill a further portion of the stud wall; repeating the two preceding steps on to completion of filling; moving the dam away from the stud wall; and advancing the filled portion of the stud wall from between the backplate and dam.

Abstract: A trimmer apparatus (10) comprising dual moveable belts (64) and (90) for removing a dome scrap (12) from a hollow, blow molded plastic bottle (14), is described. The dual belts are supported on spaced apart pulley systems (20) and (22) forming a linear path (24) along which the bottle travels. The distance between the pulley system is adjustable for different size bottles. A groove (12A) on the dome scrap is engaged by the belts which are rotating in a similar direction. However, one belt is moving somewhat faster than the other. This provides for moving the bottle linearly along the path, while spinning the bottle. As the bottle spins past a knife blade (112) the dome scrap cut from the bottle.

Abstract: An injection molding machine employing a mold for molding, e.g., disk-shaped recording medium carriers. A mold-mounting plate has a front surface allowing the mold to be the mounted thereon. A gate-cutting punch is slidably inserted in a hole extending through the plate and opening in the front and rear surfaces of the plate. A bore extends longitudinally in the center of the punch, and an ejector pin is slidably inserted in the bore. A gate-cutting drive cylinder is mounted on the rear surface of the mold-mounting plate, and has a piston capable of abutting against the rear end of the gate-cutting punch. The piston is formed with a stepped bore having a large-diameter front portion and a small-diameter rear portion which are aligned on the same axial line. An ejector rod extends through the stepped bore, and has a large-diameter portion slidable within the large-diameter portion of the stepped bore, the front end of the ejector rod being capable of abutting against the rear end of the ejector pin.

Abstract: An injection mold capable of being filled from the center is a gated mold with at least one repositionable subgate. The subgate permits simplified removal of the central portion of the molded article, while at least substantially eliminating secondary treatment of the molded article.

Abstract: A molded disk is transferred out of the mold with short-stroke low-mass motions of a pair of mechanical guides which can grip, then release, the O.D. edge of the molded disk, when acting in coordination with movable mold members having undercuts for molded-on retention of the inner portion of the molded disk and/or sprue. Acting together, the disk is stripped off the molding surfaces and can be oriented in a second vertical plane to freely drop out an aperture in the mold, to exit through a discharge chute. Two ways of separating the sprue from the disk are shown, with a molded-in centerhole being preferred. This method and apparatus for transferring the molded disk out faster by gravity discharge wherein an optical disk mold can be enclosed against airborne dirt throughout molding cycles.

Abstract: A multi-cavity injection molding apparatus capable of simultaneously molding a plurality of optical disk substrates with a simple construction. The injection molding apparatus is constituted of a mold unit having a plurality of cavities and an injection unit for supplying a molten resin to the mold unit. The injection unit is provided with a plurality of nozzles for injecting the molten resin into the cavities, respectively.