Abstract: A process is provided for making a cookie preform from a continuous cookie dough rope by inserting finger means into said rope in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of said rope and displacing at least selected ones of said finger means at a velocity relative to the velocity of said rope sufficient to stretch said rope to the breaking point to separate said portion from said rope, whereby said portion has at least one surface formed by said stretching action to have a coarse appearance. Also provided is a cookie preform that has ridges and grooves in at least one surface thereof to provide a coarse surface appearance.

Abstract: A method of making a fire hose including the steps of extruding a tube having inner 12 and outer coverings of elastomeric material on a woven jacket made from woven synthetic textile yarns and having a weft which is unusually highly crimped. The extruded tube is placed in a confining mould or sheath having an internal diameter substantially the same as the external diameter of the hose, curing the material of the tube by internal application of heat and pressure, pressing the outer covering into tight engagement with the sheath. The sheath effectively prevents radial expansion of the hose during the curing and the outer covering is thus embossed with the surface topography of the inner surface of the sheath upon removal of the sheath. The hose thus formed has good diametral swell properties and consequently reduces the frictional forces in relation to the amount of water flowing through the hose.

Abstract: A male and female mold parts combination for forming a latch opening in a container molded from a softened sheet of plastic having a female mold key member arranged on the female mold part; a male mold key member arranged on the male mold part; a cutting edge adjacent to a planar face of one key and a vertical surface having a bevelled edge surface on the other key. The keys being normally registered so that on closure of the mold parts, initial contact will involve the cutting edge, the bevelled edge surface and the plastic therebetween. One of the keys is fixed in one of the mold parts and the other of the keys being located in the other of the mold parts and free to move independently of its mold part so that on closure of the mold parts the cutting edge will ride off the bevelled edge surface and slide across the vertical surface piercing and enlarging a latch opening in the plastic.

Abstract: A punch press machine for piercing a so-called green sheet made from a ceramic compound formed as a thin tape utilized for IC substrate and the like after sintering for solidification. The green sheet is adhered to a liner, such as a plastic tape, and has a core portion. The punch press machine is capable of piercing the green sheet together with the liner, without peeling of the tape liner from the core portion of green sheet. The machine consists of a punch press section, a work piece feeding section and a drive mechanism to move the work piece feeding section or the punch press section under mechanical automation, thus facilitating the piercing work with high productivity and quality.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for making a cookie preform from a continuous cookie dough rope by inserting finger means into said rope in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of said rope and displacing at least selected ones of said finger means at a velocity relative to the velocity of said rope sufficient to stretch said rope to the breaking point to separate said portion from said rope, whereby said portion has at least one surface formed by said stretching action to have a coarse appearance.

Abstract: A blade of an exposure control such as an iris control device or a shutter control device is provided for use in cameras. A sheet of a resin or metallic material configured as desired into the final blade form is placed in an injection molding machine which has a pin-forming cavity on one side of the sheet. The sheet is broken and penetrated at its portions where pins are to be formed and fixed, such that portions of the material of the sheet are deformed to project into the cavity. A molten resin is injected through a sprue formed on the opposite side of the sheet to the cavity so that the injected resin fills the cavity to form a pin in such a manner that the deformed and projected portion of the material of the sheet is embedded in the pin-forming resin. Another pin is formed on the other side of the sheet simultaneously with the first-mentioned pin in the same manner in the same die apparatus.

Abstract: A manifolded, multiple-pin die apparatus and method processes potentially explosive material to form longitudinally perforated cylindrical pellets for use as gun propellants. A main entrance passage formed in mating manifold blocks gradually changes in cross-sectional configuration from circular to figure-eight, and then branches in a gently curved manner. The divergent branches formed then further branch in the same manner and feed circular cross-section passages leading to extruding dies wherein a series of die pins extend axially through a discharge passage. Each die comprises a central core member supporting an outer shell via radial ribs which are configured to form flow passages of hour-glass configuration. No change of flow direction in the entire apparatus exceeds fifteen degrees.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for making a hollow-shaped body from molten resin wherein the method includes the step of cutting a hole through the resin after it is cooled and into a fluid aperture formed during a fluid injection step which distributes the molten resin over the interior surfaces of a mold of the system. The fluid aperture is in communication with the interior of the resulting hollow-shaped body and is preferably located in the runner or sprue of the mold. The fluid is preferably a gas, such as nitrogen. In each of the disclosed embodiments of the invention, a cutting member is located in the mold and has a surface which at least partially defines a resin flow path in the mold. Cutting is accomplished by moving the cutting member in a controlled fashion between a molding position and a relieving position so that the cutting member applies a cutting force to cut the hole. The cutting member includes a fluid-relieving aperture formed therein.

Abstract: A method of perforating a nonwoven web of fibrous fabric by directing the web through a nip defined by first and second moveable members. As the web moves through the nip it is penetrated by a plurality of heated pins projecting from the first member which enter heated apertures formed in the second member. The penetration of the pins causes the fibers of the fabric to separate and enter into the apertures and form openings through the web. The openings are surrounded by dense consolidated rings exhibiting greater hydrophilic properties than the nonperforated surface of the web.

Abstract: Apparatus for uniformly macroscopically expanding and, if desired, aperturing a plastic web. This is preferably accomplished by supporting the plastic web on a moving three-dimensional forming structure which is supported in a fluid pressure differential zone by a stationary support member. By providing a relationship between the size and pattern of the apertures in the stationary support member and the size and pattern of the apertures in the three-dimensional forming structure, substantially all of the apertures present in the forming structure are unobstructed by the stationary support member at some point during the forming structure's traverse of the fluid pressure differential zone. Thus the resultant plastic web is uniformly debossed and, if desired, apertured in the pattern of the three-dimensional forming structure.

Abstract: A method of forming a hole in a plastic pipe feeds a plastic layer for the plastic pipe from a nozzle about a mandrel into chill moulds being displaced along an elongated mould cavity about the mandrel formed by the chill moulds. All of the plastic layer is pressed into the chill moulds with a pressure medium between the mandrel and all of an inner surface of the plastic layer for forming the plastic pipe therefrom. Only portions of the plastic layer of the plastic pipe are then subjected to a local pressure difference exceeding the breaking limit of the plastic layer between the inner surface and an opposite, outer surface of the plastic layer at least in part from a flowing medium for forming a hole in the plastic layer of the plastic pipe, the flowing medium being one of a gas and a liquid and flowing from the mandrel at a pressure higher than that of the pressure medium pressing the plastic layer of the plastic pipe.

Abstract: Apertured polymeric films for use as a liquid permeable facing material on absorbent products such as diapers and sanitary napkins is textured by a dual embossing process. The film is preferably embossed first with a pronounced, textile-like pattern, then embossed with a finely engraved finish roll to produce a thin, smooth film with a matte finish while retaining the appearance of the previously embossed pattern. The twice embossed film is soft, conformable, and more comfortable against the skin. The embossing sequence may be reversed for some applications.

Abstract: A process to obtain molecular orientations in perforated plates made of extruded plastic material includes a first heating of the plastic material at an extrusion temperature, the extruding of the plastic material in the form of a perforated plate, a first cooling of said plate, a second heating of the plate at the longitudinal orientation temperature, the longitudinal stretching of the plate, a second cooling of the plate at a temperature approaching room temperature, a third heating of the plate at the longitudinal stabilization temperature, a third cooling of the plate, a fourth heating of the plate at the transverse orientation temperature, the transverse stretching of the plate, a fourth cooling of the plate at the transverse stabilization temperature, and the final cooling of the plate.

Abstract: A softened unperforated film and a perforated die which is generally cylindrical in movement are brought into contact and exposed, in a predetermined region, to a pressure gradient oriented radially of the die. The pressure gradient causes the local penetration of the film into the holes of the die and the consequent perforation of the film itself. The movement of the die is supported in a rigid manner solely upstream and downstream of the predetermined region in the common direction of movement of the film and the die. The die itself is subjected to a pulling action, along its generatrices at least close to the predetermined region.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a coating layer on a molded product formed in a split-type mold assembly, which assembly includes first and second dies supported for movement relative to each other and a shut-off pin for forming a perforation in the molded product. The shut-off pin is first caused to project into a mold cavity, defined between the first and second dies when the both are closed together, through the first dies during the formation of the molded product. The shut-off pin is then allowed to retract from the mold cavity and inwardly of the first dies, leaving in the molded product the perforation extending completely through the thickness of the molded product.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming frogs in the sides of a slipformed concrete element, especially a hollow-core slab is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, the frogs are formed in the sides of the element by removing cast material from the sides by a reciprocative scraping action. The reciprocative movement parallel to the side of the element is effected with a drive motor and a lever assembly. By the method, it is possible to obtain a desired frog shape and depth without damaging the side surfaces.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the production of articles from a planar web of thermoplastic material, having heating, hot shaping and punching devices, a web conveying mechanism for stepwisely transporting the web along the substantially planar path through the apparatus includes a plurality of driven stationary conveying units arranged at opposite edges of the web along the path thereof, each conveying unit including a driving wheel and a cooperating free wheeling supporting roller arranged opposite to each other and having their axes of rotation extending substantially parallel to each other and to the plane of the web, the driving wheel having a wedge-like converging circumference with a toothed circumferential edge and connected to a driving mechanism which synchronously drives the driving wheels, and the free wheeling supporting roller having a cylindrical circumference supporting the web in an adjustable position relative to the driving wheel, such that the toothed circumferential edge partly penetrates the web a

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection molding apparatus for producing video discs, compact discs, etc. Most particularly, the present invention provides an injection molding apparatus for producing the discs mentioned above in which when a punch severs an aperture in the disc while in the mold halves and not solidified, a sprue bushing is arranged to retreat while a resisting force is applied to the sprue bushing against the urging force of the punch.

Abstract: A method for hydraulically deforming a web of polymeric film while the film is supported on a moving forming structure to produce a novel microbubbled substantially fluid-impervious web exhibiting substantially the same consumer preferred soft and silky tactile impression and reduced noise generation levels heretofore only achievable in microapertured, and hence substantially fluid pervious polymeric webs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the microbubbled polymeric web exhibits a fine-scale pattern of discrete mushroom shaped surface aberrations, each of said surface aberrations having its amplitude oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface in which the surface aberration originates. The method may also be utilized to produce fluid pervious microapertured webs which are known in the art. Apparatus for producing microbubbled and/or microapertured webs either in "planar" or "macroscopically expanded" form are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressing, dividing and kneading pieces of dough, the apparatus being adapted to be installed in a continuous and automatic dough processing plant, the pressure plate, dividing knives and dough holder ring being combined to form a unitary processing head which receives a revolving kneading movement while a kneading belt having kneading recesses remains stationary with respect to the processing head. The kneading belt conveys the undivided pieces of dough into the pressing, dividing and kneading zone and also conveys the discrete pieces of dough out of the same.

Abstract: Bags are manufactured from a tubular web of thermoplastic film. An air injector periodically inflates the film whereupon it contacts cooperating vacuum plates. One of the plates has a cutting die which cuts a tab in the film which in turn provides an ingress for the injected air. The film is then sealed and severed to form the bags, which are then formed into a block. The tab then serves as an opening to facilitate the removal of individual bags from the block.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for uniformly macroscopically expanding and, if desired, aperturing a plastic web. This is preferably accomplished by supporting the plastic web on a moving three-dimensional forming structure which is supported in a fluid pressure differential zone by a stationary support member. By providing a relationship between the size and pattern of the apertures in the stationary support member and the size and pattern of the apertures in the three-dimensional forming structure, substantially all of the apertures present in the forming structure are unobstructed by the stationary support member at some point during the forming structure's traverse of the fluid pressure differential zone. Thus the resultant plastic web is uniformly debossed and, if desired, apertured in the pattern of the three-dimensional forming structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an alignment of longitudinally spaced short slits with undulated edges in a sheet of fresh pasta comprises a pair of meshing but noncontacting identical gear-like elements mounted on rotatively driven parallel shafts. Each gear-like element is a pair of identical bevel-toothed disks abutted together so that the tips of the bevel teeth of one disk are opposite the grooves between the teeth of the other disk, the width of the bevel teeth being appreciably less than the width of the grooves. The novel pasta product of the apparatus features an alignment of longitudinally spaced short slits with undulated edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for transforming a substantially continuous web of substantially planar, deformable material having an indefinite length, a first surface, and a second surface into a formed material. The material has a transformation temperature range. The process comprises the following steps:(a) The web of material is provided on a forming structure with the first surface of the web of material proximate a forming surface of the forming structure. The forming surface moves in a direction of the length of the web of material and carries the web of material in that direction.(b) A liquid stream is applied to the second surface of the web of material. The liquid stream has sufficient force and mass flux to cause the web of material to be deformed toward the forming surface, such that the material acquires a substantial three-dimensional conformation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of selectively apertured thermoplastic sheet or film, comprising a rotatable molding element means for receiving the film and which means has a predetermined pattern therein wherein as the film is contacted with the rotatable molding element means and a fluid pressure differential is applied to the surface of the film, a desired pattern of perforated areas and non-perforated areas are imparted to the film with each of said areas being continuous across the web of the film and alternating in the machine direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of selectively apertured thermoplastic sheet or film, comprising a rotatable molding element means for receiving the film and which means has a predetermined pattern therein wherein as the film is contacted with the rotatable molding element means and a fluid pressure differential is applied to the surface of the film, a desired pattern of perforated areas and non-perforated areas are imparted to the film with each of said areas being continuous across the web of the film and alternating in the machine direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a tubular plastic sheath having one or more imperforate panels around the periphery of the sheath with intervening plastic net connecting the imperforate panels, the apparatus including an extruder, perforating means and stretching means, the improvement being extrusion means to form bands of different thickness asbout the sheath the perforation means being positioned such as to perforate only bands of one thickness.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a new process and equipment to produce mesh in non-metallic materials such as leather having a wide application in industrial and commercial fields. The process produces a variety of cuts or incisions in a relatively flat and thin, non-metallic material and then subjecting it to different treatments which include introducing the material into a steam chamber, extruding it, molding it and, if desired, submitting same to a heat treatment in order to keep the shape of the mesh during its practical usage and, if desired, further subjecting same to a final finish.

Abstract: Apertures are formed in plastic resin sheet material during a thermoforming process by shearing the heated plastic sheet between shear members which have cooperating shear faces extending in two dimensions in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the thermoforming dies. The resulting apertures have a three dimensional configuration.

Abstract: A continuous, multi-phase process for debossing and perforating a substantially continuous web of substantially planar polymeric film to coincide with the image of one or more forming structures, each having a patterned forming surface with a multiplicity of holes and an opposed surface. Each forming structure is open from the holes in the forming surface to its opposed surface. The web of film has an indefinite length, a first surface, a second surface and a thickness. The thickness comprises the distance between the first surface and the second surface. The process comprises at least two sequential forming phases, one of which involves three-dimensional conformance of the web to the macroscopic profile of the forming structure and another of which involves aperturing of the web to coincide with fine-scale apertures in either the same or a separate forming structure.

Abstract: A laminated, cylindrical, metal screen or molding element for vacuum perforation of plastic film or sheets, comprising two or more relatively thin cylindrical metal screens, each having a predetermined inside and outside diameter and each having a plurality of openings or holes therein of a predetermined size and geometrical shape, and said relatively thin screens stacked and bonded together, diametrically one inside the other thereby providing a screen of a desired thickness and a desired hole geometry wherein the holes in the screen have substantially straight walls perpendicular to the surface of the screen. A method of producing a relatively thick cylindrical metal screen for vacuum perforation of plastic film or sheets wherein the holes or openings in the screen have substantially straight walls perpendicular to the surface of the screen, comprising stacking and bonding together two or more matched relatively thin metal screens diametrically one inside the other.

Abstract: A resilient plastic web exhibiting a fiber-like appearance and tactile impression and method and apparatus for its manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the web exhibits a three-dimensional microstructure comprising a regulated continuum of debossed areas of non-uniform cross-section along their length. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the debossed areas comprise capillary networks interconnecting the first and second surfaces of the web, said networks being of decreasing size in the direction of said second surface to promote fluid transport from the first surface of the web to the second surface and inhibit the flow of fluid in the reverse direction. Forming surfaces utilized to produce said webs are constructed by laminating a multiplicity of thin plates having patterns of apertures therein to form an integral structure exhibiting properties and characteristics unachievable by prior art machining and weaving techniques.

Abstract: Mandrel-cured, curved elastomeric hose is provided with an indexing mark that is formed prior to or during curing of the hose on the mandrel. The rigid curved mandrel has an exterior hose-bearing surface and an interior cavity. The cavity and exterior surface are connected by a small passageway or hole which is located where the index mark is to be made on the hose. A sleeve having a wall of uncured elastomeric material is mounted on the mandrel such that a portion of the sleeve covers the passageway. The mandrel having the sleeve mounted thereon is placed in an autoclave and subjected to steam pressure. The steam pressure forces elastomer material into the passageway and thereafter cures the elastomer sleeve into a hose. The pressure inside the cavity is approximately atmospheric at the introduction of the steam pressure. The cavity within the mandrel may be sealed except for the passageway or the cavity and the passageway may be vented to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A continuous tubular film passes through two opposed vacuum plates. One of the vacuum plates has a heated die formed therein. The film is pillowed and a portion contacts the die. A section is cut from the film and removed and, subsequently, the pillowed film is deflated. These steps are repeated in timed sequence. The apparatus and process allows the forming of apertures or sections in one side of a tubular film alone.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of selectively apertured thermoplastic sheet or film, comprising a rotatable molding element means for receiving the film and which means has a predetermined pattern therein wherein as the film is contacted with the rotatable molding element means and a fluid pressure differential is applied to the surface of the film, a desired pattern of perforated areas and non-perforated areas are imparted to the film with each of said areas being continuous across the web of the film and alternating in the machine direction.

Abstract: Double walled thermoplastic tubes, with corrugated outer walls and smooth inner wall are formed with integral bell sections spaced along the tube. The outer, corrugated wall is formed with a bell section. One of the walls is pierced between the ends of the bell section to allow the escape of air, and the inner wall is pressed outwards into engagement with the bell section of the outer wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a soundproof lining for a gas pipe, in particular for a turbojet fan jet, of the type including a multiplicity of thin, perforated panels juxtaposed by tiling, as well as an intermediate layer between the wall of the pipe and each of said panels to delimit with said perforated panel a multiplicity of resonant acoustical cavities in which the acoustical vents consist of the ports in the perforated panel. According to the invention, in order to make the tubular vents, each perforated panel has a short, tubular sleeve at right angles to each port and located on its face opposite the wall of the pipe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for imparting a uniformly apertured three-dimensional pattern to a heated plastic material subjected to a fluid pressure differential while in contact with said forming structure. In a preferred embodiment, said forming structure is created by forming a substantially continuous pattern of apertures in a multiplicity of planar sheets, at least a portion of said sheets having aperture patterns which are concentrically aligned but dissimilar in size to one another. The sheets having said concentrically aligned aperture patterns are thereafter superposed upon one another so as to form a stack exhibiting a three-dimensional continuum of capillary networks. A sufficient number of laminae are employed to ensure that said networks are of greater overall length than the maximum depth to which the plastic film being processed thereon is drawn when subjected to said fluid pressure differential.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing double walled thermoplastic pipe with integral bells are disclosed. The pipe has corrugated outer wall that has the bells molded into it, and a smooth inner wall. The inner wall is removed from the bell after the pipe is formed and set. During production, the inner wall is punctured along the bell section to admit air into the chamber between the two walls. This prevents collapse of the outer wall due to reduced air pressure as the air in the chamber cools.

Abstract: A device for producing information recording disks comprises a stamper mount for placing a stamper thereon, a stamper-fixing shaft for fixing the stamper, and a pressing plate for pressing a backing plate toward the stamper after a liquid resin is injected in the space between the backing plate and the stamper. Injection is effected via a passage made at the center of the stamper mount, and the injected resin is stretched outwardly radially by pressing the backing plate. An ultraviolet ray is irradiated to the stretched resin through the backing plate to harden the resin. An injection valve movably received in the stamper-fixing shaft may be used so that uninjected resin is prevented from being hardened. The injection valve may have a center projection as well as a flange portion at its top so that machining for making a center hole of the disk is unnecessary. The periphery of the flange portion may be wetted by the resin before the backing plate is placed on the flange portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an equipment to obtain a plate provided with holes directly by extruding plastic materials. The process consists in submitting the material coming out of an extruder head to expansion stresses according to more than one direction and in executing a plurality of perforations in said material submitted to expansion by means of perforating means; the equipment consists of a plurality of perforating devices provided with a reciprocating motion so that they can reach an interference position with respect to the material coming out of the extruder head and of means which, acting at the same time as the perforating devices, are suitable to produce an expansion of the extruded material.

Abstract: An inwardly offset surface of the cover of a carton is cut in a plane transverse to the top of the cover. A protrusion on the bottom surface of a complementary recess in the latch flap extends through the hole to latch the carton with the protrusion being within the cover recess to prevent accidental opening of the carton. The mold for producing the carton cuts the hole while thermoforming by relative movement between a male key mounted in the male mold member and female key mounted in the female mold member. Both keys have flat surfaces transverse to the closing motion of the molds. These flat surfaces are biased into engagement one with the other so that the plastic is cut in a shearing action.

Abstract: A mold for molding recorded discs includes a pair of mold plates, at least one of which is movable toward and away from the other mold plate and a center hole forming pin slidably mounted in an opening in one of the mold plates for movement toward and away from the other mold plate. The center hole forming pin includes an elongated rod having a passage extending longitudinally therethrough from an outer end to a closed inner end. A tube is mounted in the passage and divides the passage into an inner portion within the tube and an outer portion between the tube and the wall of the passage. A pair of tubular fittings are mounted on the rod with one fitting being connected to the inner portion of the passage and the other fitting being connected to the outer portion of the passage. A tubular sleeve cap is threaded on the closed end portion of the rod and is of a material harder than the material of the rod.

Abstract: Continuous hollow object casting machine comprises a plurality of chucks with means to convey the chucks through a helical path along a longitudinal, preferably a closed longitudinal, path, in the course of which the chucks are also rotated about an axis perpendicular to the primary helical path and the rate of movement there along being devised to permit substantially complete hardening of a molding material in molds carried by the chucks so that casts, with molten material therein, may be loaded at one end of the path and unloaded, with a hollow object molded therein, at the other end of the path.

Abstract: Mandrel-cured, curved elastomeric hose is provided with an indexing mark that is formed prior to or during curing of the hose on the mandrel. The rigid curved mandrel has an exterior hose-bearing surface and an interior cavity. The cavity and exterior surface are connected by a small passageway or hole which is located where the index mark is to be made on the hose. A sleeve having a wall of uncured elastomeric material is mounted on the mandrel such that a portion of the sleeve covers the passageway. The mandrel having the sleeve mounted thereon is placed in an autoclave and subjected to steam pressure. The steam pressure forces elastomer material into the passageway and thereafter cures the elastomer sleeve into a hose. The pressure inside the cavity is approximately atmospheric at the introduction of the steam pressure. The cavity within the mandrel may be sealed except for the passageway or the cavity and the passageway may be vented to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A two-dimensional integral net having a nap in form of relatively long fibres which are integral with the net and protrude from the edges which surround the apertures of the net.A method of producing this net from a film is by heating selected areas of the film to a molten state and dragging out this molten material into fibres to leave apertures in the film while controlling the fibre-dragging by cooling with an air jet.

Abstract: A device for use in making doughnuts or the like having a partition of inverted frusto-conical form provided with a central opening; an inner tubular ring extended downwardly from the partition in circumscribing relation to the opening; an outer tubular ring extending downwardly from the partition in circumscribing relation to the inner ring; a container for dough mounted upwardly on the partition; and a valve head fitted to the opening selectively for opening and closing the opening to deposit dough from the container for cutting by the rings into a doughnut and a plug centrally of the doughnut, the configuration of the respective lower sides of the partition and of the head facilitating release of the doughnut and the plug from the rings.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding information discs includes a pair of mold plates, at least one of which is movable toward and away from the other, and adapted to form a mold cavity therebetween, a center hole forming pin slidably mounted in one of the mold plates and a center plate in the other mold plate in alignment with the center hole forming pin. The center hole forming pin has a recess in its end which faces the center plate and a plurality of passages extending substantially radially therethrough from the recess to the outer surface thereof. The passages allow the flow of mold material therethrough as the center hole forming pin is moved through the mold material in the forming of the center hole to reduce the force necessary to move the pin through the mold material.

Abstract: A center plate for an apparatus for molding recorded discs is disclosed which includes a cylindrical body having an internal recess and a plug secured across the bottom end of the recess. The plug has a pair of passages therethrough opening into the internal recess. An adapter is secured to the plug. The adapter has a pair of ports and a separate universal connection between each of the ports and a separate one of the passages in the plug. This provides for a flow of a heat control medium through the center plate and permits ease of connecting pipes to the ports to provide the flow of the heat control medium.

Abstract: Method for constructing a three-dimensional film forming structure for imparting a selectively apertured three-dimensional pattern to a heated plastic material which is either fed in film form from a supply roll or extruded as a melt directly onto the surface of the forming structure and subjected to a fluid pressure differential while in contact with its surface. The completed structure comprises a stacked laminate of initially imperforate planar sheets having continuous patterns of apertures formed therein and at least one initially perforate selectively apertured planar sheet located beneath the uppermost continuously apertured sheet. The apertures formed in the initially perforate selectively apertured sheet coincide with the portions of the plastic web to be apertured. The completed laminate forming structure is preferably tubular in shape so as to facilitate continuous plastic web processing against its outermost surface.