Patent US4968370A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4968370A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Replication of information carriers
Assignee: Hallmark Cards Inc
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Filing: 1988-12-08
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Granted: 1990-11-06
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Expires: 2008-12-08
Abstract
Abstract A process for producing an information carrier containing recorded audio and/or video information wherein a web of a thermoplastic material is extruded onto the patterned surface of a metal master and pressure is applied to force said thermoplastic material into contact with the metal master. The thermoplastic material is cooled to a temperature below its softening point to form an imaged thermoplastic web which is separated from the metal master. Then a thin film of metal particles is deposited on the imaged surface of the thermoplastic web and said metallized thermoplastic web is laminated with a substrate carrying an uncured coating of a radiation curable resin. The resin is cured and individual information carriers are separated from the web of information carrying laminate. A center hole is placed in the separated individual information carriers, when appropriate.
Inventors
- 👤 John B. Watkins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 11:49
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B7/00; G11B7/24; G11B7/26; G11B7/263; B; B29; B29C; B29C59/00; B29C59/02; B29C43/00; B29C43/02; B29C43/10; B29C43/12; B29K; B29K2995/00; B29K2995/0018; B29K2995/0026; B29K2995/0029
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
A process for replicating an information carrier containing stored audio or video information or a combination thereof which comprises: (a) extruding in the form of a web a thermoplastic material at a temperature above its softening point onto the patterned surface of a metal master, the patterned surface of said metal master containing depressions corresponding to digitally encoded audio or video information; (b) applying pressure to force said thermoplastic material into contact with the patterned surface of the metal master; (c) cooling the thermoplastic material to a temperature below its softening point to form an imaged thermoplastic web carrying a replication of the patterned surface from the metal master; (d) separating from the metal master the imaged thermoplastic web; (e) depositing a thin film of metal particles on the imaged surface of the thermoplastic web; (f) laminating said metallized thermoplastic web with a substrate carrying an uncured coating of a radiation curable resin; (g) radiating the laminate to cure the resin substantially instantaneously; and (h) removing an individual information carrier from the web of information carrying laminate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
A process for replicating an information carrier containing stored audio or video information or a combination thereof which comprises: (a) extruding in the form of a web a thermoplastic material at a temperature above its softening point onto the patterned surface of a metal master, the patterned surface of said metal master containing depressions corresponding to digitally encoded audio or video information; (b) applying pressure to force said thermoplastic material into contact with the patterned surface of the metal master; (c) cooling the thermoplastic material to a temperature below its softening point to form an imaged thermoplastic web carrying a replication of the patterned surface from the metal master; (d) separating from the metal master the imaged thermoplastic web; (e) depositing a thin film of metal particles on the imaged surface of the thermoplastic web; (f) laminating said metallized thermoplastic web with a substrate carrying an uncured coating of a radiation curable resin; (g) radiating the laminate to cure the resin substantially instantaneously; and (h) removing an individual information carrier from the web of information carrying laminate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein after radiating the imaged thermoplastic web is separated from the cured laminate to provide in the form of a web an information carrying laminate formed of the substrate, cured resin and metal layer. ,,
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein after radiating a protective coating is applied to one or both sides of the laminate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein after radiating a protective coating is applied to one or both sides of the laminate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the individual information carrier is in the form of a compact disc.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the metal master is carried by a moving working tool whereby the thermoplastic material is extruded onto the metal master as it moves with the working tool.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein a multiplicity of metal masters are carried by a moving working tool whereby the thermoplastic material is extruded onto the patterned surface of each of said metal masters and thereby forming a web carrying a multiplicity of information carriers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the said substrate is a transparent material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the said substrate is an opaque material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the said substrate is a plastic material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the said substrate is a metal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the said substrate is ceramic.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the said substrate is paper.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the said substrate has a thickness of about 0.002 to 1.0 inch.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the said substrate has a thickness of about 0.100 inch.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the radiation curable resin is one which is curable by electron beam radiation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the radiation curable resin is one which is curable by ultraviolet radiation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein aluminum is the metal deposited on the imaged surface of the thermoplastic web.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the metal is deposited by vacuum metallization.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein fluid pressure is employed to force the thermoplastic material into contact with the patterned surface of the metal master.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-11-05 | 1994-05-07 | 1994-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-11-05 | 1998-05-07 | 1998-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-11-05 | 2002-05-07 | 2002-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |