3m Innovative Properties Company

Gary L Romberg

Richard E Bennett

Gary K Kuhn

Jack L Perecman

Kevin J Bangen

Methods and apparatus for applying a bonding layer to a member of an optical recording medium and for bonding together members of an optical recording medium. The methods and apparatus are useful for assembling optical recording media such as compact disks (CDs) and digital versatile disks (DVDs), and are particularly well suited for use with pressure sensitive adhesives. A preferred method of assembling together first and second members of an optical recording medium, wherein each of the members includes an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein at least one of the inner surfaces includes a bonding layer thereon, and wherein at least one of the members includes a data storage surface, includes the steps of: a) curving the first member such that the first member inner surface is convex, wherein the first member inner surface includes an outer annulus, and wherein the outer annulus includes a first portion and a second portion; b) orienting the second member such that the second member inner surface faces the first member inner surface, wherein the second member inner surface includes an outer annulus, and wherein the outer annulus includes a first portion and a second portion; c) contacting the first portion of the first member outer annulus and the first portion of the second member outer annulus together under pressure; and d) rotating the first and second members relative to one another so as to progressively contact under pressure the first member inner surface and second member inner surface together from their respective outer annulus first portions to their respective outer annulus second portions to thereby attach together the inner surfaces of the first and second members. A similar method for applying the bonding layer to one member is disclosed. Also disclosed are apparatus for use with the above methods.

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River Falls, WI, United States of America

Gary L Romberg