Cinram International Inc.

Kenneth James Rinaldi

Edward Pickutoski

Improved techniques for forming a reflective layer of an optical disc are provided. One improvement includes forming the reflective layer over an information layer of the disc by utilizing a metallizer and a masking device having an angled lip configured to align to an outer edge of the information layer. The masking device allows the applied reflective layer to extend to the outer diameter edge of the information layer, and shields plasma generated by the metallizer from reaching internal components of the metallizer. The masking device may include a pusher having a spring mechanism attached to an inner masking portion of the masking device. When the disc and the pusher are brought into relative contact with each other by application of a first force to at least one of the masking device and the disc towards the other, the pusher is spring-loaded and is pushed up into a recess of the inner masking portion, and when the first force is removed, the spring-loaded force of the pusher pushes the disc away from the masking device.

Apparatus and method for forming reflective layer of optical disc

A method for producing optical discs is provided. A substrate for an optical disc is formed by utilizing a molding process. A textured surface is formed at an outer diameter edge of the substrate. A protective coating is applied to cover the textured surface at the outer diameter edge. The protective coating adheres securely to the textured surface at the outer diameter edge to prevent seepage of moisture into the optical disc through the outer diameter edge surface. Thus, an improved optical disc which avoids moisture-caused warpage, corrosion and/or oxidation can be formed.

Growing community of inventors

Madison Township, PA, United States of America

Kenneth James Rinaldi