Method and apparatus for separating a stamper from a mold
AssigneeRCA Corporation
InventorBrian E. Lock
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for separating a metal stamper from a metal mold on which the stamper is electro-formed. The gas flows between the mold and stamper to separate the stamper from the mold which are maintained separated by the vacuum applied to their back surfaces. Means is provided for centering the mold-stamper assembly between the backing plates just before the assembly is clamped between the backing plates. Means is provided for mechanically bending the outer peripheral portion of the mold-stamper assembly back and forth to separate the peripheral portion of the stamper from the mold.
Claims22
A method of separating a metal stamper from a mold having an opening through the center thereof comprising the steps of:
- bending the edge of the mold around said opening therethrough away from the adjacent edge of the stamper to allow gas to pass between the mold and the stamper
- applying a gas under pressure between the stamper and mold from the edge of the stamper adjacent the opening in the mold, and
- applying forces to the outer surfaces of the stamper and mold in opposite directions to hold them apart after being separated by the pressure applied therebetween.
Apparatus for separating a metal stamper from a mold having an opening through the center thereof comprising:
- means for introducing a gas under pressure between the stamper and the mold from the edge of the stamper adjacent the opening in the mold, and
- means for applying forces to the outer surfaces of each of the stamper and the mold to hold them apart after being separate by the flow of gas therebetween, and means for bending the edge of the mold around the opening therethrough away from the adjacent edge of the stamper so as to provide a space into which the gas under pressure is introduced.
Apparatus for separating a metal stamper from a mold comprising:
- a pair of circular backing plates having opposed substantially flat surfaces, and central openings therethrough,
- means supporting one of said backing plates for rotation about the center of said one backing plate,
- means supporting the other of said backing plates for rotation about its center and for movement toward and away from the one backing plate,
- means for applying a vacuum at the opposed surfaces of said backing plates, and
- means for introducing a gas under pressure to the opposed surfaces of the backing plates adjacent the central openings therethrough.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.