Abstract: A blast cell system is disclosed that includes a plurality of bays that are spaced across the blast cell, arranged to hold items to be cooled, wherein each bay is separated from each other bay so as to prevent cross-flow of air from one bay to another bay; a plurality of louvers, each covering a different bay of the plurality of bays; one or more flow sensors, temperature sensors, or both positioned to sense conditions for each of the plurality of bays; and a controller programmed to modulate open-closed positions of each of the plurality of louvers separately from others of the plurality of louvers, so as to allow different volumes of cooling air to flow through each respective bay.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating parts to remove imperfections in the parts includes: a chamber; a rotatable basket within the chamber; a source of liquified cold fluid; a source of dry ice particles; a programmed controller to control rotation of the basket, activation of the liquified cold fluid, cycle times and activation of the dry ice particles. The controller is programmed to activate rotation of the rotatable basket, activate the source of liquified cold fluid and activate the dry ice particles to treat parts in the rotatable basket.

Abstract: To provide a novel shot-blasting machine to eliminate a dead space for a cover that shuts an opening for feeding and taking out works and to open and close the cover by moving a rotary drum around an axis. The machine has a cabinet 11, a rotary drum 13 having holes, and a centrifugal shooting machine 15. The rotary drum 13 moves, within the cabinet 11, around an axis through the positions for feeding, processing, and taking out the works. The cabinet 11 comprises a cover 51 for shutting an opening 11b for feeding and taking out the works. It has a wall 59 for sealing the side of the opening 11b. The cover 51 is integrated with the rotary drum 13 to move around the axis. It has walls 51a, 51b, 51d that fit the wall 59 for sealing. Lip seals 61, 63 seal the gap between the walls 51a, 51b, 51d of the cover 51 and the wall 59 for sealing.

Abstract: A method of prepping a surface using a high-frequency forced pulsed waterjet entails generating a high-frequency signal having a frequency f using a high-frequency signal generator, applying the high-frequency signal to a transducer having a microtip to cause the microtip of the transducer to vibrate to thereby generate a forced pulsed waterjet through an exit orifice of a nozzle having an exit orifice diameter d and a length L. The forced pulsed waterjet prepares the surface to within a predetermined range of surface roughness. The surface roughness is determined by selecting operating parameters comprising a standoff distance (SD), a traverse velocity VTR of the nozzle, a water pressure P, a water flow rate Q, a length-to-diameter (L/d) ratio, a microtip-to-orifice distance (a), the frequency f, and an amplitude A of the high-frequency signal.

Abstract: Abrasive blasting control method in which a control device (10) is used including at least a swing-arm (13) and in which the movement of the swing-arm (13) is controlled from the exterior of the casing of the wheel from its rest position to its second position in which said swing arm (13) is subjected to a part of the jet of abrasives leaving the wheel (1).

Abstract: A method to interrupt the operation of a cutting jet exiting a cutting head having a nozzle is designed such that the cutting jet is laterally supplied with interfering means as needed following the nozzle exit which reduces the energy density of the cutting jet.

Abstract: A substantially uninterrupted flow of a pressurised abrasive slurry is maintained by successively charging each of a plurality of vessels V1, V2 with an abrasive material while discharging an abrasive slurry from another of the vessels at a common outlet 2. The vessels connect to the common outlet via respective outlet valves OV1, OV2 which are closed to isolate vessels not discharging slurry. The outlet valves are not opened or closed unless there is substantially no pressure differential across the valve and substantially no flow through the valve. In a preferred arrangement, a high pressure pump 1 feeds a carrier fluid such as water to the vessels via respective inlet valves IV1, IV2. Before an outlet valve is opened or closed, any flow through the outlet valve is stopped and the pressure differential across the valve is equalised so that the outlet valve can be opened or closed without any abrasive flow through the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a blasting media, comprised of at least first and second separate types of particles, to a surface to be treated. Each type of particle may comprise a core coated with a desired component, e.g. abrasive, absorptive, polishing, etc., and the components are selected so as to minimize the density variation of different types of media being combined with one another for the surface treatment. The different types of particles are mixed with one another prior to application to a surface to be treated. The mixing may occur in a mixing tank prior to use, in the media supply conduit prior to the nozzle, at the discharge outlet of the nozzle, or just prior to contacting the surface to be treated. By employing different types of particles, cleaning and reuse of the media is facilitated while also minimizing the amount of media consumed per unit area of wall to be treated.

Abstract: A polishing cloth mounted on a turntable is dressed by bringing a dresser in contact with the polishing cloth for restoring the polishing capability of the polishing cloth. The dressing is performed by measuring heights of a surface of the polishing cloth at radial positions of the polishing cloth in a radial direction thereof determining a rotational speed of the dresser with respect to a rotational speed of the turntable on the basis of the measured heights, and dressing the polishing cloth by pressing the dresser are rotating. The dresser has an annular diamond grain layer or an annular SiC layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.

Abstract: Apparatus of carrier in a chemical mechanical polishing equipment comprises a carrier module for holding a wafer face down. A retaining ring and conditioning module is coupled to the carrier module, which is used for protecting the wafer edge against contact with a polishing pad in a deformed shape and executing a conditioning of the polishing pad. A first support module is coupled to the retaining ring and conditioning module, which is used for rotating, pressing down, and supplying conditioning chemicals for the retaining ring and conditioning module.

Abstract: A numerical control device for synchronously controlling the movement of a plurality of axes of a machine by repeatedly controlling a cyclic motion. An axis of the machine is designed to stop at a predetermined position upon the occurrence of an emergency stop. To achieve this stop position, an amount of retraction is set up to a position where a tool of machine does not interfere with a work piece or other obstacles. When an emergency stop signal is entered during a binary operation, because of an occurrence of an abnormality, a movement control amount for each period, corresponding to a set amount of retraction, is added to the movement control amount for each period of the binary operation and the axis is thereby driven by the resultant modified movement control amount. The binary operation is stopped upon the reaching of the stop position, and the tool can be held at this retracted position, by the set amount of retraction.

Abstract: A polishing head of a polishing apparatus of this invention has a structure in which an air blast port is formed in a lower surface of a carrier 20, and an upper outer peripheral portion 24 of the carrier is so formed as to protrude in a diametric direction, and is placed on a retainer ring 30 to thereby form a seal portion 25. The retainer ring clamps a peripheral edge of a rubber sheet in such a form as to cover the carrier. Consequently, an air chamber 61 is formed between the carrier lower surface and the rubber sheet, and an air pressure of this air chamber pushes a wafer W to a polishing cloth 2.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first mount member coupleable to a controllably positionable mounting portion of the cutting system, and a second mount member coupleable to the cutting head and disengageably or movably coupled to the first mount member. Embodiments of the inventions may also have a sensing circuit having at least one first conductive element disposed on the first mount member and at least one second conductive element disposed on the second mount member. In the event of a collision between the cutting head and an obstruction, the second mount member disengages from or moves with respect to the first mount member to prevent breakage of the cutting head. This movement causes the first and second conductive elements to touch, signaling a collision and shutting down one or more internal systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.

Abstract: An emergency control system for selectively activating and deactivating an apparatus. The system includes a fiber optic transmitter for emitting radiation and a fiber optic receiver for receiving and measuring a wavelength and an intensity of the radiation. A manually-operated fiber optic switch is placed in optical communication with the fiber optic transmitter and the fiber optic receiver. In operation, the switch is selectively actuated, thereby selectively opening and closing a fiber optic circuit defined by the transmitter, receiver, and the switch. The system further includes a relay controller in communication with the fiber optic receiver, such that the relay controller is actuated when the fiber optic receiver receives a predetermined wavelength and intensity of radiation from the transmitter. When the relay controller is actuated, it allows a signal to pass through the relay to a point of use.

Abstract: The self-contained device for cleaning and coating hold surfaces in a bulk carrier includes four major components, namely a horizontally mobile vertical tower (e.g., with walking beams for permitting the device to move into the four corners of the hold into which it has been lowered), a vertical trolley for permitting the workers to reach with their equipment all elevations within the hold, a horizontal trolley for permitting the workers to achieve optimum proximity to a wall surface, and cleaning and coating support equipment and systems.

Abstract: For abrasively blast-cleaning the bottom of a ship hull while the ship is supported on blocks on the floor of a drydock, an upwardly facing closed cycle abrasive wheel having a durable but compliant seal projecting forwards around its frontal perimeter, is mounted for transversal movement along the moderately articulatable rails of a mobile carrier. A control panel is provided for effecting traversal, for controlling spraying of abrasive, for controlling X-Y movement of the carrier along the drydock floor, and for extending and retracting rail end support jacks of the carrier frame for locally conforming the vertical positioning of rail ends to the bottom of the ship.

Abstract: A particle blasting machine for deburring articles includes first, second, and third conveyors, first and second positioning elements, particle abrading apparatus and first and second ejecting elements. Articles are automatically ejected from the second conveyor onto the first conveyor and move in contact with the first positioning element. The second positioning element then moves into contact with the article initiating operation of the particle abrading element. The deburred article is then ejected by the second ejecting element onto the third conveyor.

Abstract: A sand-blast sign-making apparatus for forming a plurality of horizontally extending and alternating grooves and peaks on the planar front surface of a degradable blank of synthetic substrate material having a non-degradable stencil removably applied thereto. The grooves and peaks are formed in the portions of the blank surrounding the stencil and are intended to simulate a naturally weathered or sand-blasted piece of wood with the peaks representing the hardest grains in the wood. A sand-blast hose is supported upon a carriage assembly which is movable simultaneously in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The hose is directed at the blank and a grille having a plurality of stock blades positioned in spaced, parallel planes is positioned between the hose and the blank.

Abstract: A high pressure computer controlled liquid jet cutting system particularly adopted for cutting granite on-site at quarries comprising a balanced oscillator, an optional mobile system, a power unit, multiple intensifiers, one or more nozzles with diamond or sapphire orifice and a microcontroller with a control panel for programming and controlling rise and fall, indexer and oscillator system. The computer controlled balanced oscillator with rise and fall in turn comprises a bent cam shaft in cam housing and a drive shaft in a drive housing. The drive shaft on one end has a pulley driven by a motor. Also included are means for adjusting the balance. A typical embodiment also includes boom leveling system for tilt, dump and swing, tilting system for chain feed to level and position in travel mode and E Chain containing extendible, flexible high pressure hose as well as means for disengaging the oscillator from the high pressure tubing without breaking any fittings for centering purposes.