Clamp Patents (Class 451/365)
  • Patent number: 11597049
    Abstract: A NMQL grinding device of ultrasonic vibration assists grinding fluid micro-channel infiltration, and solves the problem that nanofluids are difficult to fully infiltrate the grinding zone in the prior art. Fully considers the impact of thickness of undeformed grinding debris on the grinding process and the lubrication state of single grains during material removal in the grinding process, the advantage of ultrasonic vibration assistance on improving the lubri-cooling performance of NMQL grinding is effectively achieved. According to the solution, the device includes an ultrasonic vibration mechanism capable of adjusting the spatial position of ultrasonic vibrators, the mechanism being arranged on a worktable; a NMQL grinding mechanism, arranged above a workpiece fixing table; and a grinding force measuring mechanism, including a dynamometer and a grinding force controller connected with the dynamometer, the dynamometer being arranged at the bottom of the ultrasonic vibration mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: QINGDAO UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Changhe Li, Teng Gao, Yanbin Zhang, Min Yang, Dongzhou Jia, Xianpeng Zhang, Yiliang Yang, Zhaorong Bing, Naiqing Zhang, Han Zhai, Yali Hou
  • Patent number: 11565368
    Abstract: A method of removing material from a surface of an ultrasound directing element comprising a plastic material is provided. The method includes mounting the ultrasound directing element to a mounting block of a sanding apparatus. The mounting block includes an engagement member that moves from a release position to an engagement position thereby engaging the ultrasound directing element. The mounting block is moved along a base of the sanding apparatus bringing a surface of the ultrasound directing element into contact with a sanding surface. Material is removed from the surface of the ultrasound directing element using the sanding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Eldridge
  • Patent number: 11491606
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a grinding module including a base; a cylinder mounted to the base with a longitudinal axis of the cylinder arranged at least substantially perpendicular to a surface of the base, wherein the cylinder is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, and wherein a cylindrical surface of the cylinder is adapted to receive a grinding belt; a linear actuator mounted to the base with a centreline of linear motion of the linear actuator arranged to intersect the longitudinal axis of the cylinder; and a holder connected to the linear actuator, the holder adapted to hold a workpiece with a surface of the workpiece facing the cylindrical surface of the cylinder, wherein the linear actuator is adapted to move the holder relative to the cylinder along the centreline of linear motion of the linear actuator, and wherein the cylindrical surface of the cylinder is adapted to define a curved profile so that the grinding belt is adapted to grind and shape the surfac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: ST ENGINEERING AEROSPACE LTD.
    Inventor: Yong Wee Liu
  • Patent number: 11326329
    Abstract: An accessory, system and method for holding an undermount sink with a drain hole against an underside of an opening of a countertop includes a plank, a cord, and a block. The plank has a first length that is longer than an opening width of the opening in the countertop. The cord has a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the cord is attached to the plank. The block is affixed to the bottom end of the cord. The block is configured to be inserted into and secured under the drain hole. The block has a second length longer than a drain width of the drain hole. The accessory is configured for holding the undermount sink against the underside of the opening of the countertop through the cord being attached between the plank and the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Ryan Brooks
  • Patent number: 11060949
    Abstract: Systems and methods for modal testing of blades. A method for modal testing of a blade comprises providing a generally spherical fixture for retaining the blade in a fixed-free configuration. The method includes using an excitation device for exciting the blade while the blade is retained within a blade retaining portion of the fixture. The method comprises using a measurement device to measure a response of the blade to the excitation. The fixture includes an attachment portion configured for the securement of the excitation device to the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC
    Inventors: Brian Huot, James Page Strohl
  • Patent number: 10995480
    Abstract: An undermount sink and countertop combination is disclosed for use with a sink cabinet. The sink cabinet includes a sink-receiving opening and a sink cabinet width and depth. The sink includes a basin that is sized and shaped to be received within the sink-receiving opening. The basin includes side wall portions, an upper outer perimeter surrounding the side wall portions, and a bottom portion. A mounting flange extends from the upper outer perimeter of the basin. The mounting flange is shaped to rest atop the cabinet and underneath the countertop and is sized with a mounting flange width and depth substantially equal to the sink cabinet width and depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Chee Yeen Chong, Erik Lynch, Macrina Sanchez, Nick Nanos, Robert Foley
  • Patent number: 9687926
    Abstract: A method of securing an workpiece for machining the trailing edge. The workpiece has a platform from which extends an airfoil, the airfoil including a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a pressure side and a suction side. A fixture with at least one locating datum that relates to the platform and at least one locating datum that relates to the leading edge is provided. The fixture does not contact the trailing edge of the workpiece. The workpiece is positioned so that the platform is against the related locating datum and the leading edge is against the related locating datum. The workpiece is secured within the fixture, and the trailing edge of the workpiece is machined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Carl W. Mercier, Daniel E. Quinn, David J. Hiskes, Paul M. Pellet, Michael L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20150007430
    Abstract: Implementations disclosed herein allow a printed circuit board (PCB) to be removeably secured to a lapping carrier. The lapping carrier may include a clamping mechanism and one or more alignment pins that thread through corresponding holes in the PCB. In other implementations, the lapping carrier includes insulation that prevents current leakage or short-circuiting of electrical paths on the PCB during contact with the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Kim Sek Tan, Choong Kit Mah, Soo Chun Loh, Choon Yen Lim, Chin Chong Yew, Leping Li, Yuik Zhi Lim
  • Patent number: 8911282
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base, a table rotatable on the base, and a plurality of arms extending above the table's top surface and extending laterally for supporting differently sized cylindrical objects above the top surface. An adjustment mechanism simultaneously adjusts the arms rotationally, such that the ends of the arms can be automatically adjusted to support any one of the differently sized objects without further change. A controller is programmed to automatically control the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a center gear connected to planetary gears on each of the arms, and a center shaft that extends upwardly through a tubular drive shaft, the center shaft being movable between a lowered position where the arms are locked to the table and a raised position where the center gear is fixed to the base such that the arms adjust position when the table is rotated by its drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Progressive Surface, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Mulder, Gary L. Vander Stel
  • Patent number: 8905817
    Abstract: An air-actuated clamping assembly that is quickly actuated to secure a workpiece in place during machining operations, such as on a waterjet machine. The clamping operation is completed within seconds after a workpiece is placed (for example, when used in conjunction with a waterjet machine) onto the waterjet machine slats. The system greatly minimizes set-up time, allows for an adjustable clamping force, allows for one operator to set up workpieces, keeps the workpiece firmly in place and prevents movement during the machining process, is adaptable to various waterjet brands and models, and is air-actuated so that typical “house air” can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Penn United Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene N. Rowe, Daryl L. Vettori
  • Publication number: 20140342643
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing fixture having lateral perforation structures includes: a holder and a retaining ring. The holder includes: an annular substrate, a plurality of third holes and a plurality of lateral perforation structures. The annular substrate has a first joint surface, an outer periphery and an inner periphery. The third holes are annularly arranged on the first joint surface, and each third hole includes a first inner thread structure for individually providing a screw to be locked to a semiconductor machine. The lateral perforation structures penetrate from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the annular substrate, where the lateral perforations are selected from: a converse U-shaped cube structure, an converse U-shaped cube structure, a cuboid structure, a cylinder structure, an elliptic cylinder structure, a flat cuboid structure or a hybrid structure of at least one cuboid structure and the above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: KAI FUNG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hui-Chen YEN
  • Patent number: 8827768
    Abstract: A skate sharpening holder includes an anvil plate surface that is adapted to engage with a skate blade so that the skate blade is securely held with respect to the anvil during skate sharpening or contouring. The anvil plate surface can include pins or openings that would engage with respective openings or pins in a skate blade to hold the skate blade in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Robert H. Allen
  • Patent number: 8827773
    Abstract: A locking means for a bit holder fixture for use with grinding apparatus for grinding the hard metal inserts of rock drill bits is provided. The locking means has a macro adjustment for quick positioning of a pressure plate against the body of the bit(s) and a micro adjustment to lock the bit(s) in place by applying pressure against the skirt or shank of the drill bit(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: C.M.E. Blasting & Mining Equipment Ltd.
    Inventors: Bjorn Sjolander, Bo Thomas Sjolander, Robert Sjolander
  • Publication number: 20140248825
    Abstract: Particular embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for deforming a tire sidewall. Such methods include the step of providing a tire having at least one sidewall connected to a corresponding bead. A further step includes constraining at least one of the sidewall and bead from moving laterally toward the other. Yet another step of such methods includes engaging the sidewall with an inclined member. Another step of such methods includes moving at lest one of the sidewall and bead in a lateral direction away from the other until the sidewall is laterally deformed into a laterally deformed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Metodi L. Ikonomov, Adib Tony Chebli, Cesar E. Zarak, E. Bruce Colby
  • Patent number: 8657651
    Abstract: An apparatus for grinding a continuously cast slab having a longitudinal axis and a rectangular cross-sectional shape with two opposite wide faces and two opposite narrow faces apparatus has a frame, two transversely spaced grinders carried on the frame, and a holder having two transversely spaced grippers engageable with the opposite faces of the slab in a vertical position with the wide faces of the slab vertical for grinding of the wide faces of the slab by the grinders and in a horizontal position offset by 90° to the vertical position with the wide faces of the slab horizontal for grinding of the narrow faces of the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: SMS Logistiksysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Robert Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8651918
    Abstract: Industrial pallet has a body with an open bay, in which a work piece can be secured such that it can be worked on from either side of the pallet. An overhead gantry and/or flipping unit may be employed to move from station to station and/or flip the work piece itself or the work piece mounted in the pallet. Aside from the flipping unit, robotic moving and/or loading may be employed by the overhead gantry, which has two axes of motion only. Such components can be combined in a manufacturing system to make parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Richard Quinn
  • Publication number: 20140004779
    Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus is used for holding a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer in a polishing apparatus for polishing and planarizing the substrate. The substrate holding apparatus includes an elastic membrane, a top ring body for holding the elastic membrane, and a plurality of pressure chambers partitioned by at least one partition wall of the elastic membrane. The substrate is held by a lower surface of the elastic membrane and pressed against the polishing surface with a fluid pressure by supplying a pressurized fluid to the pressure chambers. The substrate holding apparatus further include a stopper configured to limit the inflation of the elastic membrane by being brought into contact with a part of the partition wall of the elastic membrane or an extending member extending from a rear surface of the elastic membrane whose surface serves as a substrate holding surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Keisuke Namiki, Hozumi Yasuda, Osamu Nabeya, Makoto Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20130324012
    Abstract: A polishing apparatus polishes a substrate by bringing the substrate into sliding contact with a polishing surface. The polishing apparatus includes: a substrate holder having a substrate holding surface configured to press the substrate against the polishing surface, a retaining ring coupled to the substrate holding surface and configured to surround the substrate, wherein the retaining ring is brought into contact with the polishing surface during operation of the polishing apparatus, the retaining ring being configured to be tiltable independently of the substrate holding surface; a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the substrate holder about its own axis; and at least one local load exerting mechanism configured to exert a local load on a part of the retaining ring in a direction perpendicular to the polishing surface, the at least one local load exerting mechanism being arranged so as not to move in accordance with the substrate holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Makoto FUKUSHIMA, Hozumi YASUDA, Keisuke NAMIKI, Osamu NABEYA, Shingo TOGASHI, Satoru YAMAKI
  • Patent number: 8579678
    Abstract: A grinding method of grinding the back side of a workpiece having a projection on the front side thereof. The grinding method includes a holding jig preparing step of preparing a holding jig having a circular recess and an annular projection surrounding the circular recess, a setting step of setting the workpiece in the circular recess of the holding jig with the back side of the workpiece exposed, a liquid curing agent supplying step of supplying a liquid curing agent into the circular recess (either before or after the setting step), a fixing step of curing the liquid curing agent with the workpiece set in the circular recess and the liquid curing agent present in the circular recess, thereby fixing the workpiece in the circular recess, and a grinding step of grinding the back side of the workpiece and the annular projection of the holding jig by using grinding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Disco Corporation
    Inventor: Masahumi Omomoto
  • Patent number: 8567058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for surface treatment of a wind turbine rotor blade (1) comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge separating substantially opposing first and second surfaces of said rotor blade. The method comprises the steps of providing a wind turbine rotor blade, supporting said rotor blade at least at a root end and at a distal position along a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade and providing moveably arranged first and second surface treatment devices (24, 25) adapted to provide surface treatment of the first and second surfaces of the rotor blade, respectively, wherein the first and second surface treatment devices are moved in opposite directions and towards the leading and trailing edges, respectively, during surface treatment of the first and second surfaces of the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Hviid Keld Møller, Bjarne Siig, Angelo Sardellano
  • Patent number: 8567383
    Abstract: In a method for multiple cutoff machining a rare earth magnet block, a cutting fluid feed nozzle having a plurality of slits is combined with a plurality of cutoff abrasive blades coaxially mounted on a rotating shaft, each said blade comprising a base disk and a peripheral cutting part. The slits in the feed nozzle into which the outer peripheral portions of cutoff abrasive blades are inserted serve to restrict any axial run-out of the cutoff abrasive blades during rotation. Cutting fluid is fed from the feed nozzle through slits to the rotating cutoff abrasive blades and eventually to points of cutoff machining on the magnet block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Sato, Takehisa Minowa, Takaharu Yamaguchi, Takayuki Hasegawa, Kazuhito Akada
  • Patent number: 8439728
    Abstract: A reticle carrier for a polishing tool capable of accommodating a reticle includes a base plate with an obverse and reverse surfaces, a retaining ring secured to the obverse surface of the base plate forming a recess defined by the obverse surface of the rigid base plate and internal edges of the retaining ring. A reticle pad supports a reticle in the recess. The base plate and the reticle pad having an array of matching, aligned passageway holes therethrough for exhaustion of air from space between the base plate and a the reticle and for supply of air to that space so a vacuum can retain a the reticle in place on the reticle carrier under vacuum conditions and application of air under pressure can eject a reticle from the reticle carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin S. Petrarca, Donald F. Canaperi, Mahadevaiyer Krishnan, Rebecca D. Mih, Steven Steen, Henry Grabarz, Michael S. Hibbs
  • Patent number: 8419001
    Abstract: Provided are a method and a jig for holding a silicon wafer, which are applied to the production of the silicon wafer having {110} or {100} plane as its principal surface, in which the silicon wafer is held while a silicon wafer holding positions are properly defined at wafer edge regions relative to the reference direction as being from the center of the silicon wafer toward <110> in crystal orientation in parallel to the wafer surface. In handling the silicon wafer, generation of contact scratches is suppressed as little as possible, and a fracture which is caused by development of the crack initiating from easily generated contact scratches can be prevented in the silicon wafer, particularly in the silicon wafer having {110} plane as its principal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sumco Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Ono, Yumi Hoshino
  • Publication number: 20130090042
    Abstract: In a method for the production of rotation-symmetric metallic disks, several metal disks are punched out from a metal sheet, mounted in a rotary drive of a grinding machine and subsequently refinished. The metal disks are placed side-by-side between two clamping devices of the rotary drive, with each of the clamping devices having a circular bearing surface. Refinishing is implemented by a rotating adjustable grinding wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Springfix AG
    Inventor: Springfix AG
  • Publication number: 20130065495
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing head includes a base assembly that includes at least one component formed of a composite plastic having a tensile modulus approximately equal to or greater than aluminum, a retaining ring secured to the base assembly, and a flexible membrane secured to the base assembly to form a pressurizable chamber between the base assembly and an upper surface of the flexible membrane. A lower surface of the flexible membrane providing a substrate mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Manoj A. Gajendra, Kiran Giriyapura
  • Publication number: 20120282847
    Abstract: In a method for multiple cutoff machining a rare earth magnet block, a cutting fluid feed nozzle having a plurality of slits is combined with a plurality of cutoff abrasive blades coaxially mounted on a rotating shaft, each said blade comprising a base disk and a peripheral cutting part. The slits in the feed nozzle into which the outer peripheral portions of cutoff abrasive blades are inserted serve to restrict any axial run-out of the cutoff abrasive blades during rotation. Cutting fluid is fed from the feed nozzle through slits to the rotating cutoff abrasive blades and eventually to points of cutoff machining on the magnet block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Sato, Takehisa Minowa, Takaharu Yamaguchi, Takayuki Hasegawa, Kazuhito Akada
  • Patent number: 8291557
    Abstract: A method for repairing a turbine blade for a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes securing the blade into a clamping fixture, obtaining a zero reference from a gauging surface on the clamping fixture, coupling the clamping fixture to a grinding machine, and grinding the blade based on the zero reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Matthew Powers, Brian Dudley Dorrel
  • Publication number: 20120258650
    Abstract: An apparatus for grinding a continuously cast slab having a longitudinal axis and a rectangular cross-sectional shape with two opposite wide faces and two opposite narrow faces apparatus has a frame, two transversely spaced grinders carried on the frame, and a holder having two transversely spaced grippers engageable with the opposite faces of the slab in a vertical position with the wide faces of the slab vertical for grinding of the wide faces of the slab by the grinders and in a horizontal position offset by 90° to the vertical position with the wide faces of the slab horizontal for grinding of the narrow faces of the slab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Karl Robert HOFMANN
  • Patent number: 8267751
    Abstract: A chamfering tool adapted to mount on a handheld grinder, the grinder having a guard and the grinder having a grinding face. The chamfering tool includes a fixed mount, to be attached to the guard on the handheld grinder. A moveable mount is attached to the fixed mount. A first guide face is attached to the fixed mount and a second guide face is attached to the moveable mount. The guide face defines a space there between. The space being disposed such that the grinding face of the handheld grinder contacts a work piece held against at least one of the first guide face or the second guide face. An adjustment member is fixed to one of the fixed mount or the moveable mount. The adjustment member hold the moveable guide mount in a user selected position. The adjustment member are adjustable to selectively vary a width of the space between the first guide face and the second guide face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sunderland Tool, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nita K Sunderland
  • Patent number: 8241093
    Abstract: The component to be machined (2) is fixed with its axis in a position exactly determined in relation to the machine base (1) and the seat (3), by means of the sides (8) and the rear face (9) of the vee arranged on the seat and by means of the intermediate organ (11) in the form of a sector of ring, the concave cylindrical facets (23) of which are adapted to the component (2). The component (2) is pressed against the facets (23) by the finger (14) operated by the stirrup (15). The component (2) can be driven in rotation by a floating spindle operated by a servomotor into a position determined in relation to the machine seat (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Rollomatic SA
    Inventors: Pierre-Louis Piguet, Pierre Pahud
  • Patent number: 8215296
    Abstract: A tile cutting table device featuring a platform with foldable legs; four side panels pivotally attached to side edges of the platform, the side panels can pivot between a down position and an up position forming an enclosure around the top surface of the platform; a water inlet hole for fluidly connecting a water source to the device; a drainage hole disposed in the platform; a perforated tile cutting plate disposed on the top surface of the platform; a clamp bar positioned over the tile cutting plate, the clamp bar functions to clamp down on a tile to hold the tile in place during cutting procedures, the clamp bar is connected to a foot pedal which functions to move the clamp bar between an up position and a down position, wherein the clamp bar is biased in the up position caused by compression springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jorge R Cisneros
  • Patent number: 8181346
    Abstract: A system for forming a labyrinth seal on a turbine blade has a fixture with a plurality of nozzles for distributing a coolant, a first jaw set for clamping and holding a root portion of the turbine blade in a first orientation, which first jaw set is attached to the fixture and has two members for mating with said root portion of said turbine blade, each of the jaw set members respectively have ridges; and a plurality of grinding wheels for forming the labyrinth seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Krzysztof Barnat, Bernard D. Vaillette
  • Publication number: 20120108152
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrode polishing assembly may include an electrode securing platen, a plurality of electrode locating fasteners, and an electrode. Each of the electrode locating fasteners may include an electrode spacing shoulder, a variance cancelling shoulder extending from the electrode spacing shoulder, a threaded platen clamping portion extending from the variance cancelling shoulder, and a threaded nut that engages the threaded platen clamping portion. The electrode locating fasteners clamp the electrode securing platen between the threaded nut and the electrode spacing shoulder. The variance cancelling shoulder is at least partially within one of a plurality of variance cancelling passages of the electrode securing platen. A minimum position stack-up is equal to a minimum passage size minus a maximum shoulder size. A maximum position stack-up is equal to a maximum passage size minus a minimum shoulder size. The maximum position stack-up is greater than the minimum position stack-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cliff La Croix, Armen Avoyan, Duane Outka, Catherine Zhou, Hong Shih
  • Publication number: 20120021674
    Abstract: A grinding or polishing apparatus and method for grinding or polishing at least one workpiece, in particular having a ferromagnetic property, by way of barrel finishing, having at least one pot-like treatment container, mounted so as to be able to oscillate, for receiving one or more workpieces and grinding or polishing elements, also having at least one workpiece anchoring device for disposing one or more workpieces within the treatment container and for connecting the workpieces to the treatment container in a releasably secured manner, and also having at least one oscillation exciter, by means of which the treatment container can be oscillated, and in that the workpiece anchoring device comprises at least one switchable clamping plate, in particular at least one clamping plate having one or more permanent electromagnets, which is adapted such that a magnetic field emanating outwardly from a clamping surface of the clamping plate can be selectively activated or deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Gert Schroeter, Michael Velten, Viktor Goertz
  • Patent number: 8070562
    Abstract: A polishing stand for supporting a slab of solid material comprises a plurality of vertical supports, a horizontal platform attached to the vertical supports, and at least one clamp member attached to the horizontal platform, the clamp member comprising a vertical section that is coupled to the horizontal platform and horizontally adjustable to clamp a slab. A sink installation tool features an elongated connecting rod, a clamp head mounted to a first end of the connecting rod, and a flip foot mounted to a second end of said connecting rod. The flip foot is movable between a first position substantially parallel to the connecting rod, so that the flip foot may be inserted through the drain hole of a sink, and a second a second position where the flip foot is nonparallel to the connecting rod to engage a bottom surface of the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Daren Paul Murrer
  • Patent number: 8066553
    Abstract: A hydrostatic pad for use in holding a semiconductor wafer during grinding of the wafer by grinding wheels. The pad includes hydrostatic pockets formed in a face of the body directly opposed to the wafer. The pockets are adapted for receiving fluid through the body and into the pockets to provide a barrier between the body face and the workpiece while still applying pressure to hold the workpiece during grinding. The hydrostatic pads allow the wafer to rotate relative to the pads about their common axis. The pockets are oriented to reduce hydrostatic bending moments that are produced in the wafer when the grinding wheels shift or tilt relative to the hydrostatic pads, helping prevent nanotopology degradation of surfaces of the wafer commonly caused by shift and tilt of the grinding wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Milind S. Bhagavat, Puneet Gupta, Roland Vandamme, Takuto Kazama, Noriyuki Tachi
  • Patent number: 7988532
    Abstract: A cut section checking/aligning unit simultaneously checks cut sections of unit liquid crystal display panels that are separated from within first and second base substrates and aligns the unit liquid crystal display panels to a reference position. A grinding unit grinds edges of the unit liquid crystal display panels. The cut section checking/aligning unit and the grinding unit are integrated within a grinding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun-Jun Choo, Sang-Sun Shin, Jong-Go Lim, Ho-Kyun Kim, Sang-Chul Lee
  • Publication number: 20110165822
    Abstract: A magnet holding jig comprises a platform and first and second holders disposed on opposite sides of the platform. The platform is provided with channels, the holders are comb-shaped to define digits and slits, the channels and the slits being aligned to define guide paths for permitting entry of a cutting tool therein, and the holders are also configured as digitate hooks. The holder hooks are in contact with a rare earth magnet block resting on the platform. The holders are pushed inward at their lower portions so as to bring each hook digit of the second holder in pressure abutment with the magnet block at a higher level than each hook digit of the first holder for thereby holding the magnet block in place on the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuhito Doi, Takehisa Minowa, Takayuki Hasegawa, Takaharu Yamaguchi, Koji Sato
  • Publication number: 20110117826
    Abstract: A locking means for a bit holder fixture for use with grinding apparatus for grinding the hard metal inserts of rock drill bits is provided. The locking means has a macro adjustment for quick positioning of a pressure plate against the body of the bit(s) and a micro adjustment to lock the bit(s) in place by applying pressure against the skirt or shank of the drill bit(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: C.M.E. BLASTING & MINING EQUIPMENT LTD.
    Inventors: Bjorn Sjolander, Bo Thomas Sjolander, Robert Sjolander
  • Publication number: 20110034114
    Abstract: A support collar plate for vibration-free holding of workpiece, i.e., pilgrim mandrel, clamped at both ends and to be processed between its ends by means of a grinding wheel, comprised of a base, arranged fixed in place in respect to the workpiece, and a clamp, which extends around the workpiece on at least two oppositely located sides. The workpiece can be clamped by a clamping force, wherein the clamp extends around the workpiece so that it is possible to perform processing in the area of the clamp on the side facing the grinding wheel, and wherein the clamp is floatingly seated in at least one direction perpendicularly in respect to a longitudinal axis of the workpiece, so that the clamp is self-centering in respect to the workpiece. By means of the floatingly seated clamp, the workpiece is maintained independent of exterior forces which change the spatial position of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Christian Egger
  • Publication number: 20100293786
    Abstract: A method for repairing a turbine blade for a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes securing the blade into a clamping fixture, obtaining a zero reference from a gauging surface on the clamping fixture, coupling the clamping fixture to a grinding machine, and grinding the blade based on the zero reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: John Matthews Powers, Brian Dudley Dorrel
  • Jig
    Patent number: 7758405
    Abstract: A jig intended in use to hold a set of blanks of rod-like or wire-like form during machining, said jig having a body adapted to be mounted to a drive shaft for rotation of the body about an axis of rotation, the body having an outer portion and an inner portion wherein the inner and outer portions are capable of angular displacement relative to each other, the portions having opposed faces which are concentric and which define clamping faces which in use are intended to support the set of blanks such that their central axes are substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and at least one end extends axially beyond the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Philip Bunce
  • Patent number: 7738760
    Abstract: An optical polishing fixture for securing one or more optical connectors can include a fixture base having a connector slot for receiving an optical connector and a clamping assembly mounted to the fixture base proximate the connector slot. The connector slot can be defined by at least one side wall defining a side wall plane and the clamping assembly can include a clamp pad moveable relative to the fixture base between a clamping position and a loading position. The clamp pad may move relative to the fixture base at an angle of less than 45 degrees relative to one of (i) a top surface of the fixture base, (ii) a plane perpendicular the side wall plane, or (iii) a plane defined by a portion of the fixture base top surface proximate to the connector slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Domaille Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Fredrickson, Greg A. Schumacher, Jill B. Christie, Curtis J. Spinler
  • Publication number: 20100144255
    Abstract: A carrier head for chemical mechanical polishing that has a base, a mounting assembly connected to the base having a surface for contacting a substrate, and a retaining ring secured to the base. The retaining ring can include perfluoroalkoxy, polyetherketoneketone, polybenzimidazole, a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester, or a long molecular chain molecule produced from poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Doyle E. Bennett, Andrew J. Nagengast, Hung Chih Chen
  • Publication number: 20090247060
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polishing method for polishing a surface of a structure for magnetic-head manufacture by CMP in the process of manufacturing a magnetic head using a ceramic substrate made of a ceramic material containing AlTiC, the structure including the ceramic substrate and one or more layers formed thereon, and having the surface to be polished. The polishing method uses a retainer ring made of a ceramic material containing AlTiC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicants: TDK CORPORATION, MARUSHIN-INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Aritomo, Tetsuji Hori, Akira Miyasaka, Youji Hirao
  • Patent number: 7591716
    Abstract: A notch-locating fixture for forming notches at predetermined locations along a needle wire used in a surgical suturing apparatus includes a base having at least one semi-circular recess shaped and dimensioned for receiving the needle wire. The fixture also includes a cover member including at least one aligned slot formed therein in a manner providing a grinding wheel with access to needle wire held between the base and the cover member. The fixture further includes a securing structure selectively coupling the base to the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Crawford, Kenneth V. Moran, Terry A. McFarland
  • Publication number: 20090163125
    Abstract: A grinding apparatus for grinding at least one workpiece includes a base, a first pressing portion, and a second pressing portion. The base is configured for receiving the workpiece. The first pressing portion and a second pressing portion are configured for applying a pressing force against the workpiece cooperatively, so as to hold the workpiece between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion. The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are moveable and rotatable relative to the base for removing the workpiece apart from the base and rotating the workpiece clockwise and counter-clockwise. A grinding method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SEI-PING LOUH
  • Patent number: 7549910
    Abstract: A sharpening holder for manually-sharpening a cutting edge to be honed over a honing surface includes a cylindrical body having a first end, a second end and an opening formed through the body between the first end and the second end, the opening having a tool support surface, an adjustable clamping component having a rotatable fastening plate positioned within the opening wherein the fastening plate has a tool engaging surface to hold the tool against the tool support surface and a top surface with skew angle indicia, and a plurality of roller members disposed within a longitudinal raceway formed in a lower portion of the body below the opening wherein the plurality of roller members are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cutting edge to be sharpened and wherein the axis of rotation of the plurality of roller members is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cutting edge to be sharpened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Harrelson Stanley
  • Patent number: 7542648
    Abstract: There is provided a holder for an optical fiber ferrule end face grinding apparatus that can make good use of a grinding film, in which the number of optical fiber ferrules held by the holder is greatly increased. The holder includes a holder plate including a plurality of insertion holes into which each of the ferrules is inserted. In the holder plate, the insertion holes are arranged in an area of a certain size extending from the center to the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Yamada, Takehiko Narita
  • Publication number: 20080233844
    Abstract: To provide a retainer ring by which an object to be polished can be uniformly polished, and deterioration thereof can be suppressed, and it does not take time to recycle, and a polishing machine having the retainer ring. The retainer ring 1 includes: a first annular portion 11 for surrounding an outer circumferential portion of the object to be polished and made of resin; and a second annular portion 12 provided on the first annular portion 11 and having a mechanical strength higher than that of the first annular portion 11. In rim portions of the first annular portion 11 and the second annular portion 12, a fixing portion 13 for fixing the first annular portion 11 and the second annular portion 12 with mechanical joining is provided. The first annular portion 11 protrudes beyond the fixing portion 13 toward the opposite side of the second annular portion 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: NEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiko NAKAMURA