Abstract: An apparatus for cylindrically grinding workpieces includes a first holding tool (100) for positioning pre-grinding workpieces (40) and a second holding tool (200) for positioning partially ground workpieces (i.e. workpieces which have been ground on one side only). The first holding tool (100) defines a first groove (226) for containing the pre-grinding workpieces to be partially ground and the second bonding defines a second groove (322) for containing the partially ground workpieces. At least one first resisting member (26) and at least one first back plate (24) detachably connect with the at least one first holding member (22), and thus making up the first holing tool (100). At least one second resisting member (36) and a at least one second back plate (34) detachably connect at least one second holding member (36), and thus making up the second holding tool (100). The present invention also provides a process for cylindrically grinding workpieces.

Abstract: A sharpening holder for manually-sharpening a cutting edge to be honed over a honing surface includes a body, an adjustable clamping component, and a plurality of roller members. The body has a first end, a second end and a tool support surface between the first end and the second end. The adjustable clamping component has a fastening plate positioned against the tool support surface. The fastening plate has a tool engaging surface to hold the tool against the tool support surface. The plurality of roller members are attached to a lower portion of the body adjacent the second end where the plurality of roller members are configured to allow the body to roll in a direction selected from the group consisting of sideways and in an arc on the honing surface causing the cutting edge of the tool to move parallel to the honing surface instead of perpendicular to the honing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a gas turbine engine blade including an airfoil and a dovetail is provided. The apparatus includes at least one locator pin configured to engage a serration formed on the blade dovetail, a locator block supporting said locator pin where said locator block comprises at least one groove sized to receive said locator pin therein, and a slide block assembly for engaging a dovetail surface opposite the serration where said slide block assembly is configured to position the blade dovetail against said locator pin. The apparatus also includes a base member comprising a platform comprising an end plate, a bottom surface, and an opposite upper surface for supporting said slide block assembly and said locator block, said slide block assembly is slidably coupled to said platform upper surface, said platform upper surface defining a slotted opening extending through said bottom surface, said opening configured to receive the blade airfoil.

Abstract: The grinding apparatus (10) includes a base (100) for receiving at least one workpiece, a pressing portion (106), and a blocking portion (102) opposite to the pressing portion. The pressing portion is movable relative to the blocking portion. The pressing portion is configured for applying a pressing force against the workpiece, so as to hold the workpiece between the pressing portion and the blocking portion.

Abstract: Workpiece headstock for a machine tool, especially for a grinding machine, with a spindle (6); with a clamping device (7), which is connected to the spindle (6) and which is used to clamp a workpiece (8) to be machined; and with a spindle drive (9), where, a loosenable alignment interface (14) is provided between two sections of the spindle (6), between the spindle (6) and the clamping device (7), or between two sections of the clamping device (7); where, after the alignment interface (14) has been loosened and while the workpiece headstock (1) otherwise remains stationary, the clamping device (7) and thus the workpiece (8) clamped in it can be aligned in a plane perpendicular to the spindle axis (15), as a result of which any existing offset between the workpiece axis (17) and the spindle axis (15)—i.e.

Abstract: A method enables a component to be secured within a tool for manufacture. The tool includes a fixture, a component locator, and a clamping member. The method includes fixedly coupling the component locator to the fixture, coupling the clamping member to the fixture, locating the component within the tool using the component locator such that the component is positioned for manufacture with respect to the fixture, securing the component within the tool between the component locator and the clamping member such that the component locator, the clamping member, and the component are fixedly secured in position for manufacture with respect to the fixture, and retaining the component in position with respect to the fixture using the component locator and the clamping member.

Abstract: A lens edger which is capable of measuring the curvature of an eyeglass lens is disclosed. The lens edger includes a carriage which rotatably fixes a pair of lens fixing shafts and moves the position of the lens fixing shafts clamping a lens to be processed; a lens rotation motor for rotating the lens fixing shafts; a carriage driving means for moving the carriage; and an apparatus for measuring a curvature of the lens.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for grinding members includes two clamping disks that have respectively a plurality of anchor plates and a plurality of anchor slots on different perimeters. The anchor plates and anchor slots may be wedged to form a mechanical interference between the two clamping disks to hold a grinding member securely. The apparatus thus constructed can enhance the structural strength of the grinding member and prevent the grinding member from deforming at high speed rotation.

Abstract: A center clamp used with a machining tool having an annular edge has a C-shaped body having an inner end inside the edge and an outer end outside the edge and spaced from it along a clamp axis. A push rod extends along the axis through the outer body end. A rotary joint centered on the axis has an inner part on the inner body end and an outer part rotatable on the inner part about the axis. An axial actuator relatively axially shifts the body and the push rod and thereby clamps a workpiece between an end face of the rod and the outer part of the joint. An angular actuator pivots the push rod about the axis and thereby, when the workpiece is clamped between the rod and the joint, pivots the workpiece about the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described herein which help prevent particles and other contaminants that are generated when an edge of a glass sheet is processed from contaminating or damaging the glass sheet. The apparatus includes an encapsulation device and a processing device. The encapsulation device is capable of supporting two surfaces of a glass sheet. And, the processing device is capable of processing (e.g., cutting, scribing, grinding or polishing) the edge that is adjacent to the supported two surfaces of the glass sheet which are located on a first side of the encapsulation device. The encapsulation device is also capable of substantially preventing particles and other contaminants that are generated when the processing device processes the edge of the glass sheet from reaching the two surfaces of the glass sheet which are located on a second side of the encapsulation device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described herein which help prevent particles and other contaminants that are generated when an edge of a glass sheet is processed from contaminating or damaging the glass sheet. The apparatus includes an encapsulation device and a processing device. The encapsulation device is capable of supporting two surfaces of a glass sheet. And, the processing device is capable of processing (e.g., cutting, scribing, grinding or polishing) the edge that is adjacent to the supported two surfaces of the glass sheet which are located on a first side of the encapsulation device. The encapsulation device is also capable of substantially preventing particles and other contaminants that are generated when the processing device processes the edge of the glass sheet from reaching the two surfaces of the glass sheet which are located on a second side of the encapsulation device.

Abstract: A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus is described. The carrier head has a base, a rigid body, a membrane and a pressurizing structure. The rigid body is movable relative to the base and includes a downwardly-extending projection. The membrane has a mounting surface for a substrate. The membrane extends below the base to provide a chamber between the base and the membrane. The pressurizing structure applies a downward pressure on the rigid body to cause a lower surface of the rigid body to press on an inner surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A stone cutting system for efficiently cutting stones of various shapes and sizes. The stone cutting system includes a retaining unit having a plurality of troughs capable of retaining a plurality of stone members, and a cutting unit having a plurality of blades that are extendable within each of the troughs for cutting the stone members.

Abstract: A holder for an optical fiber ferrule end face grinding apparatus is provided which can grind an increased number of optical fiber ferrules simultaneously. The holder comprises a holder plate provided with a plurality of ferrule insertion holes, a seat extending to at least one insertion hole and having a first wall, and a second wall on a side of the insertion hole opposing the seat. A slidable holding member including a front face facing the second wall, and an inclined rear face is disposed on the seat. A depression member is mounted on the holder plate that presses downwardly on a rod member disposed on the inclined rear face. As the depression member is operated, the rod member is pressed downwardly along the first wall, and the holding member is pushed forward such that a ferrule is clamped between the front face and the second wall.

Abstract: A machine for machining workpieces of wood or plastic material has at least one longitudinal profiling unit with at least one longitudinal profiling spindle. At least one advancing unit is provided for moving a workpiece past the at least one longitudinal profiling unit. The advancing unit has upper clamping jaws arranged above the workpiece and lower clamping jaws arranged below the workpiece such that at least some of the upper clamping jaws are staggered relative to the lower clamping jaws, when viewed in a plan view onto the advancing unit. A small free space is provided between the upper and lower clamping jaws, when viewed in a plan view. During transfer between the machining processes, the workpieces remain clamped at all times so that precise machining is ensured.

Abstract: A direct clamp robotic finishing system is provided including a robot, a gripper secured to the robot, and a pair of fingers secured to the gripper. A tray assembly is also provided for supporting a plurality of implants for picking up by the fingers. An implant reorientation station is provided for supporting the implant being maneuvered by the robot as the robot re-grips the implant from a new direction. The fingers directly clamp the implant thereby eliminating the need for dedicated implant support bars.

Abstract: A method enables a component to be secured for inspection. The method comprises providing a tool including a first clamping member and a second clamping member coupled to a guide rail assembly, fixedly securing the first clamping member to the guide rail assembly, slidably coupling the second clamping member to the guide rail assembly such that the second clamping member is substantially parallel to the first clamping member, and securing the component within the tool between the first and second clamping members such that the first and second clamping members are fixedly secured in position with respect to the guide rail assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding center bearings of crankshafts includes a clamping unit for clamping and driving a crankshaft; a grinding spindle, positionable perpendicular to the crankshaft; a plurality of grinding wheels on the grinding spindle, corresponding to the number of center bearings to be ground; a plurality of steadies, for supporting the crankshaft, opposite the grinding spindle; and an additional processing unit for performing preliminary grinding on the center bearing, by forming an elevated bearing seat for the steadies, opposite the bearing, such that the steadies are continuously guidable during grinding of the center bearings. In a method for grinding center bearings of a crankshaft using the apparatus, the center bearings are simultaneously ground using a multilayer grinding wheel set, and prior to a final grinding of the center bearings to their final dimensions, a bearing seat for a steady is ground on at least one center bearing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement of a clip mechanism on a grinding cloth platform wherein the clip mechanism includes a jack post, a movable knob, and a clamp, providing for a bottom side of the movable knob to engage the clamp at the two sides of the jack post, thereby providing a precise clamp force to the clamp. The clamp is put on a non-circular driving portion of the jack post so as to disallow the clamp to turn around the non-circular shaft and to make it move stably downward, thereby making clamping teeth provided at the bottom side of the clamp precisely align with the table board to clamp the grinding cloth to the grinding cloth platform for smooth and stable grinding when a surface of an object is ground on the platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of retaining a gas turbine engine blade in a fixed predetermined position includes the following steps: inserting an airfoil portion of the gas turbine engine blade within a device so as to be loosely held therein; orienting the gas turbine engine blade so as to have a predetermined relationship with the device; providing an initial clamping force on the device so as to retain the gas turbine engine blade in the predetermined position; and, actuating a mechanism associated with the device to provide a fixed clamping force on the airfoil portion so that the gas turbine engine blade is retained in the predetermined position.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for holding an optical element in an optical column with reduced stress (e.g., thermal stress) to the optical element. The devices and methods are especially useful for holding reflective optical elements in an optical column of an optical system used for extreme ultraviolet lithography. The devices allow the elements to be mounted and detached readily from the column. In an embodiment, the device includes multiple anchoring members that attach to respective locations on the optical element. The anchoring members are, in turn, mounted in a mounting frame by a releasable attachment mechanism. Each anchoring member has at least a compliant region configured to prevent transmission of stress to and from the optical element.

Abstract: A mask for removably covering an IOL to protect a sharp peripheral edge of the IOL optic during polishing.

Abstract: A gas turbine component blank is shaped by clamping the gas turbine component blank into a fixture that accurately positions the gas turbine component blank in three dimensions. The positioning is accomplished against stops accurately machined into a base of the fixture, by first supporting the gas turbine component blank on one set of stops that prevents movement in the direction perpendicular to a plane of the base, and then operating a movable clamp to force the gas turbine component blank against other sets of stops that limit the movement of the gas turbine component blank in directions lying in the base plane. The clamp has a compound movement that simultaneously forces the gas turbine component blank against stops that prevent movement in orthogonal directions lying in the base plane. The gas turbine component blank is thereafter shaped, preferably by grinding the sides of the root precursor of the gas turbine component blank.

Abstract: A polishing fixture is provided for polishing the optic ends of a fiber optic cable terminated in a fiber optic connector. A holding plate has a receptacle for receiving the fiber optic connector, with at least a portion of each of a first side and a second side of the connector exposed. A clamping arm is disposed for linear movement relative to the holding plate and the received connector, as well as for pivotal movement relative to the holding plate and the received connector. The clamping arm has first and second clamping portions for engaging the first and second sides, respectively, of the connector. An actuator mechanism is operatively associated with the clamping arm for moving the clamping arm linearly to bring the first clamping portion of the arm into clamping engagement with the first side of the connector and then pivoting the clamping arm to bring the second clamping portion of the arm into clamping engagement with the second side of the connector.

Abstract: A plurality of latches are employed for detachably holding a semiconductor wafer to a ring support during processing. Each latch is rotatably mounted on a post which is secured to the ring so that it can move to engage and disengage the wafer, alternately clamping and releasing it from the ring. Each latch has two opposed rollers, one to engage and disengage the wafer and the other to engage the ring. The latches should be freely rotatable into and out of engagement with the wafer. The ring usually has two pairs of opposed dimples such that each roller is in registration with each of the opposed dimples of each pair when it rotates from the engaged to the disengaged position and visa versa. The dimple in registration with the roller when engaged the wafer is sufficiently deep so that the roller does not touch the ring when clamped to the wafer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing microfeature workpiece samples are disclosed herein. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a support body, a first contact surface portion, a second contact surface portion, and a sample holder configured to releasably carry the microfeature workpiece sample. The sample holder can be movable relative to the support body between a first position and a second position, wherein the sample holder has a first orientation relative to the first and second contact surface portions when in the first position and a second orientation when in the second position. At least one of the first and second contact surface portions can also be movable relative to the support body. Accordingly, an operator can move the first and/or second contact surface portions to make minor adjustments to an angle at which material is removed from the workpiece, and can move the sample holder to make more substantial adjustments.

Abstract: A forming apparatus includes a workbench and a pivot device. The pivot device includes a pivot plate (40) and a fixed plate (60). The pivot plate is fixed below the workbench, and rotatably seated on the fixed plate. The fixed plate defines two cutouts (66) respectively in two corners thereof, to form an arched-shaped top portion (61). Three locking plates (70) are attached on side walls (42, 46) of the pivot plate. When the locking plates are oriented vertically, they can pass over the two corners corresponding to the cutouts but cannot pass over other corners of the fixed plate. When the locking plates are oriented horizontally, they can pass over every corner of the fixed plate. By adjusting orientations of the locking plates, the combined base and pivot plate can be rotated within a variety of predetermined different angles.

Abstract: An apparatus for polishing or lapping an aspherical surface of a work piece comprises a tool rotatable about an axis, the working surface area of the tool being smaller than the work piece, and an arrangement by means of which the tool and the work piece are adjustable relative to each other in all three directions in space, by means of which the orientation of the tool relative to the work piece is adjustable about at least two axes, and by means of which the work piece is rotatable about an axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an integrated circuit using a polishing head in a polishing apparatus. In one advantageous embodiment, the polishing head comprises a wafer carrier having an outer periphery and a wafer holder. The wafer holder is coupled to the wafer carrier and depends from the outer periphery thereof. The wafer holder is configured (i.e., designed) to grip an edge of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A drum slicing apparatus is capable of highly accurately and efficiently slicing a drum made of a thin metal sheet which is relatively highly flexible. The drum slicing apparatus has a support shaft rotatable about its own axis, a cylindrical drum holder supported on the support shaft for holding the drum by pressing engagement with an inner circumferential surface of the drum over an entire length thereof, and a slicing device having slicing edges for slicing the drum into the metal rings by engaging and cutting into the drum at predetermined cutting positions thereon while the drum is being rotated by the support shaft through the drum holder.

Abstract: A guide ring removal device. The guide ring removal device includes a column press, a first disc, a second disc, and a plurality of fasteners. The first disc is disposed on the column press. The second disc is disposed on a point of the column press to exert force on a carrier. The plurality of fasteners is disposed on the first disc, the fasteners grasping the guide ring. As the second disc exerts the primary force on the carrier, the fasteners generate reciprocal force on the guide ring, thus separating the guide ring. Engagement of the column press alters the distance between the first disc and the second disc, and the primary force is exerted on the carrier.

Abstract: A mask for removably covering an IOL to protect a sharp peripheral edge of the IOL optic during polishing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning parts in a production line. The part is placed on the apparatus at an ergonomically comfortable height and angle with respect to the worker, thus avoiding fatigue, while at the same time providing a faster turn-around time in the production line. The apparatus is especially suited for a semiconductor manufacturing line.

Abstract: A gas turbine component such as a turbine blade is clamped into a fixture having a base upon which a remainder of the fixture is supported, a stop which limits the movement of the gas turbine component, and two clamp arms affixed to the base and controllably clamping against the lower side of the platform of the gas turbine component to force the gas turbine component against the stop. When the gas turbine component is clamped in this position, its root may be readily shaped as by grinding.

Abstract: A clamping assembly adjustable from a first position with a first stack height to a second position with a second stack height less than the first stack height, whereby said clamping force is substantially released, said clamping assembly comprising: a flange nut; a clamp flange connected to the flange nut; a thrust plate having a plurality of axial penetrations and rotatably mounted between the flange nut and clamp flange; a first roller cage having a plurality of penetrations; a first plurality of rolling elements rotatably mounted in the penetrations of the first roller cage; a second roller cage having a plurality of penetrations; a second plurality of rolling elements rotatably mounted in the penetrations of the second roller cage; a ring collar having rotatably mounted between the clamp flange and the flange nut and surrounding and rotationally engageable to the thrust plate, whereby rotation of the ring collar rotates the thrust plate relative to the first and second roller cages from the first positio

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing and clamping optical lenses requiring edge-machining, in particular spectacle lenses, which exhibits improved handling and which is optimised from the point of view of virtually backlash-free rotary drive of the optical lens. Elements located between two holding shafts, in particular a clamping assembly, a securing member with securing member adapter and an adhesive connection between securing member and optical lens are specially designed for this purpose.

Abstract: For retrofitting conventional machining apparatuses, in particular cross-cut machines, with a workpiece holder, the invention proposes a workpiece holder with at least one continuous clamping chain that is provided on one side with a plurality of clamping jaws.

Abstract: A gas turbine component blank is shaped by clamping the gas turbine component blank into a fixture that accurately positions the gas turbine component blank in three dimensions. The positioning is accomplished against stops accurately machined into a base of the fixture, by first supporting the gas turbine component blank on one set of stops that prevents movement in the direction perpendicular to a plane of the base, and then operating a movable clamp to force the gas turbine component blank against other sets of stops that limit the movement of the gas turbine component blank in directions lying in the base plane. The clamp has a compound movement that simultaneously forces the gas turbine component blank against stops that prevent movement in orthogonal directions lying in the base plane. The gas turbine component blank is thereafter shaped, preferably by grinding the sides of the root precursor of the gas turbine component blank.

Abstract: A device for deblocking lenses attached to a block has at least one securing device supporting a lens and having an opening for a block suspended from the lens. At least one holding-down device is provided for pressing the lens supported on the securing device against the securing device. At least one impacting device with a striking member movable from below against the securing device for striking the securing device is provided. The securing device and the holding-down device are supported to be movable against a spring-elastic restoring force in a striking direction of the striking member.

Abstract: A turbine component such as a turbine blade is clamped into a fixture having a base upon which a remainder of the fixture is supported and a stop which limits the movement of the turbine component. The fixture further has two clamp arms affixed to the base and which controllably clamp against one pair of the pressure surfaces of the root to force the turbine component against the stop, which preferably is contacted by another pair of the pressure surfaces of the root. When the turbine component is clamped in this position, its root may be readily shaped as by grinding.

Abstract: A latch for securing a wafer to a clamp plate. The latch may include a bearing that couples a wheel to a horizontal shaft. The horizontal shaft is adapted to rotate relative to the clamp ring so that the wheel secures the wafer. The bearing minimizes the amount of particles generated by the moving components of the latch that may contaminant the wafer.

Abstract: A grinding jig (5) is to be attached on an edge tool (4) to be ground on a rotating grindstone (2) in a grinding machine (1), having a support means (3) in the vicinity of the grindstone. The jig is split by having a base portion (6) and two parallel open yokes (8, 9) extending therefrom. A screw (7) for clamping the tool (4) against the bottoms of the yokes is provided in the base portion between the two yokes.

Abstract: A device for grinding a rotary mower blade (16), the device comprising an adjustable support for receiving a rotary mower blade, means for fixing the blade relative to the support, means for feeding the support and blade both axially and transversely relative to a grinding wheel (4), and for pivoting the support towards and away from the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A device in the form of a self-centering steady rest for clamping or holding workpieces on a machine tool is provided. Three holding members are supported in a separate, intermediate member that is disposed in a housing and is displaceable therein, toward and away from a workpiece, by means of a piston. Formed in the walls of the housing are control cams by means of which the outer holding members are pivotably guided via adjustment movements of the intermediate member.

Abstract: A fixture apparatus and system. The fixture apparatus includes a base plate. A clamp block extends from the base plate and has a clamp surface disposed at a first angle from the top surface of the base plate. A locator block extends from the base plate and includes a locator surface disposed opposite the clamp surface of the clamp block. An alignment means is provided for aligning the workpiece relative to the locator surface of the locator block. A clamp wedge is disposed between the clamp surface and the locator surface. The clamp wedge includes a drive shaft, a bearing surface and a wedge surface disposed at a second angle relative to the bearing surface. The second angle of the wedge surface is complimentary to the first angle of the clamp surface such that the wedge surface is substantially parallel to the locator surface. A drive means is provided for extending and retracting the clamp wedge.

Abstract: A machine tool (10) is provided with a workpiece carrier (19) for clamping a workpiece (18) to be machined and with a headstock (14) in which a rotary-driven tool spindle (15) is mounted into which tools (16) can be clamped for machining the workpieces (18). Further, a device (26) is provided for removing and holding the workpiece (18) that has been finished in the workpiece carrier (19) for further machining. The device (26) comprises a manipulator (27) for positioning a gripper (28) by which a workpiece (18) is removable that has been finished in the workpiece carrier (19), and a clamping station (29) into which the gripper (28) that holds the workpiece can be inserted (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An angle-measurement assist device suitable for a visual inspection to determine a blade angle of a dental scaler is provided with a holder having a flat face thereof adapted to be in contact with a bladed portion of the scaler, a permanent magnet mounted to the holder, and first, second and third pins projecting from the holder in the directions which are perpendicular to one another, whereby an operator is permitted to make a visual inspection to determine whether the scaler is sharpened to have a target blade angle on the basis of an extending direction of the first pin, with the assist device magnetically retained on the scaler.

Abstract: A device that allows the treatment of a substrate in a machine provided for the treatment of bigger substrates and a mounting system for a substrate in this device. The device comprises a ring (24) having an external diameter equal to the diameter of these substrates, this ring being capable of setting the substrate (22) of smaller diameter. The system includes means (34) of manipulating this substrate and means (36) of heating the ring or of cooling this substrate. Application in micro-electronics.

Abstract: A latch for securing a wafer to a clamp plate. The latch may include a bearing that couples a wheel to a horizontal shaft. The horizontal shaft is adapted to rotate relative to the clamp ring so that the wheel secures the wafer. The bearing minimizes the amount of particles generated by the moving components of the latch that may contaminant the wafer.

Abstract: A wafer holder is provided which properly protect backside of a wafer, especially when frontside of the wafer is processed, from pollution and mechanical injury. The wafer holder includes a wafer support section having a hole for locating a wafer, a cover covering the wafer but any chip on the wafer is not touched with the cover; one or more fastening devices for fastening the cover on the wafer support section, each the fastening device having a fixed terminal and a movable terminal where the fixed terminal locates on the wafer support section and the movable terminal presses the cover on the wafer support section. Addition, the wafer support section can be part of chamber wall and then it is an optional part of the present wafer holder.