Abstract: A system for polishing a sample is provided. The system may comprise a motor. The system may also include a polishing element that is actuated by the motor. The system may also have a sample holder. The sample holder may hold a sample to be polished by the polishing element. In some examples, the sample holder has multiple degrees of movement in order to precisely polish, grind, or bevel the sample. In some examples, the system may further include an arm having a slurry dispenser, inlets for fluid, and a squeegee-like element to clean, wash, or brush off debris from the polishing element during a polishing process.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a grinding apparatus for sharpening an edge tool. The grinding apparatus may comprise a grinding apparatus casing; a cylindrical grindstone and a support element. The cylindrical grindstone is removably attachable to the grinding apparatus casing. The support element is also removably attachable to the grinding apparatus casing for supporting the edge tool to be sharpened during the grinding operation. The support element includes an elongated member, which may be embodied as a cylindrical support bar. The cylindrical support bar may be configured to extend in a direction which is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cylindrical grindstone, during operation, in such way that a grinding operation is enabled where the edge tool to be sharpened can be sharpened by means of the side surface facing outwardly from the grinding apparatus casing during the grinding operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blade grinder comprising a blade holder that is mounted so as to be rotatable about a horizontal shaft which is mounted so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, thus allowing the blade to be optimally adjusted relative to a grinding disk. The grinding disk can preferably be vertically and horizontally moved using spindles. This creates a simple design allowing a lawnmower blade to be ground in a fully automatic manner.

Abstract: A system for sharpening a tool bit in a fixed geometry has a base with a support platform and guide rod attached to and extending from the platform; a fixture including a longitudinal extending body with a plurality of linear bore holes extending through a transverse width of the fixture; and a tool bit support assembly removeably connected to the fixture for receiving the tool bit. In operation, the system provides for a user to insert the guide rod through one of the bore holes in the plurality and to position the tool bit in a fixed orientation for sharpening a free end of the tool bit. By forming the fixture with a specific number of bore holes, each positioned at a precise angle within the fixture, the system provides for the sharpening of the tool bit in a fixed geometry in a way that is consistent, precise, and repeatable.

Abstract: A blade holding jig arrangement for either grinding or honing a blade including a mounting bracket assembly with an elongate guide bar and a device for rigidly supporting the guide bar. A support arm can be pivotally mounted on the guide bar by means of a tubular support mounted on one end of the arm and extending perpendicular thereto. The guide bar extends through a passageway in the tubular support. The support arm can be moved along the guide bar for grinding. A clamp unit for clamping a blade includes a U-bracket with two legs and two clamping jaws adjustably mounted on the U-bracket between the legs. The clamp unit is attached to an end section of the arm remote from the one end of the arm. The clamping jaws can be moved towards one another in order to clamp the blade.

Abstract: A device for sharpening a tool blade has a pair of spaced guide rails and a bracket for mounting a sharpening stone on the guide rails. A carriage is slidably supported on the guide rails and has a pair of spaced slide plates adjustably supporting a blade angle plate thereon. A clamp mechanism secures the tool blade on the angle plate which is secured in an adjusted position for forming a primary angle on the blade cutting edge by reciprocal movement of the carriage along the guide rails. The angle plate and attached tool blade are readjusted on the carriage for subsequently forming a secondary angle on the cutting edge of the tool blade. Printed indicia adjacent a plurality of adjustment holes formed in the slide plates set the primary and secondary angles of the cutting edge. Mating surfaces on the carriage and guide rails set the amount of material to be removed from the blade during reciprocal movement along an abrasive sharpening material.

Abstract: A sharpening guide assembly to be removably attached to a sharpening stone to provide for smooth, controlled and accurate motion when sharpening a blade is provided. The assembly includes a body portion forming a platform adapted to receive the sharpening tool. A magnet is disposed within a recess formed in the platform. The magnet aids in removably attaching the sharpening tool to the guide assembly. The body portion includes guide rails to stabilize and aid in the attachment of the sharpening tool to the guide assembly. A guide rod is affixed to the body portion. The sharpening guide assembly may be used with a sharpening tool including metal and having a substantially planar sharpening surface. A clamping device for holding a blade to be sharpened is slidably coupled to the guide rod of the assembly and is drawn back and forth along the guide rod for sharpening the blade.

Abstract: A device for sharpening a tool blade has a pair of spaced guide rails and a bracket for mounting a sharpening stone on the guide rails. A carriage is slidably supported on the guide rails and has a pair of spaced slide plates adjustably supporting a blade angle plate thereon. A clamp mechanism secures the tool blade on the angle plate which is secured in an adjusted position for forming a primary angle on the blade cutting edge by reciprocal movement of the carriage along the guide rails. The angle plate and attached tool blade are readjusted on the carriage for subsequently forming a secondary angle on the cutting edge of the tool blade. Printed indicia adjacent a plurality of adjustment holes formed in the slide plates set the primary and secondary angles of the cutting edge. Mating surfaces on the carriage and guide rails set the amount of material to be removed from the blade during reciprocal movement along an abrasive sharpening material.

Abstract: A blade sharpening device is provided for honing a cutting edge of a blade. The device includes a block with a top honing surface, and a jig assembly mounted on the block. The jig assembly holds a blade in a fixed position adjacent the honing surface, and directed towards the honing surface, so that a sharpening stone can be manually moved on the top honing surface and across the blade edge for sharpening. The stone can be moved longitudinally, laterally, and circularly. The jig assembly is pivotally mounted on the block for a desired sharpening angle, and vertically adjustable so that the blade edge is substantially flush with the top honing surface of the block.

Abstract: A sharpening device for the blade of a tool such as a chisel or plane is in two parts. The first is a jig into which the blade is inserted with its tapered end projecting some distance beyond the jig. This distance is related to the angle to which the blade is to be sharpened. The second part is a marked reference member which is brought into a position alongside the jig. The blade is advanced through the jig until its tip reaches a marking on the reference member corresponding to the required sharpening angle for the tool. The tool is then clamped in the jig. The jig incorporates a roller which rolls on the sharpening stone while the tapered tip of the blade is sharpened by contact with the stone.

Abstract: A device for high-precision machining of the surface of an object, such as for polishing and lapping semiconductor substrates, in which the object is held on an accommodation surface for its machining. The accommodation surface can be deformed by means of a actuators connected to the surface in a positive-lock and/or non-positive-lock manner. The actuators are provided between a base plate and an accommodation plate that are mechanically biased relative to one another. The accommodation plate is configured, on its inside, with concentric grooves forming rigid rings in the axial direction. The individual rings are connected by solid substance joints. Piezo-stacks configured as actuator-sensor elements, as well as springs, are disposed between the faces of the rings and the base plates and are offset relative to one another by 120°.

Abstract: The head assembly of a floor burnisher is suspended by a main lift assembly and a fine adjustment assembly. The main lift moves the head assembly between a raised position in which the pad assembly is raised and tilted for access, and a lowered position in which the pad driver is suspended slightly above the floor, ready for use. The fine adjustment assembly permits the operator to control very accurately and conveniently the final operating pressure of the pad when the burnisher is turned on.

Abstract: A hand tool grinding jig is described for use in co-operation with a grinding wheel. The jig has a tool clamp for clamping a hand tool and a leg is pivotally connected to the clamp to allow the angle between the leg and the clamp to be adjusted. An end of the leg remote from the clamp provides a pivot point for engagement in a pivot receiver of a pivot support member that is located adjacent to the grinding wheel. The pivot receiver is disposed so that, when a tool is in the tool clamp and the pivot point is provided in the pivot receiver, the pivotal axis between the leg and the clamp is further from the grinding wheel than the pivot receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for sharpening tools includes a sliding tool holder permitting correct positioning of a tool face relative to a planar abrasive surface and the application of uniform pressure to the tool face for accurate grinding of the bevel that defines the cutting edge.

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: By preventing warping of chips when detaching individual chips from a dicing sheet, improvement in quality without cracks and in productivity is realized. A collet (115) used in a step of detaching chips (110) discretely divided as bonded to a dicing sheet (109) from the dicing sheet has a flat attraction surface made of a porous material of a size equal to or larger than the chip size. Alternatively, the collet may have a chip attraction groove containing poles, balls or hemispheres, for example, to prevent warping of chips. In the step of detaching each chip from the dicing sheet, a means for reducing the bonding force of the dicing sheet, such as heating device or cooling device, may be provided. Thus, warping or cracking can be prevented in a process of thinned semiconductor substrate. Additionally, since the means for reducing the bonding force of the dicing sheet is provided in a semiconductor manufacturing equipment, breakage or cracking of chips can be prevented more reliably.

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 jig for grinding gouges in cooperation with a grindstone or the like. The jig includes a support, which can be fixed positionally in relation to the grindstone. The support includes a supportive part that extends generally parallel to the grindstone axle. A bearing sleeve is mounted on the supportive part for pivotal movement in a plane generally perpendicular to the grindstone axle. A rod is included for displacement in the plane of the bearing sleeve. The rod includes a pivotal locking stirrup for locking the gouge to the jig.

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: An improved hollow grinder bevel angle control wherein a height-attitude coupling mechanism links the height and attitude motions of an adjustable tool-rest, and a scale on a stationary portion of the grinder cooperates with a pointer on the height-attitude coupling mechanism to indicate a relationship between bevel angle and grinding wheel radius. The coupling mechanism is implemented with a linkage mechanism that provides a wide range of tool-rest adjustment, subject to the height-attitude relationship defined by the linkage. The pointer is mounted for rotation with the linkage mechanism about its fixed pivot point, and is user-adjustable so that a dimension from the fixed pivot point to the tip of the pointer coincides with the radius of the grinder wheel. The bevel angle scale is stationary with respect to movement of the linkage mechanism, and arranged so that the tip of the pointer sweeps across the scale as the linkage mechanism is adjusted through its full range of movement.

Abstract: A fixture for selectively locating and retaining hydraulic gerotor rotors in position in respect to a grinding wheel, the fixture clamping the rotor between two oversized positioning rolls located in rotor lobe valleys on opposite sides of the rotor.

Abstract: A chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) control system controls distribution of pressure across the backside of a semiconductor wafer being polished. The system includes a CMP apparatus having a carrier for supporting a semiconductor wafer. The carrier includes a plurality of dual function piezoelectric actuators. The actuators sense pressure variations across the semiconductor wafer and are individually controllable. A control is connected to the actuators for monitoring sensed pressure variations and controlling the actuators to provide a controlled pressure distribution across the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A grinding fixture that allows a variety of helical shapes to be ground upon a variety of cutting inserts. The grinding fixture includes a bottom sine base for varying a first angle. A shaft is rotatably attached to the bottom sine base for providing rotation of the insert about an axis. A primary slide is rotatably attached to the shalt in parallel relation to the top surface of the bottom sine base for adjusting the position of a locating point on the insert in a first direction relative to the axis of rotation. The locating point is adjusted in a second direction relative to the axis of rotation by a cross slide attached to, and disposed in perpendicular relation with, the primary slide. A top sine assembly is fixedly attached to the cross slide for varying a second angle and includes a connection surface for fixedly connecting the insert holder to the sine assembly.

Abstract: A dental curet and sharpening machine system has been developed for convenient, accurate, and rapid sharpening of dental curets. Curets comprising a cutting blade, shank, and handle have been designed so that, regardless of the instrument's rake angle, the arc center of the toe on the face of the cutting blade which is to be sharpened lies on the longitudinal center axis of the instrument and at a constant distance from reference means on the instrument handle. The sharpening machine comprises a base, a sharpening element, and an instrument guide unit. The instrument guide unit can position the blade face of a curet of any rake angle in a plane with the arc center of the toe on the blade's face coincident with an axis about which the guide unit can be swung while the blade is engaged with the sharpening element during the cutting procedure. The invention comprises three aspects: (1) the curets; (2) the sharpening machine; and (3) the method of sharpening the curets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for machining the surface of a spherical segment, the surface being either convex or concave, by a circular milling cutter mounted on a milling machine and rotatably driven about an axis of rotation. The segment is carried by a fixture journally mounted for pivoting about a pivot axis passing through the spherical center of the surface to be cut, and the axis of rotation also passes through the spherical center. The teeth of the cutter lie in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation which is the furthest such plane that intersects the face of the cutter so that only the cutting teeth will contact the spherical surface to be formed. The fixture is pivoted about the pivot axis and the segment moves through and is cut by the rotating teeth to form the spherical surface.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer is placed on a table, and a grinding wheel grinds the surface of the semiconductor wafer. Non-contact sensors are arranged above the semiconductor wafer to detect the thickness of the semiconductor wafer during grinding. Each piece of information relating to the thickness is output to a CPU. Piezoelectric devices are arranged at regular intervals between a flange, which is secured to a grinding wheel spindle, and a frame 40. Voltages applied to the piezoelectric devices are controlled by a piezoelectric device controller which is controlled by the CPU. When the piezoelectric devices are driven, the attitude of the grinding wheel spindle is controlled in such a manner as to be rocked with regard to the table. If the CPU calculates the detected values of the sensors during the grinding, the direction and magnitude of inclination of the table and the grinding wheel spindle can be found.

Abstract: A dental curet and sharpening machine system has been developed for convenient, accurate, and rapid sharpening of dental curets. Curets comprising a cutting blade, shank, and handle have been designed so that, regardless of the instrument's rake angle, the arc center of the toe on the face of the cutting blade which is to be sharpened lies on the longitudinal center axis of the instrument and at a constant distance from reference means on the instrument handle. The sharpening machine comprises a base, a sharpening element, and an instrument guide unit. The instrument guide unit can position the blade face of a curet of any rake angle in a plane with the are center of the toe on the blade's face coincident with an axis about which the guide unit can be swung while the blade is engaged with the sharpening element during the cutting procedure. The invention comprises three aspects: (1) the curets; (2) the sharpening machine; and (3) the method of sharpening the curets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sharpening a cutting tool, including the grinding and honing of the cutting tool is described and illustrated. The apparatus comprises a base plate with a biasing frame mounted on the base plate. A tool holder is clamped to the biasing frame and releasably clamps a cutting tool, having an edge which is to be sharpened. A variety of tool holders allow the sharpening of different types of cutting tools. The cutting tool, and particularly, the edge thereof, is held in a stationary position and an abrasive member is moved with respect to the cutting edge of the tool. The apparatus forces the cutting edge of the tool against the abrasive member with a uniform amount of pressure and at a selected angle. Both the pressure and the selected angle are easily adjustable by the user. When the major variables, such as angle of sharpening and the pressure between the abrasive element and tool are fixed, an accurate, correct and reproducible sharpening will occur.

Abstract: A device for supporting a workpiece for being ground to size by the use of a grinding means, comprising a base member having a work-supporting means operably associated therewith. The base member supports the work-supporting means by a hinge member, with the base member and the work-supporting means normally being in an aligned relationship, but with the hinge member enabling the relationship of the work-supporting means to the base member to be angularly modified on occasion. The work-supporting means has thereon a work-clamping device constructed and arranged to hold a workpiece in a selected position, such that a portion of the workpiece held in the work-clamping device can be brought into direct contact with the grinding means. A depth-controlling member operably mounted upon the base member is positioned to normally contact a workpiece held in the work-clamping device.

Abstract: The blade sharpening device is an adjustable multi-angle edge sharpening unit comprised of a base connected to a rotatable sharpening stone table and a vertically adjustable blade support table. A hand movable sharpening stone is positioned on the sharpening stone table and the blade to be sharpened positioned on the blade support table, with the blade in grinding contact with the sharpening stone. An angle selection chart on the base allows vertical movement of the blade support table in conjunction with rotational adjustment of the sharpening stone table to accurately select a specific angle at which the blade edge is ground. A scissors adapter unit may be attached to the blade support table which permits the sharpening of scissors blades. The scissors blade is pressed against the scissors adapter, the blade being in grinding contact with the sharpening stone in much the same manner as knife blades are sharpened by the device.