Abstract: An arrow preparation system preferably includes a lengthwise base, at least two arrow supports and a grinding member. The lengthwise base preferably includes a pair opposing rails for slidably retaining the at least two arrow supports and the grinding member. Each arrow support preferably includes a support slidable base, a pair of roller bearings, an anchor pin and a knurled nut. The knurled nut is secured to anchor pin and threadably retained in the support slidable base. The pair of roller bearings are rotatably retained on a top of the support slidable base to support an arrow shaft. The grinding member preferably includes a slidable grinding base, the anchor pin and the knurled nut. The slidable grinding base includes a vertical grinding face. A piece of self-sticking sandpaper is applied to the vertical grinding face. The knurled nut and anchor pin and threadably retained in the slidable grinding base.

Abstract: A golf ball kit having an abrasive material adapted for imparting enhanced micro surface roughness to an exterior surface of a golf ball. The enhanced micro surface roughening affects the aerodynamic properties of the ball as compared to golf balls having the same set of construction specifications but without enhanced micro surface roughness. The kit includes an instruction device having a plurality of correlations between at least one performance parameter and micro surface roughness for at least a first golf ball.

Abstract: A device for supporting a substrate is provided. The device includes a base body having two or more layers of an insulating material, a substrate support surface formed by the upper layer of the insulating material, one or more cavities formed in a thickness of the base body, and one or more metal elements disposed in the one or more cavities. The substrate support surface of the base body supports the substrate thereon in a processing nest of a printing apparatus. In addition, each metal element comprises one or more features that are used to couple the base body to the processing nest. The metal elements are also provided for magnetically or electromagnetically positioning the base body on a magnetic work plane of a grinding tool. A method is also provided to make the device and attach the device to a planar surface of a processing nest.

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.

Abstract: A fixture for grinding machines includes a first base (10) and a second base (20). The first base has a first surface (12) which defines a first holding groove (11). The first base defines a plurality of first suction holes (13) on the first surface. The second base has a second surface (22) which defines a second holding groove (21) corresponding to the first holding groove. The second base defines a plurality of second suction holes (23) on the second surface.

Abstract: A clamping device is provided for the exact manual resharpening of knife blades (6) on a whetstone (5). The knife blade (6) is mounted in the clamping device (9) and at least one support contour (2, 14, 14a) of the clamping device (9) is designed such that it is congruent with the contour of the cutting edge of the knife blade (6) or that it extends equidistantly from the contour of the cutting edge of the knife blade (6). The present invention is characterized in that the support contour (2, 14, 14a) has an end piece provided with an arch (14) or an end piece provided with a radius (14a).

Abstract: A grinding jig set comprising a combination of several jig units and a method for grinding a number of objects are provided. The method comprises a series of steps from arranging the objects to be ground on a grinding jig (a master plate) through removing the ground objects from the grinding jig after completion of grinding process, smoothly and precisely without damaging a number of the objects to be ground and without altering the arrangement pattern of the objects to be ground from the start through the end of the series of steps. The jig set for grinding comprises a set of jig units used for a series of processing from allocation of objects to be ground on a grinding jig through removing the ground objects from the grinding jig after the grinding operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for cylindrically grinding workpieces includes a first holding tool (100) for positioning pre-grinding workpieces (60) 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 defines a first groove (12) for containing the pre-grinding workpieces to be partially ground and the second bonding defines a second groove (22) for containing the partially ground workpieces. A stopping board (23) connects one side of the second groove, and the stopping board has a projection (231) for transferring the partially ground workpieces from the first groove to the second groove. The present invention also provides a process for cylindrically grinding workpieces.

Abstract: A method of polishing a remote grip optical connector comprises providing an optical fiber having a stripped terminal end. The fiber is inserted through a connector body and ferrule, where the connector body has a gripping region. The optical fiber is secured in the gripping region of the connector body. The connector is heated to heat the optical fiber and the ferrule to an elevated temperature and the heated terminal end of the optical fiber is polished flush with the heated end face of the ferrule.

Abstract: A ferrule holder assembly for an optical-fiber-end-face grinding apparatus comprises a ferrule holder board supported to be moved upward and downward in parallel with a grinding board of the optical-fiber-end-face grinding apparatus, a ferrule sleeve provided at the ferrule holder board for receiving and supporting an optical fiber ferrule while putting the tip at the grinding board, an adapter for retaining the optical fiber ferrule or a connector for supporting the optical fiber ferrule in a state where the optical fiber ferrule is inserted into the ferrule sleeve, and an urging unit for urging the adapter in a direction opposite to the grinding board from the ferrule holder board.

Abstract: A lapping system for eliminating crowning in a surface to be lapped includes a first lapping carrier adapted to carry a first workpiece and a second lapping carrier adapted to carry a second workpiece. A stabilizer assembly interconnects the first and second lapping carriers in a mutually stabilizing arrangement that stabilizes the first and second workpieces against rotation. The stabilizer assembly includes first and second stabilizer arms extending between the first lapping carrier and the second lapping carrier. Each lapping carrier and an associated stabilizer arm collectively defines a fixture having a carrier portion and a stabilizer portion, and which may be generally T-shaped. One end of each stabilizer arm is cantilevered from its associated lapping carrier, while the free end of each stabilizer arm is pivotally mounted to the opposite lapping carrier. Downward lapping forces are applied independently to each lapping carrier.

Abstract: A device for use in the manual sharpening of arrow broadheads, razor blades and the like includes a unique symmetrical clamp and axle assembly having interchangeable, matched pairs of special purpose jaw members for gripping blades of differing configurations. When coupled to the frame, the clamp and axle assembly is freely rotatable, and this free rotation automatically aligns the length of the edge of the blade with the surface of a whetstone. Additionally these rotational and self-aligning capability enable the user to service both sides of the blade's edge with a single blade clamping operation, by manually rotating the clamp 180 degrees between passes along the surface of the whetstone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and delayering a die include an outer member (10) that receives an inner member (20), and a set screw (25) and set screw hole (12) for securing the position of the inner member (20) within the outer member (10). A die (50) is attached to the inner member (20), and the apparatus is then used to apply the die (50) to an abrasive disk (200) which is attached to a rotatable wheel (300) and is delayered by progressive abrading. The outer member (10) provides stability and precision to the delayering operation. The inner member (20) provides portability and control to the delayering operation.

Abstract: A concave optical fiber ferrule holding plate for polishing an end face of an optical fiber is disclosed. The holding plate may be used alone for hand polishing or be provided as a component of an optical fiber polishing machine. The circular holding plate comprises a concave interior with one or more concentric wear rings disposed radially inwardly on said interior from the outer periphery of the holding plate to a point surrounding the optical fiber ferrule located in the center. The holding plate contacts a polishing material only at the peripheral wear ring thereby reducing contamination from the material of the holding plate which reduces contamination of the end face of the fiber during polishing. The degree of deterioration of the wear rings can be easily observed to determine when the ferrule holding plate must be replaced.

Abstract: A wafer loading/unloading device and a method for producing wafers in which positioning and mounting can be effected in a stable manner when attaching the wafer to the polishing head and which make it possible to receive or transfer the polished wafer in a stable manner. The wafer loading/unloading device includes a main body portion for supporting a wafer W, a swinging shaft supporting a swinging arm connected to the main body portion, and an arm ascending/descending mechanism supporting the swinging arm such that it can ascend and descend. The main body portion is equipped with a wafer support portion and an action force absorbing mechanism for absorbing vertical force acting on the wafer support portion, so that the impact when attaching or detaching the wafer to or from the polishing head is mitigated. Thus, damage to the wafer and the polishing head is prevented and the wafer is transferred in a stable manner.

Abstract: A jig for producing optical parts comprises a base stand for stacking ten individuals of fiber coil reels around which optical fibers are wound in a predetermined number of turns respectively, and array-holding mechanisms provided on a circumferential surface of the base stand, for downwardly exposing respective end surfaces of arrays secured to ends of the plurality of optical fibers led from the respective stacked fiber coil reels. Accordingly, it is possible to highly accurately polish the end surfaces of the array members secured to the ends of the optical fibers led from the plurality of reels respectively. It is possible to eliminate almost all dispersion in polishing accuracy among the array members, and it is possible to produce the optical parts highly accurately with a good yield.

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

Abstract: Aspects for supporting a package and a device coupled to the package at a device frontside during package removal are described. In an exemplary aspect, a support structure includes a support frame supporting the package substantially near end portions of the package, and multi-layer support material provided within the support frame, wherein breakage of the package during grinding of the package at its backside is reduced. The multi-layer support material further includes a hard wax layer substantially covering the device, an epoxy glue layer substantially covering the hard wax layer, and a soft wax layer substantially covering the epoxy glue layer and substantially filling remaining space within the support frame.

Abstract: A sharpening holder and a knife are uniquely configured for use with each other, the holder and the knife having permanent elements that mate when the holder is installed on the knife so that the holder is installed on the knife in exactly the same position on the knife every time that the knife is sharpened.

Abstract: A hand tool for holding a spinning disc while the circumference of the disc is being ground is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate disks of various thicknesses. The disc is gripped between two resilient grippers that rotate with the disc. The grippers are mounted for rotation to the jaws of the tool. The jaws slide open and closed on two spaced parallel guide pins that are parallel to the axes of rotation of the grippers. This assures that as the jaws are opened or closed to accommodate discs of different thicknesses, the axes of the grippers remain colinear.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a semiconductor chip during a polishing process can be made to also hold the chip while the chip is inspected by a scanning electron microscope. In this manner, the polishing of the chip may be inspected and monitored without removing the chip from the polishing fixture. This allows polishing to be resumed, if necessary, with more precision. This results because the position of the chip with respect to the polishing fixture has not been altered by removing and then resecuring the chip as would be otherwise necessary for microscopic inspection of the chip.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a powered grinding tool having a driven grinding wheel has a pivotally mounting part on a body thereof, and a drill bit holder engageable with the mounting part in either of two orientations for sharpening a tip of a drill bit clamped in a set position in the drill bit holder at the grinding wheel, the engagement being completed when the drill bit engages on a stop bar at the front of the mounting part. Also disclosed is a setting arrangement for setting the drill bit in its holder including stop means for engagement by the drill tip upon longitudinal setting of the drill bit, and drill rotation setting means slidable relative to the stop means for rotational setting of the drill bit. A powered grinding tool having the features of the adapter formed as part thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for preparing an optical fiber end-face includes a station having a base with a fiber bender and a scribe for cleaving a fiber. The base may include a polishing surface and a well that serves as a fiber shard collector. A cleaver door may be attached to the base to be rotatable between an open position and a closed position covering the shard collector and may include a mount for releasably attaching a fiber handling tool or puck. The puck includes a body, a latch attached by a hinge to the body, and a face comprising a plate pivotally attached to an end of the body and having a fiber port extending through the plate. The body of the puck includes a nest for receiving a fiber holder for securing a fiber with an end of the fiber extending through the port of the face. The nest includes a reference stop and a means for urging the fiber holder against the reference stop when the latch is rotated to a closed position covering the body.

Abstract: A separation type grinding or polishing (hereinafter "grinding") surface plate (11) comprises a surface plate body (12) connected to a drive of a grinding apparatus directly or through a water cooled jacket or the like, and a disk (13) for grinding which is adapted to rotate together with the surface plate body (12) and contact an article being ground directly or through an abrasive cloth (14). The disk (13) for grinding is detachably held on the surface plate body (12) by vacuum suction or magnetic forces. Accordingly, it is possible to ensure an accuracy in a cleaning operation of a surface plate, a replacing operation of an abrasive cloth or the like as well as labor saving and to prevent lowering of a grinding accuracy due to thermal deformation.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing an ultra-thin specimen with a polishing wheel is developed. The apparatus includes a base, a holding unit mounted on the base and having a movable part for supporting the specimen, and an adjusting assembly attached to the base for adjusting an orientation of the specimen relative to a top surface of the polishing wheel by providing a fine movement during polishing. The movable part of the holding unit is advantageously moved away from the adjusting assembly to enlarge the latitudinal cross-section of the apparatus so as to increase the precision of the orientation.

Abstract: A support system enabling the dental technician an easy and concise method of grinding dental castings including a pedestal for supporting the underside, an outer arm which supports the outside surface of the casting, both being variably shaped to adapt to the wide variety of their shapes and sizes. The base which connects both the outer arm and pedestal provides movement for proper positioning of the dental casting.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a semiconductor chip during a polishing process can be made to also hold the chip while the chip is inspected by a scanning electron microscope. In this manner, the polishing of the chip may be inspected and monitored without removing the chip from the polishing fixture. This allows polishing to be resumed, if necessary, with more precision. This results because the position of the chip with respect to the polishing fixture has not been altered by removing and then resecuring the chip as would be otherwise necessary for microscopic inspection of the chip.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus comprises a holder having rod-shaped members each having an end portion to be polished. The rod-shaped members are positioned on the holder so that respective distances between the rod-shaped members and a center of the holder are different from one another. When relative motion is effected between the holder and the polishing member while maintaining distances between a center of the polishing member and the respective rod-shaped members different from one another and while pressing the respective end portions of the rod-shaped members against the polishing member, the respective end portions of the rod-shaped members are polished.

Abstract: A carrier carrying device (CCD) for holding a workpiece carrier includes a lower portion and an upper portion coupled to the lower portion. A plurality of shoulder screws are employed to couple the upper and lower portions together; the shoulder screws restrict translational movement of the upper portion to one direction relative to the lower portion. The upper portion includes a flange having a plurality of slots configured to receive a like plurality of engagement members located on the workpiece carrier. A number of springs located between the upper and lower portions cause the flange to engage and secure the engagement members to the CCD. The shoulder screws facilitate alignment of the CCD relative to the workpiece carrier during installation of the CCD.

Abstract: A device for preparing an optical fiber for interconnection includes means for grasping the optical fiber at a first location along the optical fiber, means for scribing and breaking the optical fiber a first select distance from the first location, the means for scribing and breaking including guides for supporting and sliding the means for grasping along the guides in fixed relationship to the means for scribing and breaking, and means for polishing the optical fiber as broken, the means for polishing being connected to the means for breaking. The device also includes a polishing surface fixedly connected to the means for grasping. The polishing surface supports the means for grasping at a second select distance from the first location, the second select distance being shorter than the first select distance. The optical fiber is linearly moveable with respect to the polishing surface.

Abstract: A tool guide for sharpening woodcarving and lathe tools comprises a holder frame having an adjustable clamping member for clamping a portion of a tool against an inner surface thereof, and an adjustable foot member removably connected to the holder frame by a downwardly extending central rod for engaging a work surface which is coplanar with or parallel to a nearby abrasive sharpening surface. The foot member includes an arcuate surface which may be arranged to engage the work surface for sharpening tools having a U-shaped cutting edge profile, and a pair of arc ends which may be arranged to engage the work surface by inverting the foot member for sharpening tools having a straight cutting edge profile. A pair of side rods are spaced on opposite sides of the central rod, whereby distal ends of the side rods and central rod define an angular profile for sharpening tools having a V-shaped cutting edge when the foot member is removed.

Abstract: A fixture of disc-like form for holding connector mounted optical fiber ferrules. When the connector is attached to the fixture, the ends of the ferrule and fiber extend slightly beyond the plane of the bottom surface of the fixture so that the end surfaces may be polished by movement of the fixture over a sheet of polishing paper. The ferrule, and consequently the fiber, are rotationally locked to the fixture to prevent relative movement therebetween during the polishing operation by an element removably positionable in cooperative engagement with the disc. The element is rotationally locked to both the disc and the fiber optic connector.

Abstract: The present invention is a carrier ring for a semiconductor wafer carrier in which an exposed surface of the carrier ring facing a polishing pad either slopes, is stepped, or is curved away from the polishing pad from the inner periphery to the outer periphery of the carrier ring. As a result, the exposed surface of the carrier ring is spaced farther from the polishing pad adjacent its outer periphery than it is adjacent its inner periphery, thereby increasing the volume and uniformity of slurry transported beneath the wafer.

Abstract: A polishing fixture (20) for use with a polishing machine comprises a plurality of clamping assemblies (41) (22). The fixture (20) includes a connector holder plate (28) which has a perimeter edge (30). A plurality of slots (42) obliquely extend inwardly from the perimeter edge (30) through the plate (28). A force transmitting body (26) having an internal rim (32) is positioned around the perimeter edge (30) of the connector holder plate (28) so as to provide a camming action against convex cam surfaces (52). The camming action of the internal rim (32) of the force transmitting body (26) and the convex cam surface (52) on the perimeter (30) of the connector holder plate (28) deflect a corresponding beam (44) inwardly to clamp a connector (49) positioned in a corresponding one of the camping assemblies (41).

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: Apparatus for supporting and containing a dental prosthesis during the micro-etching thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes a framework, a holding mechanism carried by the framework for holding the prosthesis in a position which permits micro-etching, and a flexible hood, for example, a disposable plastic bag, which has an open end sized to slidably receive the framework into the hood while holding the prosthesis. The open end is sealable while the framework is so received, and the hood is transparent to permit viewing of the prosthesis within the hood. The hood is sliceable with a knife edge to provide a small slit which permits the tip of a micro-etching tool to extend into the hood. Alternately, the hood may be pre-slit for the same purpose.

Abstract: An adaptor for aligning the components of a constant velocity joint is disclosed. This adaptor is comprised of a base, a body attached to said base, a screw shaft disposed within said body, a left slide nut mounted on said screw shaft, a first annular peg mounted on said left slide nut, a right slide nut mounted on said screw shaft, a second annular peg mounted on said right slide nut, and rotatable adjustment means for moving said left slide nut and said right slide nut in opposite directions upon the rotation of said adjustment means.