Abstract: A handle for an orbital sander (10) of the type having a dust extractor (17) containing an exhaust outlet (18), the handle having: a first part in the form of an elongate tubular member (19) having two open ends, one end being attachable to the exhaust outlet (18) to attach the handle to the sander and to allow dust to pass through the first tubular member, the other end being attachable to a dust discharge hose (22), a second part which is extendable over the top of the sander, attachment means (28) to allow the handle (33) to be attached to a pole, and, guide means (34) extending from a portion of the handle spaced from the guide means being adapted to contact the surface to be sanded and functioning to hold the handle (33) relative to the surface such that, when attached to the sander, the sander is in working alignment with the surface.

Abstract: A retaining ring has a generally annular body with a top surface, a bottom surface, an inner diameter surface, and an outer diameter surface. The outer diameter surface includes an outwardly projecting flange having a lower surface, and the bottom surface includes a plurality of channels.

Abstract: A method for removable attachment of a mask to an IOL to protect a sharp peripheral edge of the IOL optic during polishing.

Abstract: A fixture for drilling sheets of fragile material is connectable to a movable machining head having a supporting structure and a rotary member, and includes a supporting frame, a shank for connecting the supporting frame to the supporting structure, and a first and at least a second powered spindle for a first and, respectively, a second drilling tool and extending in opposite directions with respect to the supporting frame; the spindles being rotated about respective axes parallel to each other by a transmission, an input member of which is connected to the rotary member of the machining head.

Abstract: A method of lapping semiconductor wafers includes the step of transmitting sounds generated during the lapping process to a receiver, allowing the operator to use sound to more quickly detect problems associated with starting the lap process.

Abstract: Abrading and cutting devices such as saws include waste containment systems and methods to improve removal of slurry or other contaminants from a work area during operations, and separation of slurry from a carrying medium such as air. A vacuum bar includes high and low vacuum openings to help focus flow and to conserve vacuum pressure. One opening faces the saw blade. A slurry containment and separation container includes walls and configurations for the inlets and outlets that enhance cleaner separation of the air and the slurry. Coolant is applied to the saw blade to make operation and cleanup more efficient. The vacuum generator can operate off of the power generated by the machine.

Abstract: In a linear chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) system, a surface of each roller of a pair of rollers is disclosed which includes a first set of grooves covering a first portion of the surface of the roller where the first set of grooves has a first pitch that angles outwardly toward a first outer edge of the roller. The surface also includes a second set of grooves covering a second portion of the surface of the roller where the second set of grooves has a second pitch that angles outwardly toward a second outer edge of the roller with the second pitch angling away from the first pitch. The surface further includes a first set of lateral channels arranged along the first portion, and a second set of lateral channels arranged along the second portion. The first set of lateral channels crosses the first set of grooves, and the second set of lateral channels crosses the second set of grooves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support (4-7) for temporary fixation of a self-sticking abrasive and/or polishing sheet (2) comprising an adhesive layer (3), said support (4-7) comprising a surface for receiving the sheet (2), where the surface of the support (4-7) is so adapted that the resulting adhesive force between the sheet (2) and the support (4-7) is varied over the surface of the support (4-7).

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

Abstract: A handle for an orbital sander (10) of the type having a dust extractor (17) containing an exhaust outlet (18), the handle having: a first part in the form of an elongate tubular member (19) having two open ends, one end being attachable to the exhaust outlet (18) to attach the handle to the sander and to allow dust to pass through the first tubular member, the other end being attachable to a dust discharge hose (22), a second part which is extendable over the top of the sander, attachment means (28) to allow the handle (33) to be attached to a pole, and, guide means (34) extending from a portion of the handle spaced from the sander, the guide means being adapted to contact the surface to be sanded and functioning to hold the handle (33) relative to the surface such that, when attached to the sander, the sander is in working alignment with the surface.

Abstract: A hand guard for drilling rig hand tongs includes a resilient body having a first end and a second end. Clamps are provided for securing the first end of the body along a first edge of a jaw of the drilling rig hand tongs adjacent to a hand gripping bar. Clamps are provided for securing the second end of the body along a second edge of the jaw adjacent to the hand gripping bar. The body extends above and shields the hand gripping bar.

Abstract: A grinding water tank unit which enables reuse of grinding water that has been used for processing an eyeglass lens, includes: a tank in which the grinding water is stored; a filter, disposed in the tank, for filtering the grinding water to be separate from processing debris, the filter having a sealed hollow portion; a first water suction pump; and a first water suction passage which connects the hollow portion to the first pump, and through which the grinding water filtered by the filter is sucked by suction of the first pump.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a cleaning device for jewelry comprising a container having a top rim, side walls, and a bottom; a mesh liner operatively arranged to be removably secured within the container and proximate the side walls and bottom; a lid having an outer and inner surface, the lid operatively arranged to be secured to the top rim to seal the container; and, a foam member secured to the inner surface of the lid. The invention also includes a new method of cleaning and polishing jewelry, comprising the steps of immersing the jewelry in liquid cleaning solution contained in a foam-lined sealed container; and, agitating said cleaning solution. An alternative method includes a preliminary step of coating the jewelry to be cleaned with polishing compound prior to immersion.

Abstract: A back-up plate is provided for a reversible double-sided rotary buffing pad. The back-up plate is attached directly to the output shaft of the power buffer and the buffing pad is attached to the back-up plate and, when attached, circumferentially spaced fingers on the outer edge of the back-up plate bear on the unused buffing face and prevent excess flexing and premature fracture and failure of the backing disk on the interior of the pad that supports the oppositely disposed buffing faces.

Abstract: A paper clamp bar for a sanding machine comprises an elongate steel bar having two opposed major faces each defined by a concave helical surface. As a result the clamp bar can be fitted either way up to the drum of a sanding machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adapter for grinding machine comprising: a grinding shaft sleeve of cylindrical shape whose one end is open and having at least one through hole formed at a selected position of an outer circumference; a grinding shaft rotatably and movably fitted in the grinding shaft sleeve, the grinding shaft including at least one guide groove having a variable surface curvature with respect to a shaft direction and formed at a position corresponding to the through hole, the grinding roller being installed at one end of the grinding shaft and a rotational force generating unit being installed at the other end of the grinding shaft; a grinding shaft stroke unit whose one end is coupled to the through hole of the grinding shaft sleeve and the other end is fitted in the guide groove, for stroking the grinding shaft with the grinding shaft sleeve; a sealing means interposed between an outer circumference of the grinding shaft and the grinding shaft sleeve, for preventing leakage of oil; and a sealing cover cou

Abstract: A wafer carrier retaining ring includes a first annular surface that contacts a polishing surface during a polishing process and an inner diameter surface adjoining the first annular surface thereby forming a first annular corner. The first annular corner has a radius in the range of from no less than about 0.010 inches to less than a radius that would result in damage to a wafer being polished. In another embodiment of the invention, a wafer carrier retaining ring includes an inner diameter surface and a second annular surface adjoining said inner diameter surface thereby forming a second annular corner. The second annular corner has a radius of no less than 0.030 inches. In a further embodiment of the invention, a wafer carrier retaining ring is formed of a ceramic material and has a first annular surface having a surface finish of no greater than 2 microinches rms.

Abstract: A lapping compound holding tank (60) positionable at least partially below the lapping chamber of a lapping machine. The cylindrical tank is rotatable about its axis and includes a fixed mixer and scraping assembly (80) positioned in the tank. The mixer and scraping assembly provides strong small-scale turbulence or even scraping action very close to the bottom (64) of the tank. The tank configuration enables efficient use of floor space since the tank occupies much of the same area as the lapping chamber of the machine. There are fewer potential accumulation surfaces between the lapping chamber drain and the tank. Cost and complexity of the tank is reduced. The present invention also includes an in-line compound filtration system (120) comprising an inlet section (122), a funnel portion (128) having a tubular portion (130) and an outlet (132), and a removable magnetic unit (134) having a cylindrical magnet (136).

Abstract: A paper clamp bar for a sanding machine comprises an elongate steel bar having two opposed major faces each defined by a concave helical surface. As a result the clamp bar can be fitted either way up to the drum of a sanding machine.

Abstract: A case for storing a grinding wheel which comprises an annular support member and a grinding means provided on the lower end face of the support member. The case includes a first case member and a second case member, the first case member and the second case member are connected to each other by a hinge member in such a manner that they can pivote relative to each other and selectively set to a close state for defining a closed storage space and to an open state for opening the storage space. A receiving means is provided on the first case member and a restricting means is provided on the second case member. The support member is held between the receiving means and the restricting means, and the grinding wheel is stored in the storage space, without allowing the first case member and the second case member to contact with the grinding means.

Abstract: A cleaning cup for holding and cleaning a pad conditioner having a conditioner head, the cleaning cup includes a spray nozzle for spraying a cleaning solution on a top side of the conditioner head. The cleaning cup further includes a plurality of support pins extending upwards from a base of the cleaning cup to receive the conditioner head thereon.

Abstract: To provide a cleaning apparatus capable of easily and positively washing off attachments from a dresser (6) for dressing a lap in a plane polishing apparatus. An air nozzle (15) for bubbling, a first bottom surface brush (18) that comes in slidable contact with a dressing member (9), and second bottom surface brushes (22a and 22b) that come in slidable contact with a portion (6a) other than the dressing member (9) are provided in a cleaning tank (11) for accommodating the dresser (6), which is provided with the dressing member (9) on its bottom surface, in a state where the dresser (6) is immersed in a cleaning solution. Furthermore, a side surface brush (25) that comes in contact with an outer side surface of the dresser (6) is provided.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for efficiently discharging both polishing liquid flowing out a surface plate and mist of polishing liquid produced through polishing with the use of simple measures, is composed of a drain receiver which is provided in proximity with the outer periphery of the surface plate, and which serves as both recovery means for recovering the polishing liquid flowing out from the surface plate and a suction means for sucking up the mist of polishing liquid produced through polishing, a common discharge pipe connecting the drain receiver to a gas-liquid separating mans, for simultaneously transferring both polishing liquid and mist of polishing liquid into the gas-liquid separating means therefrom, and a suction pump and a liquid processing means connected to the gas-liquid separating means.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating the centering of polishing heads in a polishing machine that is equipped with a plurality of spindles onto which polishing heads are mounted and a method for using such apparatus are disclosed. In the apparatus, a calibration disc is provided which has a hollow shaft mounted at a center of the bottom surface of the disc. A centering pin slidingly engaging an elongated cavity in the hollow shaft such that its protruded tip portion may be adjusted by using a locking device such as a set screw for different calibration procedures. The present invention novel apparatus can be used to calibrate the positioning of a polishing head mounted in a spindle with a pedestal in a load cup that is equipped with a center alignment aperture. The calibration can be conducted not only in the X, Y direction (or in the circumferential direction) of the spindle movement, but also in the Z direction (or a sweep direction) of the traversing spindle that occurs during a polishing operation.

Abstract: A suction device for a hand-held tool having a plate-like working tool, the section device including a hood-shaped housing covering a rear side of the tool (4) and partially a working tool circumference and connectable with a device for creating vacuum, and a protective screen (3) formed of a flexible material and extending along a circumference of a free end surface of the housing (2) and projecting axially above the free end surface, with the protective screen (3) having a plurality of slots (31) distributed along a circumferential extent of the protective screen (3) and opening toward a free end of the protective screen (3).

Abstract: A grinding cup includes a wear part having a cavity at its front end, the cavity configured for grinding a button of a rock drill bit. A flush channel extends forwardly through the wear part and terminates at the cavity for conducting a flushing medium thereto. The flush channel is spaced from a center axis of rotation of the grinding cup by a distance greater than 2% and less than 30% of a largest diameter of the cavity.

Abstract: A retainer ring is provided for used on the polishing head of a CMP machine, which can allow the slurry being applied to the CMP process to be uniformly distributed over the surface of the wafer. The retainer ring is designed for use on a CMP machine of the type having a polishing table, a polishing pad, a polishing head for holding a semiconductor wafer retained in fixed position, and means for applying a mass of slurry to the wafer. The polishing head is of the type including an air-pressure means which can apply air pressure to a wafer loader used to hold the wafer in position. The retainer ring is formed with a plurality of straight grooves spaced at substantially equal intervals, each being radially inclined in such a manner so as to form an acute angle of attack against the slurry on the outside of said retainer ring when said retainer ring spins. Further, the retainer ring can be additionally formed with at least one circular groove intercrossing all of said straight grooves.

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 counterweight to facilitate endcuts from silicon ingots comprising a bent angle moment arm and adjustable weighting means.

Abstract: A back-up pa supporting and releasably engaging an abrasive article. The back-up pad comprises: a body including a front surface and a back surface in which the front surface comprises a first attachment component thereon and the back surface comprises a second attachment component thereon, and each of the attachment components is adapted for releasable engagement with an abrasive article; a reinforcing plate located within the body between the front surface and the back surface; and tool securing means on the body for securing the back-up pad to a power tool and for selectively orienting the back-up pad in one of a first orientation and a second orientation. When the back-up pad is in the first orientation, substantially the entire front surface is exposed for contacting a workpiece, and when the back-up pad is in the second orientation, substantially the entire back surface is exposed for contacting a workpiece.

Abstract: A single unitary reversible precision tool accessory for a jig grinder constituted by a extension plate which extends selectively either the internal or the external grinding capacities of a jig grinder machine.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning a file or other abrasive finishing tool relative to the running surface of the ski so that the bottom face of the ski edge may be beveled. The fixture is configured to allow either or both the angle and the width of the bottom face of the edge that is finished to be varied.

Abstract: A power tool having a detachable arrangement of an auxiliary handle relative to a main body. The main body has a handle receiving portion. The auxiliary handle has a grip portion and an insertion portion engageable with the handle receiving portion. The insertion portion extends from the grip portion and includes an upper flat surface provided with a protrusion, and a lower arcuate surface. The insertion portion also includes a resilient latch. The receiving portion is provided by a hole having a top flat surface, a lower flat surface and a bottom surface. The top flat surface is formed with an indentation engageable with the protrusion. The base end of the arcuate surface is engageable with the lower flat surface. The lower flat surface is formed with a further recess with which the resilient latch is engageable.

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

Abstract: Screening techniques are used to form a patterned mask on a surface of a wood article, and particle blasting is used to transfer the pattern of the mask to the wood article. A screen on procedure that employs a 50-80 mesh material on which a reverse image pattern of 200 microns or thicker of capillary film allows a high definition pattern of masking material to be applied in one pass. Disruption of the mask from moisture emanating from the wood article is prevented by either painting the surface of the wood article prior to screening on the masking material or by including a water scavenging compound with the masking material. If paint is to be employed as a moisture barrier, the paint must be able to withstand curing temperatures for the masking material. Spherical glass beads are preferably used for particle blasting since they leave a better finish for the pattern transferred to the wood article and do not adversely degrade the wood fibers.

Abstract: A concrete cutting saw is provided for the cutting of grooves in the surface of wet concrete. The concrete saw generally comprises a motor driven rotating cutting blade mounted on a support structure. The concrete saw is supported during cutting by wheels, and has a skid plate with a slot through which the rotating cutting blade passes to cut the concrete. The cutting blade is mounted with a sound deadening blade housing and a number of shields and guards located about the skid plate. The skid plate is movably attached to the concrete saw and resiliently urged against the concrete during cutting so that it remains in contact with the surface of the concrete surrounding the cutting blade during cutting. The skid plate is constrained into a bowed configuration so that it is substantially flat during cutting. A variable speed transmission is drivingly connected to the wheels to propel the saw across the concrete during cutting.

Abstract: A device is used to adapt a portable angle grinder for use with a drill chuck and associated drill chuck accessories. The device engages the spindle of the grinder to the drill chuck and provides the interface necessary to permit the grinder to be compatible with the drill chuck. The device and method of using the device is described for a variety of trades and tasks associated with those trades.