Contour-adjustable Support Patents (Class 451/495)
  • Patent number: 11185973
    Abstract: A two-sided casing chisel has two chisel blades that are mirror images of each other to enable one tool for chiseling and cleaning the doorway casing on either side of the doorway. The two-sided tool simply has to be flipped around to allow cleaning of doorway casing on an opposing side of the doorway. The chisel blades may be coupled to a blade assembly that is detachably attachable to a handle assembly. The blade assembly may have a first end and second end each having a two-sided chisel blade or sanding ends with an abrasive material to allow sanding along a doorway casing. The blade assembly may be reversible to allow a user to flip the blade assembly upside down to expose second end which may have sanding ends for sanding or a second set of chisel blades in the event blades on the first end become dull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Efficiency Product, LLC
    Inventor: Jim E Fulbrook
  • Patent number: 11141831
    Abstract: A grinding machine for grinding non-horizontal grinding surfaces comprises a deformation device which is disposed between a grinding power source and a grinding pad driven by the grinding power source. The deformation device includes a set of an offset unit and the deformation members disposed near one end of the grinding pad, wherein the offset units, the first deformation member and the second deformation member define deformation angles. Therefore, one end of the grinding pad is correspondingly fitted to various non-horizontal grinding surfaces independently through the variable angles of the deformation angle, especially for continuous irregular non-horizontal grinding surfaces. Thus, the present invention has excellent grinding effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: X'POLE PRECISION TOOLS INC.
    Inventor: Bach Pangho Chen
  • Patent number: 10434618
    Abstract: An apparatus can comprise a body and a first portion. The first portion can be coupled to the body and moveable therewith. The first portion can comprise a rigidifying material and a layer. The rigidifying material can be positioned in a chamber defined by an envelope formed of a gas-impermeable material. A pressure within the chamber can be variable between at least a lower pressure state and a higher pressure state. In the higher pressure state the material is relatively flexible, and in the lower pressure state the material can be relatively less flexible than in the higher pressure state. The layer can be manipulatable by the rigidifying material. More particularly, the layer can have a first state when the pressure within the chamber is in the higher pressure state. In the first state, the layer can be formable by the target surface to take on a desired shape that can be substantially a match of the target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas R. Corrigan, Marc A. Egeland, Paul D. Graham
  • Patent number: 10245707
    Abstract: A conformable sanding block with a longitudinal axis has a locking end cap, a sliding end cap and a series of indexable segments therebetween. A flexible position rod is fastened to both end caps and passes through and captures each indexable segments forming the ergonomically conformable sanding block that is settable between concave and convex shapes for sanding contoured shapes. The sanding block has a bottom whereat a sandpaper holder is releasably and slidably attached for releaseably fastening sandpaper thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Malco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Ryan, Anthony Mark Rea, Scott A. Olson, Andrew J. Janetski, Tyler Buchanan
  • Patent number: 9833872
    Abstract: A contour sanding accessory is provided for a power tool having a drive element capable of reciprocating or oscillatory motion. The accessory includes a mounting plate including a mounting portion configured for engagement to the drive element of the power tool, and a support portion connected to the mounting plate, the support portion defining a support surface. The accessory is further provided with two or more planar members sized to be stacked on the support surface and clamped onto the support portion of the mounting plate by a clamp assembly. The planar members are configured for relative sliding in a longitudinal direction so that the working edges of the planar members conform to the contour of the surface to be sanded. The clamp assembly is configured in a released position to allow the longitudinal movement and in a clamped position to clamp the accessory together for use in sanding the contoured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jeremy Rubens
  • Patent number: 9415484
    Abstract: A hand sanding apparatus plate housing is provided. The housing includes a U-shaped top portion defined via a pair of opposing end members and a pair of opposing sidewalls spanning between the members along a sanding direction. The members having a pair of top surfaces extending along the direction and spanning between the sidewalls to provide for hand placement support along the direction. The members and the sidewalls defining a top portion interior space sized for adjacent flat plate housing. The members and the sidewalls defining an upper opening therebetween, the opening providing access to the space. The opening sized for partial plate access to enable manual plate position adjustment through the opening away from the opening to stagger the plates. The members configured for partial plate overlay along the direction between the sidewalls to limit plate movement at least perpendicular to the direction past the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Yadin Mor
  • Patent number: 9156135
    Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus includes a thin, relatively flat spring member and a plurality of disc-shaped members attached to a first side of the flat spring member along a length of the flat spring member. The disc-shaped members may be horizontally stacked along the length of the flat spring member with at least one disc-shaped member at least partially contacting its adjacent disc-shaped members when the flat spring member lies flat. The disc-shaped members may be individually attached to the first side of the flat spring member along at least portions of outer edges of the disc-shaped members. A sanding surface may be coupled to a second side of the flat spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Publication number: 20150111477
    Abstract: A polishing head for a chemical-mechanical polishing system includes a carrier head, at least one electromagnetism actuated pressure sector and a membrane. The electromagnetism actuated pressure sector is disposed on the carrier head. The membrane covers the electromagnetism actuated pressure sector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shich-Chang SUEN, Chin-Hsiang Chan, Liang-Guang Chen, Yung-Cheng Lu
  • Publication number: 20150099432
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices and methods for magnetic-responsive chemical mechanical polishing. In one embodiment, a device including a support with one or more magnetic field generators formed therein is provided. The magnetic field generators can produce at least one magnetic field. A magnetic-responsive composite is positioned in magnetic connection with the magnetic field generators. When the magnetic-responsive composite receives the magnetic field from the magnetic field generators, the magnetic-responsive composite changes shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Uday MAHAJAN, Rajeev BAJAJ, Fred Conrad REDEKER, Abdul Wahab MOHAMMED
  • Patent number: 8968057
    Abstract: A hand sanding apparatus plate housing is provided. The housing includes a U-shaped top portion defined via a pair of opposing end members and a pair of opposing sidewalls spanning between the members along a sanding direction. The members having a pair of top surfaces extending along the direction and spanning between the sidewalls to provide for hand placement support along the direction. The members and the sidewalls defining a top portion interior space sized for adjacent flat plate housing. The members and the sidewalls defining an upper opening therebetween. The opening providing access to the space. The opening sized for partial plate access to enable manual plate position adjustment through the opening away from the opening. The members configured for partial plate overlay along the direction between the sidewalls to limit plate movement at least perpendicular to the direction past the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Yadin Mor
  • Patent number: 8858304
    Abstract: A hand-held sander for sanding a curved surface includes a structurally rigid frame having a left hand hold and left channel oppositely disposed from a right hand hold and right channel. An open-ended concave recess is formed between and perpendicular to the channels. A flexibly resilient and flat substrate has a left substrate end oppositely disposed from a right substrate end. The left substrate end is abutting and slidably captured within the left channel and the right substrate end is abutting and slidably captured within the right channel. A center adjustment knob is rotatably fixed to the frame having a female threaded end. A shaft is fixed to a center of the substrate and includes a male threaded end. The male threaded end of the shaft is configured to threadably engage the female threaded end of the knob, wherein rotation of the knob causes curvature of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Ashot H. Andonian
  • Patent number: 8834235
    Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus includes a thin, relatively flat spring member and one or more coil spring members coupled to a first side of the flat spring member along a length of the flat spring member. A sanding surface may be coupled to a second side of the flat spring member. The flat spring member and the coil spring members may be elongated members coupled together lengthwise. The coil spring member may be a closed coil spring member that allows concave flexing of the sanding surface and inhibits convex flexing of the sanding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 8808064
    Abstract: A polishing article with a plurality of polishing pads adapted to polish a substrate. Gimbal structures are attached to the polishing pads that permit the polishing pads to move independently along at least a pitch axis and a roll axis. Stems supported by preload flexures apply preloads through dimple structures to the polishing pads. A plurality of stand-offs provide fixed boundary conditions between the preload and the gimbal structures. Recesses allow for the preload flexures to move vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Roc Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Karl G. Schwappach, Zine-Eddine Boutaghou
  • Publication number: 20140170781
    Abstract: A platen for polishing a surface of a wafer has a reaction plate, a polishing plate, and a bladder. The reaction plate has a top and bottom surface, and defines a longitudinal axis. The polishing plate is positioned coaxially with the reaction plate. The polishing plate has a second top surface and a second bottom surface. The second top surface is adjacent to the bottom surface of the reaction plate. The bladder is coaxially located along a radially outer portion of either the top or bottom surface of the reaction plate. The bladder is connected with the polishing plate and able to expand to deform the polishing plate with respect to the bottom surface of the reaction plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Peter D. Albrecht, Sumeet S. Bhagavat
  • Patent number: 8696413
    Abstract: A contouring sanding device includes a support plate, a sanding pad covered by an abrasive material (e.g. sand paper), and a pressure dispersal system allowing the sanding pad to automatically conform to the contours of the surface of the object being sanded. The sanding device also includes either a handle or a power tool attachment piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: ShelWes, LLC
    Inventors: John Wesley King, Jr., Shelley K. Haynes
  • Publication number: 20140080383
    Abstract: The present invention provides a means to increase the efficacy of the sanding of surfaces of contoured or other complex geometries as often found in automotive panels undergoing collision repair. In particular, the present invention provides a means to achieve a flat, convex, or concave sanding surface as required by the site of the work and as adjusted by the operator. Additionally, dust removal facility means are provided for the adjustable profile sander allowing the operator to reduce the release of fine particulates in the immediate work environment. The application of the present invention reduces the occurrence of secondary damage arising from the action of sanding through its surface contour adaptability while also reducing the number of sanding passes required to achieve the level of smoothness desired. Further, the safety of the operator is enhanced through the removal of potentially harmful particulates at the site of the work as generated during the operation of sanding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Attilio Giancola
  • Publication number: 20140030969
    Abstract: A grinding wheel assembly has a support disk centered on an axis and having an outer edge and a pair of axially opposite faces. An annular abrasive ring is juxtaposed with the outer edge, and a flexible hinge formation joins the ring to the outer edge of the disk at one of the faces. An actuator body of controlledly radially variable dimension joins the ring to outer edge of the disk at the other of the faces for deforming the ring and flexing the hinge formation so as to vary a shape of an outer face of the ring radially of the axis. Thus with this system the exact shape of the outer face of the abrasive ring can be controlled remotely. The control can be very accurate, and can be monitored by sensors in a feedback system to ensure exact position of the outer ring surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Roland SCHMITZ
  • Patent number: 8585470
    Abstract: A structure for a backing plate of an abrasive disk is disclosed. The structure includes layers of abrasive resin interspersed with layers of reinforcing fiberglass. The layers are generally disk shaped and cover certain radial intervals of the entire backing plate between the inner diameter and the outer diameter. For example, a radial stress profile plotting the stress along a radial line from inner to outer diameter can be determined. The amount and radial positioning of reinforcing layers (e.g., reinforcing fiberglass) may then be determined. An appropriate amount of reinforcing layers may then be placed within the radial intervals that experience the highest stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W. Farber
  • Publication number: 20130148079
    Abstract: Systems and methods for polishing a lens having a freeform design cut into a surface of the lens are provided. The system may include a lap blank having a substantial inverse of the freeform design cut into a surface of the lap blank, or a conformable lap blank having an inverse of the freeform design molded into a surface of the lap blank. The system also includes a deformable pad mounted on the surface of the lap blank. The surface of the lens is separated from the surface of the lap blank by the deformable pad, and the lens and the lap blank are arranged such that the freeform design of the surface of the lens is substantially aligned with the substantial inverse of the freeform design of the surface of the lap blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Coburn Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew John Brown, Steven Glenn Bedford
  • Publication number: 20130139367
    Abstract: Provided is a tool for polishing the surface of frets, a fretboard or a fingerboard of a stringed instrument, so as to shape and adjust the frets, the fretboard or the fingerboard to have a curve appropriate for the stringed instrument having a curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Davide Bissoli
  • Publication number: 20130109284
    Abstract: A hand-held sander for sanding a curved surface includes a structurally rigid frame having a left hand hold and left channel oppositely disposed from a right hand hold and right channel. An open-ended concave recess is formed between and perpendicular to the channels. A flexibly resilient and flat substrate has a left substrate end oppositely disposed from a right substrate end. The left substrate end is abutting and slidably captured within the left channel and the right substrate end is abutting and slidably captured within the right channel. A center adjustment knob is rotatably fixed to the frame having a female threaded end. A shaft is fixed to a center of the substrate and includes a male threaded end. The male threaded end of the shaft is configured to threadably engage the female threaded end of the knob, wherein rotation of the knob causes curvature of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Ashot H. Andonian
  • Patent number: 8430724
    Abstract: A surface cleaning system includes a retainer having a non-absorbing retaining surface and a surface cleaning compound retained at the retaining surface of the retainer and formed a cleaning surface overlapped thereat. The surface cleaning compound is a polymer having high density and high adhesive ability for removing imbedded contaminants from a working surface and grabbing the contaminants therefrom. The retainer is made of non-absorbing material that prevents lubricant and the surface cleaning compound being absorbed through the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: Total Import Solutions, Inc., Tri-Plex Technical Services, Ltd.
    Inventors: Paoting Jerry Heilian, Tsai Guan-Chang, Steven Levy
  • Patent number: 8333638
    Abstract: An abrading device features a flexible abrading membrane supported by two supports. The device may be used in either linear or rotary configurations. The device can be used in conjunction with devices that impart continuous or vibratory linear or rotary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Combined Products Co. & I Inc.
    Inventors: Ira Kozak, Burton Kozak
  • Patent number: 8231440
    Abstract: A sanding block for supporting an exteriorly mounted looped sanding belt having an elongated and planar shaped base. A planar shaped cover exhibits first and second oblique extending surfaces and, upon engaging with the base by a plurality of mating tabs and slots, collectively defines a three-dimensional article for supporting thereupon the looped sanding belt. A trigger exhibits a three-dimensional rectangular shape and extends laterally across a widthwise defined opening in the base in communicating fashion with an end surface associated with the cover, such that the trigger is positioned between the base and cover. The trigger is displaced in a first lateral direction to lengthwise displace the cover away from the base, the trigger displacing in a second and opposite lateral direction to reverse displace the cover inwardly towards the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Paul LaMarche
  • Patent number: 8210909
    Abstract: The present invention is an abrading system for a hand power tool including a base with a first end portion and a second end portion and configured to couple with the output shaft of a hand power tool, a flexible substrate having a first extending portion coupled with the first end portion and extending outwardly from the first end portion, a second extending portion coupled with the second end portion and extending outwardly from the second end portion, and a middle portion spaced apart from the base and extending between the first extending portion and the second extending portion, and an abrading material attached to the flexible substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Bernardi, Jie Liu
  • Publication number: 20120122380
    Abstract: A polishing article with a plurality of polishing pads adapted to polish a substrate. Gimbal structures are attached to the polishing pads that permit the polishing pads to move independently along at least a pitch axis and a roll axis. Stems supported by preload flexures apply preloads through dimple structures to the polishing pads. A plurality of stand-offs provide fixed boundary conditions between the preload and the gimbal structures. Recesses allow for the preload flexures to move vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Karl G. Schwappach, Zine-Eddine Boutaghou
  • Patent number: 8176909
    Abstract: A grinding tool for natural stone floors, artificial stone floors and industrial floors allows a greatest possible adaptation to the unevennesses of worn natural and artificial stone floors to be restored by using diamond tools that are flexibly attached. The diamond tools are fixed on a mat so that each individual diamond tool can adapt individually to the grooves and unevennesses of an animated natural stone and stone floor. The grinding pattern of a surface machined with said grinding tool corresponds to a newly produced natural stone or artificial stone floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Ilgner-Schleif-Innovationen GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Ilgner
  • Patent number: 8167683
    Abstract: An in-line profile sander is disclosed. The in-line profile sander includes a sander housing configured to be grasped by a user. A plurality of interchangeable profile sanding pads can be mounted at a head of the housing. The sander includes an in-line oscillating mechanism for moving the profile sanding pads in a linear oscillating motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Robert Bosten, John Robert Kriaski, Randy Glen Cooper, John Charles Smith
  • Patent number: 8109262
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for aging a stone, preferably an artificial stone. The aging device comprises a rotary support operatively connected to a rotary shaft, at least one abrasive tool mounted to the rotary support for roughing and/or polishing a surface of the artificial stone when the rotary support is brought into functional contact with said surface, and biasing means that biasingly connect the abrasive tool to the rotary support. The biasing means urge the abrasive tool away from the rotary support while allowing the same to move toward the rotary support when the rotary support is brought into functional contact with the surface of the artificial stone, thereby allowing the abrasive tool to follow a surface profile of the artificial stone while roughing and/or polishing its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Bertin Castonguay, Manon Helie
  • Patent number: 8057286
    Abstract: A sanding block and a kit for sanding curved surfaces are provided. The sanding block includes an elongated body which has a first sanding surface; and a sandpaper removably affixed to the first sanding surfaces wherein the body is elastically deformable such that the block can conform against a curved surface to be sanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Style-Line Corporation International
    Inventor: David C. Walsh
  • Patent number: 8011998
    Abstract: A sanding block for supporting an exteriorly mounted looped sanding belt having an elongated and planar shaped base. A planar shaped cover exhibits first and second oblique extending surfaces and, upon engaging with the base by a plurality of mating tabs and slots, collectively defines a three-dimensional article for supporting thereupon the looped sanding belt. A trigger exhibits a three-dimensional rectangular shape and extends laterally across a widthwise defined opening in the base in communicating fashion with an end surface associated with the cover, such that the trigger is positioned between the base and cover. The trigger is displaced in a first lateral direction to lengthwise displace the cover away from the base, the trigger displacing in a second and opposite lateral direction to reverse displace the cover inwardly towards the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Lamarche
  • Publication number: 20110177766
    Abstract: A sanding block for supporting an exteriorly mounted looped sanding belt having an elongated and planar shaped base. A planar shaped cover exhibits first and second oblique extending surfaces and, upon engaging with the base by a plurality of mating tabs and slots, collectively defines a three-dimensional article for supporting thereupon the looped sanding belt. A trigger exhibits a three-dimensional rectangular shape and extends laterally across a widthwise defined opening in the base in communicating fashion with an end surface associated with the cover, such that the trigger is positioned between the base and cover. The trigger is displaced in a first lateral direction to lengthwise displace the cover away from the base, the trigger displacing in a second and opposite lateral direction to reverse displace the cover inwardly towards the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Lamarche
  • Patent number: 7954482
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for aging a stone, preferably an artificial stone. The aging device comprises a rotary support operatively connected to a rotary shaft, at least one abrasive tool mounted to the rotary support for roughing and/or polishing a surface of the artificial stone when the rotary support is brought into functional contact with said surface, and biasing means that biasingly connect the abrasive tool to the rotary support. The biasing means urge the abrasive tool away from the rotary support while allowing the same to move toward the rotary support when the rotary support is brought into functional contact with the surface of the artificial stone, thereby allowing the abrasive tool to follow a surface profile of the artificial stone while roughing and/or polishing its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Bertin Castonguay, Manon Hélie
  • Patent number: 7955163
    Abstract: An abrading device features a flexible abrading membrane supported by two supports. The device may be used in either linear or rotary configurations. The device can be used in conjunction with devices that impart continuous or vibratory linear or rotary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Combined Products Co. #1, Inc.
    Inventors: Ira Kozak, Burton Kozak
  • Patent number: 7938717
    Abstract: A flexible, hand-held sanding pad comprises a conformable, multi layered, semicircle pad having a surface capable of providing temporary adhesive attachment for a sheet of pressure-sensitive adhesive-coated abrasive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Glen Stuhlmacher
  • Patent number: 7824248
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a first hub assembly sealingly engageable with a first axial opening in one side of a tire. A second hub assembly is sealingly engageable with a second axial opening on the other side of the tire. The hub assemblies define between them a fluid tight volume within the tire. The wheel further includes a valve having an inlet port in fluid communication with the tire, a valve seat, and at least one annular valve member resiliently biased into unidirectional sealing engagement with the seat. Application of external pressure through the inlet port causes at least a portion of the valve member to resiliently deflect away from the valve seat to thereby open the valve and permit fluid communication with the fluid tight volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Peter P. Treffner
  • Publication number: 20100261414
    Abstract: The sander for sanding particularly of the flat, concave and convex surfaces and the method of its usage is based on the fact, that the sanding tool (paper, linen or other carrier with sanding abrasive layer) is pressed onto the grinded surface by means of a flexible pressure plate able to copy the concave and convex surfaces with the possibility to set accurately the radius of this curve. The principle of the technical solution of the invention of the flexible pressure plate consists in the fact, that the pressure generated during the work onto the body, handle, or handles of the sander with mechanical drive is transferred onto this pressure plate at least at two points simultaneously or over at least one balance beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Petr Fronek
  • Publication number: 20100255760
    Abstract: The vibratory polisher system of this embodiment comprises six sub-systems: casting, polish pan assembly, base assembly, vibrating table assy (not a part of this invention), pan bracket assembly, casting circulator system, and horizontal slide assembly. The casting is comprised of an assembly of flat-bottomed rocks cemented into a flat-bottomed disc having a propulsion attachment. The casting circulates in a polish pan having a flexible bottom containing raised areas which put pressure on isolated areas of the casting bottom. There is an area at the pan center that can be raised by means of a gearing system to put pressure on the center area of the casting. The base assembly supports the polish pan and provides the bolt-heads that cause the raised areas in the polish pan. The base assembly also provides attachment points for the pan bracket assemblies which pull the polish pan down onto the bolt-heads thus causing the raised areas in the pan bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Oscar Brooks Marshall, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100015901
    Abstract: A back-up assembly for a sanding device, where the back-up assembly includes a driving disk rotating around a rotational axis, rigid segment plates, a flexible pad layer positioned between the rigid segment plates and the driving disk, and semi-flexible wedges located at the bottom of each rigid segment plate. Rigid segment plates are arranged circumferentially and spacedly around the rotational axis of the driving disk and are secured to the bottom surface of the driving disk by the flexible pad layer. Further, adjacent rigid segment plates are allowed to move with respect to each other in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the driving disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Ryszard Mikrut
  • Publication number: 20090170411
    Abstract: A flexible micropolishing machine for micropolishing a piston ring comprising an arbor for accepting at least one piston ring, a means for rotating the arbor, a flexible roller arm located adjacent the arbor, and an indexable abrasive material located between the flexible roller arm and the at least one piston ring wherein the flexible roller arm is movable toward the arbor such that flexible roller arm applies a micropolishing pressure to the indexable abrasive tape thereby micropolishing the piston ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth Barton
  • Patent number: 7553221
    Abstract: An abrasive tool comprising of a base portion (2), having a foam layer (3) affixed to the abrasive tool base portion, and a plastic film layer (4) affixed, bonded or glued to the foam layer. This tool is adapted to receive an abrasive material layer (5) or sand paper or other abrasive material having a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to one side of the abrasive material, to allow said abrasive material to be stuck and affixed to the abrasive tool. The abrasive tool may be hand operated, or operated by electric power, air power, or other motive power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen Ross Hope, Robert John Welcome, Jason Robert Jones
  • Patent number: 7364493
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for grinding or polishing an optic is provided. The apparatus includes a shell adapted to a bending profile, torque actuators attached at an outer edge of the shell and coupled to each other, a tensioning system attached at the outer edge of the shell, and a control system for computing the bending profile and controlling the torque actuators and tensioning system. The torque actuators and tensioning system apply bending moments to the edge of the shell to adapt the shell according to the bending profile provided by the control system. A calibration system further corrects errors in a measured bending profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Strafford, Brian M. Charles, Timothy S. Lewis, William C. Lebbon, James M. Warner
  • Publication number: 20080032614
    Abstract: A flexible, hand-held sanding pad comprises a conformable, multi layered, semicircle pad having a surface capable of providing temporary adhesive attachment for a sheet of pressure-sensitive adhesive-coated abrasive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Glen Stuhlmacher
  • Patent number: 7278908
    Abstract: A polishing disk for a tool for the fine machining of optically active surfaces on spectacle lenses in particular is disclosed, which comprises a support body, to which a foam layer is attached, wherein a polishing film bears against the foam layer. The polishing film is provided with at least one opening in a central region. During machining, the opening ensures pressure equalization and makes liquid polishing agent available from inside the foam layer, as a result of which better rinsing and cooling of otherwise disadvantaged regions of the polishing disk is achieved. As a result, a polishing disk of simple and cost-effective design is proposed, which is much more durable than the prior art while achieving high surface qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Satisloh GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Urban, Peter Philipps
  • Patent number: 7252736
    Abstract: A pre-planarization module configured to perform a long range planarization operation is provided. The pre-planarization module includes a semiconductor substrate support configured to rotate about a first axis. The pre-planarization module also includes an annular ring having a first side with a compliant layer affixed thereto. The second side of the compliant layer is affixed to a planarizing surface. The annular ring is configured to move perpendicular and parallel to a plane associated with the substrate support. Additionally, the annular ring is configured to rotate about a second axis, where the second axis is offset from the first axis. The substrate support and the annular ring rotate in the same direction. A method for performing a planarization process and a substrate grinding device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Boyd, Fred C. Redeker, Yezdi Dordi
  • Patent number: 7144314
    Abstract: A disposable sanding device is fabricated as a continuous rope-like article which is adapted for selective segmentation and application as a plurality of serially arranged disposable hand sanding devices or ropes. Each hand sanding device is formed as a generally elongated rod shaped base portion formed of lightweight material such as closed cell foam having a relatively constant cross-section along its line of elongation. An abrasive surface is permanently applied to the external surface of the base portion via an intermediate adhesive layer. As constructed, the sanding device is operable to conform to curvilinear contours of a work piece to be sanded upon application of user induced loading against the work piece. A dispenser holds a rolled length of sanding rope and includes a cutter feature for severing pieces of sanding rope from the coil as required as well as a retainer for the free end of the coil. A tensioning hand tool holds a severed length of sanding rope for precise applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: James M. Pontieri
  • Patent number: 7144305
    Abstract: A polishing apparatus includes a polishing jig. The polishing jig includes an elastic balloon member, a fixture, and a fluid supply portion. The fixture airtightly closes the rear opening portion of the balloon member. The fluid supply portion supplies a fluid into a space formed by the fixture and balloon member. The balloon member has a cup shape constructed by a dome portion and a cylinder portion extending backward from the outer periphery of the dome portion. The fixture fixes the opening portion of the cylinder portion of the balloon member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Toyoshima, Hideo Toriumi, Shin-ichiro Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7131902
    Abstract: An abrasive tool comprising of a base portion (2), having a foam layer (3) affixed to the abrasive tool base portion, and a plastic film layer (4) affixed, bonded or glued to the foam layer. This tool is adapted to receive an abrasive material layer (5) or sand paper or other abrasive material having a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to one side of the abrasive material, to allow said abrasive material to be stuck and affixed to the abrasive tool. The abrasive tool may be hand operated, or operated by electric power, air power, or other motive power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen Ross Hope
  • Patent number: 7121933
    Abstract: Disclosed is a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus for polishing a surface of a wafer using a mechanical friction as well as a chemical polishing agent. The chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a polishing head for absorbing a wafer and a polishing means for polishing the wafer. The polishing apparatus may include a platen composed of at least three segments formed in conformity with polishing zones, a polishing pad provided on each of the segments, and a support for supporting the segments such that the segments are separately adjustable in the height depending on the polishing zones and are rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Dongbu Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hwal Pyo Kim
  • Patent number: RE39262
    Abstract: A polishing apparatus includes a turntable with an abrasive cloth mounted on an upper surface thereof, and a top ring disposed above the turntable for supporting a workpiece to be polished and pressing the workpiece against the abrasive cloth under a predetermined pressure. The turntable and the top ring are movable relatively to each other to polish a surface of the workpiece supported by the top ring with the abrasive cloth. The abrasive cloth has a projecting region on a surface thereof for more intensive contact with the workpiece than other surface regions of the abrasive cloth. The projecting region has a smaller dimension in a radial direction of the turntable than a diameter of the workpiece when the projecting region is held in contact with the workpiece. A position of the projection region is determined on the basis of an area in which the projecting region acts on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Hirose, Yoshimi Sasaki, Akira Ogata, Seiji Ishikawa, Tamami Takahashi, Hirokuni Hiyama, Yutaka Wada