Abstract: A suspended abrasive waterjet narrow kerf cutting method is reconfigured to simultaneously drill multiple, closely-spaced holes in a target, including holes in confined non line-of-sight locations. Working fluid nozzles can be located on a flat or non-flat tool surface and arranged in uniform or non-uniform patterns, in an angled or perpendicular orientation, and in parallel or non-parallel arrangements. Individual nozzles or nozzle groups can be easily changed to provide increased or diminished working diameters, allowing control over the hole sizes and resultant airflow thru the drilled workpiece.

Abstract: The Soda Blasting Apparatus (1) disclosed and claimed herein introduces pressure into a pressure vessel (10). The blasting medium (70) is metered from the pressure vessel interior (13) by a pressure differential introduced by a venture (500) positioned at the pressure vessel interior (13) proximal the pressure vessel bottom (12) and in pressure communication with a pass through pipe (400). The pass through pipe (400) receives pressure proximal the pass through pipe top (440). The venturi (500) has a venturi aperture (590) having a venturi aperture ID D6 (585). The venturi aperture ID D6 (585) is less than the pass through pipe ID D7 (410). The venturi aperture (590) is in pressure communication with the pass through pipe aperture (410). The venturi pressure Pb (575) is less than the pass through pipe pressure Pa (480) as a result of the venturi effect between the pass through pipe (400) and the venturi (500).

Abstract: A media transport device for use in shot peening, blast cleaning, granite cutting, and similar applications transports media from a storage hopper to a workpiece. The media transport device includes a source of compressed air, a supply hose connecting the compressed air source to a mixing chamber, and a blast hose connecting the mixing chamber to a nozzle dispensing the media onto a workpiece. The mixing chamber defines a flow path for the compressed air between the supply hose and the blast hose and includes an inlet portion connected to the supply hose, an outlet portion connected to the blast hose, and a curved dispensing portion conveying media from the storage hopper into the flow path obliquely with respect to the flow path so that laminar flow through the mixing chamber is not substantially disturbed.

Abstract: A particle blast system includes a feeder assembly having a rotor with a plurality of pockets formed in the peripheral surface. The transport gas flowpath includes the pockets, such that substantially all transport gas flows through the pockets. The seal adjacent the peripheral surface is actuated by the transport gas pressure to urge its sealing surface against the rotor's peripheral surface. At start up, there is no substantial pressure between the seal and the rotor, reducing start up torque requirements.

Abstract: An abrasivejet cutting head is disclosed that includes a valve assembly for preventing back-flow to the abrasive hopper of abrasive-laden fluid from the cutting head when the discharge path for the abrasivejet becomes clogged or otherwise blocked. The valve assembly is positioned within the abrasive line to conduct abrasive from the hopper towards the abrasivejet nozzle. The valve assembly further includes a discharge path which is sealed off from the abrasivejet nozzle during normal operation in response to the relatively lower pressure in the abrasive jet nozzle that results from the flowing fluid therein. If the jet path is blocked or competed in a manner that causes a backflow of the abrasive-laden slurry therein, the cessation of low pressure permits the backflowing slurry to exit via the discharge path and bypass the hopper, substantially avoiding the downtime previously required to clean the hopper.

Abstract: A pipe joint between welded exposed metal end sections of coated pipe being formed into a pipeline is cleaned before a corrosion resistant film is applied. A cleaning head of a cleaning mechanism is placed with a mounting frame on the pipe in the area of the pipe ends to be cleaned. The cleaning head moves in a succession of longitudinal cleaning passes in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe area being cleaned. The frame also moves the cleaning head rotatably with respect to the pipe joint to positions for the longitudinal cleaning passes. A control mechanism defines the extent of the longitudinal cleaning passes, and also controls movement of the cleaning head to successive cleaning passes until the pipe joint is cleaned. The control is programmed and automatic, and there is no need for contact with the mechanism while it is in operation. The number of cleaning heads and cleaning material supply and exhaust hoses or tubes, as well as the number of crew required, is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of producing a planar display device by application of the method. The fine partition walls are formed on the surface of a second substrate that constitutes a second panel by jet processing using an abrasive comprised of a powder of calcium carbonate coated with silicone on the surfaces thereof. Each of the particles constituting the abrasive has a three-dimensional shape comprised of a stack of different-sized triangular or more-angular polygonal layers. The maximum particle diameter of the abrasive is not more than ½ times the width of the fine partition walls, and the mean particle diameter of the abrasive is not more than ? times the width of the fine partition walls.

Abstract: A pipe renovating method and system in which a pipe is first cleaned and then coated with a suitable coating material. In the cleaning step, pressurized air and particles of abrasive material are pumped into a first end of a pipe while suction is applied to the second end of the pipe via a vacuum pump to improve flow along the entire length of the pipe. The coating material is subsequently pumped in at one end of the cleaned pipe while suction is applied at the other end. In each step, the suction flow rate is higher than the input flow rate, so as to steer the mixture towards the second end. This method can be used to coat and clean different sections of a pipe system, by connecting the input materials successively to different access ports in the system.

Abstract: Provided is a centrifuge media separator for separating blast particulate from fine particulate carried by air flowing from a blast cabinet and through the media separator. The centrifuge media separator comprises an upper panel, a lower panel, and an outer wall. The upper panel has a central opening formed therein. The outer wall is configured in a generally curvilinear shape and which extends between the upper and lower panels. The outer wall has at least one particulate escape aperture formed therein. The upper panel, lower panel and outer wall collectively define a curvilinear air passageway having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured to allow a flow of air to enter the air passageway and circulate therethrough toward the outlet. The escape aperture is configured to exhaust the blast particulate out of the passageway. The central opening is configured to exhaust the fine particulate out of the passageway.

Abstract: A throwing wheel assembly including a rotatable wheel and one or more throwing blades each removably positionable on the face of the wheel in a throwing position, the throwing blades having holding structures projecting therefrom and the improvement comprising one or more retainers which are removably positionable in a recess provided in the wheel face and which and are adapted for removably receiving and retaining the blade holding structures.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid delivery system includes a mixing and tempering vessel. Fluid is admitted to the vessel via a plurality of tangential ports, creating a mixing of the fluid in the vessel and promoting homogeneity. Fluid may be reconstituted in the vessel by metered addition of carrier fluid. A fixed-speed centrifugal pump disposed in the vessel pressurizes the system. Fluid is pumped through a magnetic-induction flowmeter and a magnetic flow control valve having solenoid windings whereby MR fluid is magnetically stiffened to restrict flow. A closed-loop feedback control system connects the output of the flowmeter to performance of the valve. A nozzle having a slot-shaped bore dispenses MR fluid for re-use in the work zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blasting apparatus, comprising: a fan mounted for rotation in a first horizontal plane about a vertically oriented axis of rotation; a dispensing plate mounted for rotation in a second horizontal plane about the vertically oriented axis of rotation, the second horizontal plane being positioned below the first horizontal plane; and a passage configured to deliver blast media to the dispensing plate. A process for accelerating blast media is disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-controlled slurry supplying apparatus for providing abrasive slurry to a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) machine in a semiconductor manufacturing process preferably comprises a storage portion for accepting and storing a quantity of undiluted slurry, a mixing portion for accepting undiluted slurry from the storage portion and mixing with a diluting solution to created a diluted slurry, a supply portion for holding the diluted slurry, and at least one point-of-use mixing unit for mixing at least one chemical additive to the diluted slurry at or near a dispensing nozzle at the point of application. Each of the above portions of the slurry supplying apparatus further includes a re-circulation means for keep solutions in a mixed and agitated state. A method for using the slurry supplying apparatus comprises steps of controllably operating various valves, pumps, and sensors to maintain a desired slurry composition and flow rate.

Abstract: A blasting apparatus includes a pressure vessel adapted to contain a particulate blasting medium and a liquid. The vessel includes an inlet and a bottom outlet. The interior of the vessel communicates via its bottom outlet with an opening in a conduit along which conduit an entraining pressurized gas can be fed from a pressurizing gas source. A pressurizing device is provided to pump liquid from a liquid source into the vessel behind its contents in terms of its contents' outflow from the vessel through the bottom outlet. A valve is provided to control the flow of pressurized gas along the conduit. Immediately upstream of the opening in the conduit is located a venturi so that the velocity of the pressurized gas is increased as it passes over the opening thereby increasing the quantity of particulate blasting medium entrained by the gas.

Abstract: A system for dispensing magnetorheological fluid to an MR finishing machine includes a pump for pressurizing the system; a first magnetic valve for regulating MR fluid flow by magnetically varying the structure and apparent viscosity of the fluid through a first flow passage; a similar second magnetic valve magnetically controlling a second flow passage in line with the first valve and flow passage; a pressure sensor disposed between the first and second valves; and an electronic control means. MR fluid flow through the system is controlled to a predetermined flow rate solely by the first valve. When the second valve is deactivated, a reference pressure is determined and saved. When the second valve is activated, a second pressure is determined and saved. From the pressure difference, the solids concentration of the fluid is determined, and a computer algorithm adds a calculated amount of water to the fluid reservoir as needed.

Abstract: An abrasive media containment bag (11) having a bag portion (13), a nozzle fitting (15), a blast fitting (17), and a filter member (19) is disclosed. The abrasive media containment bag (11) allows the surface of an aircraft or aircraft component to be prepared for bonding by using abrasive blasting, without fear of contaminating other aircraft components with the abrasive media. The abrasive media containment bag (11) isolates the area to be treated ande recovers and contains the abrasive media.

Abstract: The invention relates to abrasive water jet systems including an abrasive water jet mixing tube having a longitudinal bore lined with a superhard material, including such systems which use cubic boron carbide (CBN), diamond, or other materials with a hardness greater than that of alumina as the abrasive material. The invention also includes methods of using an AWJ system having a mixing tube having a longitudinal bore lined with a superhard material. Some embodiments include AWJ mixing tubes which include a plurality of connected components. Such connections may be disconnectable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing water from entering the abrasive port of an entrained high pressure fluid jet nozzle and a method and apparatus for attaching the high pressure fluid jet nozzle to a hazardous duty robot. The invention includes the application of a positive air pressure to an abrasive line preferably during those times when there is insufficient vacuum generate by high pressure fluid being sent through the restricted orifice in the high pressure nozzle. The invention prevents clogging of a fluid jet cutting system during operation. The invention includes mounting a nozzle and/or visualization system to an expandable and contactable component such as a grasping device that allows for continued use of the expandable and contractible grasping unit. This includes, for example, a grasping device that is provided out the end of a movable robot arm and that allows for rotation of the grasping device.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a passage in an engine block, such as the oil galley and oil galley legs, in which the passage includes an inlet and an outlet end. The apparatus includes a fixture having an interior passageway with an opening. The fixture is dimensioned to abut against the engine block so that the opening in the fixture registers with the engine block passage outlet. An air induction source is then fluidly connected to the fixture passageway so that, upon actuation of the air induction source, the air induction source inducts air through the engine block passage, through the fixture opening, and through the fixture passageway. A feeder containing abrasive shot is then coupled to the engine block passage inlet so that, upon actuation of the air induction source, the abrasive shot is inducted through the engine block passage and into the fixture passageway.

Abstract: A pipe renovating method and system is described, in which a pipe is first cleaned and then coated with a suitable coating material. In the cleaning step, pressurized air and particles of abrasive material are pumped into a first end of a pipe while suction is applied to the second end of the pipe via a vacuum pump to improve flow along the entire length of the pipe. The coating material is subsequently pumped in at one end of the cleaned pipe while suction is applied at the other end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable dental system for use in areas having inadequate sources of power, either for human or for veterinary dentistry. The system provides one or more handpieces, each driven driven by a pressurized nitrogen gas contained in a portable tank. A water reservoir is also provided for medicated water to be applied to the tooth site. The system has two channels to which either a conventional dental handpiece or an abrasive handpiece can be attached. When two abrasive handpieces are attached, two different abrasive materials may be used by the system, one material for cleaning and one material for cutting or abrading.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable dental system for use in areas having inadequate sources of power, either for human or for veterinary dentistry. The system provides one or more handpieces, each driven driven by a pressurized nitrogen gas contained in a portable tank. A water reservoir is also provided for medicated water to be applied to the tooth site. The system has two channels to which either a conventional dental handpiece or an abrasive handpiece can be attached. When two abrasive handpieces are attached, two different abrasive materials may be used by the system, one material for cleaning and one material for cutting or abrading.

Abstract: A tilt control assembly for controlling the tilt of a cutting tool head has a first eccentric support and a second support, with both of the first and second supports connected to the head along an axis of the head. To adjust the position of the head, the first eccentric support may be rotated.

Abstract: A slurry delivery system for a chemical mechanical polisher, comprising a bag housing fitted with a slurry intake conduit and a slurry outlet conduit. An expandible and collapsible pump bag is provided in fluid communication with the conduits inside the bag housing, and the interior of the pump bag is sealed from the bag housing. As an air/vacuum controller withdraws air from the housing, the pump bag enlarges and slurry is drawn into the pump bag. As the air/vacuum controller subsequently introduces air into the housing, the pump bag collapses and the slurry is expelled from the pump bag through the slurry outlet conduit. A purge valve is provided upstream of the pump bag to remove air bubbles from the slurry and vent the air to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for removing an abradable material from an interior surface (16) of a fan containment case (14), without requiring removal of the fan containment case (14) from its engine (12). The apparatus (10) and method generally involve adjusting the elevation of a blast head (40) and centering a horizontal axis of rotation thereof with the fan containment case (14) to position the blast head (40) adjacent the abradable material on the case surface (16). An erosion media is then sprayed with the blast head (40) in a substantially radial direction relative to the horizontal axis of rotation of the blast head (40), such that the erosion media impacts and erodes the abradable material. The blast head (40) is rotated about the horizontal axis of rotation thereof so that the erosion media is sprayed at the abradable material along the entire circumference of the fan containment case (14).

Abstract: A particulate blaster assembly (100) for use as an attachment to a portable air blower (150) includes an air directing tube (110), a vacuum generating assembly (120), and a particulate material aspirator (130). The air directing tube (110) has an inlet end (112) formed for coupling to the air blower (150) to receive air discharged therefrom and a movable exhaust end (114) formed for discharge of air and particulate material (212) entrained in the air toward a target site (160). The vacuum assembly (120) is coupled to the air directing tube (110) and formed to produce a partial vacuum as air passes in the tube (110) over the vacuum generating assembly (120).

Abstract: A dry-ice blast device (A) includes an air compressor (2) of a low pressure type as a source of the compressed air, the delivery pressure being 1.2-2.5 atm. Dry-ice particle feeder (5), (6) is provided for mixing dry-ice particles (D) into the air flow in the air flow path upstream from a nozzle (32). This enables low pressure blasting, which suppresses the abrasion of the dry-ice particles (D), decreases the noise, reduces the overall size and weight of the device and makes easy the handling of the device.

Abstract: A particle blast system includes a feeder assembly having a rotor with a plurality of pockets formed in the peripheral surface. The transport gas flowpath includes the pockets, such that substantially all transport gas flows through the pockets. The seal adjacent the peripheral surface is actuated by the transport gas pressure to urge its sealing surface against the rotor's peripheral surface. At start up, there is no substantial pressure between the seal and the rotor, reducing start up torque requirements.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for simultaneously abrading a contaminated surface and collecting contaminating particles and a method for using the same is provided the cleaning tool including an elongated handle having a first gaseous pathway formed along an axis therein, said elongated handle rotatably attached according to a rotating means to an abrasive means for abrading a target cleaning surface, said rotating means for rotating the elongated handle to form an orientation angle with respect to an abrasive means surface, the abrasive means surface including a suction opening forming gaseous communication with a first gaseous pathway formed through the abrasive means to gaseously communicate with the second gaseous pathway for supplying a vacuum suction force to the abrasive means surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for abrasive jet of a deeply concave surface using magnetorheological fluid. A ferromagnetic nozzle recessed within a solenoid magnetically shields the fluid within the nozzle and serves as a core for the solenoid, thereby increasing the strength of the magnetic field approximately 100-fold, permitting a significant reduction in the size of the solenoid. The exit orifice of the nozzle is recessed within the solenoid, creating a free space within the solenoid having an intense, shaped, axial magnetic field in and near the nozzle. Stiffening of the magnetorheological fluid begins as the fluid enters the magnetic field upon leaving the nozzle; thus, there is no buildup of viscous drag through the nozzle. Stiffening of the jet occurs principally in free space within the solenoid. The nozzle has peripheral longitudinal channels through which compressed air is conveyed to form an air curtain surrounding the jet, preventing spent MR fluid from re-entering and fouling the nozzle.

Abstract: Jet-induced finishing of a substrate surface includes means for covering the surface with an abrasive liquid slurry and means for impinging a jet of fluid, either a gas or a liquid, against the slurry to create a high-shear work zone on the substrate surface whereby portions of the substrate are lifted and removed to alter the shape of the surface towards a predetermined shape and/or smoothness. The surface may be covered as by cascading a flowing layer of slurry over it or by impinging slurry onto the work zone or by immersing the substrate in a pool of the slurry. A nozzle for dispensing the jet fluid is precisely located at a predetermined distance and angle from the surface to be finished. A coarse removal function is provided by disposing the nozzle tip at a first distance from the substrate surface, and a fine removal function is provided by disposing the nozzle closer to the substrate surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for marring a surface of a fiber optic substrate by sandblasting one or more sides of the substrate during movement of the substrate past one or more sandblasting nozzles to produce a specific illumination pattern. The nozzles may be operated intermittently to produce intermittent light emitting areas along the length of the substrate. Alternatively, the substrate may be moved past the nozzles at a variable speed, or the pressure of the nozzles or spacing of the nozzles from the surface of the substrate may be regulated during movement of the substrate past the nozzles in order to produce a specific illumination pattern. Also, a perforated plate may be placed between the nozzles and substrate in order to produce a specific illumination pattern. After the sandblasting operation, the substrate may be cleaned and cut to desired lengths, and permanently heat formed into any desired shape.

Abstract: A pressurized delivery system for abrasive particulate material includes a storage container adapted to contain the abrasive particulate material therein, an input pressure line adapted to communicate with a pressurized source, and a fluidizing pressure line communicating with the input pressure line and an inlet opening in the storage container. A back-pressure pressure line communicates with an unoccupied portion of the storage container and an output pressure line. The output pressure line, into which the abrasive particulate material is fed from the storage container, communicates with the input pressure line, the back-pressure pressure line, and an outlet opening of storage container. During operation, pressurized gas is released through the inlet opening and into the storage container such that the abrasive particulate material adjacent the outlet opening is fluidized and maintained flowable so as to achieve consistent flow of the abrasive particulate material through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A pressurized delivery system for abrasive particulate material includes a storage container adapted to contain the abrasive particulate material therein, an input pressure line adapted to communicate with a pressurized source, and a fluidizing pressure line communicating with the input pressure line and an inlet opening in the storage container. A back-pressure pressure line communicates with an unoccupied portion of the storage container and an output pressure line. The output pressure line, into which the abrasive particulate material is fed from the storage container, communicates with the input pressure line, the back-pressure pressure line, and an outlet opening of storage container. During operation, pressurized gas is released through the inlet opening and into the storage container such that the abrasive particulate material adjacent the outlet opening is fluidized and maintained flowable so as to achieve consistent flow of the abrasive particulate material through the outlet opening.

Abstract: An constant abrasive feeder of abrasive grains M is formed of a reservoir supply section 20 having a reservoir tank 21 and a buffer tank 31, a stirring hopper 40 for stirring abrasive grains S, and a vibration feeder 60 for supplying the abrasive grains S to an abrasive jet nozzle 5. The abrasive grains S recovered in a cyclone 1 is reserved in the reservoir tank 21 and the buffer tank 31 by a constant quantity, the abrasive grains S is sent from the buffer tank 31 and reserved in a reservoir 43, which is stirred by stirring bars 50, 51 and sent to a supply guide 45. Then, the abrasive grains S is sequentially supplied to a feeder body 61 of the vibration feeder 60 from an opening formed in the supply guide 45.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanical and/or chemical-mechanical planarization of microelectronic substrates. In one embodiment, a conditioning device for removing waste matter from a microelectronic planarizing medium has a support assembly with a support member and a conditioning head attached to the support member. The support member may be a pivoting arm or gantry assembly that carries the condition head over the planarizing medium. The conditioning head may have a non-contact conditioning element that transmits a form of non-contact energy to waste matter on the planarizing medium. The non-contact conditioning element, for example, may be an emitter that transmits a selected waveform capable of penetrating the planarizing medium and the waste matter on the planarizing medium. In operation, the selected non-contact energy may impart energy to the waste matter that weakens or breaks bonds in the waste matter and/or bonds between the planarizing medium and the waste matter.

Abstract: A fluid jet-cutting machine with an abrasive particle removal device and method. In one embodiment, the fluid-jet cutting machine has a nozzle and a carrier assembly attached to the nozzle to move the nozzle along a cutting path. A high-pressure fluid source and an abrasive particle source are coupled to the nozzle to generate an abrasive fluid-jet having a fluid and a plurality of abrasive particles for cutting a work-piece. The cutting machine also has a particle removal including, tank aligned with the nozzle, a settling container, and a fluid transport mechanism to transport fluid from the tank to the settling container. The tank includes at least one compartment configured to receive the fluid and the abrasive particles of the fluid-jet along at least a portion of the cutting path.

Abstract: A ultra fine particle film forming apparatus is provided which is capable of forming a ultra fine particle film which has ultra fine particles sufficiently bonded together, sufficient density, flat surface and uniform density. A planarized ultra fine particle film forming method for forming a planarized ultra fine particle film from a deposited film of ultra fine particles formed by supplying the ultra fine particles to a substrate, the method comprising one or more of a planarizing step of planarizing a surface of the deposited film of the ultra fine particles supplied to the substrate.

Abstract: A workpiece surface is treated in a cleaning, polishing or milling or similar surface treatment operation by a waterjet head. The head is located near the workpiece surface with its axis intersecting the workpiece surface and is held so that it dies not rotate about its axis. The waterjet head is driven so that its axis rapidly and repetitively moves in a closed path. The waterjet head is mounted in an eccentric member and the closed path is a surface of revolution. In one arrangement, the closed path described by the axis of the waterjet head is a circular cylinder. In another arrangement, the waterjet head is pivotally mounted and resiliently supported so that the closed path is conical.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a pressurized stream of gas having particles suspended therein, is described. A double acting pinch valve suitable for use in the apparatus is also described. The apparatus finds particular utility in the dental industry.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a storage vessel (19) for abrasive particles, a source of pressurised carrier fluid and a first conduit (11) to convey at least a major proportion of the incoming carrier fluid to a nozzle (16). A second conduit (9) connects the source of carrier fluid to an inlet of the storage vessel (19) and a third conduit (18) connects its outlet to the nozzle (16). A switching device (6) is selectively operable either to allow a minor proportion of incoming carrier fluid to flow through the second conduit (9) to the storage vessel (19), or to direct all of the carrier fluid through the first conduit (11). When a minor proportion of carrier fluid is directed through the second conduit (9), abrasive particles in carrier fluid are discharged from storage vessel (19) into the third conduit (18). When all of the carrier fluid is directed through the first conduit (11), fluid from the second conduit is entrained, thereby reversing fluid flow in the second (9) and third (18) conduits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing coatings and oxides from substrates that includes a conveyor for moving a substrate in a first direction, at least one nozzle positioned away from the conveyor in position to direct the stream of fluid toward the conveyor and a high pressure fluid supply in fluid commination with the nozzle wherein the pressurized fluid supply is arranged to supply a pressurized fluid to exit the nozzle and direct the fluid at a high velocity to a surface of the substrate for removing a liquid or solid film from the substrate. The method includes providing a pressurized fluid to a stationary nozzle, directing the pressurized fluid from the nozzle in a high velocity fluid stream toward a moving object having a coating and contacting the fluid stream with the object whereby a force of the fluid removes the coating.

Abstract: A system is provided for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a semiconductor wafer by periodically relatively moving a polishing pad on a rotating platen, and the wafer, retained in the aperture of a rotating and oscillating ring having a wear surface surrounding the aperture and wafer, with respect to each other while the wafer and wear surface frictionally contact the pad. A CMP slurry is dispensed to the wafer periphery in the vicinity of the pad at a plurality of perimetrically spaced apart channels in the wear surface maintained in fixed relation to the wafer during the relative movement. The ring is fixed to the underside of a carrier in turn fixed at its upper portion to the bottom end of a spindle which is rotatably mounted at its top end on an oscillating support beam, such that the wafer, ring, carrier and spindle rotate and oscillate in common. The carrier has a heat exchanger to heat or cool the slurry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for conditioning a polishing pad in which slurry is directed under pressure at the polishing pad. Additionally, energy (i.e., ultrasonic energy) may be added to the slurry as it is directed towards the polishing pad, wherein embedded material in the polishing pad is removed or dislodged.

Abstract: A fluid having magnetorheological (MR) properties and including a finely-divided abrasive material is directed through a non-ferromagnetic nozzle disposed axially of the helical windings of an electric solenoid. The MR fluid may contain magnetosoft or magnetosolid particles or mixtures thereof. A magnetic field created by the solenoid orients and aligns the magnetic moments of the particles to form fibrils thereby stiffening the flowing MR fluid which, when ejected from the nozzle, defines a highly-collimated jet. Collimation of the MR material persists for a significant time outside the magnetic field, permitting use of the abrasive jet to shape and/or polish the surface of a workpiece at some distance from the nozzle. The jet is directed into a shroud against a workpiece mounted for multiple-axis rotation and displacement to meet predetermined material removal needs for shaping. The solenoid may be similarly mounted to also move the jet over the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus for abrasive blasting of the bottom of a ship in a drydock includes a blast head mounted on a vertically swinging boom on a vehicle. The blast head has freedom of movement about two pivot axes which are not parallel to each other. One of the pivot axes is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the boom. The center of gravity of the blast head is below the pivot axes when the blast opening normally faces upwardly. The boom and blast head are raised by double acting hydraulic cylinders which hold the blast head against the ship with a constant force. The blast head has a side edge which extends laterally at least to the side edge of the vehicle to facilitate blasting adjacent to obstacles under the hull. An overhung load adapter connects the blast wheel to its motor to minimize radial loads on the blast wheel motor. In the blast head, a stream of blasting material falling toward a main hopper is subjected to a transverse air stream which laterally deflects lighter particles into a debris channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for conditioning a polishing pad in which slurry is directed under pressure at the polishing pad. Additionally, energy (i.e., ultrasonic energy) may be added to the slurry as it is directed towards the polishing pad, wherein embedded material in the polishing pad is removed or dislodged.

Abstract: A fluid jet accelerator/pressurizer apparatus for accelerating and pressurizing a fluidized stream of particulate matter, e.g. for ice blasting, has a nozzle housing defining a main conduit, forming a passage for the flow of the fluidized stream through the nozzle housing. The main conduit has a constriction formed by a convergent-divergent region of the main conduit for effecting acceleration of the fluidized stream, and an inner blast nozzle is provided in the main conduit and directed in a downstream direction towards the constriction. In operation, a blast medium is discharged from the inner blast nozzle at a speed sufficient to form within the fluidized stream a flow front which is impenetrable by the fluidized stream and which co-operates with the constriction to accelerate the fluidized stream.

Abstract: A machine tool for cutting workpieces includes a cutting head with at least two cutting units each providing cutting beams directed at the workpiece so as to impinge thereon closely adjacent each other to cooperate in the cutting action. The machine tool includes a worktable to support the workpiece, and the workpiece and cutting head are relatively movable to provide a cutting line in the workpiece. At least one of the cutting units is movable relative to the other so that the angular relationship of the cutting beams may be varied, and the supply of the cutting medium is separately controlled for the cutting units. In one embodiment the cutting beams are high speed water jets which may contain abrasive and the cutting characteristics of the jets may be varied.

Abstract: A sandblasting system including two principal components, a trolley which is located on the flat upper surface of the object to be sandblasted and a blasting machine with an oscillating blast nozzle that is carried by the trolley. For cleaning vertical surfaces, the blast machine is suspended from hoist cables, whose ends are carried by the trolley. The blast machine includes a hoist drum for gathering or releasing the cable to raise or lower the blast machine along the vertical surface. For cleaning horizontal surfaces, the blast machine is carried by the trolley itself and oriented so as to direct the sand blast in a downward direction. The blast machine carries a mechanism for oscillating the blasting nozzle and the hoist drum within a housing to protect the moving parts from the harsh operating environment. The invention is particularly suited for the sandblasting of petroleum product storage tanks.