Abstract: A modular fluid-dispensing system includes a master control dispenser and/or one or more satellite dispensers that communicate bi-directionally with the master control dispenser. The master control dispenser is programmable and may dispense one or more solutions. Each satellite may dispense fluid in either a stand-alone mode or under control of another fluid-dispensing-system component, such as a master control dispenser, or a grinder/polisher. A master control dispenser may store various multi-step dispensing methods and may advance a dispensing method to a next step automatically or based on a control signal received from a grinder/polisher. A master control dispenser may perform a fluid-dispensing method that is synchronized with a corresponding grinder/polisher method performed by a grinder/polisher that is coupled to the master control dispenser.

Abstract: An automatic sample preparation system for polishing and grinding metallurgical and other samples prior to microscopic examination of the samples, including a rack which holds a plurality of abrasive platens, and platen transfer mechanism for selecting one platen from the rack and transferring the same to a platen drive plate for a polishing operation and for later returning the platen to the rack and transferring another selected platen to the platen drive plate, and a polishing head which can be rotated between a polishing position for polishing samples and a wash position where it is over a wash and dry station, the platen transfer mechanism being operated when the polishing head is rotated to its wash position.

Abstract: A goniometer arm for use in conjunction with a precision cutting apparatus comprising an arm for supporting a rotating adaptor arm which in turn supports and secures a rotating disc and a specimen holder. The goniometer arm allows a specimen to be cut along a specific plane about a specific axis.

Abstract: A saw apparatus comprises an operatable saw blade and a holding arm for gripping an object to be sawed, plus means for moving the saw blade and holding arm together to cause the saw blade to engage the object for sawing under controlled-pressure conditions. The saw blade is carried by strain gauge means, the strain gauge means being part of electronic means for sensing the load of the operatable saw blade on the strain gauge means. Thus, pressure of the object for sawing against the top of the saw blade causes an increase in the load sensed by the strain gauge. The electronic signal generated thereby may be used in a feedback system to control the pressure of the workpiece against the saw blade.

Abstract: An abrasive cutting system has an abrasive cutting wheel, a holder for the object to be cut, and means for advancing and retracting the wheel and holder relative to each other. Preferably, the advancing and retracting means is connected to the holder, while the cutting wheel is stationary except for its rotary motion. In accordance with this invention, apparatus for automatically, intermittently advancing the wheel and holder toward each other while the wheel is cutting the object is provided. This automatic, intermittent advancement provides significant improvements over a uniform rate of advancement.

Abstract: Apparatus for polishing the ends of multiple fiber optic members to a precise predetermined length. The invention relates in particular to appartus for gripping and holding a plurality of fiber optic connectors, each of which has a fiber optic cable connected thereto with a small fiber optic end projecting. The apparatus serves to accurately hold and position a large number of such fiber optic connectors and advance them under controlled conditions of speed and force into engagement with a polishing member such as a rotatable platen having an abrasive surface.

Abstract: An abrasive slurry supply system for use in conjunction with a polisher or grinder or the like for preparing the surface of a metallurgical specimen, the system comprising an abrasive slurry reservoir, a first source of air under pressure connected with the reservoir to force the slurry to a spray nozzle, and a second source of air under pressure connected to the nozzle to transform the slurry from a liquid to an atomized mist which is directed to a rotatable platen or lapping wheel of the polisher/grinder machine for use in the preparation of metallurgical specimens.

Abstract: A surface inspection microscope for examining the surface finish of a fiber optic end, the microscope including a fitting for attaching the end of a fiber optic connector, an eyepiece for viewing the fiber optic end, a light source within the microscope for transmitting light along the length of the optic cable, and reflector means for positioning against the opposite end of the fiber optic cable to reflect light from the light source back along the length of the fiber optic cable thereby enhancing the contrast between the end of the fiber optic core and the cladding material which surrounds the core.

Abstract: An apparatus for impregnating porous samples for materials evaluation with an inert material which fills the pores of the samples. A plurality of samples are placed in mold cups on a rotatable table within a vacuum chamber, and a supply of impregnant or encapsulant material such as an epoxy resin is provided in a container mounted on a tiltable platform located above the rotatable table. A plurality of samples are thus mounted in respective molding cups spaced in a circle on the rotatable table, a supply of encapsulant material is provided in a cup placed in a cup holder on the tiltable platform, a vacuum is created within the chamber, and the table is intermittently rotated to position each molding cup with its sample in line with the tilt axis of the tiltable platform to permit tilting of the encapsulant cup to pour a supply of resin into the molding cup.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for high volume preparation of cross-sectional specimens of printed circuit boards for microscopic examination, including a method and apparatus for precision mounting of a large number of such cross sections in a single molding sequence for simultaneous polishing of such cross sections in a single polishing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for polishing the ends of fiber optic connectors by gripping an end to be polished and yieldingly urging it against a moving abrasive member in a manner so as to gradually build up the force between the fiber optic end and the abrasive member from an initial low force to a maximum force.

Abstract: Apparatus for high volume preparation of cross-sectional specimens of printed circuit boards for microscopic examination, including a method and apparatus for precision mounting of a large number of such cross sections in a single molding sequence for simultaneous polishing of such cross sections in a single polishing operation.

Abstract: An alumina slurry supply system for use in conjunction with a polisher or grinder apparatus or the like for preparing the surfaces of metallurgical specimens, the system comprising an alumina slurry reservoir, a recirculation pump disposed in the reservoir, an applicator arm for dispensing the abrasive slurry to a platen or lapping wheel of the polisher or grinder apparatus, a first conduit for receiving slurry pumped from the reservoir, a second conduit connected to the first conduit for recirculating the slurry to the reservoir, a third conduit leading from the first conduit to the applicator arm, a valve in the third conduit movable between an open position to supply abrasive slurry to the applicator arm and a closed position in which all abrasive slurry pumped from the reservoir is recirculated thereto, and a timer for controlling the operation of the valve.

Abstract: A chuck for suspending a specimen holder from a vertical drive shaft to permit the specimen holder to be rotated about the axis of the drive shaft and also pressed downwardly against an abrasive platen or the like which may also be rotated in the same or opposite direction, the chuck being biased to its locking position by a spring and being releasable through manual rotation of a sleeve member to overcome the spring force.

Abstract: An abrasive cutter for cutting metallurgical samples and the like including a motor-driven rotatable abrasive cutter wheel, a vise assembly for holding a workpiece to be cut, and a manually operable workpiece advance lever which is actuated by an operator to move the vise assembly along a horizontal path toward the cutter wheel thereby bringing the workpiece into engagement with the cutter wheel.

Abstract: A coolant system for use with a cutter of the type having a vertically disposed rotatable cutter wheel for cutting metallurgical samples and other objects. Such a cutter has a motor-driven rotatable abrasive or metal cutting wheel or blade, and a workpiece holder which holds a specimen workpiece from which a section is to be sliced off. Either the cutter wheel or the workpiece holder is movable to bring the workpiece into engagement with the cutter wheel. The coolant system is combined with a blade guard which covers a major portion of the rotatable cutting blade for safety reasons, and the coolant system distributes a coolant fluid in an advantageous manner onto the center of the vertically disposed rotating cutting blade on both sides thereof so as to bathe the workpiece over the entire cutting area. The coolant system is primarily intended for use with a cutter of the type where the workpiece is moved into engagement with the cutter wheel during a cutting operation.

Abstract: A portable hydraulic press for use in preparing metallurgical specimens, is disclosed herein, which requires relatively little force to operate and eliminates repumping during specimen preparation. The press includes a linkage assembly which connects an operating handle to a hydraulic jack in a manner such that both the mechanical advantage of the operating handle and ease of operation of the press is increased. In the embodiment shown, the press is constructed and arranged to provide ease of removal of the hydraulic jack without disassembling the entire press and includes a frame which stores energy.

Abstract: A mold closure assembly for a mounting press for mounting metallurgical specimens in a plastic mount including a cap lockingly insertable in the upper end of the mold, a conical member disposed in a mating conical recess in the lower end of said cap, spring means for urging said conical member into such mating relation, a compression member adapted for a sliding fit in the mold and handle means attached to the cap and foldable to a non-obstructing position to permit a temperature control unit to be attached to or removed from the closure assembly.