Patents by Inventor Eric F. Cave

Eric F. Cave has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4603512
    Abstract: An apparatus for lapping a facet at the tip of a stylus by softly setting the tip down adjacent a rotating scaife comprises a moveable carriage supported on a platform. The carriage is moved vertically along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis. A stylus holder operates to pivot the stylus toward the scaife and is biased by a spring or weight to assure a soft set down of the stylus tip on the scaife. A displacement sensor senses the angular displacement of the holder and generates a displacement signal proportional to the angular displacement relative to a predetermined reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: RCA Corporation
    Inventors: Eric F. Cave, James J. Cowden
  • Patent number: 4417423
    Abstract: A method for forming a face on a crystalline dielectric material having anisotropic crystallographic hardness. The method includes the steps of contacting the dielectric material with an abrasive surface having a loosely bound charge of abrasive particles, while maintaining relative motion between the dielectric material and the abrasive surface, and isotropically coning the dielectric material by continuously rotating the dielectric material and applying a force between a dielectric material and the abrasive surface which allows a face to be produced in the dielectric material because of its anisotropic crystallographic hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: RCA Corporation
    Inventors: Eric F. Cave, James J. Cowden
  • Patent number: 4403453
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning the tip of a stylus adjacent a rotating scaife while continuously rotating the stylus comprises a base plate connected to a platform by means for sweeping the plate through a sweep arc. A tube is connected to the base plate by means for pivoting the tube about an axis parallel to the surface of the scaife, and is also connected to means for exerting a constant torque about the axis in a direction forcing one end of the tube toward the surface of the scaife. The tube supports a rotating shaft and is positioned to allow one end of the shaft to move adjacent the surface of the scaife, the one end of the shaft being adapted to hold the shank of a stylus. A ramp block is mounted on the platform between the base plate and the scaife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Assignee: RCA Corporation
    Inventors: Eric F. Cave, James J. Cowden