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: Apparatus for removing material from a workpiece is described, in which the apparatus comprises means for advancing an abrasive tool towards the workpiece to bring an abrasive surface of the tool into contact with the surface of the workpiece, means for moving the abrasive surface relative to the workpiece to remove material from the workpiece, means for detecting a load applied to the tool by the workpiece, and means for controlling the rate of advancement of the abrasive tool towards the workpiece depending on the magnitude of the detected load.

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: Apparatus for removing material from a workpiece is described, in which the apparatus comprises means for advancing an abrasive tool towards the workpiece to bring an abrasive surface of the tool into contact with the surface of the workpiece, means for moving the abrasive surface relative to the workpiece to remove material from the workpiece, means for detecting a load applied to the tool by the workpiece, and means for controlling the rate of advancement of the abrasive tool towards the workpiece depending on the magnitude of the detected load.