Abstract: A tool dullness indicator and method comprising the measurement of eddy currents at a known, controlled frequency directly in the tool by measuring the phase angle shift in a coil when a sample is put into or next to the coil. The phase angle change caused by presence of a workpiece is measured when the tool is sharp to provide a reference reading taking into account the surface hardness and other bulk properties of the workpiece, and arriving at a parameter that is dependent on eddy current changes, such as phase angle shift or other measurable changes related to eddy currents in the part, and then analyzing the workpiece, either while working, or at a set programmed check time to determine when the tool is dull as a function of the change in eddy current characteristics caused by work hardening.

Abstract: A device for treatment of ferromagnetic materials comprising means for developing a magnetic field of a selected intensity, duration, and cycle, which field is passed through materials to be processed, such as cutting tools and drill bits that have been sharpened or resharpened and other parts that have internal stresses. The magnetic field through the material provides stress relief of the stresses from welding, forming, heating cooling or sharpening or loading. The treatment increases surface wear resistance, decreases the coefficient of friction on the surfaces that are so treated, and increases the strength and modulus of elasticity. In certain types of materials, an increase in the surface concentration of such alloying metals such as wolfram, molybdenum, and tungsten, as well as oxygen and carbon is achieved. The structure comprises a coil and a controlled source of electrical power that generates a magnetic field for achieving the desired results.

Abstract: A method for determining wear or dullness of a cutting tool used to machine a surface of a workpiece. Cutting tool dullness is determined as a function of a plurality of work-hardening values of the machined surface. Each work-hardening value is computed as a function of different and separately measured parameters. The workpiece is characterized as being excessively worn if all of the separately computed work-hardening values are greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multiwire lead assembly for a flexible connector between thin film elements and other electronic circuitry during manufacturing thin film heads for computer disc drives includes the process of supporting the multiple wires in spaced locations on retainers, such as terminal boards, and fixing the wires to such terminal boards. The terminal boards are spaced apart a desired distance for making the lead assembly. The wires are separated from the source reel and then the two terminal boards are a supported assembly and the center portions of the multiple wires are twisted together while the end portions are held separated and oriented by the terminal boards. The twisted wire portion of the wires then can be insulated at desired locations, including for example the full length of the twisted portion. The ends of the wires are stipped of their normal insulating coating utilizing a laser stripper in a known manner.

Abstract: A mechanically driven linkage causes a magnetic field acting on the object to be pulsed by alternately permitting and preventing a magnetic field from acting on the object during selected periods of time to relieve stress in the object or otherwise treat the object. Connections for applying a current through the object being treated are provided so that at the same the magnetic field is acting on the object a current added to affect the intermolecular structure of the object for various beneficial effects in treating. The current intensity and time cycle can be varied as desired and can be synchronized with the application of the magnetic field. Simple mechanical drives are used to selectively move the object or the magnetic field source, or to place a magnetic shield to block the field for selected periods of time, while permitting the magnetic field to act upon the object at other periods of time.

Abstract: A control system for precision machine tools and similar devices provides a precise position during active operations on a table supported workpiece or part. The present system provides a support table on which a machine part or specimen is mounted that is controlled in its position through a friction free spring type hinge relative to a base, and which is held therein with a piezoelectric actuator operated in an active closed loop system to maintain a set position without any backlash.