Abstract: A system uses a femtosecond laser beam to polish a surface of an optical element to optical smoothness. The system includes a fixture, a laser system, and a controller. The fixture holds the optical element. The laser system generates the femtosecond laser beam. The femtosecond laser beam includes converging laser pulses with a pulse duration less than 900 femtoseconds. The controller controls relative positioning of the surface of the optical element and the femtosecond laser beam so that a waist of the femtosecond laser beam is outside the optical element and 0.5-2.0 Rayleigh ranges away from the surface of the optical element. Also, an intensity of the femtosecond laser beam at the surface of the optical element is sufficient to ablate the surface.

Abstract: A laser processing machine includes a laser oscillator. The laser oscillator excites a laser beam having a wavelength in a 1 ?m band or a shorter wavelength band. One process fiber transmits the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillator. A focusing optical element focuses, when a workpiece is irradiated with the laser beam emitted from the process fiber, the laser beam on a plurality of spots in a unit area within a unit time, the unit area having a radius of 0.5 mm of an optical axis of the laser beam, and the unit time being a time from when the workpiece starts to melt to when the melting of the workpiece ends.

Abstract: A method of removing material from an opposite side of workpiece includes directing a laser beam at a first side of the workpiece to remove the material from an opposite second side of the workpiece.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to the preparation of electrodes on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites with low contact resistance. Laser-based surface preparation can be used for bonding to CFRP composites. In one example, a method includes preparing a pretreated target area on a CFRP composite surface using laser pulsed irradiation and bonding an electrode to exposed fibers in the pretreated target area. The surface preparation can allow the electrode to have a low contact resistance with the CFRP composite.

Abstract: A method used to predict a strength of an ultrasonic weld-joint of a wire-cable comprising the steps of providing a wire-cable, determining a combined-weight, removing a contaminant, removing a solvent, determining a weight, determining a percentage by weight of the contaminant, and determining whether the percentage by weight of contaminant is less than a threshold. Determining the percentage by weight of the contaminant removed from the wire-cable is based on a formula [(Mb?Ma)/Mb]*100, where Mb is the combined-weight of the wire-cable and the contaminant and Ma is the weight of the wire-cable. The threshold of the percentage by weight of the contaminant correlates to the strength of the ultrasonic weld-joint.

Abstract: A process for joining articles comprises the steps of: joining the articles together at a brazing temperature to form one or more brazed joints in a brazed assembly, wherein at least one of the one or more brazed joints comprises a filler at least in part capable of age hardening at a temperature below the brazing temperature; and heat treating the brazed assembly at a temperature and for a time sufficient to age harden the filler at least in part; wherein the articles comprise at least one diamond body, and the filler comprises an active brazing alloy for brazing to the at least one diamond body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aluminum alloy brazing sheet including a core material and a brazing filler material provided on one surface of the core material. The core material contains Mn: 0.5 mass % or more and 2.5 mass % or less and Mg: more than 0.5 mass % and 2.5 mass % or less, with the remainder being Al and unavoidable impurities. The brazing filler material contains Si: 3 mass % or more and 13 mass % or less and Bi: 0.01 mass % or more and 1.00 mass % or less, with the remainder being Al and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brazing method for an aluminum alloy brazing sheet including a core material and a brazing filler material provided in one surface of the core material. The core material includes an aluminum alloy containing Mg: more than 0.5 mass % and 2.5 mass % or less. The brazing filler material includes an aluminum alloy containing Si: 3 mass % or more and 13 mass % or less and Bi: 0.01 mass % or more and 1.00 mass % or less. The brazing method includes brazing the aluminum alloy brazing sheet in an inert gas atmosphere at a heating temperature of 560 to 620° C. without using a flux.

Abstract: Weld metals and methods for welding ferritic steels are provided. The weld metals have high strength and high ductile tearing resistance and are suitable for use in strain based pipelines. The weld metals are comprised of between 0.03 and 0.08 wt % carbon, between 2.0 and 3.5 wt % nickel, not greater than about 2.0 wt % manganese, not greater than about 0.80 wt % molybdenum, not greater than about 0.70 wt % silicon, not greater than about 0.03 wt % aluminum, not greater than 0.02 wt % titanium, not greater than 0.04 wt % zirconium, between 100 and 225 ppm oxygen, not greater than about 100 ppm nitrogen, not greater than about 100 ppm sulfur, not greater than about 100 ppm phosphorus, and the balance essentially iron. The weld metals are applied using a power source with pulsed current waveform control with <5% CO2 and <2% oxygen in the shielding gas.

Abstract: Provided is a superhigh strength gas shielded welding wire containing V, the mass percentage contents of the chemical elements thereof being: 0.08-0.12% of C, 0.65-0.80% of Si, 1.80-1.95% of Mn, 0<Cu?0.25%, 0.20-0.40% of Cr, 0.2-0.6% of Mo, 1.30-1.80% of Ni, 0.08-0.20% of Ti, 0.01-0.05% of V, 0.0070-0.0130% of N, and the balance of Fe and other inevitable impurities. Also provided is a method for manufacturing the welding wire. A weld metal obtained after welding with said welding wire has a higher strength and toughness, and also has a good crack resistance, weldability and plasticity.

Abstract: A flux fluid is disclosed for use in manufacturing a heat exchanger (4) by brazing and joining an aluminum tube (3) and an aluminum fin (2). The flux fluid (101) contains a fluoride-based flux, colloidal silica, and a dispersion medium. The mass ratio of the colloidal silica with respect to the fluoride-based flux is 1/200 to 1/15.

Abstract: An articulated welding boom is disclosed, the boom having two guide modules above and below the primary swivel joint. The swivel joint itself is insulated from wire used to weld to prevent unwanted arcing. A wire feeder is mounted at an end of the secondary arm. Flexible wire conduit connects the guide module and the wire feeder, and the secondary arm folds down so that the operator can load or unjam the feeder without a ladder or lift.

Abstract: A method of aligning a subject tooling element of a material handling system of an ultrasonic bonding system is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing an overlay defining a relative position of at least a portion of a reference tooling element; b) viewing an image of at least a portion of the subject tooling element combined with a corresponding portion of the overlay; and c) adjusting a position of at least a portion of the subject tooling element by referring to the overlay in the image.

Abstract: A workstation for disassembling a control panel having a first side and a second side is disclosed. The workstation may include a fixture mounted to the workstation that receives the control panel to be disassembled. The workstation may further include at least two wedging tools that enter the control panel at two locations between the first and second sides of the control panel. In addition, the workstation may include at least two driving members that engage and edge of the first side at two locations and apply a force to the edge sufficient to separate the first side from the second side.

Abstract: A stand for hosting a Multiple Stud Tensioning Machine (MSTM) for tensioning working studs, the stand comprising a first assembly designed to lie on a floor, and a second assembly designed to receive the MSTM and movable in translation with respect to the first assembly thanks to a translation system.

Abstract: Described herein is a system comprising a controller and a tool for tightening a fastener. The controller may comprise a memory and processor. The processor may be configured to transmit a first command comprising a torque value to the tool; receive a rotational angle of the fastener after the fastener is tightened to the torque value; determine an additional rotation based, at least in part, on the rotational angle; and transmit a second command to the tool comprising the additional rotation. The tool may comprise a rotary encoder, a controller interface, and a tool head. The rotary encoder may be configured to determine the rotational angle of the fastener. The controller interface may be configured to receive the first command and the second command from the controller. The tool head may be configured to tighten the fastener based, at least in part, upon the first command and the second command.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting an object. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a support structure, a positioning system, and a retention system. The positioning system may be associated with the support structure and configured to position the support structure with respect to a number of linear axes. The retention system may be associated with the support structure. The retention system may be configured to retain a portion of an object and move the portion of the object towards a platform such that the portion of the object substantially conforms to a shape of the platform.

Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic chuck mounting structure capable of tightly and fixedly mounting an electromagnetic chuck on a table without fluctuation, having light weight, and making a low profile when an electromagnetic chuck is mounted on the table. The structure includes: a mounting groove recessed on an upper surface of the table and located inward of an edge of the table; a plurality of mounting holes formed at regular intervals on the mounting groove to fix the electromagnetic chucks to be mounted; and an adhesive filled and cured on the mounting groove and between the mounted electromagnetic chucks, wherein each of the electromagnetic chucks is fixedly fastened to each of the mounting holes by one fastening bolt, such that an upper surface of each electromagnetic chuck is aligned on a same plane with the upper surface of the table or protrudes from the upper surface of the table.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a device used for centering equipment having a center hole. The device includes a base; a central spindle partly coupled to the base; an upper supporting assembly partly coupled to the central spindle; and a centering device configured to act on the equipment having the center hole to perform centering operation. Using the centering device of the present disclosure to detect the deformation of equipment having a central hole, no fixtures are involved, thus saving the time for disassembling the equipment, and no need to select the fixtures to match the equipment, only to place the equipment in an appropriate way to complete the centering, thus improving the efficiency. In addition, no fixtures need preparing, which greatly reduces the costs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a machine tool for edge machining a workpiece. The machine tool includes a drive unit for a rotary tool, a guide device for guiding the workpiece in a horizontal infeed direction and a chip collecting hood. The guide device includes an upper pressure element and a lower pressure element and one of the pressure elements is settable in the vertical direction relative to the other pressure element and also the drive unit. The chip collecting hood includes a side wall having a cutout for receiving an edge region to be machined of the workpiece. The side wall includes a base wall part and a closure wall part. The base wall part is positioned fixedly relative to the drive unit and the closure wall part is positioned fixedly relative to the pressure element to be settable in the vertical direction. The closure wall part delimits the cutout in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A dust-proof device for machine tool worktable comprises a worktable, a worktable base, a stainless steel dust cover, organ-type dust covers and L-shaped dust-proof plates. The worktable base is installed on a machine tool bridge. The upper portion of the worktable base is provided with a U-shaped through groove. Two ends of the stainless steel dust cover are sealed by the L-shaped dust-proof plates. The upper portion of each L-shaped dust-proof plate is fixed on the lower side of the stainless steel dust cover, and the lower portion of the L-shaped dust-proof plate is fixed on the machine tool bridge. Each organ-type dust cover is disposed under the stainless steel dust cover and has one end connected to the worktable base and the other end connected to the L-shaped dust-proof plate. The worktable covers the stainless steel dust cover and is connected to the worktable base by means of bolts.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a machine tool is equipped with a first temperature control device configured to control the temperature of gas supplied to a gas bearing, a second temperature control device configured to control the temperature of a room interior and to issue a notification of its own operation state to the outside, a gas supply section configured to supply gas whose temperature has been controlled by the first temperature control device, and a gas supply control section configured to perform the gas supply control of the gas supply section so that gas is distributed to both of the gas bearing and an interior space, when receiving the notification that the operation state of the second temperature control device is abnormal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for introducing boreholes into a surface of a workpiece (W) mounted in a stationary manner using a boring tool which is attached to the end face of an articulated-arm robot (KR) and which can be spatially positioned by said robot. The method has the following method steps: —positioning the articulated-arm robot-guided boring tool at a spatial position which lies opposite a specified machining location on the workpiece surface at a specified distance therefrom, —producing a rigid mechanical connection which supports the end face of the articulated-arm robot (KR) on the workpiece and which can be released from the workpiece surface, and —machining the surface by moving the boring tool towards the machining location and subsequently engaging the boring tool with the workpiece (W) at the machining location on the workpiece surface while the end face of the articulated-arm robot (KR) is connected to the workpiece.

Abstract: An abnormality determination device includes: an oscillating signal sending unit configured to send out an oscillating signal which causes a rotary shaft of a servomotor to rotate and swing in a predetermined pattern, to a motor control unit configured to control the servomotor; a measuring unit configured to measure a physical quantity representing the state of the servomotor when the rotary shaft of the servomotor is swung; a comparing unit configured to compare a measurement signal of the measured physical quantity with a reference signal; and an abnormality determination unit configured to determine occurrence of an abnormality in a drive system which includes the servomotor and the motor control unit and ranges from a driven object to be driven by the servomotor to the motor control unit, based on comparison result from the comparing unit.

Abstract: A powered high-speed cutting tool that also locates objects behind sheet material and subsequently cuts around the object. The tool incorporates at least one sensor having a transceiver emitting a signal to detect at least one from the group of object density, conductivity, distance, and identification. The sensor is housed within a sensor unit that is part of the body of the cutting tool. The sensor unit can be incorporated into the body or removable from the cutting tool. A marking unit is used to mark the cutting area of the sheet material and is generally part of or located near a sensor unit. Indicator members, such as lights, audio, and/or display screen, are used to provide information to the user.

Abstract: A machine tool is configured so that a working area in which a workpiece is worked using a tool can be monitored, and includes a cover that is provided to cover the working area, and isolates the inside of the machine tool that includes the working area from the outside, at least one camera that is provided to the inner side of the cover, and captures the inside of the machine tool, and a touch panel that is provided to the cover, wherein the touch panel includes a display panel and an input operation panel, and the display panel displays an image of the inside of the machine tool that has been captured by the at least one camera.

Abstract: A method for reducing an energy demand of a machine tool (2, 3, 4) of a machine tool system (1), wherein the machine tool system (1) comprises at least a first machine tool (3), with a first machine cycle time, and a second machine tool (4), with a second machine cycle time. Identical workpieces (9) are transported sequentially in time for processing (101, 107), first to the first machine tool (3) and then to the second machine tool (4). The second machine cycle time is shorter than the first machine cycle time. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the workpieces (9), after being processed by the first machine tool (3), are collected (105, 106) before they are conveyed (107) to the second machine tool (4) for processing. The invention also concerns a related device (10) and a machine tool system (1).

Abstract: A sharpening tool includes a main body, a first grindstone unit, a second grindstone unit, a stop plate, a blade and a sharpening bar. The main body has a grip and an extension neck. The grip has a receiving space and a receiving channel. The extension neck has an arc-shaped profile and has a first positioning recess and a second positioning recess. The first grindstone unit is mounted in the first positioning recess. The second grindstone unit is mounted in the second positioning recess. The stop plate is pivotally mounted on the main body and has two pivot ears and an opening. The blade is pivotally mounted on the main body and received in the receiving channel. The sharpening bar is inserted into the receiving space.

Abstract: A method and a grinding machine to implement the method includes, in a single clamping, a machine part is ground. The part is clamped on its ends and has an internal recess for grinding. The internal recess is ground with an internal grinding wheel, wherein the part is rotated between a workpiece headstock and a tailstock, and an external contour is ground by means of a grinding wheel. The part is held on the tailstock by a hollow tailstock sleeve, on the end region of the internal recess, and the internal grinding wheel passes through the hollow tailstock sleeve during grinding. In the grinding machine, a separate grinding spindle head carrying the internal grinding wheel can be included in the region of the tailstock, and can be advanced against the peripheral surface of the internal recess by passing through the hollow tailstock sleeve and the hollow center.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus which can keep a width of a polishing tool constant when a peripheral portion of a substrate is polished by the polishing tool is disclosed. The polishing apparatus includes a substrate holder 3 configured to hold a substrate W and to rotate the substrate W and a pressing pad 50 configured to press a polishing tool 23 against a peripheral portion of the substrate W held by the substrate holder 3. The pressing pad 50 includes an elastic member 55 having a pressing surface 55a configured to press the polishing tool 23 against the peripheral portion of the substrate W and a support member 56 configured to support the elastic member 55. The support member 56 has a recess 57 formed in a front surface 56a of the support member 56, the elastic member 55 being capable of entering the recess 57.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for processing lens edge. The apparatus comprises: a wheel-shaft-moving rotating member whose one end is fixed to a fixing frame by a moving-shaft, for moving pivotally about the moving-shaft; a wheel-shaft mounted on the other end of the wheel-shaft-moving rotating member, for moving pivotally with the wheel-shaft-moving rotating member and for being rotated by driving a wheel-rotating motor; and a cutter for processing the lens edge into a form of a step/incline shape, the cutter being coupled to one end of the wheel shaft to move with the wheel-shaft to contact the lens edge, and rotated with the wheel-shaft to cut the surface of the lens, and the cutter comprising a rotating body inserted into the wheel-shaft to rotate with the wheel-shaft, and at least one cutting projection formed on the circumference of the rotating body to cut the edge and the periphery of the lens.

Abstract: A polishing unit of a polishing apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a polishing head having a pressing member configured to hold a polishing tape and press the polishing tape against a peripheral portion of a substrate from above; a tape supply and recovery mechanism configured to supply the polishing tape to the polishing head and recover the polishing tape from the polishing head; a first moving mechanism configured to move the polishing head in a radial direction of the substrate; and a second moving mechanism configured to move the tape supply and recovery mechanism in the radial direction of the substrate. The positioning unit includes a positioning block having a contacting surface, and alignment of the polishing tape is conducted by the second moving mechanism moving the tape supply and recovery mechanism so that a substrate-side edge of the polishing tape makes contact with the contacting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grinding machine for grinding a surface of a workpiece, wherein the grinding machine comprises a plurality of grinding elements (2) and at least one drive device, by means of which the plurality of grinding elements (2) can be set in oscillatory motion, wherein the grinding machine comprises at least two supporting structures (4), on which at least one grinding element (2) is arranged and which can be moved in an oscillatory manner in directions opposite each other by the at least one drive device.

Abstract: A method for finishing a spherically curved surface portion of a workpiece with a finishing tool having a machining surface includes the steps of finishing the surface portion of the workpiece, whereby the finishing tool, with at least one part of the machining surface, is brought into contact with at least one part of the surface portion of the workpiece. The workpiece and the finishing tool are rotatably driven; and dressing the finishing tool with a dressing tool having a curved dressing surface, whereby the dressing tool, with at least one part of the dressing surface, is brought into contact with at least one part of the finishing surface of the finishing tool. The finishing tool and/or the dressing tool are rotatably driven, whereby the dressing surface of the dressing tool has a different curvature than the spherically curved surface portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polish (CMP) system is provided. The CMP system includes a platen rotatable about a rotation axis. The CMP system further includes a polishing pad positioned on the platen. The CMP system also includes a detecting module having a base portion and a number of pins positioned over the polishing pad. The pins are movable relative to the platen and have their bottom end in direct contact with the polishing pad to detect the planarity of the polishing pad.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sheet of fused silica includes polishing a sheet of fused silica having a thickness of less than 500 ?m and a major face surface area of at least 6? square inches. The polishing is performed by removing less than 100 micrometers depth of material of a major surface of the sheet, such as by bonding the sheet to a substrate, polishing a first major side of the sheet, debonding the sheet from the substrate, flipping the sheet, bonding the flipped sheet to the substrate or a new substrate, and polishing a second major side of the sheet. Prior to polishing, the sheet has a peak-to-valley waviness of at least 1 micrometer, but after polishing has peak-to-valley waviness less than 500 nanometers.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) polishing layer or pad comprising providing an open mold having a surface with a female topography that generates a flat or shaped CMP polishing layer surface and having held in place thereon one or more endpoint detection window pieces; mixing a liquid isocyanate component with a liquid polyol component to form a solvent free reaction mixture; spraying the reaction mixture onto the open mold while the one or more window pieces is held in place, with each window piece at a predefined location, followed by curing the reaction mixture.

Abstract: An embodiment of a tool assembly includes a spring-loaded shaft assembly disposed along a first axis, a hub, and a roller disk. The hub is connected to a distal end of the spring-loaded shaft assembly. The hub has an upper hub portion adjacent to the distal end of the spring-loaded shaft assembly aligned with the first axis, and a lower hub portion extending along a second axis. The second axis forms an angle relative to the first axis. The roller disk is joined to the lower portion of the hub, and has a working surface about its perimeter. The roller disk is rotatable about the second axis parallel to the second portion of the hub. The working surface includes a profile along its width such that an effective radius of the roller disk varies along a width thereof.

Abstract: An intelligent polishing system provides improvements to the polisher itself as well as networking capability enabling remote control and monitoring of multiple polishers. One or more electronic devices ensure that a user of the intelligent polisher operates the polisher to achieve optimum results. Such devices may include a polishing timer, a downward pressure sensor, or a tachometer to measure speed. The system may further include a memory for storing operational parameters or performance characteristics of the intelligent polisher for later downloading or retrieval. The same or a different memory may store calibration information to ensure that intelligent polisher operates within predetermined limits. Such operational parameters, performance characteristics or calibration information include RPM, polishing time, downward force or inlet air pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for cleaning the surface of CMP polishing pads comprising blowing a stream or curtain of forced air or gas from a source onto the surface of a CMP polishing pad substrate at a pressure of from 170 kPa (24.66 psig) to 600 kPa (87 psig), towards a vacuum source, the forced air or gas blowing at an angle of from 6 to 15° from a vertical plane which lies normal to the surface of the substrate, traverses the entire width of the surface of the substrate, and passes through the source of the forced air or gas, while, at the same time conveying along a horizontal plane the CMP polishing pad so that the entire surface of the CMP polishing pad surface is exposed to the forced air or gas at least one time; and, vacuuming the surface of the CMP polishing pad at a point on the surface which is downstream from a point at which the stream curtain of forced air or gas contacts the surface of the CMP polishing pad.

Abstract: A polishing method of polishing a substrate while preventing coarse particles from being discharged onto a polishing pad is disclosed. In this polishing method, a substrate is brought into sliding contact with a polishing pad while a polishing liquid, which has passed through a filter, is supplied onto the polishing pad. The polishing method includes: passing the polishing liquid through the filter while increasing a physical quantity of the polishing liquid until the physical quantity reaches a predetermined set value, the physical quantity being one of flow rate and pressure of the polishing liquid; and polishing the substrate W on the polishing pad while supplying the polishing liquid that has passed through the filter onto the polishing pad.

Abstract: A method of fluid etching an absorbent stratum is disclosed. The method includes providing an absorbent stratum; providing a fluid etching process comprising one or more fluid jets, a carrier belt, and a stencil; c) expelling fluid from the fluid jets through the open apertures of the stencil; and d) fissuring the absorbent stratum.

Abstract: A system for internal air blasting of an enclosed space includes a ground vehicle, an arm supported by the ground vehicle, and a blasting nozzle provided at the end of the arm. The blasting nozzle being configured to direct blast media to a desired surface of the enclosed space to be treated by the arm. A method of internal air blasting an enclosed space is further disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a new internal weld blasting system for blasting the internal surfaces of pipes, and the method of use thereof. The system comprises a control cage having two relatively narrow openings. An impeller forces abrasives onto a blast wheel, which in turn sprays the abrasives onto the internal surfaces of the pipes.

Abstract: Wet abrasive blasting systems are described that have a slurry piping system and a gas piping system that have pipes and other piping components, such as valves and regulators, that have a more consistent internal cross-sectional area than conventional wet abrasive blasting systems. The more consistent flow area provides astonishing improvements in blasting efficiency and consistent and predictable slurry flow rates.

Abstract: Methods of making an abrasive article. Abrasive particles are loaded to a distribution tool including a plurality of strips defining a plurality of channels. Each channel is open to a lower side of the tool. The loaded particles are distributed from the distribution tool to a major face of a backing web below the lower side. At least a majority of the particles distributed from the tool undergo an orientation sequence in which each particle first enters one of the channels. The particle then passes partially through the channel such that a first portion is beyond the lower side and in contact with the major face, and a second portion within the channel. The sequence then includes the particle remaining in simultaneous contact with one of the strips and the major face for a dwell period.

Abstract: Methods of making an abrasive article. Abrasive particles are loaded to a distribution tool defining a plurality of slots that are open to an exterior of the tool. The loaded particles are distributed from the distribution tool to a major face of a backing web below the lower side and moving relative to the tool. Some of the loaded particles become oriented in a respective one of the slots and are then dispensed on to the major face. In this regard, during the step of distributing, a plurality of the oriented particles is simultaneously at least partially within a first slot and in contact with major face. In some embodiments, the distribution tool includes a plurality of aligned rings; adjacent ones of the rings are attached to, and longitudinally separated from, one another by one or more spacer bodies.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for finishing metallic and non-metallic surfaces by abrasion techniques. Described is an apparatus configured for finishing a zone on the surface of a bladed article of manufacture, wherein the apparatus comprises one or more channels having a cross-sectional profile including at least one finishing area to finish an operative zone of the article that optimizes a clearance portion of the article, wherein an angle of each finishing area of the cross-sectional profile is substantively the same as an optimal clearance angle of the article, wherein the apparatus is configured to position the operable zone of the article along the angle of the finishing area during sharpening.

Abstract: A solid surface clamp that has a top jaw and bottom jaw, along with alignment structures is disclosed. The clamp includes a top jaw, a bottom jaw, a bolt attached to the bottom jaw and slideably received through the top jaw, and a nut. The bolt has an alignment cutout, a threaded portion extending from the top jaw and defines a bolt longitudinal axis. The nut is threaded onto the threaded portion of the bolt and transitions the clamp from an open position to a clamping position. The top jaw further includes an alignment shaft that contacts the alignment cutout and maintains the top jaw and bottom jaw substantially fixed relative to each other about the bolt longitudinal axis. The alignment cutout moves relative to the alignment shaft in the direction of the bolt longitudinal axis when the clamp transitions from an open position to a clamping position.

Abstract: A nested socket assembly is disclosed. The nested socket assembly includes an inner socket having a base portion with a double hex pattern which protrudes beyond the adjacent shaft surface of the inner socket. The base portion is adapted to engage an internal double hex pattern of the outer socket. A compression spring presses the inner socket outward of the outer socket. The inner socket is locked within the outer socket via a retaining clip, such as a circlip. The inner socket is free to move inward with respect to the outer socket so that the inner socket may engage a smaller size hex head or nut, but may also be pushed inward so that the outer socket can engage larger hex head or nut. The assembly is configured to attach to an impact driver.