Abstract: A target cylinder and a method for fabricating the target cylinder. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with a superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The exposed portion comprises at least one soft material and at least one hard material that is interveningly positioned between or within the soft material in a predetermined and repeatable pattern. In one embodiment, the differential of the unconfined compressive strength between the hard material and the soft material ranges from about 1,000 psi to about 60,000 psi.

Abstract: A device for galvanic coating of a piston has a pot-shaped interior for accommodating the piston and an electrolyte fluid, a holder device for fixing the piston in place, a cover that is structured like a shutter and leaves only the surfaces of the piston that are to be coated uncovered, a first electrical contact that is connected with an anode and with the plus pole of a direct voltage source, and a second electrical contact that connects the piston with the minus pole of a direct voltage source. The piston can be simply and quickly attached to the holder device, since the holder device is in plate shape, and has an oblong centering device, the length of which corresponds to the radial inside diameter of the piston to be coated so that the piston can be pushed onto the centering device by way of its underside.

Abstract: A jig for clutching a plurality of probe assemblies each of which has a connecting portion and a soldering portion has a base body and a covering body. The base body has a plurality of first receiving grooves each penetrating a front end and a rear end thereof. The covering body is formed with a plurality of second receiving grooves corresponding to the first receiving grooves. The covering body is openably fixed on the base body, the first receiving grooves and the second receiving grooves are matched to form a plurality of passageways. A front end of each of the passageways has a portion protruded inwards to form a resisting rib. The connecting portions of the probe assemblies are received in the passageways and abut against the resisting ribs, with tip ends of the soldering potions exposing outside the passageways from rear ends of the passageways.

Abstract: A method of repairing a rotor blade, for example on an integrally bladed rotor, includes preparing a surface on a damaged area of the blade. The blade has first and second airfoil surfaces adjoining the prepared surface that are spaced apart a distance. An edge of a patch abuts the prepared surface to provide a weld interface defining a welding plane. First and second cover sheets respectively overlap the first and second airfoil surfaces. The first and second cover sheets adjoin the edge and the first and second airfoil surfaces. The blade, patch and first and second cover sheets are welded along the welding plane providing a welded joint at the weld interface. The first and second cover sheets are substantially unsecured to the first and second airfoil surfaces subsequent to the welding operation.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting a substrate during processing by a meniscus formed by upper and lower proximity heads is described. The carrier includes a frame having an opening sized for receiving a substrate and a plurality of support pins for supporting the substrate within the opening. The opening is slightly larger than the substrate such that a gap exists between the substrate and the opening. Means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks on substrates is provided, the means aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate the gap. A method for reducing the size and frequency of entrance and exit marks is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate holder comprises a base supporting a substrate that includes a surface having a peripheral region. A cover may be assembled with the base and includes at least one opening exposing only a portion of the surface therethrough. A seal assembly substantially seals a region between the cover and base and further adjacent to the peripheral region of the substrate. An electrode includes at least one contact portion positioned within the region and extending over at least a portion of the peripheral region of the substrate. A compliant member comprises a polymeric material and may be positioned within the region between the at least one contact portion and either the peripheral region of the substrate or the cover. In other embodiments, an electroplating system is disclosed that may employ such a substrate holder.

Abstract: A pen assembly tool used to press-fit mating parts of a pen kit upon a lathe is disclosed. Use of the pen assembly tool allows wood turners to accurately align, assemble and press-fit mating parts of a pen kit or similar array of objects upon the same lathe used to create certain mating parts of the pen, such as a combined pen-tube and turning blank.

Abstract: A holder for affixing a mill blank for the manufacture of a dental article in a housing of a milling unit of a CAD/CAM system, wherein the holder includes a joining surface for joining to the mill blank, a securing shaft having at least one securing surface for securing to a housing of a milling unit of a CAD/CAM system, wherein the securing shaft comprises an essentially polygonal shape with at least two lateral surfaces, wherein at least two of the lateral surfaces are arranged adjacent to each other and extend at right angles to each other; and wherein the securing surface, in cross-sectional view, extends substantially perpendicular to a radius of the securing shaft extending essentially through the center of the securing surface and comprises a width that is less than the width of a lateral surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample holder for confocal microscopy of CMP pad samples cut or otherwise removed from either new or used CMP pads that maintains a uniform load and pressure over the part of the sample visible to the confocal microscope by placing the pad behind a transparent window and holding it against the said window by a means comprising upper transparent window retaining means having an offset adjacent the transparent window having the same or essentially the same refractive index as the pad material so that when the pad is held against the transparent window, the edges of the pad are outside the outer edge of the transparent window; lower pad retaining means to press the pad under a known/load against the transparent window, which lower pad retaining means has a size less than the size of the pad; spherical force transmitting means pressed against the lower pad retaining means; through a load cell to measure the load transferred to the sample through lower pad retaining means, the spherical

Abstract: A wafer chucking apparatus for a plasma process includes a lower plate, on which a plurality of wafers are loaded, and an upper plate, which is coupled to an upper portion of the lower plate and fixes the loaded wafers. The upper plate is made of one of Teflon, ceramic and metal, and the lower plate is made of aluminum or ceramic. The lower plate includes a drilled gas feed hole through which gas is fed so as to uniformly maintain temperature of each wafer during the plasma process. One of more of an isothermal sheet and an isothermal coating layer is formed between the wafers and the lower plate so as to maintain temperature uniformity of the wafers. Thereby, the wafer chucking apparatus can improve uniformity of plasma-etched patterns at an edge zone of each wafer during the plasma process.

Abstract: A contribution is made to the assembly of a wind turbine intended to comprise, in a final assembly condition, a tower (2) surmounted by a nacelle (4) cooperating with a rotor (5) receiving a plurality of blades (3a-3c). To this end, a temporary association is made between at least some blades from said plurality of blades and the tower, so that said blades extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the tower.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of weld repairing an impeller by use of a weld restraining fixture. The fixture is used to sandwich the impeller between a base plate and a top ring such that a plurality of tangs located on the top ring rest on the plurality of valley faces of the impeller. The top ring and base plate are bolted together while the restrained impeller is welded and heat treated.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an object-holding sheet and an object-treating equipment, which are useful for arranging objects such as biological materials (e.g., cells, embryos or individuals) or particles having the similar size thereto and efficiently conducting procedures such as analysis and fractionation on the objects. The present invention provides an object-holding sheet for holding two or more objects, the object-holding sheet including: a sheet member having two or more through-holes; and an anti-drop member corresponding to each of the holes, wherein the holes have a size that enables only one of the objects to be held, and the anti-drop member is disposed in the vicinity of one opening of each of the holes so as not to permit the object held in each of the holes to pass through the opening.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample holder for confocal microscopy of CMP pad samples cut or otherwise removed from either new or used CMP pads that maintains a uniform load and pressure over the part of the sample visible to the confocal microscope by placing the pad behind a transparent window and holding it against the said window by a means comprising upper transparent window retaining means having an offset adjacent the transparent window having the same or essentially the same refractive index as the pad material so that when the pad is held against the transparent window, the edges of the pad are outside the outer edge of the transparent window; lower pad retaining means to press the pad under a known/load against the transparent window, which lower pad retaining means has a size less than the size of the pad; spherical force transmitting means pressed against the lower pad retaining means;, through a load cell to measure the load transferred to the sample through lower pad retaining means, the spherical

Abstract: A rotating log saw clamp for clamping a product roll to be sawn. The rotating log saw clamp includes a first portion disposed for rotation about an axis and a second portion disposed for rotation with the first portion and movable relative to the first portion between an open position and a clamping position. The second portion is rotatable from the clamping position to the open position by relative rotation of the first and second rotating portions in a common direction.

Abstract: A transport system for transporting at least one blade or spar for a wind turbine. The blade or spar has a root end and a tip end. The transport system comprises a root frame structure for holding the root end and a fixation device adapted to fixate and support the blade or spar between the root end and tip end.

Abstract: A machine tool for manufacturing exhaust gas cleaning devices, in particular diesel particulate filters and catalysts that have a housing and a gas-traversed insert clamped in the housing, comprises at least one tool, in which the insert is clamped in the housing. A heating device that heats the housing is integrated in the tool. In a method for manufacturing exhaust gas cleaning devices, the heated housing is plastically deformed in a machine tool, and the insert is inserted into the housing.

Abstract: A mill blank mandrel may rigidly secure machinable material for a machining process. The mandrel may be freely and easily inserted in a corresponding mandrel socket and secured without the use of a tool. The mandrel may be detected and verified when inserted in the mandrel socket.

Abstract: A work holder which is adapted to hold a workpiece firmly in place for machining operations with respect to a machine tool. The workpiece is fashioned with a dovetail protuberance, which protuberance is designed to affix the workpiece to the work holder to the machining operations. Once the machining is completed, the dovetail protuberance may be removed in any convenient manner. Thus, the finished product may not then exhibit the former protuberance.

Abstract: A system and a method for protecting semiconductor wafers is disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a carrier with a central region and an exterior region. The exterior region preferably has a thickness that is greater than the central region, to form a cavity in the carrier. An adhesive is preferably placed into the cavity, and a semiconductor wafer is placed onto the adhesive. The edges of the semiconductor wafer are protected by the raised exterior region as well as the displaced adhesive that at least partially fills the area between the semiconductor wafer and the exterior region of the carrier.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for securely positioning a plurality of blades loosely assembled on to a rotor of a gas turbine engine in which axial clamping forces are translated to apply radial expansion forces on the blades to simulate a centrifugal force on the blades during engine operation.

Abstract: A stave press assembly for holding a wooden stave or other work piece while the stave is fabricated into a bow or other operations are performed on the work piece, has an immovable pressure plate disposed nominally horizontally when the press is attached to a support surface, and a movable pressure plate which can grip an irregularly shaped wooden stave or other work piece by moving it in a downwardly direction toward the immovable pressure plate. The movable pressure plate is pivotable to a limited extent in order to provide a gripping surface for irregularly shaped items and each pressure plate is lined with resilient high friction material.

Abstract: A compliant plate seal manufacturing method is provided. The method includes assembling a plurality of compliant plates and a plurality of spacer shims into a weld fixture, thereby forming a leaf pack having a front and rear end and sides and a curvature, welding the sides of the leaf pack to hook plates on the weld fixture, removing a portion of the weld fixture, removing a portion of the hook plates and applying a radial flow plate to the leaf pack.

Abstract: A reconfigurable clamp is provided, where the clamp includes: a clamp body including a plurality of through holes formed within the clamp body; a plurality of movable pins which slidably fit within the through holes in the clamp body; wherein the movable pins incorporate a tapered section to facilitate locking of the movable pins; and wherein the clamp is reconfigurable by movement of the pins to conform to a surface geometry of an object of arbitrary shape through contact with that object. The clamped surface is represented as a series of discrete points corresponding to the ends of the plurality of pins.

Abstract: A portable vise, particularly for use in supporting elongated member, provides a convenient design for safely cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. An elongated member is inserted through an aperture of a vise body. The vise rests upon the ground or other work surface such that one end of the elongated member is supported over the work surface while the other end of the elongated member rests upon the work surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device, in particular for clamping a workpiece, comprising a support body 10 including a clamping member 20 for applying an axial force at a longitudinal end thereof and a limiting member 30 substantially in the region of the opposite longitudinal end of the support body 10, and at least one expansion region 40, 50. In this arrangement, a ball clamping set 60, 70 is arranged in each case in the at least one expansion region 40, 50, the at least one ball clamping set 60, 70 including at least one first ball 80 having a first diameter and at least two second balls 90, 95 having a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter and the at least one ball clamping set 60, 70 cooperating with the clamping member 20. In addition, the balls 80, 90, 95 of the ball clamping set 60, 70 are in contact so as to convert the axial force of the clamping member 20 by means of the ball clamping set 60, 70 into a radial force which acts towards the support body 10.

Abstract: The problem of firmly gripping a cylindrical component over a range of permitted diameters is solved by providing a protrusion on the surface of a cantilevered seat, the seat being substantially complementarily curved to accommodate the cylindrical component. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a clamp for holding a cylindrical component is provided comprising at least one curved seat having at least one protrusion, the curved seat being cantilevered by a first end. The protrusion is configured to contact the cylindrical component under load such that a concentrated load is exerted on the curved seat between a first end and a second end causing the curved seat to be elastically deflected.

Abstract: To provide a substrate supporting/transferring tray, which can be placed on a substrate supporting part arranged in a treatment chamber in which the heat treatment is performed to a substrate, especially on a substrate supporting part having a built-in heating means for heating the substrate, and on an upper side of which, the substrate is placed. At the time of heat-treating the substrate, the substrate can be more uniformly heated, and when the heat treatment is completed, the tray can be easily removed from the substrate supporting part without waiting for the temperature of the substrate to be reduced, and can transfer the substrate to other parts from the treatment chamber in which the heat treatment is performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in automated welding repairs, particularly those repairs intended for impellers and similar structures. In one embodiment, the invention provides an impeller weld restraining fixture. The fixture includes a base plate and top ring. An impeller may be sandwiched between the base plate and the top ring. Tangs located on the top ring may be fitted to rest in the valley faces between airfoils on an impeller. Bolting the top ring to the base plate, with the impeller firmly secured therebetween, restrains the impeller so as to minimize warpage during welding repairs and heat treatments.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin wall isogrid or the like casing by a machining process comprising the steps of: mating a surface of a casing precursor (10,50) with a substantially continuous support surface (20,60) of a hollow support sleeve (18, 58); engaging an engagement surface (26, 66) of a deformation member (24, 64) with an engagement surface (22,62) of the support sleeve (18,58), the engagement surface (22, 62) of the support sleeve (18,58) being opposite the support surface (20,60) and the deformation member (24,64) being co-axially arranged with the support sleeve (18,58); axially displacing the support sleeve (18,58) and deformation member (24,64) relative to one another, the deformation member (24,64) engagement surface (22,62) and support sleeve (18,58) engagement surface (22,62) being configured such that the support sleeve (18,58) is deformed by the deformation member (24,64) by the relative axial displacement in order to mate the support surface (20,60) with substantially the whole of the sur

Abstract: A fixture assembly for retaining a workpiece during a coining process includes a mounting block. The workpiece includes an airfoil portion, a platform, and feet extending from the platform opposite the airfoil portion configured to engage a retention slot in a gas turbine engine, each foot defining a substantially arcuate engagement surface. The mounting block includes a first portion having a slot defined therein between opposite first and second lateral edges and having an exposed front face, first and second retaining structures positioned adjacent to the first and second lateral edges, respectively. Each of the first and second retaining structures overhangs the slot and defines an engagement surface facing the slot, such that during engagement of the workpiece the substantially arcuate engagement surfaces of the feet contact the engagement surfaces of the first and second retaining structures to provide a pivotable engagement.

Abstract: A jig (1) for cutting a brick or bricks, comprises a base (3) and alignment means (7, 9, 11, 13) arranged such that the brick or bricks can be laid out on the base (3) with part of the or each brick in contact with the alignment means (7, 9, 11, 13). The jig (1) further comprises guide means (35) operative to define a line to be cut along the brick or bricks, the brick or bricks being at least partially restrained and aligned by the alignment means (7, 9, 11, 13) in use such that a cutter can be guided by the guide means (35) to cut the brick or bricks along the defined line to be cut. The guide means (35) comprises an elongate guide element (43) mounted on a chassis, the chassis being adjustably mounted on the jig (1), the chassis comprising a plurality of spaced apart slots, the chassis being adjustably mounted on at least one finger (37) upstanding from the base (3) to enable the position of the chassis relative to the base (3) to be adjusted.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin semiconductor wafer. A semiconductor wafer is thinned from its backside followed by the formation of a cavity in a central region of the backside of the semiconductor wafer. Forming the cavity also forms a ring support structure in a peripheral region of the semiconductor wafer. An electrically conductive layer is formed in at least the cavity. The front side of the semiconductor wafer is mated with a tape that is attached to a film frame. The ring support structure of the semiconductor wafer is thinned to form the thinned semiconductor wafer. A backside tape is coupled to semiconductor wafer and to the film frame and the tape coupled to the front side of the semiconductor wafer is removed. The thinned semiconductor wafer is singulated.

Abstract: A one-piece barrel assembly cart includes a right assembly cart base connected with a left assembly cart base and at least three stabilizer rings that are attached to the assembly cart base. The one-piece barrel assembly cart may be used to stabilize a tapered cured composite barrel, for example the large fuselage barrel of the aft section of a large new generation aircraft, such as a 7E7 Boeing airplane. A modular assembly cart includes at least two identical modules. Each of these modules includes a cart base and a stabilizer ring. The diameter of the inner surface of the stabilizer ring may vary as needed. Other modules including a fuselage support may be added. By providing modular assembly carts any shape and size of a one-piece composite barrel may be stabilized after curing of the composite material.

Abstract: A clamping system for clamping aerofoils. The clamping system has pivotally mounted engagement members that engage the aerofoil mounted on a pivotally mounted arm either side of the pivotal mounting. The arm can pivot as required relative to the item, to accommodate differences in shape in the item, whilst providing a substantially equal clamping force by both engagement members.

Abstract: A jig for fixing a subject body, is provided with a support block configured to support the subject body, which includes a support face, a coating discharge-deposited to coat the support face, which includes a ceramic, and a fixation member configured to fix the subject body in cooperation with the support block.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample holder for confocal microscopy of CMP pad samples cut or otherwise removed from either new or used CMP pads that maintains a uniform load and pressure over the part of the sample visible to the confocal microscope by placing the pad behind a transparent window and holding it against the said window by a means comprising upper transparent window retaining means having an offset adjacent the transparent window having the same or essentially the same refractive index as the pad material so that when the pad is held against the transparent window, the edges of the pad are outside the outer edge of the transparent window; lower pad retaining means to press the pad under a known/load against the transparent window, which lower pad retaining means has a size less than the size of the pad; spherical force transmitting means pressed against the lower pad retaining means;, through a load cell to measure the load transferred to the sample through lower pad retaining means, the spherical

Abstract: A portable vise, particularly for use in supporting elongated member, provides a convenient design for safely cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. An elongated member is inserted through an aperture of a vise body. The vise rests upon the ground or other work surface such that one end of the elongated member is supported over the work surface while the other end of the elongated member rests upon the work surface.

Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus holds a substrate that is exposed by exposure light that passes through a liquid. The substrate holding apparatus comprises: an opening; and a first holding part, which has a holding surface for holding the substrate inside the opening. At least part of an edge part that defines the opening has a first surface and a second surface, which is provided above and is nonparallel to the first surface. The second surface extends from a boundary part between the first surface and the second surface both upward and toward the outer side with respect to a center of the opening. The boundary part between the first surface and the second surface is substantially the same height as or higher than a front surface of the substrate, which is held by the first holding part.

Abstract: A tile retaining device that secures a tile or other work piece for cutting is disclosed. The tile retaining device can be used in combination with a circular saw, a wet saw, a band saw, or any other type of mechanical cutting or manipulating device. The tile retaining device secures a tile and provides additional surface area for a user to grasp during the cutting process, which can aid in manually manipulating the work piece through a mechanical cutting or manipulating device. The tile retaining device can also provide cutting guides, and can be adaptable to a variety of shapes and sizes of tiles.

Abstract: A pipe holder comprises a handle and a slant piece. The slant piece includes a handle attachment point, a mouth, and a support point. A centerline runs through the mouth and support point. The handle attachment point resides between the mouth and support point, and is configured to point the handle approximately orthogonal to the slant piece centerline. The mouth is sized and shaped to urge a pipe to reside in the mouth substantially orthogonal to the handle and at an angle other than 90 degrees from a plane of the slant piece. When an inserted end of the pipe is inserted through the mouth, a three point stance is formed by the support point, an opposite end of the pipe, and a support end of the handle. The inserted end of the pipe is thereby supported above the ground. The pipe holder is stabilized by stepping on the handle.

Abstract: A copy milling device for the production of in particular dental workpieces, comprising a carrier plate for a model body and a shaping blank, an arm which is arranged pivotably about a horizontal axis extending substantially normal to its longitudinal direction and which has a motor-driven machining tool for cutting shaping of a workpiece from the shaping blank and a tracing device for tracing the model portion, wherein the machining tool and the tracing device are mechanically and synchronously movably connected, wherein the copy milling device comprises a suspension device for the arm.

Abstract: A blade clamp for a helicopter blade having a width and leading and trailing edges includes a first clamping part, a first flexible liner attachable to the first clamping part, a second clamping part, a second flexible liner attachable to the second clamping part, a hinge mechanism to pivot the first clamping part and the first flexible liner with respect to the second clamping part and the second flexible liner and a connector provided opposite to the hinge mechanism. The flexible liners evenly distribute clamping force upon the blade clamp to prevent damage to the blade. The hinge mechanism allows the first and second clamping parts to open wide enough to safely and easily accommodate a helicopter blade during removal and installation of the blade.

Abstract: The post holder is a hinged clamp mechanism having three hinge plates, including a back plate and two side plates. The two side plates are hinged to opposite edges of the back plate, and can be folded to form a hollow triangular prism open at both ends and secured by inserting a locking hinge pin through aligned knuckles along the edges of the side plates. Elongated, rod-shaped handles extend from the side plates. The back plate has spaced slots defined therein adapted for engaging studs protruding from a T-post. The locking hinge pin may be tethered to one of the plates, and handgrips may cushion the ends of the handles.

Abstract: Sample mounts (10) for mounting microcrystals of biological macromolecules for X-ray crystallography are prepared by using patterned thin polyimide films (12) that have curvature imparted thereto, for example, by being attached to a curved outer surface of a small metal rod (16). The patterned film (12) preferably includes a tip end (24) for holding a crystal. Preferably, a small sample aperture is disposed in the film for reception of the crystal. A second, larger aperture can also be provided that is connected to the sample aperture by a drainage channel, allowing removal of excess liquid and easier manipulation in viscous solutions. The curvature imparted to the film (12) increases the film's rigidity and allows a convenient scoop-like action for retrieving crystals. The polyimide contributes minimally to background and absorption, and can be treated to obtain desired hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity.

Abstract: A clamping fixture is provided for mounting work pieces. The clamping fixture includes a base, a supporting member, a covering member, and a positioning member. The supporting member and the positioning member are attached to the base. The work piece is clamped by the covering member and the supporting member. The positioning member is used for changing its position with respect to the base and fixedly mounted thereby for abutting against the work pieces.

Abstract: A device used to secure a section of cable while one or more fiber is broken out from the cable. The device includes spaced apart clamp assemblies that hold a cable during the splicing process to protect the fairly delicate fibers within the sheathing. The disclosure also relates to a method of splicing using a clamp assembly.

Abstract: A reconfigurable clamp is provided, where the clamp includes: a clamp body including a plurality of through holes formed within the clamp body; a plurality of movable pins which slidably fit within the through holes in the clamp body; wherein the movable pins incorporate a tapered section to facilitate locking of the movable pins; and wherein the clamp is reconfigurable by movement of the pins to conform to a surface geometry of an object of arbitrary shape through contact with that object. The clamped surface is represented as a series of discrete points corresponding to the ends of the plurality of pins.

Abstract: A chain gripping device has a body which is arranged to be secured within the base clamps of a circular abrasive cutting saw. A clamping member supported on the body is arranged to clamp one of the links of the chain to be cut therein so that the link is in alignment with a cutting plane of the blade of the saw when the body is secured within the clamps of the saw. The clamping member includes jaws arranged to clamp only one side portion of the link to be clamped at a pair of positions spaced apart thereon to receive the blade therebetween to fully secure a link of a chain being cut throughout a cutting operation in a safe and secure manner.

Abstract: A chuck apparatus for holding a substrate is the disclosed. The chuck apparatus includes a first surface portion on which the substrate is to be held and a second surface portion adjacent to the first surface portion and extending at least partially around an edge of the first surface portion and which, in use, is arranged to deflect gas over the first surface portion and thus the substrate that is to be held on the first surface portion.