Abstract: A scribing head according to the present invention includes: a scribing line forming means (29) structured so as to form a scribing line on a substrate; and a moving means (502, 503) for moving the scribing line forming means such that the scribing line forming means presses the substrate with a constant magnitude, wherein the moving means includes: a rotation means (502) rotating about a rotation axis, the axial center of the rotation axis being provided so as to align with a predetermined direction in which the scribing line forming means moves, and a motive power transmission means (503) for transmitting a motive power between the motive power transmission means and the scribing line forming means such that the scribing line forming means moves on a straight line along the axial center of the rotation axis in response to the rotation of the rotation means, the motive power transmission means being provided along the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A safety mechanism includes multiple positioning recesses defined in a bottom face of the head of the adjusting sleeve, a stop received in one of the positioning recesses, a slot defined in a top face of the body, an urging spring received in the slot, and a urging ball partially received in the slot and urged by the urging spring. Therefore, rotation of the adjusting sleeve relative to the body is limited due to engagement between the urging ball and the stop which is received in one of the positioning recesses and separation between the adjusting sleeve and the body is avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and marking a body portion of a vehicle for repairing the body portion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a measuring component, and a sliding component. Further, the measuring component includes an elongated calibrating portion and a marking member. Furthermore, the elongated calibrating portion includes a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion opposite to the proximal end portion. The marking member is disposed on the proximal end portion of the elongated calibrating portion. Moreover, the sliding component is slidably attached to the elongated calibrating portion. The apparatus is capable of being aligned to the body portion of the vehicle such that the sliding component rests to an edge portion proximate to the body portion, and the measuring component extends over the body portion for measuring and marking the body portion when the apparatus is slid over the body portion.

Abstract: A scribing system comprising a mounting mechanism, stylus, and force generating mechanism is provided. The mounting mechanism is configured to rotate an elongated object in such a manner that the object is subjected to a bow effect wherein a middle portion of the object bends relative to the end portions of the object. The stylus is for scribing the object at a position x along the long dimension of the object while the mounting mechanism rotates the object. The force generating mechanism is connected to the stylus so that the stylus applies the same constant force to the elongated object regardless of the position x along the long dimension of the object that the stylus is positioned, while the mounting mechanism rotates the object and thereby subjects the object to the bow effect, thereby scribing the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel woodworking tool. This tool allows for precise measurements of square ends; square/mitered end combination, and mitered ends. Additionally, this tool can scribe arcs and circles and square up cabinets and other structures. This simple to operate tool will ensure proper measurements for difficult inside and outside dimensions critical for fine woodworking and cabinetry.

Abstract: A drawing device, comprising: a setting portion that sets: standard mark position data relating to positions of a plurality of standard marks provided on a drawing medium at which a plurality of images are drawn at respective predetermined drawing regions; drawing position data relating to positions of a plurality of drawing regions; and standard mark correspondence data showing a corresponding relation between the positions of the plurality of standard marks and the plurality of drawing regions; a detecting portion that detects the positions of the plurality of standard marks and obtains the detected position data; a correcting portion that corrects drawing positions of the plurality of drawing regions based on the standard mark position data, the drawing position data, the standard mark correspondence data, and the detected position data; and a drawing portion that draws the plurality of images at the corrected drawing positions on the drawing medium, is provided.

Abstract: An automatically programmable tilting mechanism for holding a scribe tool at varying angles using an aerostatic bearing. The air bearing secures the scribe tool about its longitudinal shank and generally allows for free axial movement while the tool holding structure prevents rotation of the scribe tool, thus providing extremely fine compliance and force application of the scribe tool point against the substrate. During a scribing process, the tilting mechanism regularly adjusts the angle of the scribe tool relative to the substrate so that a fresh cutting edge is always being employed in the scribing process.

Abstract: A mechanical scribing apparatus with controlling force of a scribing cutter for adaptively separating each unit of thin film solar cells formed on a single substrate, which is always capable of performing a predetermined minute scribing of a work in accordance with a wear loss of a scribing cutter. This apparatus is provided with a scribing means for placing a scribing cutter having a cylindrical body tapered at a specified tapering angle and having a flat tip face at a specified surface position of the work, pressing the cutter with a specified pressure force to the surface of the work and moving the cutter on the surface of the work, a means for measuring the size of a flat tip face of the scribing cutter and a means for variably controlling the pressure force of the scribing cutter in accordance with the measured size of the flat tip face of the cutter.

Abstract: A programmable marking scribe having a material displacement stylus movable in three mutually orthogonal axes to displace material from an object being marked and create a two-dimensional matrix of recessed areas formed of grooves and surrounded by ridges, the grooves and ridges forming a reflectively multifaceted data cell having a collective reflectance that is in contrast with unmarked surface reflectance to enable a reader to clearly distinguish the former from the latter even in the presence of extraneous interfering marks and deposits.

Abstract: A system for controlling scribing forces when scribing a semiconductor wafer includes supporting a scribe tool on an air bearing shaft. An encoder reads an encoder scale attached to the air bearing shaft and transport structure moves the tool support structure up or down to control the scribing force responsive to signals from the encoder.

Abstract: A scribing device is provided that includes an alignment track, a scribe arm and a coupling unit for coupling the scribe arm to the alignment track at a predetermined angle. The coupling unit is configured to travel along the alignment track in an X direction while allowing the scribe arm to move in the Y direction.

Abstract: A method for forming a topographical image of the heterogeneous variations in a surface of a material has a first machining step and a second scanning step. The preferred machining step uses a preselected scribing tool to scribe a plurality of adjacent grooves in a selected material surface at a preselected constant force. This machining step produces a machined surface whose local elevations relative to a datum plane are dependent on the local hardness or wear resistance of the surface. Then the scanning step shifts the scribing tool across the surface in contact with the surface, and measures the elevation of the tool at a plurality of selected surface coordinates. The measured elevations allow formation of a topological map depicting sub-micron structural features of the surface.

Abstract: Engraving tool bit depth controlling nosepiece adjustment devices establish a precise protrusion distance that an engraving tool bit protrudes from the end of the nosepiece of a spring loaded engraving tool, that is in turn inserted within and driven by a standard machine tool such as a cnc type milling machine. One rotational adjustment device establishes the axial position of the nosepiece with respect to a collet nut of the engraving tool and another adjustment device employs annular ring spacers in the form of washers between the nosepiece and collet nut to precisely establish the desired engraving tool bit protrusion distance from the end of the nosepiece. This modification of a spring loaded engraving tool beneficially prevents the engraving tool bit from being able to plunge too deeply into the workpiece, particularly at the start of each engraved line, to thus ensure that all the lines will be consistent.

Abstract: A metalpoint drawing system is provided. The system may include a drawing surface having a sheet of translucent paper with a coating substance applied thereto. The coating substance may be a correction fluid. The system may also include a tool for use by an artist for creating a metalpoint drawing on the drawing surface. The tool may include a holder and a variable length flexible stylus held by the holder and an associated shading guide.

Abstract: A manipulator of a compass for drawing a circle or a compass-cutter for cutting an object in circular configuration is provided with a mechanism for transmitting the force from the user's hand only in one direction. With such the construction, a user can smoothly draw a complete circle at 360 degree, or can cut a paper, a cloth and so on in circular configuration, without re-pinching the manipulator during operation, in a manner for a ratchet which is a commercially available tool.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used for engraving images on a passport, credit card, identification card, or the like, and has an adaptor for use in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a personal computer, a controller, a vibration-preventing unit, an X axis pulse motor driver, a Y axis pulse motor driver, an X axis pulse motor, a tilt motor driver, a Z axis head motor having a minute ? Y axis driver, a stylus and a vacuum pump. Photographs of faces, addresses, names, autographs, the images for engraving information identifying one's identity, the images from a digital camera, scanner or other information taken from a computer through a network can be automatically and correctly engraved on identification cards such as passports, drivers' licenses, employee certificates or credit cards.

Abstract: A shape cutting system for cutting a material having a surface. The shape cutting system includes a cutting unit and at least one template. The cutting unit includes a frame, a blade adjustment assembly and a blade assembly are coupled to the frame. The blade assembly is positioned at least partially within the frame such that a longitudinal axis of the blade assembly is substantially perpendicular to a lower support surface of the frame. The blade assembly includes a blade retainer and a blade connected to the retainer. The blade adjustment assembly is positioned on a neck which is rotatable relative to the frame. A user is capable of accessing and replacing the blade assembly without altering the position of the blade adjustment assembly relative to the neck.

Abstract: A scribing head 1 of this invention raises and lowers a scribing cutter by rotation of a servomotor 3. As a scribe pressure, a rotational torque of the servomotor 3 is transmitted to the scribing cutter. To form a scribe line across another scribe line which is formed earlier, the scribe pressure is raised temporarily when the scribing head passes the scribe line which is formed earlier. The rotational torque of the servomotor 3 is controlled at any of preset limits while the position of a cutter 6 of the scribing head shifts on the brittle substrate. The servomotor 3 is driven under position-control mode.

Abstract: A manipulator of a compass for drawing a circle or a compass-cutter for cutting an object in circular configuration is provided with a mechanism for transmitting the force from the user's hand only in one direction. With such the construction, a user can smoothly draw a complete circle at 360 degree, or can cut a paper, a cloth and so on in circular configuration, without re-pinching the manipulator during operation, in a manner for a ratchet which is a commercially available tool.

Abstract: A spring-loaded engraving toolholder applies a relatively constant pressure to an engraving toolbit as the toolbit is pushed against a material to be marked. The spring-loaded engraving toolholder is held in a collet or endmill toolholder and placed into the spindle of a standard numerical control (N.C.) milling type machine. When the toolbit is pressed against a material and moved along the surface, a consistent mark is produced even if the surface of the material is uneven or not parallel to the plane of motion of the machine.

Abstract: Printing apparatus for printing an image on a selected surface, includes a print head for printing the image, respective supports for the print head that allow the print head to translate left and right along an x-axis and to translate up and down along a y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis to move the print head over the selected surface, and respective supports for the print head that allow the print head to translate forward and rearward along a z-axis perpendicular to the x-and y-axes and to swing in a plurality of curves from the z-axis in order to adjust the print head for surface variations on the selected surface.

Abstract: A scribing device for forming a scribe line on a work comprises a vibration generator for generating vibration, a cutter for cutting a work by utilizing vibration thereof, a shaft extending vertically from the vibration generator so as to transmit the vibration of the vibration generator to the cutter, a guide unit for guiding a linear motion of the shaft in a central axis direction thereof, and a load adjusting mechanism for adjusting a load applied to the work from the cutter, the load adjusting mechanism being operated by magnetic force. According to such scribing device, the guide unit guides a vertical moving (rising) motion of the shaft by the load adjusting mechanism and guides the vibration of the shaft caused by the vibration generated by the vibration generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scribing a fixed, stationary semi-conductor wager wherein a multi-stage gantry is employed to move a scribe tool relative to the wafer. The force applied to the wafer by the scribe tool is controlled by an encoder detecting flexing of a scribe tool holder.

Abstract: A holder 20 is rotatably connected to a body 10. A scribe tool 30 is attached to one end of the holder 20. A plate spring 16 is fixed to the body 10, and a receiving plate 26 is fixed to the holder 20. A piezo-actuator 40 is interposed between the plate spring 16 and the receiving plate 26. One end of a plate spring 50 having a small spring constant is fixed to the holder 20. The body 10 is provided with an adjustment screw 60. When a lower end part 65 of the adjustment screw 60 is protruded, the lower end part 65 presses the plate spring 50 for flexure, thereby generating a resilient force to the plate spring 50. By this, a rotational force is given to the holder 20 and thus a pressing load directing toward a workpiece is given to the scribe tool 30.

Abstract: An engraving dial formed of an upper dial plate, a lower dial plate, a bottom holder plate and a top holder plate for use in an inside ring engraving machine form is disclosed in which the upper dial plate and the lower dial plate are detachably and reversibly secured between the top and bottom holder plates, each dial plate having the top and bottom sides respectively engraved with a set of signs of a different form for selection.

Abstract: A marking drill bit used in combination with a motorized handset is disclosed for use by manicurists in applying french manicures. The marking drill bit scribes marks into an overlay which are used by the manicurist to set the length of the nail tip and to apply accurate widths of acrylic or gel overlay of contrasting colors. A guide is also disclosed which may assist the manicurist in placing the marking drill bit on the overlay.

Abstract: A spring-loaded engraving toolholder applies a relatively constant pressure to an engraving toolbit as the toolbit is pushed against a material to be marked. The spring-loaded engraving toolholder is held in a collet or endmill toolholder and placed into the spindle of a standard numerical control (N.C.) milling type machine. When the toolbit is pressed against a material and moved along the surface, a consistent mark is produced even if the surface of the material is uneven or not parallel to the plane of motion of the machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a marking apparatus which comprises a frame, a marking tool and at least one drive carriage, mounted to slide with respect to at least two guiding members. A first guiding member is housed in an opening made in the carriage, a slide bearing comprising a sheath formed from a resin polymerizable to the solid state being interposed between this first guiding member and the opposite walls of the corresponding opening, while means are provided for holding the other guiding member with respect to the carriage, while allowing a transverse clearance between the carriage and the other guiding member, the holding means defining a volume for receiving the other guiding member which opens out on one side of the carriage.

Abstract: A method of processing photosensitive materials in which one or more chemical compounds are at least partially retained after processing. The chemical compounds are unique to a particular process used by a copyright owner. The absence of the unique compounds in a processed material thus indicates that the processing has been without the authorization of the copyright owner.

Abstract: A holder 20 is rotatably connected to a body 10. A scribe tool 30 is attached to one end of the holder 20. A plate spring 16 is fixed to the body 10, and a receiving plate 26 is fixed to the holder 20. A piezo-actuator 40 is interposed between the plate spring 16 and the receiving plate 26. One end of a plate spring 50 having a small spring constant is fixed to the holder 20. The body 10 is provided with an adjustment screw 60. When a lower end part 65 of the adjustment screw 60 is protruded, the lower end part 65 presses the plate spring 50 for flexure, thereby generating a resilient force to the plate spring 50. By this, a rotational force is given to the holder 20 and thus a pressing load directing toward a workpiece is given to the scribe tool 30.

Abstract: Apparatus for marking a contoured surface having complex topography and preferably with multiple color marking. The apparatus comprises a movable marker for marking the surface and a sensor disposed in sensing relationship to the surface for sensing contour of the surface. A controller interconnecting the marker and the sensor is also provided for actuating the marker and for controllably moving the marker relative to the surface in response to the contour sensed by the sensor, so that the marker follows the contour of the surface at a predetermined distance therefrom and marks the surface.

Abstract: A scribing device for forming a scribe line on a work comprises a vibration generator for generating vibration, a cutter for cutting a work by utilizing vibration thereof, a shaft extending vertically from the vibration generator so as to transmit the vibration of the vibration generator to the cutter, a guide unit for guiding a linear motion of the shaft in a central axis direction thereof, and a load adjusting mechanism for adjusting a load applied to the work from the cutter, the load adjusting mechanism being operated by magnetic force. According to such scribing device, the guide unit guides a vertical moving (rising) motion of the shaft by the load adjusting mechanism and guides the vibration of the shaft caused by the vibration generated by the vibration generator.

Abstract: A tool is provided for use in acquiring a treatment portal on the skin surface of a patient undergoing radiation therapy or the like. The portal acquisition tool includes a template portion having a cut-out pattern for marking the treatment portal on the skin and a handle portion which both facilitates use of the template and includes ruled markings for taking measurements. Additionally, the handle portion is provided with transverse lines for assisting the therapist in altering the source-to-skin distance during the administration of electron energy and an opaque backing which serves as a screen for reflecting the optical distance indicator projected by the linear accelerator.

Abstract: A scribing apparatus which forms a scribe line on a work 100 comprises a scribe body 10 having a cutter 13 put on the work 100 and a vibration generation member 14 which vibrates the cutter 13 in a direction perpendicular to the work 100 periodically, a support device having a support body 20 for supporting the scribe body 10 to be movable, and magnetic force applying means 40 for holding the scribe body 10 at a standard height in the direction by using magnetic force. The magnetic force applying means 40 includes a pair of magnets 41a, 41b and a pair of magnets 42a, 42b repulsing each other in a direction parallel to a direction in which the vibration generation member 14 vibrates. And magnetically repelling force applied to the scribe body 10 by said first pair of magnets 41a, 41b and magnetically repelling force applied to the scribe body 10 by said second pair of magnets 42a, 42b oppose to each other.

Abstract: A method for separating a shaped body from a substrate, the method comprising forming a scoreline having a width and a depth in a first side of the substrate in a directional path defining the annular shaped body from the substrate, applying a temperature differential to at least one of the annular shaped body and the main body to increase the width and the depth of the scoreline, and applying a physical force to separate the shaped body from the substrate.

Abstract: A scribing apparatus for forming a scribe line on a surface of a work comprises a scribe body provided with an abutment member having a sharpened tip and a vibration generating device for applying a vibration to the abutment member, a support member for supporting the scribe body to be movable in a direction crossing the surface of the work, and an impact applying device for applying an impact to the scribe body. The impact applying device comprises an air-cylinder assembly supported by the support member, the air-cylinder assembly having a rod having an end portion to be brought into contact with the scribe body to thereby apply the impact to the abutment member.

Abstract: A scribe body (A) includes an abutment member (30) and a vibration generating member (40) for applying vibrations to the abutment member (30). The scribe body (A) is connected to a support portion (6) of a slide mechanism (3) through a vibration damping member (7). Two pairs of vibration damping members (7) are vertically spacedly arranged. The vibration damping members (7) of each pair are arranged on the left and right sides of the scribe body (A). By relatively moving the abutment member (30), which is pressed against a surface of a workpiece by its own weight of the scribe body (A), along the surface of the workpiece while applying vibration, which are generated by the vibration generating member (40), to the abutment member (30), a scribe line is formed in the surface of the workpiece. Vibration of the scribe (A) is damped by the vibration damping member (7).

Abstract: The Pendulum Whiteboard Printer is a fully-automatic robotic device for marking or otherwise effecting whiteboards, pinboards, or other vertical surfaces. The physical device consists of an effector platform suspended by two suspension wires whose lengths are adjusted by motorized spindles mounted above and on either side of the board surface. The position of the effector platform is adjusted by winding and unwinding the wires. Methods are provided for using the Pendulum Whiteboard Printer to perform various actions and for moving the effector platform to a desired location.

Abstract: A body (10) movably supports a holder (20) for movement in a vertical direction. A piezo actuator (40) is sandwiched between the body (10) and the holder (20). Vertical vibrations of the piezo actuator (40) are transmitted to a cutter (30) attached to a lower end portion of the holder (20), so that a scribe line is formed on a workpiece (100). The holder (20) is supported by a resilient member and a slide support portion (60) with the piezo actuator (40) placed therebetween. The resilient member includes a plate spring (61) and a ball (62) made of resilient material. The resilient member resiliently supports the holder (20) in the vibrating directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the separation of round or elliptical bodies from the surrounding material or for annular shaped bodies from the material sorrounding the OD as well as the material confined by the ID. The method applies to non-metallic substances under special consideration of glass.

Abstract: A marking machine including a frame, an arm articulated on the frame about an axis of articulation, and a marking tool movably mounted on the arm, The marking tool is movable in translation with respect to the arm.

Abstract: A marking device for a CNC machine tool or the like comprises a tubular body capped at either end with top and bottom plates. A main shaft extends down through the top plate along the central axis of the body, and is rotatably held in place by upper and lower bearings. A cylindrical cam having one or more cam lobes disposed on an underside thereof is attached to the main shaft within the body. A guide extends through the bottom plate and slidably supports a spring-biased stylus, an upper, anvil end of which normally tracks along the underside of the cam, and a lower, marking point end of which normally lies just within the guide. When the main shaft is rotated, e.g., by being operably connected to the machine tool's spindle, the cam also rotates, causing the cam lobes to strike the anvil and drive the stylus axially downwards through the guide and into a part or work piece. To create a complex pattern, the machine tool sets the spindle to rotate at a constant rate.

Abstract: An encoder strip with dimensional stability and ink resistance properties. The encoder strip has a length, width, surface, thickness, and one or more markings per unit of length. A coating having a thickness between about 2 microns and about 4 microns and is distributed substantially uniformly over the surface of the element. The coating is configured on the element as substantially translucent to one or more light wavelengths and is adapted to: (1) form a membrane to substantially prevent ink absorption into the element or adsorption to the surface of the element; and (2) provide dimensional stability to the element resulting from interaction of temperature and humidity.

Abstract: Process and separating device for the production of a thin film solar module (10) comprising a plurality of solar cells (11) arranged side-by-side on a common substrate (12), which are produced by employing a plurality of layer deposition steps and layer separating steps during the course of cell production and which are electrically interconnected with one another, wherein after the application of a first contact layer (14) on substrate (12) and the cell-wise separation thereof a pn double layer (16) is applied on a contact layer and, thereafter, is mechanically separated in that a scraping cutting tool serving as separating device scrapes, by a relative movement to the coated substrate, a cell structure into said pn double layer, wherein said cutting tool slides, preferably without being raised or rotated, with a plane sliding surface of a flattened tip on said first contact layer (14) which has a higher hardness than said pn double layer (16).

Abstract: The Pendulum Whiteboard Printer is a fully-automatic robotic device for marking or otherwise effecting whiteboards, pinboards, or other vertical surfaces. The physical device consists of an effector platform suspended by two suspension wires whose lengths are adjusted by motorized spindles mounted above and on either side of the board surface. The position of the effector platform is adjusted by winding and unwinding the wires. Electrical power is supplied to the effector platform through the suspension wires or through an on-board battery. Control of a pen and/or other apparatus on the effector platform is achieved through modulation of the power voltage. A further component of this invention is electronic and computational apparatus for controlling the device, which may include automatic visual interpretation and feedback from a video camera viewing the board and printer.

Abstract: Process and separating means for the production of a thin film solar module (10) comprising a plurality of solar cells (11) arranged side-by-side on a common substrate (12), which are produced by employing a plurality of layer deposition steps and layer separating steps during the course of cell production and which are electrically interconnected with one another, wherein after the application of a first contact layer (14) on substrate (12) and the cell-wise separation thereof a pn double layer (16) is applied on a contact layer and, thereafter, is mechanically separated in that a scraping cutting tool serving as separating means scrapes, by a relative movement to the coated substrate, a cell structure into said pn double layer, wherein said cutting tool slides, preferably without being raised or rotated, with a plane sliding surface of a flattened tip on said first contact layer (14) which has a higher hardness than said pn double layer (16).

Abstract: Apparatus for marking a contoured surface having complex topology. The apparatus comprises a movable marker for marking the surface and a sensor disposed in sensing relationship to the surface for sensing contour of the surface. A controller interconnecting the marker and the sensor is also provided for actuating the marker and for controllably moving the marker relative to the surface in response to the contour sensed by the sensor, so that the marker follows the contour of the surface at a predetermined distance therefrom and marks the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for marking a contoured surface having complex topology. The apparatus comprises a movable marker for marking the surface and a sensor disposed in sensing relationship to the surface for sensing contour of the surface. A controller interconnecting the marker and the sensor is also provided for actuating the marker and for controllably moving the marker relative to the surface in response to the contour sensed by the sensor, so that the marker follows the contour of the surface at a predetermined distance therefrom and marks the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for marking a contoured surface having complex topography and preferably with multiple color marking. The apparatus comprises a movable marker for marking the surface and a sensor disposed in sensing relationship to the surface for sensing contour of the surface. A controller interconnecting the marker and the sensor is also provided for actuating the marker and for controllably moving the marker relative to the surface in response to the contour sensed by the sensor, so that the marker follows the contour of the surface at a predetermined distance therefrom and marks the surface.

Abstract: A programmable system employs a driver computer control programmed via a personal computer having a keyboard input. The controller sends programmed signals via the keyboard input to a three-dimensional coordinator circuit which generates X, Y and Z drive signals representing left, right and height positions of a scribe which is in alignment with the surface of a workpiece. Positioned between the three-dimensional coordinate circuit and the scribe is an electronic-to-mechanical conversion means in the form of a machine piston which converts the electrical X, Y and Z programmed instructions to a servo and trigger network interfaced with the scribe. An angle position driver directly couples, in parallel, the driver computer control and the three-dimensional coordinating circuit with the servo and trigger network. By programming the instructions into the system, the scribe can follow or coordinate with the workpiece surface whether it is flat, curved or irregular.