Abstract: A method includes: compiling lower-resolution images, captured during a global scan cycle executed over a workpiece, into a virtual model; defining a nominal toolpath and a nominal target force for the workpiece based on a the virtual model; detecting a defect indicator on the workpiece based on the lower-resolution images; accessing a higher-resolution image captured during a local scan cycle over the defect indicator; characterizing the defect indicator as a defect reparable via material removal based on the higher-resolution image; defining a repair toolpath for the defect based on the virtual model; navigating a sanding head over the workpiece according to the repair toolpath to repair the defect; and, during a processing cycle: navigating the sanding head across the workpiece according to the nominal toolpath and deviating the sanding head from the nominal toolpath to maintain forces of the sanding head on the workpiece proximal the nominal target force.

Abstract: A device for processing spectacle lenses has a work chamber, which is accessible by way of an opening and in which a workpiece mount and at least one tool mount are opposite one another and movable relative to one another so that a processing region of a tool held at the tool mount can be brought into processing engagement with a workpiece held at the workpiece mount and in processing engagement can be guided over the workpiece. For recognition of wear at the tool, a sensor equipment with at least one contactlessly operating sensor arrangement is provided and is movable outside the work chamber between a protected rest position and a detecting position. In the detecting position the sensor equipment is constructed to detect at the processing region of the tool held at the tool mount an unacceptable deviation beyond a predetermined amount from a desired geometry.

Abstract: Method for the grinding of a gear wheel workpiece using a dressable worm grinding wheel, wherein the worm grinding wheel is rotationally driven about a tool axis of rotation and the gear wheel workpiece is rotationally driven about a workpiece axis of rotation, and relative movements are executed between the worm grinding wheel and gear wheel workpiece, and wherein after the execution of a dressing procedure of the worm grinding wheel, which is carried out by means of a rotationally-drivable dressing unit, the following steps are carried out: executing a relative shift movement between the worm grinding wheel and gear wheel workpiece parallel to the tool axis of rotation, executing an axially-parallel relative movement between the worm grinding wheel and gear wheel workpiece in parallel or diagonally to the workpiece axis of rotation, wherein a ratio between the shift movement and axially-parallel relative movement is specified, which is variable.

Abstract: A method for continuous generating grinding of at least two gear workpieces with a topologically modified grinding worm comprising a topologically modified worm region to grind tooth flanks which are topologically modified on the gear workpieces, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) providing a first gear workpiece, b) performing a topological generating grinding operation by carrying out relative movements between the first gear workpiece and the grinding worm, which comprises a relative feed movement, a relative axial feed which occurs parallel or obliquely to the tool rotation axis, and a relative shift movement, c) providing the second gear workpiece, d) performing a relative jumping motion extending substantially parallel or obliquely to the tool rotation axis between the second gear workpiece and the grinding worm, e) repeating step b) for the second gear workpiece.

Abstract: A wedge drive designed to redirect a vertical pressing force into a horizontal, linear working motion, comprising a sliding element and a sliding element holder which are two guide elements on which a guide device with a sliding plate assembly which has two side sliding plates and the central guide is arranged, which sliding plates are distanced from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. The central guide is arranged between the two sliding plates and is fastened to the sliding element. Each sliding plate lies against the sliding element holder by at least the following contact surfaces wherein one contact surface lies on a first plane and extends in the transverse direction and a second contact surface lies on a second plane at a distance from the first plane and also extends in the transverse direction and a third contact surface extends perpendicularly thereto.

Abstract: A processing machine and a method of using the processing machine to process a block to form a dental prosthesis is provided. The processing machine includes a polishing jig. The polishing jig is for machining tools which makes it possible for a deteriorating machining tool to be used again without detaching the machining tool, with which the processing machine is equipped, from the processing machine. The polishing jig for machining tools comprises an attachment part to be attached to the processing machine; and a polishing face that is at least part of a surface of the polishing jig, the polishing face adapted to polish a processing part of a machining tool.

Abstract: A hydraulic unit having a housing includes a tank and a pump arranged adjacent to one another in a fluid supply region, and a controller region is arranged thereabove. Since the pump is embodied in an upright design, a compact hydraulic unit with a small footprint is implemented.

Abstract: A wafer polishing method of applying mirror polishing to a surface of a wafer using a wafer polishing apparatus provided with a multi-zone pressurizing polishing head having a wafer pressing surface divided into a plurality of pressure zones and capable of performing pressurizing control independently for each pressure zone is provided with a measurement step of measuring a nanotopography map on the wafer surface; and a polishing step of performing the polishing by setting the polishing pressure of the polishing head against the wafer for each pressure zone based on a result of the measurement of the nanotopography map.

Abstract: When a work W rotates counterclockwise about an axis Ow and is subjected to infeed grinding by a regulating wheel (1) which rotates clockwise about an axis O1 and a grinding wheel (2) which rotates clockwise about an axis O2, a load F acting on a blade (4), a load acting on the work W supported by the blade (4), and a load operating position y in the blade (4) at any given time are measured by a controller (20) based on the outputs of a first stress sensor S1 and a second stress sensor S2 and according to the correlation information stored in a storage device. If the component of a specified frequency extracted by performing frequency analysis of the time series of the load exceeds a threshold value, then designation processing is carried out to reduce the component of the designated frequency to the threshold value or less.

Abstract: An optical fiber polisher includes a polishing mechanism, a platen, and a memory for storing operational parameters entered by a user. The optical fiber polisher includes a processor to control a pressure applied by the polishing mechanism and a rotational speed of the platen, including causing a ramping down of at least one of the pressure and the rotational speed based on the operational parameters.

Abstract: An oscillation drive with a drive and with an eccentric coupling drive for converting a rotary motion of the drive into an oscillating rotary motion of a tool spindle about its longitudinal axis is disclosed, wherein the eccentric coupling drive has an eccentric with a first eccentricity that is driven by the drive and that works together with a coupling element that is coupled to the tool spindle in order to convert the motion of the eccentric into an oscillating rotary motion of the tool spindle, wherein the eccentric is coupled to an additional eccentric with a second eccentricity so that the eccentricities are superimposed, wherein the relative position between the eccentric and the additional eccentric is adjustable to at least two different positions in order to change the amplitude of the oscillating motions of the tool spindle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a substrate processing apparatus including: a substrate holding unit that holds a substrate; a pressure regulator that regulates a pressure of a gas supplied into an elastic membrane; and a controller that controls the pressure regulator to make the pressure of the gas supplied into the elastic membrane variable in order to separate the substrate from the elastic membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining a component is provided. The apparatus includes a fixation mechanism, wherein the fixation mechanism includes a first fixation member with a first fixation face and a second fixation member with a second fixation face, wherein the first fixation face and the second fixation face are arranged and configured such that different bearing surfaces of a plurality of different components can be fixed between the first fixation member and the second fixation member, wherein the apparatus further includes a machining device, and wherein the apparatus is configured to machine a machining surface of the respective component by means of the machining device and according to a predetermined accuracy. Further, a method of machining the component is presented.

Abstract: A lapping mount tool and a process for lapping a row of head sliders involves affixing the row to a lapping mount tool fixture, actuating each of multiple first actuation pins to set each head slider for lapping to a respective element target stripe height, and simultaneously lapping accordingly. The process may further involve actuating each of multiple second actuation pins to set each head slider for lapping to a respective target wedge angle, and simultaneously lapping accordingly. Each target wedge angle may be achieved by applying a respective angular force to a compliant elastomer adhered to the fixture and to the row, where such angular forces may be applied through at least two flexures interconnecting a rotatable first structural member and a second structural member of the lapping mount tool, wherein the flexures virtually intersect at and define an axis of rotation about which the angular forces are applied.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and apparatus to adjust a wafer's polishing rate based on the temperature of the air received by the air chambers of a polishing head. The method includes supplying pressurized air to a temperature module coupled to a polishing head. The temperature module adjusts a temperature of the pressurized air that is supplied to the polishing head. The method further includes supplying the one or more air chambers of the polishing head with the temperature controlled pressurized air from the temperature module and polishing the wafer by rotating the wafer against a polishing pad.

Abstract: There is provided a method for installing an endless abrasive belt to a belt holder unit, the method comprising: aligning a base with the belt holder unit, the base comprising a backing plate and at least one belt extraction element extending from the backing plate, wherein a cartridge having a belt pre-tightened around the cartridge is physically coupled with the base such that there is a space between the backing plate and the cartridge; arranging the cartridge to face the belt holder unit; reducing said space by pressing the cartridge against the belt holder unit that causes the at least one belt extraction element to push said belt off around the cartridge as a response to reducing the space; and causing tightening of said belt to the belt holder unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for retuning a surface to a nominal geometry using local reference points are disclosed. The system can include an imaging device for detecting the location of local features on an object. The system can use the location of local features, as opposed to an absolute reference frame, to determine one or more reference areas and one or more surface defects on an object. The system can then determine a nominal geometry for the surface (i.e., a surface that is substantially free of surface defects) and calculate the tool path necessary to create a nominal geometry. The system can machine the surface and, in some cases, rescan the surface to ensure the operation has machined the part to the nominal geometry.

Abstract: A portable programmable machine enhances efficiency and ergonomics associated with conducting otherwise manual operations within confined spaces. A main body supports a programmable telescoping arm configured to extend through an access port to reach a confined space. The arm includes an articulating wrist for holding and manipulating tools for autonomously processing work parts. The machine can also act semi-autonomously to accommodate interventions of an operator for overriding and fine-tuning interaction of a tool with a work part for proper processing of the part. The arm communicates with a computer in the main body for processing numerical data, and the operator may use a reference camera to fine tune any particular process. The machine incorporates multiple processing functions, for example collar swaging, nut running, cleaning, and/or application of sealants, all through an aircraft wing access port. The main body has lockable wheels for securing the main body near the access port.

Abstract: A mineral material processing plant and a method for controlling thereof. The processing plant includes at least one motor, at least one actuator, a control and adjusting system, a switch for switching the processing plant to a standby mode and an arrangement for keeping selected actuators in operation with a reduced standby speed. In the method, a command is given to the processing plant to switch to the standby mode and in response to the command to switch to the standby mode, feeding of mineral material to the processing plant is limited and speed of the motor or motors of the processing plant is reduced from the processing speed (Rf) to a reduced standby speed (Rsb) and it is ensured that selected actuators of the processing plant remain operating with a reduced speed.

Abstract: A lapping tool assembly includes a mount tool and an interposer structure interposed between actuators and the mount tool, where the interposer includes interposer pins reactively coupled with the actuators such that each interposer pin is configured to receive a translational force from a corresponding actuator and to transmit the force to a corresponding actuation pin of the mount tool. The interposer may include a zero z-axis shift flexure system, and/or a z-axis decoupling flexure system, and/or alignment features, for accurately transmitting the actuation forces to the mount tool, while inhibiting affecting other portions of the mount tool.

Abstract: A method of monitoring dressing of a polishing pad is provided. The method includes: rotating a polishing table that supports the polishing pad; dressing the polishing pad by pressing a dresser against the polishing pad while causing the dresser to oscillate in a radial direction of the polishing pad; calculating a work coefficient representing a ratio of a frictional force between the dresser and the polishing pad to a force of pressing the dresser against the polishing pad; and monitoring dressing of the polishing pad based on the work coefficient.

Abstract: A machine (1) for machining slab materials (3) is described, comprising: a working plane (2) configured to support a slab material (3) to be machined; a first tool-holder electrospindle (11) associated to a respective supporting body (33), the first electrospindle (11) and the respective supporting body (33) being supported above said working plane (2) by a respective supporting equipment (12) perpendicularly with respect to the working plane (2) and configured to move the first electrospindle (11) and the respective supporting body (33) about a rotation axis (Z) perpendicular to the working plane (2); a moving apparatus (14) configured to move the equipment (12) in parallel to the working plane (2) and along directions (X, Y) perpendicular to one another; at least a second tool-holder electrospindle (45), rotationally and translationally integral with the first electrospindle (11), supported above the working plane (2) in parallel to the first electrospindle (11) by a respective supporting arm (47) slidably

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a liquid filled bladder that exerts force on the back of the substrate being polished. The bladder can be a multi-chamber bladder having chambers filled with different ratios of hot and cold water. Eddy current detection during the polishing can be used to control the polishing process parameters.

Abstract: A roof laser brazing system comprises a side home position jig installed at each of opposite sides of the transferring path of the body in the brazing section, a roof-pressing jig detachably mounted on a handling robot, docked to the side home position jig, and that home-positions and presses the roof panel loaded on the opposite side panels, a brazing assembly mounted on at least one brazing robot in the side home position jig side and that brazes bonding portions between the opposite side panels and the roof panel using a laser as a heat source, and a grinding assembly mounted on the at least one grinding robot in the grinding section and that grinds brazing beads of the bonding portions between the opposite side panels and the roof panel.

Abstract: A grinding arm for grinding workpieces with an inner profile with a grinding wheel. The grinding arm has a tube-shaped base body with a longitudinal axis, in which the grinding wheel is supported at one axial end region. A first drive for the grinding wheel is arranged in its other axial end region. A first transmission system transmits the rotation from the first drive to the grinding wheel. In order to adjust arbitrary angles of inclination of the grinding wheel in the grinding arm, the grinding wheel is arranged on a grinding spindle driven by the first transmission system and rotating around an axis of rotation. The grinding spindle is supported in a carrier body arranged in the base body rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as well as perpendicular to the axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation and the axis intersect.

Abstract: A method of forming a workpiece having machinability rating not greater than a machinability rating of Inconel 718. The method may include removing material from the workpiece by moving at least one grinding tool relative to the workpiece and may be conducted at a specific grinding energy of not greater than about 7 Hp/in3 min (about 19 J/mm3) for a material removal rate of at least about 2.5 in3/min·in (about 25 mm3sec/mm).

Abstract: A steady rest for supporting, e.g., bearing points on shaft parts of crankshafts, during the grinding of central and/or eccentric workpiece regions. For the grinding, the steady rest is brought from a retracted position to a supporting position against the workpiece region to support the workpiece region at respective circumferential regions. The supporting parts are each arranged on a lateral flank of a prism opening in a fork-like manner on a steady-rest arm in a fixed position in relation to each other and to the steady-rest arm, the supporting parts thus forming an opening angle to each other. The supporting parts are arranged below center with respect to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece region such that an angle bisector between the two supporting parts has a fixed acute angle to the vertical extending through the longitudinal axis of the workpiece region and the CNC-controlled advancement occurs along said angle bisector.

Abstract: An NC machine tool is provided with a display device capable of displaying processing time individually for each function command of a block of an NC program. The display device of the NC machine tool is capable of displaying processing time for each function command. Thus, an operator is able to identify processing time for each function command via the display device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for machining a workpiece (1) by a grinding machine, comprising the step of rotating and translating the workpiece along a first axis (4) toward the first abrasive wheel; rotating an abrasive wheel (6) around a second axis (61) and translating it along a third axis (62) such that the abrasive wheel grinds a peripheral portion (103) of the workpiece; the abrasive wheel being positioned in a position in translation along the third axis; and wherein the position in translation is determined as a function of a position and of an angular position of the workpiece around the first axis. The invention further related to a grinding machine for carrying out such method.

Abstract: The occurrence of grinding unevenness is prevented even when the movement speed of a robot is changed. Provided is a grinding robot system including: a motor-driven grinder that performs grinding; a robot that grinds a grinding target by means of the grinder in a state in which one of the grinder or the grinding target is attached to a distal end thereof and is moved, and the other is set at a fixed position; and a control unit that controls the robot and the grinder, wherein the control unit calculates a rotational-speed command value for the grinder that changes according to the movement speed of the distal end of the robot and controls the rotational speed of the grinder on the basis of the calculated rotational-speed command value.

Abstract: A polisher includes a wafer carrier, a polishing head, a movement mechanism, and a rotation mechanism. The wafer carrier has a supporting surface. The supporting surface is configured to carry a wafer thereon. The polishing head is present above the wafer carrier. The polishing head has a polishing surface. The polishing surface of the polishing head is smaller than the supporting surface of the wafer carrier. The movement mechanism is configured to move the polishing head relative to the wafer carrier. The rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the polishing head relative to the wafer carrier.

Abstract: A method for finishing a film cooled article includes providing a film cooled article including at least one inner cooling plenum and at least one opening connecting the inner cooling plenum to an exterior surface of the film cooled article, positioning a machining element in contact with the exterior surface of the film cooled article, automatically moving the machining element along the exterior surface while maintaining contact between the machining tool and the surface, identifying an actual position of at least one film opening based on sensory feedback from the machining element using a controller, removing material from the exterior surface at the at least one film opening using the machining element, thereby creating a depression at the at least one film opening.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for smart automation of robotic surface finishing of a three-dimensional surface of a work piece is described. A three-dimensional motion path is created along the surface of the work piece. A variable contact force profile is specified along the three-dimensional motion path. The three-dimensional motion path is modified based on the specified variable contact force profile. The surface of the work piece is finished using one or more surface finishing tools along the modified three-dimensional motion path. The surface of the work piece includes at least a flat region and a curved region.

Abstract: A method for performing a CMP process is provided. The method includes performing the CMP process. The method further includes during the CMP process detecting a motion of a carrier head about a rotation axis beside a polishing pad. The method also includes producing a control signal corresponding to a detected result of the motion. In addition, the method includes prohibiting the rotation of the carrier head about a rotation axis by a driving motor which is controlled by the control signal. And, the method includes selecting a point of time at which the CMP process is terminated after the control signal is substantially the same as a threshold value.

Abstract: A mirror-finishing chamfer polishing is applied using an abrasive-grain-free polishing solution to a chamfered portion of a semiconductor wafer having an oxide film on a top side or the top and bottom sides of the semiconductor wafer and having no oxide film on the chamfered portion. Further, prior to the mirror-finishing chamfer polishing, a pre-finish mirror chamfer polishing is applied using an abrasive-grain-containing polishing solution to the chamfered portion of the semiconductor wafer having the oxide film on the top side or the top and bottom sides and on the chamfered portion.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes: an accommodation unit that accommodates a cleaning cloth; a drawing-out unit that draws out the cleaning cloth; a cleaning clot setting mechanism unit including an ascend/descend member that ascends and descend together with the cleaning cloth drawn out by the drawing-out unit; and a projection unit that upwardly projects as far as a position between an ascended position and a descended position of the ascend/descend member. When the ascend/descend member is located at the ascended position, the cleaning cloth can be drawn out, and when the ascend/descend member is located at the descended position, the projection unit engages the cleaning cloth, and a robot causes an optical device to be pressed against the cleaning cloth engaged by the projection unit, thereby cleaning the optical device.

Abstract: A device for blocking eyeglass lenses onto blocks using a bonding mass, by which the eyeglass lens is connected to the block in a form-fit and/or force-closed manner, having several stations, between which the eyeglass lens and/or the block is transported, at least one blocking station, in which the block is connected to the eyeglass lens using the bonding mass, a transport arm having a retaining head arranged thereon for positioning the eyeglass lens in the blocking station, wherein the transport arm is designed as a pivot arm and has at least one pivot axis (S1), by means of which the transport arm and the retaining head can be moved between at least two stations, and at least one conveying arm having a retainer for the block or an eyeglass lens, wherein the conveying arm has a pivot axis (S2), which is arranged parallel or coaxial to the pivot axis (S1) and by which the retainer can be moved between at least two stations.

Abstract: A method and system for observing and monitoring thermal characteristics of a machining operation, such as a surface finishing operation, performed on a workpiece is disclosed. The surface finishing operation can be performed on the workpiece in order to remove a surface defect, e.g. a parting line, on a surface of the workpiece and/or to provide a mirror-like finish to the workpiece. In one embodiment, an emissive layer is applied to the workpiece to increase a thermal emissivity of the workpiece. In some embodiments, a finishing surface, such as a polishing or buffing wheel, and/or a lubricant used in a finishing operation is monitored. A thermal profile of the surface of the workpiece, finishing surface and/or lubricant can be obtained. The finishing operation can be modified in response to the monitored thermal characteristics to prevent the occurrence of defects and improve the efficacy of the finishing operation.

Abstract: A robotic device may traverse a path in a direction of locomotion. Sensor data indicative of one or more physical features of the environment in the direction of locomotion may be received. The implementation may further involve determining that traversing the path involves traversing the one or more physical features of the environment. Based on the sensor data indicative of the one or more physical features of the environment in the direction of locomotion, a hydraulic pressure to supply to the one or more hydraulic actuators to traverse the one or more physical features of the environment may be predicted. Before traversing the one or more physical features of the environment, the hydraulic drive system may adjust pressure of supplied hydraulic fluid from the first pressure to the predicted hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: Provided are a purge gas spraying plate and a fume removing apparatus, and more particularly, a purge gas spraying plate capable of spraying a purge gas, which sprays the purge gas along a curvature of a wafer and efficiently removes fumes remaining on the wafer because a concave portion is formed at one side thereof and a spraying hole and a support member configured to support the wafer are formed in the concave portion, and a fume removing apparatus having the same.

Abstract: A method of processing structurally identical workpieces using a numerically controlled workpiece processing apparatus includes processing a first workpiece according to a first desired tool path specified for a tool of the numerically controlled workpiece processing apparatus by closed-loop controlling a working distance between the tool and the workpiece to achieve a defined desired distance, such that when processing the first workpiece, the tool is moved along a distance-controlled actual tool path. The method further includes optimizing the first desired tool path for a second workpiece based on the distance-controlled actual tool path of the first workpiece to provide a second desired tool path and processing the second workpiece according to the second desired tool path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening tool for dynamically fastening parts for machining, said tool being formed by an annular frame (1) which is fastened to a rotary supporting means (2) arranged around the location of the machining tool (4) on a tool-holder head (3). The annular frame (1) incorporates a tamper formed by a rotating ball (5) and, in a diametrically opposite position, a tilting clamp (6) which incorporates a counter-tamper formed by another rotating ball (8). According to the invention, a cantilevered portion (9.1) of a part can be seized between the balls (5) and (8) of the tamper and counter-tamper in order to prevent bending and vibrations in relation to same during machining.

Abstract: An assembly includes a carrier device having proximal and distal ends. The carrier device includes a workpiece platform along the proximal end. The workpiece platform supports one or more slider bars. The carrier device attaches to a lapping machine. An adaptive component, including at least one spring, has a first portion that couples to the carrier device and a second portion that couples to a grinding-slicing machine.

Abstract: A method for machining a robot-guided component with a tool which is fastened in an articulated manner to a tool holder is disclosed. The method includes detecting a deflection of the tool with respect to the tool holder from a desired position and changing a pose of a robot that is guiding the robot-guided component on a basis of the detected deflection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for correcting read/write overlay errors in the manufacture of magnetic transducers for storage drives are provided. One such system includes a twisting tool configured to receive and secure a row bar having an elongated rectangular block shape and including a plurality of magnetic transducers spaced apart along a length of the row bar, and where the twisting tool is configured to twist the row bar at a plurality of areas along the length of the row bar.

Abstract: A porosity measuring device (10) according to the present invention includes a magnetic field generating section (20), a dispersoid measuring section (30) configured to measure movement of a dispersoid (s) dispersed in a dispersion medium (m) in a state where a magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generating section (20), and an operating section (40) configured to obtain a porosity of the dispersoid (s) on the basis of a measurement result of the dispersoid measuring section (30). The operating section (40) obtains a magnetophoretic velocity of the dispersoid (s) from the measurement result of the dispersoid measuring section (30). The operating section (40) preferably obtains the magnetophoretic velocity of the dispersoid (s) from the measurement result of the dispersoid measuring section (30).

Abstract: A workpiece is fixed by a retracting mechanical chuck mounted on a spindle head of a five-axis control machining center. The apparent outer diameter of the workpiece is increased by a jig. Clamp surfaces of the jaws and a support surface of the jig are formed on the machining center. A cutting tool is mounted on a spindle by an automatic tool exchanger. The workpiece is rotated about an axis to grind an end surface of the workpiece to approximately a predetermined target shape, which is a spherical surface. A grinder is then mounted on the spindle by the automatic tool exchanger, and the grinder is set relative to the workpiece by five-axis control such that the inclination angle, the offset amount, etc. satisfy a predetermined relationship according to the desired grinding. The grinder is then fed in the Z-axis direction to form the spherical surface by grinding.

Abstract: Crankshaft rod bearings are pre-ground and finish-ground in a first grinding station and the crankshaft main bearings are then pre-ground and finish-ground in a second grinding station. The crankshaft is first mounted centered between the two points of the rotary drive. The chuck has two support members which can be moved in the radial direction and which are then positioned against the main bearing in a self-equalizing manner. In the engaged position, the support members are locked tightly to the chuck by locking pins. A pivoting clamping member is then clamped with the operating end thereof against the main bearing.

Abstract: An automated method for reconditioning a plurality of digital discs within a reconditioning apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises holding the digital discs in a load area, and then transferring each of the digital discs from the load area to at least one workstation with a disc transfer mechanism. The method also comprises reconditioning each of the digital discs transferred to the workstation with at least one worktool operable to remove a portion of the protective coating of each of the digital discs without removal of the data underlying the protective coating. The method further comprises transferring each of the digital discs from the workstation to an unload area with the disc transfer mechanism, and then holding the digital discs in the unload area for manual retrieval. Advantageously, the digital discs may be automatically reconditioned within the reconditioning apparatus without manual manipulation of the digital discs during the reconditioning process.

Abstract: The method is for sharpening a blade. An automatic sharpening apparatus is provided that has a holder. A blade is placed into the holder. A grinding-wheel driving motor, in operative engagement with a wheel on a spindle, rotates a grinding wheel. A grinding assembly motor moves the grinding wheel in an x-direction towards the blade. A linear motor moves the grinding wheel from a first position to a second position in a z-direction without moving the grinding-wheel driving motor. The rotating grinding wheel engages the blade. The grinding wheel sharpens the blade.