Abstract: A method is provided for corner contouring of flat glass substrates in a continuous feed-through process by a contouring tool. The method includes the steps of: synchronization of the movement of the contouring tool to the continuous feed-through movement of the flat glass substrate, contouring of a corner of the flat glass substrate, wherein a relative movement between the contouring tool and the flat glass substrate is performed so as to overlap the continuous feed-through movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a workpiece during processing of the workpiece is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a chassis having a vacuum chamber that is connectable to a vacuum source; a supporting device rotatable relative to the chassis, the supporting device having a hollow compartment and a supporting surface for holding the workpiece; and at least one sealing device arranged between the chassis and the supporting device, to provide an air-tight seal between the chassis and the supporting device while allowing for rotation of the supporting device with respect to the chassis, so as to form a vacuum passage extending from the supporting surface of the supporting device through the hollow compartment of the supporting device and the vacuum chamber of the chassis to the vacuum source, to thereby hold the workpiece to the supporting surface of the supporting device during processing of the workpiece.

Abstract: To stably perform cutting process even on a workpiece formed from a brittle material, in a ductile mode with high precision, without causing cracking and/or breaking in the workpiece. A dicing device which performs cutting process on a workpiece includes: a dicing blade that is formed into a discoid shape from a diamond sintered body formed by sintering diamond abrasive grains, and contains 80% or more of the diamond abrasive grains; a spindle (rotating mechanism) configured to rotate the dicing blade; and a movement mechanism configured to move the workpiece relatively to the dicing blade while forming a constant cut depth on the workpiece by the dicing blade.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for grinding or polishing at least one edge of a glass substrate. The apparatus includes a grinding unit configured to remove a predetermined amount of material from the edge when in an aligned position. The grinding unit applies a predetermined force normal to the edge. An air bearing slide system is coupled to the grinding unit. The air bearing slide system is configured to slide along a predetermined axis on a thin film of pressurized air that provides a zero friction load bearing interface. A linear actuation motor is coupled to the air bearing slide system. The linear actuation motor is configured to control the movement of the air bearing slide system such that the grinding unit is moved from a non-aligned position to the aligned position.

Abstract: A cylindrical grinding and polishing device includes a main body defining a cavity, a polishing device, a cylindrical grinding device, a support device. The polishing device is received in the cavity, and includes a number of polishing wheels positioned along a first direction. The cylindrical grinding device is received in the cavity, and includes a grinding wheel positioned at an end of the cavity along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The support device is received in the cavity, and includes a support plate for supporting a work-piece. The support device carries the work-piece to contact the polishing wheels or the grinding wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for machining a strip or plate-shaped metal workpiece, which comprises at least one conveying device which is provided with machining elements. The conveying device guides the machining elements at an angle and/or in a transversal manner in relation to the direction of advancement of the workpiece in the region of the workpiece which is to be machined in an at least approximately linear manner. The machining elements are embodied as abrasive paper and support elements are arranged between said abrasive paper.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for edge deleting coatings supported by coated articles while a temporary protective coating is applied thereto. More particularly, a stationary, enlarged, and higher powered aspirator is connected to flexible tubing, which itself has an enlarged diameter, that has a nozzle located proximate to a grinding wheel on an edge deletion unit is provided in connection with an edge deletion table. Advantageously, the edge deletion table and aspirator of certain example embodiments are capable of performing edge deletion and removal of a temporary protective coating substantially simultaneously (e.g., from a common area of interest), during which process the debris produced when edge deletion is performed is controlled and removed from the substrate of interest.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microneedle including the steps of forming a plurality of first linear grooves on a substrate in parallel to one another along a first direction using grinding, and forming a plurality of second linear grooves on the substrate in parallel to one another in a second direction intersecting the first direction using grinding.

Abstract: A machine for finishing an object comprising feed members to feed the object along a reference plane (P1), and at least a work station provided with a tool which contacts the object in a work zone (Z) near the reference plane (P1). The machine comprises two lateral supporting walls arranged substantially orthogonal both to the reference plane (P1) and also to the median plane (P2), which support the work station laterally, in order to define with the work station a modular structure able to be selectively associated with other modular structures along the direction of feed of the object.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing automotive accessory drive belts or other workpieces of pliant material which have a grooved operative face, a tool having an abrasive ramp configuration for performing said improved method and a method of manufacturing said tool with the abrasive ramp configuration.

Abstract: A centerless cylindrical grinding machine, for through-feed and in-feed grinding of various workpieces (8), has a first driven positioning axis XS for a grinding spindle head (2) with a grinding wheel (1) and a second driven positioning axis XR, running parallel to the positioning axis XS, for a regulating spindle head (4), with a regulating wheel (3). The positioning axes XS and XR are arranged perpendicular to the rotation axes (5, 6) or the grinding wheel (1) and the regulating wheel (3). A workpiece support (7) on a carriage (12) and an inner- or outer-acting wheel-true device (9) are arranged between the grinding spindle head (2) and the regulating spindle head (4). During operation, the grinding spindle head (2), the regulating spindle head (4), the workpiece support (7) and the wheel-true device (9) are located within a safety housing (15).

Abstract: A centerless grinder for grinding an elongated workpiece includes a grinding wheel having a working surface with a plurality of raised areas extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the working surface. A platform is provided having an elongated top surface for supporting the workpiece substantially adjacent to the working surface of the grinding wheel and a front surface with a plurality of lateral grooves for receiving the raised areas on the working surface of the grinding wheel such that movement of the platform toward the working surface into a working area adjacent to the grinding wheel enables the raised areas to pass into the lateral grooves and grind the workpiece.

Abstract: A machine for machining bandsaw blades. A machining device, a feed device, a workpiece-fixing device and a workpiece guiding device are mounted to a common central machine block. The machining device has a rotatably driven positionable adjustable grinding wheel with the workpiece-guiding device supporting the bandsaw blade and the workpiece-fixing device clamping the blade in position.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing automotive accessory drive belts or other workpieces of pliant material which have a grooved operative face, a tool having an abrasive ramp configuration for performing said improved method and a method of manufacturing said tool with the abrasive ramp configuration.

Abstract: A grinding system for grinding feedstock includes a transport apparatus, a grinding apparatus, and a controller. The transport apparatus continuously transports feedstock of an arbitrarily long length at a desired feed rate, and the grinding apparatus grinds the feedstock transported by the transport apparatus. The controller controls a grinding position of the grinding apparatus and a longitudinal position of the feedstock during grinding to be coordinated with each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing of planar rigid materials is provided whereby the edges of separate materials can be processed simultaneously, quickly and efficiently. Separate planar materials are moved in position and are clamped in place in horizontal alignment. Thereafter a grinding wheel moves between the opposing edges of the planar materials to abrade the leading edge of one of the materials and the trailing edge of the second opposing material. The process describes abrading both the longitudinal and lateral edges of rectangular shaped materials moved along conveyors, such planar materials being glass, ceramic, stone or the like.

Abstract: A rotary grinding machine includes a rotary grinding member for grinding a workpiece on a workpiece feeding member. The grinding member is coupled with an output shaft of a motor through a drive transmission mechanism. The feeding member is coupled with the output shaft of the motor through a reduction gear mechanism, a transmission shaft and an endless tensible transmission member. To maintain an operating tension of the tensible transmission member when the feeding member is moved relative to the grinding member, a tensioning mechanism is disposed to enable effective transmission of a drive force from the reduction gear mechanism to the feeding member.

Abstract: A scuffing machine is provided for finishing the surfaces of continuously advancing wood products. The machine includes a frame defining a scuffing station, with a conveyor for transporting the wood products through the scuffing station in a generally horizontal feeding direction. A plurality of scuffing brushes are mounted on the frame at the scuffing station for rotation about vertical axes. Each scuffing brush includes a plurality of elongated, vertically extending bristles which terminate in distal ends for engaging the wood products.

Abstract: A portable drum sander, including a base, a drum mounted for rotation on the base for carrying at least one grade of sand paper on a peripheral surface thereof, a feed table carried on the base and having a slot therein through which the drum is exposed for rotating contact with a workpiece to be sanded. The feed table includes an infeed table segment upstream of the slot and an outfeed table segment downstream of the slot for supporting the workpiece during passage over the slot in contact with the drum, and a pivot mounting the feed table adjacent a downstream end of the outfeed table segment for pivotal movement of the feed table to a desired height with reference to the drum. A height adjustment lock cooperates with the infeed table segment for locking the feed table into a locked position at the desired height with reference to the drum.

Abstract: A portable drum sander, including a base, a drum mounted for rotation on the base for carrying at least one grade of sandpaper on a peripheral surface thereof, a feed table carried on the base and having a slot therein through which the drum is exposed for rotating contact with a workpiece to be sanded. The feed table includes an infeed table segment upstream of the slot and an outfeed table segment downstream of the slot for supporting the workpiece during passage over the slot in contact with the drum, and a pivot mounting the feed table adjacent a downstream end of the outfeed table segment for pivotal movement of the feed table to a desired height with reference to the drum. A height adjustment lock cooperates with the infeed table segment for locking the feed table into a locked position at the desired height with reference to the drum.

Abstract: A sanding machine includes a conveyer and a sanding assembly for sanding a workpiece by moving the sanding assembly in multiple linear and/or nonlinear motions relative to the conveyed workpiece.

Abstract: A production type surface finishing apparatus for finishing the surfaces of workpieces such as cabinet doors and the like which include a plurality of relatively large, very lightweight finishing platens that are simultaneously movable in both a reciprocal and an orbital-like motion. The platen is moved in a reciprocal motion by a first motion-imparting mechanism and is simultaneously moved in a high-frequency, orbit-like motion by a second motion-imparting mechanism that includes shafts which are rotated at relatively high rates of speed. The shafts, and the motors which drive them, are mounted on platforms which are reciprocally movable relative to the main frame of the device. Connected to the rotating shafts by specially designed elastomeric sleeve-like members or yieldably deformable connector bands are specially configured, ring-like members. The rings are, in turn, connected to the platen assemblies by novel shaft and bearing assemblies.

Abstract: The method for separating a profiled foil (5) is carried out using a rotating separation foil (1) which forms a planar surface with a circular periphery (11). The separation foil is rotated (1a) about the circle center (10) and in the plane (10a), the foil plane, which is spanned by the surface. The periphery is brought into contact (15) with the profiled foil by the execution of a relative movement (1b). In this, through abrasion, material (6) is removed and a separation gap (51) is produced in the profiled foil. Material is largely removed from the profiled foil only.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a sheet of material during grinding of the edge of the sheet. The method and apparatus comprises supporting one surface of the sheet on a conveyor. A force is exerted on the sheet with a fluid pressure device, either using sub-atmospheric pressure or hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A system for chemical mechanical polishing, and a method of chemical mechanical polishing and the preparation of wafer surfaces is provided. The preparation can either be a polishing operation or a buffing operation. The chemical mechanical polishing system includes a carrier to hold and rotate a wafer. The wafer has a surface area and is held by the carrier so that the surface area of the wafer to be processed is exposed. The system further includes a roller that has a process surface. The roller is configured to rotate about an axis, and the rotating process surface of the roller is applied with force against the rotating wafer surface defining a contact region on the wafer. The area of the contact region is less than the surface area of the wafer. The contact region is moved between a first region of the wafer and a second region of the wafer during the processing of the wafer, and the force and linear velocity are manipulated to control a rate of removal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved cutting-and-transferring system for cutting and separating a workpiece into pellets. The workpiece is held by a holder member. The system comprises: a holding table for holding a workpiece to be cut; a cutting unit including at least cutting means for cutting the workpiece on the holding table into pellets; a transferring unit including at least transferring means for picking up the pellets from the holder member and for transferring to a selected carrier tray; and a shuttle transfer unit for transferring a selected cut workpiece from the cutting unit to the transferring unit. All these parts work automatically in unison, thus reducing the length of time involved for cutting workpieces into pellets and for loading carrier trays with pellets to possible minimum.

Abstract: A grinding machine (1) that comprises two aligned columns (2,3), each of said columns (2,3) being provided with one wheelhead (4,5) with its respective grinding wheels (6,7). The columns (2,3) slide over a base (9) common to both and parallel to at least one machining table (11), each of the wheelheads (4,5) has its own vertical drive system and its own transverse drive system and both grinding wheels (6,7) may work simultaneously.

Abstract: A production type surface finishing apparatus for finishing the surfaces of workpieces such as cabinet doors and the like which include a plurality of relatively large, very lightweight finishing platens that are simultaneously movable in both a reciprocal and an orbital-like motion. The platen is moved in a reciprocal motion by a first motion-imparting mechanism and is simultaneously moved in a high-frequency, orbit-like motion by a second motion-imparting mechanism that includes shafts which are rotated at relatively high rates of speed. The shafts, and the motors which drive them, are mounted on platforms which are reciprocally movable relative to the main frame of the device. Connected to the rotating shafts by specially designed elastomeric sleeve-like members or yieldably deformable connector bands are specially configured, ring-like members. The rings are, in turn, connected to the platen assemblies by novel shaft and bearing assemblies.

Abstract: This apparatus has plural fixed grinding machines, which are installed along the direction of travelling line of billets. Facing pairs of grinders are equipped in a manner that the distances between each facing pair of grinders are gradually shorter along the travelling direction of the billets from the upstream side to the downstream side. In such a multiple-stage grinding machine, the burr on the welded part of the top and bottom side of the billet is ground sequentially by the grinders, and the burr on welded part of the right and left side of the billet is ground sequentially by the grinders.

Abstract: The contour cutting machine comprises an endless circulating bandknife (22) which is guided around bandknife pulleys (30-34). To allow adjustment of the cutting strand (23) in the Y-direction, the bandknife (22) forms two loops (28,36) merging into each other, one (36) of these two loops serving for length compensation. The bandknife pulley (30) arranged at the transition from the second loop (36) to the first loop (28) guides the bandknife (22) therearound at a looping angle of substantially 270° so that all of the bandknife pulleys (30-34) are contacted by the same surface of the bandknife (22). The bandknife (22) will always be bent in one direction only. By thus avoiding alternating bending directions, the lifespan of the bandknife (22) is lengthened.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method of forming a series of hills and valleys alternately arranged at a predetermined pitch on the surface of a given workpiece. It comprises the steps of: carrying out a first grinding on the workpiece with a saw-toothed grindstone having a series of hills and valleys alternately arranged at “N” pitches (“N” being two or more integer or whole number), the height measured from the bottom of the valley to the peak of the hill in the saw-toothed grindstone being taller than the corresponding height in the workpiece; moving the saw-toothed grindstone and/or the workpiece one pitch relative to each other to carry out a second grinding on the workpiece; and repeating the relative movement of one-pitch long-distance and sequential grinding until the final “N”th grinding has been finished. All grindings are effected while the workpiece is being cooled by cooling water.

Abstract: A rotating fixture releasably carries work pieces in a circular path for parading the work pieces, one-by-one, through machining engagement with a grinding wheel for grinding a desired feature or surface onto each work piece. The fixture is adapted such that the work pieces can be quickly snapped into position, and provision is made for automatically ejecting the finished parts from the fixture. A clamping apparatus clamps the work pieces in place in the fixture, one-by-one, just prior each piece reaching the tool, and then releases the work piece after the machining on each part is finished.

Abstract: A bumper finishing apparatus comprises a guided fixture for carrying a bumper past a fixed rotary finishing head. An external drive moves the fixture as guided by a guide profile to coordinate travel of the bumper past the finishing head so that the finishing head abrades the bumper surface in a manner to achieve the desired finish.

Abstract: A golf club grinder including a base frame, a first grinding mechanism and a second grinding mechanism respectively mounted on the base frame for grinding the hosel and the shaft respectively, the first grinding mechanism including an abrasive belt mounted on a wheel and a roller and driven by a motor to grind the hosel of a golf club, the second grinding mechanism including a forwardly tilted motor mounted on a motor carrier and moved relative to the abrasive belt, and a grinding wheel turned by the forwardly tilted motor to grind a shaft for golf club put in between the abrasive belt and the grinding wheel.

Abstract: Rice or like small objects is milled in a machine comprising a rotating vertical drum having an endless abrasive belt. Chambers are spaced about the drum so that the belt acts as a floor to the chambers with a slight gap in between. The objects are passed vertically downwards and abraded by the belt, surface material removed from the objects passing through the gap and falls out via a subsidiary outlet alongside the main outlet of each chamber.

Abstract: A cutting chuck for use with a cutting blade and for holding a semiconductor wafer in place during a dicing process and a die pick for picking the segmented semiconductor wafer from the chuck. The chuck includes a surface for supporting the wafer and several ports in the surface connected to a vacuum source. Preferably, the cutting chuck includes a housing having a base and a wall. A vacuum chamber is provided within the housing and on top of the base. A porous layer is located in housing and above the vacuum chamber. A surface layer is above the porous layer and contains ports connecting the surface supporting the wafer to the vacuum chamber via the porous layer. In a most preferred embodiment, the chuck is removeably attached to the vacuum source via a check valve. The cutting chuck may also include recesses in the surface to prevent impingement on the cutting chuck by a cutting blade during wafer dicing.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing excess material, such as spur bits or sprues, from workpieces, provided with a support surface having a guide channel therein for receiving excess material therein for guiding to a rotatably driven removal tool having a peripheral cutting or grinding segment submerged in a slot in the support surface and which is mounted for selective movements in parallel as well as normal to its rotational axis to allow adjustments to compensate for changes in the size or kind of tool as a result of wear or replacement. While not so limited in its application, the apparatus is of particular use for removing spur bits or sprues from workpieces.

Abstract: A sanding wheel assembly is provided which allows the operator to quickly change and replace worn sanding belts. The device includes a pinion joined to a rachet wheel which controls a series of tensioning levers. A manual latch secures a rachet wheel. As the pinion is rotated, the levers move inwardly or outwardly to change the tension on the sanding belt against a sanding ring for belt tightening or removal purposes.

Abstract: A drum-type polishing apparatus for producing a flat mirror polish on an object such as a semiconductor wafer, is capable of three degrees of freedom of movement of a drum member with respect to the wafer. The relative movements can be made, successively or simultaneously, at right angles to an axis of the drum, parallel to the surface of the wafer, as well as at any desired angular orientations. Combined with a follower device to provide automatic compensation for unevenness in pressing pressure applied to the wafer during polishing, the polishing apparatus offers outstanding uniformity in polishing quality and high productivity, even for large diameter wafers, with a comparatively modest investment in both facility space and equipment cost.

Abstract: A combination of an apparatus or an extrusion for lengthwise movement of the elongate metal extrusion. The extrusion having therein a lengthwise cavity which has a central portion and two pockets disposed on opposite sides of and opening into the central portion. The apparatus has a tool disposed in the cavity and supported for eccentric rotation about an axis extending perpendicular to the direction of movement of the extrusion, the tool having abrading points which are spaced angularly about its centerline and which engage and physically roughen a surface in one of the pockets. The degree of eccentricity is adjustable. In a variation, the apparatus effects movement of a first member having two pegs which engage angled slots in a second member supporting a tool in the extrusion cavity, the tool being moved rectilinearly into and out of engagement with the extrusion surface in a manner physically roughening the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initially taking an individual bar from a supply of bars and placing it on an entry conveyor while preventing movement of the remaining bars. Other mechanisms are provided for adjusting the entry conveyor to accommodate the diameter of the bars to be ground. The individual bars to be ground are initially moved into position between a regulating wheel and a grinding wheel. The regulating wheel maintains the bar against the grinding wheel and the movement of the regulating wheel toward the grinding wheel during the grinding action is sensed by an encoder device. The encoder device in turn signals to a servomotor to move the grinding wheel an amount equal to but in the opposite direction to the regulating wheel to compensate for the wearing of the grinding wheel. The regulating wheel is set at a slight angle relative to the bar to impose a vector force that moves the bar through the grinding station to the exit conveyor from where the bar is subsequently moved to a holding area.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding tapered points on needles is disclosed. The apparatus has a frame and a transport associated with the frame for transporting a plurality of needles. The transport has a predetermined curvature and a feeder is mounted adjacent the frame for feeding needles to the transport. A grinding wheel is disposed adjacent the transport and has a major diameter at a first end and a minor diameter at a second end, the major diameter being greater than the minor diameter and connected by a curved grinding surface the diameter of which increases progressively therebetween. The curvature of the grinding wheel in a first third portion between the major and minor diameters is of greater mean curvature than the mean curvature of the corresponding opposed portion of the transport. A second third portion of the grinding wheel is of greater mean curvature than the mean curvature of the corresponding opposed portion of the transport.

Abstract: A buffing apparatus which can buff a thin plate work without causing buckling. The buffing apparatus comprises a plurality of buffing rolls removably secured in a predetermined spaced relationship from each other to a shaft which is driven to rotate, a backup roll disposed in parallel to the buffing rolls and extending over the overall length of all of the buffing rolls, and a holding roll disposed at least between each adjacent ones of the buffing rolls. The holding roll is positioned such that the axis thereof is positioned on a straight line interconnecting the center of transverse section of one of the buffing rolls and the center of a transverse section of the backup roll and an outer periphery thereof substantially contacts with a contacting plane of the buffing rolls.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the position of a moveable regulating wheel in a centerless grinding machine, to provide a varying contour to the object being ground. The control system includes sensing means which measures the feed rate at which the object is being fed into the grinding machine. The rate at which the regulating wheel is moved is adjusted based on the feed rate of the object being ground, thus providing a high degree of control over the final shape of the ground object.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing working operations, such as grinding, polishing and burnishing, on a workpiece. A first and a second working tool are disposed for working movement in, respectively a first and second axis in a first plane and a second plane. The first and second working tools are operated at right angles to one another. The working tools perform work on the workpiece sequentially such that only one of the working tools is in contact with the workpiece at a given time. In this manner, any residual stresses in the workpiece generated by either one of the working tools will be cancelled out by the other one of the working tools. In this fashion, internal stresses in the workpiece are relieved for preventing any flow or deformation of the material in the workpiece during operations thereon.