Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an outer diameter (O.D.) centerless grinding machine for use in grinding a diamond workpiece has a grinding wheel positioned parallel to a regulating wheel which is adapted to press a cylindrical workpiece into the grinding wheel as the regulating wheel rotates. Electronic equipment may be adapted to adjust a pressure of the regulating wheel against the grinding wheel. Also, a carrier may be adapted to house the workpiece, the carrier being attached to a translation mechanism adapted to move the carrier between the wheels such that the workpiece is in contact with both wheels.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an outer diameter (O.D.) centerless grinding machine for use in grinding a diamond workpiece has a grinding wheel positioned parallel to a regulating wheel which is adapted to press a cylindrical workpiece into the grinding wheel as the regulating wheel rotates. Electronic equipment may be adapted to adjust a pressure of the regulating wheel against the grinding wheel. Also, a carrier may be adapted to house the workpiece, the carrier being attached to a translation mechanism adapted to move the carrier between the wheels such that the workpiece is in contact with both wheels.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and method can use an eddy current monitoring system and an optical monitoring system. Signals from the monitoring systems can be combined on an output line and extracted by a computer. A thickness of a polishing pad can be calculated. The eddy current monitoring system and optical monitoring system can measure substantially the same location on the substrate.

Abstract: A presser roll for surface planers is described herein. The presser roll comprises a longitudinal shaft, a radially deformable generally cylindrical sleeve mounted on said longitudinal shaft for rotation in unison therewith and a biasing assembly mounted between the shaft and the sleeve for outwardly biasing the sleeve.

Abstract: A bilateral automatic machine for machining the edges of plates of glass, stone-like and of other plate shaped materials and the like, comprising a supporting frame which has a conveyor for the plates to be machined. There are also provided an abutment shoulder and a movable shoulder for supporting abrasive grinding wheels which act on the opposite edges of the plates. The machine comprises, for each shoulder, downstream of the last grinding wheel in the direction of advancement of the plates, a sensor for detecting the dimensions of the plates being machined which drives an advancement device for the advancement of the last grinding wheel.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus comprises holding means for holding an object with the surface to be polished being exposed, first driving means for pressing the holding means against the polishing cloth with variable pressing force and rotating the holding means. It also comprises a guide ring body, provided around the holding means and independent of rotation of the holding means, a lower end of the guide ring body being brought into contact with the polishing cloth. It further comprises second driving means for pressing the guide ring body against the polishing cloth with variable pressing force and rotating the guide ring body independent of rotation of the holding means.

Abstract: A carrier is connected to the plunger for reciprocating therewith; the carrier is of inverted U-shape defining a recess open at its bottom. A holder is pivotally mounted to the carrier for swinging movement back and forth between a first position wherein the holder is substantially nested within the recess in the carrier and a second position wherein a substantial portion of the holder extends out of and away from the carrier recess. The holder is also of inverted U-shape defining a cavity for receiving a portion of a contour sanding member. Detent elements on the carrier compress the holder when the latter is in its first position thereby to impart a clamping force to a contour sanding member received within the cavity of the holder. A manually operated ejection member mounted on the tool housing engages the holder for moving the same from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grinding a surface on a workpiece, such as a spigot on a pipe, while supporting the workpiece on the surface being ground. The grinding apparatus includes workpiece support wheels, two of which are positioned beneath the workpiece and contact the workpiece at the surface being ground. The grinding apparatus also includes a rotator mechanism, such as a motor which drives one of the workpiece support wheels in frictional contact with the workpiece outer surface, for rotating the workpiece. The grinding apparatus further includes a surface grinding mechanism, such as a motor and grinding or cutting wheel positioned generally between the two workpiece support wheels and which contacts the surface being ground. The cutter mechanism is adjustable in a vertical direction and angularly to grind an angled surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polishing stack with at least one fixed and one moveable polishing roll for polishing a plastic sheet leaving a wide extrusion die. A device is provided that preloads the frames and the bearings and acts on a roll gap adjusting device which includes a pinion gear arrangement and drive for finely adjusting the roll gap between the fixed and moveable rolls. The polishing stack in preferred form includes a center fixed roll and top and bottom adjustable rolls.