Abstract: A sharpening apparatus (16) for a blade-like cutting implement. The sharpening apparatus has an elongate body (18) and a cutting edge extending widthwise across one end of the body (11) at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body (11). The cutting edge is formed by an inclined face formed on one side face of the body. The apparatus includes a cradle (26) for holding a blade-like implement to be sharpened and a mounting body for mounting the cradle (26) relative to a grinding surface. The cradle is mounted on a pair of guide rails (22, 24) for movement along a rectilinear path, the cradle including first and second rail followers slidably connected to a first and second of the guide rails respectively. The cradle (26) includes a seat for locating the blade-like implement at a reselected reference position on the cradle (26) such that the cutting edge of the implement to be sharpened is located parallel to said rectilinear path.

Abstract: An apparatus for planarizing a microelectronic substrate. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a membrane formed from a compressible, flexible material, such as neoprene or silicone, and having a first portion with a thickness greater than that of a second portion. The membrane can be aligned with the microelectronic substrate to bias the microelectronic substrate against a planarizing medium such that the first portion of the membrane biases the microelectronic substrate with a greater downward force than does the second portion of the membrane. Accordingly, the membrane can compensate for effects, such as varying linear velocities across the face of the substrate that would otherwise cause the substrate to planarize in a non-uniform fashion or, alternatively, the membrane can be used to selectively planarize portions of the microelectronic substrate at varying rates.

Abstract: A sharpening and cleaning apparatus for sharpening scalloped-edged blades in a carton slitting machine includes at least two rotating cylindrical hones mounted on a pneumatically controlled actuator, and a pair of blade cleaning brushes mounted on a separate actuator. A sharpening operation is initiated by a machine operator as needed to maintain blade sharpness, and is performed automatically by the apparatus controls. The hone actuator positions the rotating hones in contact with opposing sides of a cutting edge of the slitting blade as the blade moves past the hones at reduced speed. A first hone is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction of the blade and a second hone is rotated in the same direction of the blade. During sharpening, the hones execute several reciprocating axial movements to stroke the blade. Prior to the operation of the hones the actuator positions the brushes in contact with the blade and causes the brushes to rotate to remove debris from the blade.

Abstract: A sharpening apparatus for sharpening scalloped-edged blades in a carton slitting machine includes at least two rotating cylindrical hones mounted on a pneumatically controlled actuator. A sharpening operation is initiated by a machine operator as needed to maintain blade sharpness, and is performed automatically by the apparatus controls. The actuator positions the rotating hones in contact with opposing sides of a cutting edge of the slitting blade as the blade moves past the hones at reduced speed. A first hone is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction of the blade and a second hone is rotated in the same direction of the blade. During sharpening, the hones execute several reciprocating axial movements to stroke the blade.