Abstract: Values are selected for a plurality of controllable parameters of a chemical mechanical polishing system that includes a carrier head with a plurality of zones to apply independently controllable pressures on a substrate. Data is stored relating variation in removal profile on a front surface of the substrate to variation in the controllable parameters, the data including removal at a plurality of positions on the front surface of the substrate, there being a greater number of positions than chambers. A value is determined for each parameter of the plurality of controllable parameters to minimize a difference between a target removal profile and an expected removal profile calculated from the data relating variation in removal profile on a front surface of the substrate to variation in the parameters. The value for each parameter of the plurality of controllable parameters is stored.

Abstract: Technology is described for a system to provide skill training in various fields, including professional fields involving hand-held instruments. The system senses a user's manipulation of an instrumented work piece, handheld instrument or tool using various sensors, e.g., for a dental tool, an array of pressure sensors in the instrumented work piece and/or the tool's tip, grip sensors, and sensors to track the position and movement of the tool and/or work piece relative to each other. The system includes lessons to train users in the proper methods to manipulate the instrumented work piece and/or the tool and provides guidance and feedback based on the user's performance to build the user's skills, prevent injury, and document competency.

Abstract: A setup platform is provided for a grinder including a cutoff wheel. The setup platform includes an upper planar surface including a first edge, which may be shaped similar to the grinder housing, the first edge including a slot therein for receiving the cutoff wheel. An anchor bar is mounted horizontally to the grinder housing, and a post extending from a lower surface of the setup platform is slidable on the anchor bar such that the setup platform is slidable relative to the anchor bar to removably mount the setup platform to the grinder such that the first edge is disposed adjacent the grinder housing and the cutoff wheel is received in the slot.

Abstract: Inserts for use in table saws are disclosed. One embodiment may include a mechanism to lock mechanically and affirmatively the insert in a blade opening in a table saw. The mechanism is designed so that a user can install and remove the insert without tools. The mechanism also can be designed so that the front of the insert pops up above the table when released from its locked position. The mechanism can be further designed so that the insert can be unlocked or released by a user pressing a button or tab.

Abstract: A process for lapping a row of head sliders involves fixing the row to a lapping tool fixture, actuating each of multiple force 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 torque to a compliant elastomer between each force pin and corresponding head slider, to transfer a pressure gradient corresponding to the torque to the corresponding head slider. Such torques may be applied through at least two wedge angle flexures interconnecting a rotatable box structure and a fixed back wall of a lapping tool, wherein the flexures virtually intersect at and define an axis of rotation about which the torques are applied. The process may further involve actuating each force pin to set each head slider for lapping to a respective reader target stripe height, and simultaneously lapping accordingly.

Abstract: A polishing fixture assembly comprises a fixture base, which has a ferrule aperture and a spring member, and a clamping assembly. The spring member comprises upper, middle, and lower springs. The upper spring forms a portion of a cam aperture. The middle spring is proximate the ferrule aperture. The clamping assembly has a clamp base, a lever, and a cam shaft. The clamp base is connected to the fixture base. The lever is pivotally connected to the clamp base and has unlocked and locked positions. The cam shaft is connected to the lever and rotates within the cam aperture when the lever pivots. As the lever is moved into the locked position, the cam shaft rotates, opposing narrower sides of the cam shaft contact the upper spring thereby flexing the middle spring and the lower spring so that the middle spring contacts a ferrule positioned in the ferrule aperture.

Abstract: A polishing system include a support to hold a substrate having a substrate surface to be polished, a carrier to hold a polishing pad in contact with the substrate surface, and a pressure applicator to apply pressure at a selected region of a back surface of the polishing pad. The back surface is opposite to the polishing surface. The pressure applicator includes an actuator and a body configured to be moved by the actuator into and out of contact with the selected region of the back surface of the polishing pad.

Abstract: A wafer grinding system includes a robot arm having a suction board at one end and a table within reach of the robot arm. An upper surface of the table has a vacuum surface for sucking and holding wafers. A pusher coupled to the robot arm extends about the periphery of the suction board. The pusher flattens wafers against the upper surface of the table, allowing the table to hold by suction wafers that would otherwise be too bowed to be held in that way. Additionally, a table can have a vacuum area that is small in comparison to the wafers, which is another way of increasing the magnitude of wafer bow that can be tolerated. A grinding system can use the reduced vacuum area concept to allow the positioning table to hold bowed wafers and the pusher concept to allow the chuck tables to hold bowed wafers.

Abstract: A blade sharpening system using the interior surface of a grinding wheel against which a blade is drawn along its entire length for sharpening. The sharpening system includes a blade holding configuration having multiple hinged arms. A cam operating between two of the hinged arms serves to alter the angle of incidence between the blade and the grinding wheel as the blade is drawn across the grinding wheel. The result is that a wide variety of different blade configurations can be easily accommodated by the sharpening system.

Abstract: A multiple-sample-holder polishing setup for cross-section sample preparation and a method of making a device using the same are presented. The multiple-sample-holder polishing setup includes a frame. The frame has a hollow center, one or more long and short rods and a recess for accommodating a polishing head. The setup includes one or more sample holders. The sample holder is to be attached to the one or more long and short rods of the frame. A paddle is affixed to each sample holder. A sample is attached to the paddle. The sample is coated with a thin epoxy layer prior to polishing thereby allowing for easy inspection for site of interests as well as quick material removal.

Abstract: A spindle configured for a reciprocating knife sharpener is provided. The spindle includes a head including an arbor configured for manual exchange of abrasive material. A knife sharpener and a cutting table are disclosed.

Abstract: The mandrel assemblies include a double face box mandrel assembly with box refacing tube, male mandrel adapter for engaging within a bore of the box refacing tube, a box mandrel assembly floating over the male mandrel adapter and connected to a drill pipe connection. A box facing mandrel adapter connects to the male mandrel adapter, an outer face plate mounts over the box mandrel assembly engaging the box refacing tube; an inner face plate mounts over the box facing mandrel adapter shaft and attaches to a flange. A double face pin mandrel assembly with pin refacing tube, male mandrel adapter, and pin facing mandrel adapter engages a male mandrel adapter, a pin mandrel assembly floats over the male mandrel adapter and pin facing mandrel adapter and connects to a drill pipe connection opposite the double face box mandrel assembly.

Abstract: A flexure assembly comprising a flexure stack comprising a plurality of individual webs connected together with a force in an x-direction to produce a friction in a z-direction orthogonal to the x-direction between the plurality of webs, the friction holding the plurality of webs in engagement. In some embodiments, the flexure assembly includes a second flexure stack fixedly spaced from the first stack comprising a second plurality of individual webs connected together with a second force in the x-direction to produce a second friction in the z-direction between the second plurality of webs. The flexure assembly may be used, for example, for supporting a workpiece such as a slider row bar in a lapping machine.

Abstract: A blade sharpening system using the interior surface of a grinding wheel against which a blade is drawn along its entire length for sharpening. The sharpening system includes a blade holding configuration having multiple hinged arms. A cam operating between two of the hinged arms serves to alter the angle of incidence between the blade and the grinding wheel as the blade is drawn across the grinding wheel. The result is that a wide variety of different blade configurations can be easily accommodated by the sharpening system.

Abstract: A tool sharpening assembly (100) suitable for sharpening cutting tools (140,350,366,546,562). In some embodiments, a wedge-shaped port is formed between a rotational first abrasive surface (160,262) and a stationary second abrasive surface (162,264) to sharpen a distal cutting edge (146) of a cutting tool (140,230,546). In other embodiments, a cooling mechanism (136,326,330,334,338) actively draws heat generated during a sharpening operation from a tool (140) and through a tool support structure (170,234,328,332) contactingly supporting the tool, in further embodiments, a rotatable abrasive slotted disc (364) comprises at least one inspection aperture (372) formed from an interior sidewall (390) with upper and lower leading and trailing edges (396,398,400,402) of non-uniform separation distance. In other embodiments, a cylindrical drum abrasive member (572) is provided with an associated stationary support plate (574).

Abstract: A method for making heated plane of a cooler to obtain better flatness and roughness includes a grinder with a grinding plate and a fixture. Then, the cooler is arranged onto the fixture. Next, the abrasive is injected into the gap between the grinding plate and the heated plane, making the fixture press and clamp the cooler in a way, such that the heated plane of the cooler contacts the abrasive closely. Finally, the grinding plate is rotated to make at least one grinding process to the heated plane, making the heated plane obtain a surface with better roughness and flatness, further enhancing the contact tightness between the heated plane and a heating element, and therefore promoting the thermally conductive efficiency between the cooler and the heating element.

Abstract: A grinding assembly is described, for a grinding head for a grinding machine of glass slabs, comprising: a first (and possibly a second) grinding wheel adapted to tangentially work on the glass edge and whose rotation axis A is parallel to the glass edge to be ground; and a handling system for the grinding wheel for adjusting the removal of glass in an oscillating way or in parallel with the plane of the slab to be ground. A grinding head equipped with the above grinding assembly is further described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grinding machine for grinding workpieces, in particular for the simultaneous grinding of two workpieces which are arranged in a tightly adjacent manner. The grinding machine comprises at least two first grinding spindles and at least two second grinding spindles which in each case have a grinding disk receptacle and are mounted pivotably via a support on the spindle block of one of the first grinding spindles, with the result that they can be pivoted about the rotational axis of the respective first grinding spindle.

Abstract: There is disclosed cutting means of a honeycomb dried body in which cracks are not easily generated in the honeycomb dried body, even when a grindstone continues to be used for a long period of time, a cutting speed is raised and a cutting object is a honeycomb dried body having a large diameter.

Abstract: A method of transporting a semiconductor wafer having a ring-shaped stiffening portion can include the steps of pressing the semiconductor wafer from the back surface side to the front surface side thereof on a place different from a place at which the semiconductor wafer is to be held, the step of pressing the semiconductor wafer being conducted before holding the semiconductor wafer having the ring-shaped stiffening portion. The method can include releasing the attachment by suction of the front surface of the semiconductor wafer by supplying a positive pressure onto the chuck table, releasing pressing the semiconductor wafer from the back surface side to the front surface side thereof on the place different from the place at which the semiconductor wafer is to be held and picking up the semiconductor wafer having the ring-shaped stiffening portion from the chuck table while holding the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A flexure assembly comprising a flexure stack comprising a plurality of individual webs connected together with a force in an x-direction to produce a friction in a z-direction orthogonal to the x-direction between the plurality of webs, the friction holding the plurality of webs in engagement. In some embodiments, the flexure assembly includes a second flexure stack fixedly spaced from the first stack comprising a second plurality of individual webs connected together with a second force in the x-direction to produce a second friction in the z-direction between the second plurality of webs. The flexure assembly may be used, for example, for supporting a workpiece such as a slider row bar in a lapping machine.

Abstract: A method for making heated plane of a cooler obtain better flatness and roughness includes a grinder with a grinding plate and a fixture. Then, the cooler is arranged onto the fixture. Next, the abrasive is injected into the gap between the grinding plate and the heated plane, making the fixture press and clamp the cooler in a way, such that the heated plane of the cooler contacts the abrasive closely. Finally, the grinding plate is rotated to make at least one grinding process to the heated plane, making the heated plane obtain a surface with better roughness and flatness, further enhancing the contact tightness between the heated plane and a heating element, and therefore promoting the thermally conductive efficiency between the cooler and the heating element.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a lightly scratched surface to a metal sample comprises a motor, a disk, a frame, a motion guidance unit, and a plurality of springs. The motor may provide a rotational motion to the disk which includes abrasive elements configured to create a plurality of microscopic scratches on the surface of the metal sample. The frame may include a bottom wall with an opening in which the motor is positioned. The motion guidance unit may retain the frame and guide the motion of the motor across the surface of the metal sample. The plurality of springs may couple the motor to the bottom wall of the frame in order to suspend the motor within the opening of the bottom wall and to allow lateral motion of the motor and the disk while the motor is rotating.

Abstract: A holder for workpieces with end surfaces thereof being polished comprises a main body and a framework in which the main body is provided with a plurality of fixtures for holding the workpieces and the ring-shaped first supporting portion, and the framework is provided with the second supporting portion surrounding the outer side of the first supporting portion. The second supporting portion limits the angular movement of the first supporting portion to enable the main body to keep parallel to the polishing surface during the end surface of the respective workpiece is brought into contact with the polishing surface. The structure of the holder is capable of reducing the fabrication time and cost of the first supporting portion tremendously.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning device for cleaning a driver used in a disk drive manufacturing process. The cleaning device includes: a body; a replaceable cleaning pad mounted in the body; and a cover mounted to the body over the cleaning pad, in which, the cover includes an opening to receive the driver and to expose a portion of the cleaning pad to receive and clean the driver. The cleaning device further includes a cleaning pad rotation mechanism mounted in the body that connects to the cleaning pad and rotates the cleaning pad. The cleaning pad rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the cleaning pad such that an unused portion of the cleaning pad is exposed to the opening for receipt of the driver and the cleaning pad rotation mechanism may be activated to rotate the cleaning pad.

Abstract: The sharpener includes a generally conical body, a base upon which the body is mounted and a hollow head mounted over the body. A shaft extends beyond the body and into the head. A cutting disk with an abrasive surface is situated within the head and fixed to the shaft. A motor situated within the body is provided for rotating the shaft. The head has an opening though which tweezers may be received such that the tweezers may be sharpened by the rotation of the cutting disk. The debris created by the sharpening process is captured within the head. The motor is energized by connection with an electrical source through series connected pushbutton switches. The switches are located remotely, preferably on opposite sides of the body, to reduce the chance of accidental energization of the motor.

Abstract: A magnet holding jig comprises a platform and first and second holders disposed on opposite sides of the platform. The platform is provided with channels, the holders are comb-shaped to define digits and slits, the channels and the slits being aligned to define guide paths for permitting entry of a cutting tool therein, and the holders are also configured as digitate hooks. The holder hooks are in contact with a rare earth magnet block resting on the platform. The holders are pushed inward at their lower portions so as to bring each hook digit of the second holder in pressure abutment with the magnet block at a higher level than each hook digit of the first holder for thereby holding the magnet block in place on the platform.

Abstract: A method of changing the crystallographic orientation of a single crystal body is disclosed that includes the steps of characterizing a crystallographic orientation of the single crystal body and calculating a misorientation angle between a select crystallographic direction of the single crystal body and a projection of the crystallographic direction along a plane of a first exterior major surface of the single crystal body. The method further includes removing material from at least a portion of the first exterior major surface to change the misorientation angle.

Abstract: A polishing head for holding a workpiece when a surface of the workpiece is polished and a polishing apparatus provided with the polishing head, and more particularly a polishing head for holding the workpiece on a rubber film and a polishing apparatus provided with the polishing head. The polishing head and the polishing apparatus provided with the polishing head that can adjust the polishing profile on the basis of the shape of the workpiece before polishing and can stably obtain good flatness.

Abstract: A blade sharpening system using the interior surface of a grinding wheel against which a blade is drawn along its entire length for sharpening. The sharpening system includes a blade holding configuration having multiple hinged arms. A cam operating between two of the hinged arms serves to alter the angle of incidence between the blade and the grinding wheel as the blade is drawn across the grinding wheel. The result is that a wide variety of different blade configurations can be easily accommodated by the sharpening system.

Abstract: A holder for supporting an end surface of a workpiece during polishing comprises a main body and a framework which are respectively provided with fixing portions corresponding to each other; at least one of the two fixing portions has at least one set of upper and lower contact portions, and the upper and the lower contact portions on each set are respectively disposed above and below a contact plane formed between the end surface of the workpiece and a polishing surface; when the upper and lower contact portions and another one of the fixing portions one another, the main body is capable of keeping parallel to the polishing surface, and the pressure acting on the end surface of each workpiece is capable of being approximately uniform. Hence, the number of end surfaces of the optical fibers can be increased tremendously during polishing so as to enhance the polishing speed and quality.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for shaping an edge at a juncture of two adjoining surfaces of a part. A first surface and a second surface of the part are abraded by contacting a polishing surface of a polishing wheel to the first surface and to the second surface. The polishing surface spins in opposite rotational directions about an axis parallel to the edge when contacting the first and second surfaces respectively. The polishing surface moves at different translational speeds and the polishing wheel spins at different rotational speeds along straight segments and along curved segments of the edge. The shaped edge has a visually smooth and geometrically uniform appearance.

Abstract: A complex geographical edge finishing system includes a fixture that holds an external part having a complex three-dimensional edge, a track disposed around the fixture and surrounding the edge of the part held in the fixture, and one or more finishing apparatuses that can sand, polish, buff, paint and/or apply coatings to the complex three-dimensional edge. The finishing apparatuses move about the track such that the three-dimensional edge of the part can be polished. The path of the track can substantially match, mimic or otherwise correspond to the path of the three-dimensional edge, such that special requirements for the finishing apparatuses are not required.

Abstract: A polishing system configured to polish a lap includes a lap configured to contact a workpiece for polishing the workpiece; and a septum configured to contact the lap. The septum has an aperture formed therein. The radius of the aperture and radius the workpiece are substantially the same. The aperture and the workpiece have centers disposed at substantially the same radial distance from a center of the lap. The aperture is disposed along a first radial direction from the center of the lap, and the workpiece is disposed along a second radial direction from the center of the lap. The first and second radial directions may be opposite directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a lightly scratched surface to a metal sample comprises a motor, a disk, a frame, a motion guidance unit, and a plurality of springs. The motor may provide a rotational motion to the disk which includes abrasive elements configured to create a plurality of microscopic scratches on the surface of the metal sample. The frame may include a bottom wall with an opening in which the motor is positioned. The motion guidance unit may retain the frame and guide the motion of the motor across the surface of the metal sample. The plurality of springs may couple the motor to the bottom wall of the frame in order to suspend the motor within the opening of the bottom wall and to allow lateral motion of the motor and the disk while the motor is rotating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grinding center for the simultaneous grinding of multiple main bearings and rod bearings and/or central sections of crankshafts (22). Two rod bearing grinding spindles (14, 15), wherein the first can be displaced only in the Z direction and the second can be minimally displaced only in the X direction, are mounted on a common rod bearing crosslide (11). In the final phase of the grinding, a correction of dimension deviation between the two machined rod bearings is carried out via a separate control of the second rod bearing grinding spindle (15), as a dimension or roundness correction. The deviations are detected by measuring devices.

Abstract: In a method for multiple cutoff machining a rare earth magnet block, a cutting fluid feed nozzle having a plurality of slits is combined with a plurality of cutoff abrasive blades coaxially mounted on a rotating shaft, each said blade comprising a base disk and a peripheral cutting part. The slits in the feed nozzle into which the outer peripheral portions of cutoff abrasive blades are inserted serve to restrict any axial run-out of the cutoff abrasive blades during rotation. Cutting fluid is fed from the feed nozzle through slits to the rotating cutoff abrasive blades and eventually to points of cutoff machining on the magnet block.

Abstract: The system comprises a headstock (1) in which is established a rotary shaft (10) driven via a cone (8) that can be coupled to a drive means, for example a robot, the shaft (10) being linked to a spring (11) which permits axial displacement of the shaft (10) in the upward and downward direction, while coupled to the other end, with the interposition of an eccentric (21), is a plate (2) for carrying an abrasive disc (3) intended for sanding the pins of the fasteners, following the operation of shaving said pins. The eccentric (21) transforms the rotation of the shaft (10) into an orbital motion so that, in combination with the upward and downward displacements by means of the spring (11), the abrasive disc (3) is successfully adapted on the surface on which the pin of the fasteners intended to sand is located.

Abstract: A polisher has an offset axis and a friction cam useful in a method of polishing that comprises a more random, elongated polishing pattern than known orbital polishers and is capable of portable use using a 9 volt battery. The method is capable of using lower contact pressures between fiber ends and a polishing surface and higher rates of rotation of the drive mechanism, reducing the polishing time for preparing fiber ends for applications. The polishing pattern changes when pressure is applied between a fiber end and the polishing surface. The fiber end provides one intermittent axis of rotation and the friction cam provides another intermittent axis of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for lapping a slider comprises a lapping head for supporting elements while pressing the elements against a rotating lapping plate, the elements that are to be formed into sliders, a holding mechanism for supporting the lapping head, the holding mechanism having a first engaging member that extends in a vertical direction, a base for supporting the holding mechanism, the base having a second engaging member that extends in the vertical direction, wherein the second engaging member is engaged with the first engaging member to form an internal space therebetween, and a decompressing mechanism for decompressing the internal space. The holding mechanism is subjected to vertically upward force from the decompressed internal space in order to be movably supported by the base in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic constant pressure polishing apparatus. The automatic constant pressure polishing apparatus comprises a housing having a hollow section therein, a rubber pad installed in the housing and having superior expansion and contraction characteristics, a pressure fixture having a male screw section, which is formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof in order to press and fix the rubber pad, and a central hole formed at a central portion thereof, a slider screw-coupled into the housing to adjust pressure in the housing according to a rotational degree of the rotating shaft, and a polishing pad installed at a front end portion of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a table receiving an LCD panel thereon, a first grinding part grinding a surface of the LCD panel to a first surface roughness, a second grinding part grinding the surface of the LCD panel grinded to the first surface roughness to a second surface roughness, wherein the second surface roughness is smoother than the first surface roughness, and a polishing part polishing the surface of the LCD panel which is grinded to the second surface roughness.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair and resurfacing of compact discs using a motorized, abrasive surface.

Abstract: A tomographic system includes a reporting device colocated and juxtaposed an object so that both are ground through grinding to various sectioning depths as the reporting device is ground down exposing a reporting marker along a length of the reporting device for indicating the depth of sectioning for accurate precise depth of grinding well suited for precise sectioned tomographic imaging.

Abstract: Various forms of knife guides are provided for knife sharpeners to minimize damage to the knife blade. The knife guides include the provision of flexible fibers on the guide surface and further include rings, such as O-rings on an array of rollers when the rollers are used to form the guide surface. Other forms of knife guides are non-contact optical arrangements.

Abstract: A modified truncated cone-shaped disk is molded onto a plastic hub which is mounted on a motor driven shaft. The hub has an axial bore of a size to fit with very close clearance on the shaft while still permitting the disk to freely slide against a low spring force.

Abstract: A blade sharpener includes a blade holder for holding a blade to be sharpened by a rotary wheel having an abrasive surface. The blade holder includes a body having a notch formed in a medial portion of the body for exposing a portion of the blade to the abrasive surface and a support surface for supporting the blade as it travels through the blade holder. The notch comprises a curved back wall for accommodating the rotary wheel.

Abstract: Various forms of knife guides are provided for knife sharpeners to minimize damage to the knife blade. One of the forms of knife guides comprises non-contact optical arrangements which includes a light source, at least one light detector and an indicator that monitors and displays the intensity of light reflected from the blade surface.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to power tools. More specifically, the instant invention is a portable device for shaping, contouring and polishing the edge of a workpiece consisting of a hard material. The device includes a guide-way constructed and arranged to attach directly to the upper surface of the workpiece. A carriage is slidably supported on the guide-way for movement along the length thereof. Secured to the carriage is a motor for rotation of a rotary tool. A pneumatic cylinder is provided to force the rotary tool into the workpiece with a predetermined pressure along a predetermined axis of approach. The carriage is constructed and arranged for vertical positioning and angular rotation of the rotary tool.

Abstract: A rough-polishing method for conducting a rough polishing before mirror-finish polishing on a semiconductor wafer (W) using a polishing apparatus (1) includes a first polishing step for polishing the semiconductor wafer using slurry containing colloidal silica supplied by a slurry supplying unit (4) and a second polishing step for polishing the semiconductor wafer using alkali solution provided by mixing deionized water supplied from a deionized-water supplying unit (5) and alkali concentrate solution supplied by an alkali-concentrate-solution supplying unit (6). The pH value of the alkali solution and polishing time in the second polishing step are determined based on the load current value of the polishing table (2) in the first polishing step.