Abstract: A method for polishing targeted areas of an IOL while leaving other areas unpolished such as sharp posterior edges designed to inhibit PCO. In the preferred embodiment, the polishing method utilizes a stream of polishing agent directed at the IOL which is mounted to a holder during the polishing operation. In this manner, only the targeted areas of the IOL polished while the other areas remain unpolished and sharp as intended. The method is suitable for in-line automated IOL manufacturing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a groove in the surface of a collector ring for use in an electrical device. The method and apparatus can be used to create a new groove in the surface of a collector ring having none, or can be used to enhance or re-form an existing groove in the surface of a collector ring. In some embodiments, the groove in the surface of the collector ring is created using a cutting tool that has a cutting action that functions independently from the motion of the collector ring. In other embodiments, a masking material is positioned over a portion of the surface of the collector ring to create a masked portion and an exposed portion of the surface of the collector ring. A groove is then created in the exposed portion of the surface of the collector ring. The masking material is then removed from the surface of the collector ring.

Abstract: A coated substrate for a center feed printhead has a substrate, a thin film applied over the substrate, and a slot region extending through the substrate and the thin film. A slot is formed through the slot region of the coated substrate. The thin film layer coating minimizes crack formation and/or a chip count in a shelf surrounding the slot through the substrate. In one embodiment, the slot is formed mechanically. In one embodiment, a plurality of thin films is used. The slot region extends through the plurality of thin films. Any combination of thin films may be applied over the substrate. In one embodiment, the thin film is at least one of a metal film, a polymer film, and a dielectric film. In another embodiment, the thin film material is ductile and/or deposited under compression. In one embodiment, the substrate is silicon, and the thin film is an insulating layer grown from the substrate, such as field oxide. In one embodiment, the thin film is PSG.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for forming wafers of varying thickness'. The apparatus includes a template. The template is formed of a main disk including a plurality of cavities extending into a first side thereof. Each cavity has notches cut in the walls thereof and a pattern etched in the base thereof. Holding disks are moistened and positioned within respective cavities for releasably securing a wafer in the cavity. A moistening liquid is dispensed and diffuses into the cavities via the notches cut in the walls and collects in the pattern etched on the base of the cavity thereby increasing the suctional force used to secure the holding disk. When the template is releasably secured within a cavity, rotatably connected to a rotating head and positioned such that the first side faces a lapping and polishing surface, wafers received by the cavities are lapped and polished upon rotation of the rotating head.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing aluminum frames for photomask protective films comprises the step of: providing a square-shaped hollow or solid strut aluminum material, fastening the bottom end of the aluminum material to a base of a machine tool, using a milling cutter to fabricate and form a hollow trough for a selected depth in the aluminum material from the top surface thereof, and using a cutting tool to cut off the aluminum material at the periphery of the hollow trough to form individual aluminum frames for the photomask protective films. The method of the invention uses fewer chucks and screw bolts during machining, and can reduce chuck setup time and simplify machining processes.

Abstract: Improved accuracy of grinding glass pieces for use in stained glass art and the like. The pattern of the final outer boundary of each piece of glass is traced onto frosted mylar tracing paper to create a mask. The mask is then cut to the traced pattern and is adhered to a piece of untrimmed glass of area greater than that of the mask, using water resistant adhesive. The outline of the pattern is rendered opaque, for example by an ink marker. Thus prepared, the untrimmed glass is abraded on a powered abrading machine having a flat, horizontal work table, a rotatable abrading element disposed to engage a workpiece supported on the work table, and lamps operating at low voltage arranged to back light the workpiece from therebelow. The untrimmed workpiece exhibits a brightly illuminated zone extending outside the opaque zone of the mask, thus emphasizing glass to be eroded. The workpiece is urged against the rotating abrading element until the illuminated zone is eliminated.

Abstract: Material is removed from objects to be marked or machined by applying apertured masks having cutouts arranged in a pattern on the objects, applying a liquid mixture of abrasive particles over the masks, and then ultrasonically vibrating the mixture to propel the abrasive particles through the cutouts to transfer the pattern to the objects.

Abstract: Provided are a method of forming a magnetic layer pattern and a method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head, which can reduce the number of manufacturing steps and thus reduce the manufacturing time. A precursory nonmagnetic layer and a precursory bottom pole layer are formed in this sequence so as to cover a frame pattern formed on an underlayer (a top shield layer) and having an opening. Then, the precursory nonmagnetic layer and the precursory bottom pole layer are patterned by polishing the overall surface by CMP until at least the frame pattern is exposed, and thus a nonmagnetic layer and a bottom pole are selectively formed. The number of manufacturing steps can be reduced and thus the manufacturing time can be reduced, as compared to the case of forming the nonmagnetic layer and the bottom pole without forming the frame pattern.

Abstract: Methods for finishing or refurbishing surfaces on protective covers encapsulating microelectronic dies. In one embodiment, a method for fishing a surface of a protective package on a microelectronic device includes abrading the surface of the package by engaging an abrasive media with the surface of the package, terminating the abrasion when a surface blemish has been at least partially removed from the package, and cleaning residual materials from the package after terminating the abrasion of the package surface. The abrasive media can include a fixed-abrasive member, a fixed-abrasive member and a solution, a non-abrasive member and a chemical solution having abrasive particles, or an abrasive blasting media.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dielectric waveguide at a low manufacturing cost, the dielectric waveguide comprising a pair of conductor plates approximately parallel to each other and the dielectric strip provided therebetween, which can form a dielectric strip having accurate individual dimensions without generating cracks and chips during processing. The method comprises the steps of forming a resist pattern on a green sheet containing at least a powdered inorganic material and an organic binder, removing a predetermined amount of the green sheet corresponding to an opening in the resist pattern by the use of a mask, removing the resist pattern, and firing the green sheet. In the step of removing the predetermined amount of the green sheet, the rate of removal is continuously or intermittently changed along the depth direction of the green sheet.

Abstract: A blade sharpener comprises a work surface consisting of a single support line. A grinding wheel defines a transverse plane that contains the support line. The grinding wheel is swingable in the transverse plane to a selected position relative to the support line. A blade is supported on the support line with the blade cutting edge perpendicular to the support line. The single support line enables a mulching blade to be sharpened without having to impart angular motions in space to it as it is fed past the grinding wheel. Swinging the grinding wheel to different positions relative to the support line enables it to produce different cutting surfaces on the blades. Swinging of the grinding wheel is achieved by mounting it to a plate that pivots about an axis perpendicular to the grinding wheel transverse plane. A mobile work table is selectively retainable over and removable from the support line support.

Abstract: A method of stripping coating from a portion of a coated surface of a component. The method includes fastening a mask sheet to the component over a region adjacent the portion of the coated surface. The mask sheet has a contour generally corresponding to a contour of the surface of the component. A high pressure fluid jet is sprayed from a spray head toward the portion of the coated surface after the mask sheet is fastened to the component to strip the coating from the portion of the surface. After the coating is stripped from the portion of the surface, the mask sheet is removed from the component.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer manufactured with a precise crystallographic-orientation alignment mark and a method of manufacturing. The method of manufacturing may include forcibly directing a carrier medium containing an abrasive material through a stencil to effect abrasive impact removal of a semiconductor surface in a defined machining area. The abrasive impact removal may be part of an automated machining process.

Abstract: Material is removed from objects to be marked or machined by applying apertured masks having cutouts arranged in a pattern on the objects, applying a liquid mixture of abrasive particles over the masks, and then ultrasonically vibrating the mixture to propel the abrasive particles through the cutouts to transfer the pattern to the objects.

Abstract: A method of drilling holes in an component, such as a turbine airfoil or bucket platform, the method including disposing a protective insert including a water jet blocking material adjacent a backside of the structure to be drilled and water jet drilling at least one hole in the structure, through to the backside. In one embodiment, the jet blocking material is comprised of carbide or a similar material that is more resistant to water jet drilling forces than the structure being drilled.

Abstract: A sandblasting mask device for performing sandblasting processes on wood objects is disclosed. The mask device includes a base and a mask cover. The base has a fixture for fixing a wood object that has a target surface to be worked on. The mask cover is removably fixed on the base. The mask cover includes a mask panel, which contains at least one sandblasting opening of a predetermined shape. When the mask cover is fixed on the base, the wood object is tightly clamped between the mask cover and the base, and the mask panel of the mask cover is closely attached to the target surface of the object. The sandblasting opening of the mask panel will expose a predetermined portion of the target surface of the object for performing the sandblasting process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a frosted glass product, where a sand blast processing using a powder class abrasive and a brush polishing treatment are performed and thereby appearance and touch feeling equal to those of a product worked by the chemical frost processing can be attained. In particular, the present invention provides a method for producing a frosted glass product, which is safe in the work and at the same time, mild to the environment. The invention is a method for producing a frosted glass product, which is a method for obtaining a glass product having a delustered surface such that the surface roughness Ra of the glass is from 0.4 to 1.2 &mgr;m, the method comprising a step of sand-blasting a glass surface using an abrasive having a grain size of less than #220, and a step of brush-polishing the sand-blasted surface.

Abstract: A shield is placed next to a workpiece to form a passage therebetween. The workpiece and shield are rotated, and a stream of abrasive shot is blasted toward the spinning workpiece and shield to periodically enter the passage to selectively abrade the workpiece.

Abstract: A wafer-polishing head which has an increased flexible membrane life and improved wafer polishing accuracy has a principal head 106 having a lower opening portion 106a with an approximately circular shape. A flexible membrane 2 which is positioned in the opening portion 106a of the principal heal head 106 for closing the opening portion 106a and for holding a wafer W at the underside of an inward peripheral portion 2a of the flexible membrane. A sealed pressurizing chamber 107 is formed by closing the opening portion 106a with the flexible membrane. A pressure regulator is provided for controlling the internal pressure of the pressurizing chamber 107. The flexible membrane 2 is thicker in an outer peripheral portion 2b thereof than in the inward peripheral portion 2a which holds the wafer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a groove in the surface of a collector ring for use in an electrical device. The method and apparatus can be used to create a new groove in the surface of a collector ring having none, or can be used to enhance or re-form an existing groove in the surface of a collector ring. In some embodiments, the groove in the surface of the collector ring is created using a cutting tool that has a cutting action that functions independently from the motion of the collector ring. In other embodiments, a masking material is positioned over a portion of the surface of the collector ring to create a masked portion and an exposed portion of the surface of the collector ring. A groove is then created in the exposed portion of the surface of the collector ring. The masking material is then removed from the surface of the collector ring.

Abstract: A process is described for planarizing an isolation structure in a substrate. The process includes depositing a pad protective material over an upper surface of the substrate, and selectively removing portions of the pad protective material to expose portions of the substrate and to form sidewalls in the pad protective material. A trench is formed in the exposed portions of the substrate, and a trench fill material is deposited in the trench and over the pad protective material. A trench protective material is deposited over the trench fill material and in contact with the sidewalls of the pad protective material, such that the pad protective material and portions of the trench protective material together form a continuous protective material layer. Portions of the trench protective material and the trench fill material are selectively removed down to the level of the upper surface of the pad protective material.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing a handle tool. Raw material formed into the hand tool is firstly hardened by heat treatment. A surface of the hand tool is polished after hardening. A layer of metal is deposited on the surface of the polished hand tool to provide an anti-rust effect and/or anti-corrosion effect. A local area of the layer of metal deposition on the surface of the hand tool that is grasped during use is sanded to provide an anti-slide section. A numerical size area of the hand tool is covered by a local sanding mask before local sanding to thereby form a clear numerical size mark in the local area after local sanding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved method for differentially polishing the surface of metallic materials in a dry tumbling operation. The process involves providing a finish of a first type on a metallic object. A protective coating is then placed over the first area. The object is then placed into a tumbling drum with a dry polishing media and tumbled to provide a polished finish on the unprotected surface. A secondary feature of the present invention provides the ability to flash off the polishing compounds between polishing batches to prevent build up of polishing residue and provide more consistent results.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the dishing of copper during chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process can be significantly reduced, and in most instances eliminated, by the use of electroplated alloys of copper whereas the alloying metal forms a continuous solid solution with the copper. By forming electroplated alloys of copper with metals that form continuous solid solutions therewith, a deposition layer of such an alloy on the surface of a barrier metal layer allows for lowering the selectivity of the slurry polish used during the CMP process towards the alloy. The alloys of copper with metals that form a continuous solid solution in an electroplating process changes the oxidation characteristics, mechanical properties, electrical properties, stiffness parameters and hardness parameters of the copper. The change in these properties allows the alloy layer and barrier layer to be polished at an equivalent rate until the entire barrier layer has been polished.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of obtaining a pattern of concave spaces or apertures in a plate or layer of a brittle-like material, in which method a jet of abrasive powder particles from a nozzle is directed onto a surface of the plate or layer, which plate or layer is provided with a mask so as to define the region of impact of the abrasive powder particles on the surface. The present invention also relates to a brittle-like material provided with such a pattern of concave spaces or apertures, and to the special application of such a brittle-like material.

Abstract: Blasting device includes a blasting medium supply unit and a blasting gun. An extension is provided on the blasting gun, which extension may include a sufficiently clear portion so that the user of the blasting gun may view the surface which is being blasted.

Abstract: An alternative method and device for accessing the circuit region on a flip chip die are provided. The new method and device provide increased accuracy for accessing the electrical contacts within the circuit region. Such a method and device is necessary in order to analyze and resolve flaws among the electrical contacts between a flip chip die and the chip package. The new method and device is precise enough to avoid adding defects upon approach to the contact intended for analysis. Specific regions of the electrical contact can be isolated for study. The technique is equally efficient for mass fabrication design testing and analysis.

Abstract: A method of forming a groove on a mother material substrate includes the steps of forming a first layer on a surface of the mother material substrate, the first layer including a chain-polymer material which is soluble in an organic solvent. Then a second layer is formed on the first layer except for a portion where the groove is to be formed. The second layer includes a chain-polymer material having very high resistance to sand blasting. Then a groove is formed by cutting the first layer and the mother material substrate at the portion where the groove is to be formed, by a sand blasting process in which sand is directed from above the second layer downwardly. Then the first and second layers are removed from the mother material by dissolving the first layer using the organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for blasting an inside surface of a cylinder, in which a steady rough surface is always obtained efficiently in the whole region of inside surface of cylinder for an internal combustion engine. For this purpose, a blast gun 1, which is provided so as to be moved vertically by a traverser 11 and capable of rotating around the axis thereof, has a blast nozzle 3 for blowing blast particles 2 in the vicinity of the lower end thereof. The blowing direction of the blast nozzle 3 is slant downward. A cylinder block 4 is placed upright so that the axis of each cylinder is vertical with a cylinder head mating surface 4e on the upper side, and is isolated from the surrounding space by a cabinet 12. The blast gun 1 blows the blast particles 2 while lowering in each cylinder of the cylinder block 4, by which the inside surface 5 of cylinder is blasted. A blast particle recovering reservoir 13 is provided under the apparatus to recover the blast particles 2.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning an object containing a metal surface, includes pre-cleaning the object to prepare the object for a metal plating thereover, and post-cleaning the object after the object has been plated with the metal plating. The pre-cleaning step and the post-cleaning step each include blasting the object with a media.

Abstract: A workpiece includes a surface adjoining an aperture. The aperture is filled with a plug to provide a step adjoining the surface. A stream of pliant shot in a carrier fluid is discharged at a shallow angle of incidence against the plug and directed toward the step for selective abrasion thereof.

Abstract: A method for repairing a compact disc (1) damaged by a circumferential scratch (2) comprises subjecting a localized area (21) around the scratch (2) to a treatment regime comprising fifty rubbing cycles with a first abrasive sheet (10) of abrasive particle size of 1 micron. Each rubbing cycle comprises one manual radial stroke in the radial direction A and a return radial stroke in the radial direction B. After the first treatment regime if the scratch (2) has not been sufficiently removed the localized area (21) is then subjected to a similar treatment regime with a second abrasive sheet of abrasive particle size 3 microns. A further similar treatment regime is carried out using a third abrasive sheet of abrasive particle size 5 microns in the event that the second abrasive sheet did not sufficiently remove the scratch (2).

Abstract: A method for preparing a specimen block for TEM analysis that uses target point breaking of an original specimen block into two separate blocks with one block containing the point targeted for analysis. Hence, over-polishing can be avoided and polishing time is saved. Furthermore, polishing is carried out by sandwiching the specimen block between sacrificial blocks supported by polish-resistant blocks below. With the polish-resistant blocks acting as a polishing stop layer, a fixed thickness instead of variable thickness will remain after the specimen is polished.

Abstract: A sandblast mask laminate useful in sandblasting operations is disclosed. The laminate comprises a photoresist mask layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising a non-elastomeric resin and a tackifier in combination to produce a composition having a T.sub.g of less than about -40.degree. C., a carrier film layer and a release liner.

Abstract: A stencil for use in sandblasting stone objects having a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layer cast onto a polyester liner. The formulation of the PVC layer comprises about 120 parts phthalate plasticizer and about 30 parts filler (typically calcium carbonate) per 100 parts resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition suitable as a resist material against sandblasting for pattern-wise engraving of the surface of a body after photolithographic patterning, which comprises: (a) a urethane compound having a (meth)acrylate group at the molecular end, which is obtained from a polyether or polyester compound having a hydroxy group at the molecular chain end, a diisocyanate compound and a (meth)acrylate compound having a hydroxy group; (b) an alkali-soluble polymeric compound having an acid value in the range from 50 to 250 mg KOH/g; and (c) a photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: In a method in which a top coating (2) on a relatively hard substrate (1) is patterned by means of a stream of kinetic particles while being masked by a mask (3), the substrate (1) is coated with a damping layer (4) of a ductile material before the top coating (2) is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for edge finishing glass sheets, wherein a polymer film is deposited onto the major surface of the glass sheet. The polymer film is contacted, perforated, or cut using a water jet and the edges of the sheet are then ground or polished The polymer film is cut or perforated in a manner which facilitates against loading of the grinding or polishing device employed.

Abstract: A gradation pattern is formed by sandblasting a surface of a transparent substrate. The gradation pattern comprises countless recesses formed by eroding the surface structure. The distribution density of the recesses is low in the vicinity of sides on which primary illuminating light is incident, and high in the center of the pattern. As the original flat and smooth aspect of the plate is maintained between the recesses, the light guiding performance of the plate is maintained. By adjusting the gradation pattern, any desired bright/dark pattern can be obtained. The cost of manufacturing a light guiding plate and flat optical source device is reduced. A large illumination area having a high uniform brightness is made possible by sandblasting. And many applications and modes of use which were impossible with a conventional light guiding plate having a printed pattern, are now possible.

Abstract: After a plate of electrically insulating, particularly hard and brittle material has been provided with a mask having a very large number of patterned apertures, it is exposed to at least one jet of abrasive powder particles, which jet is moved relative to the plate. In this way a plate is manufactured with a pattern of apertures and/or cavities which are eminently suitable for manipulating electron currents in electronic displays. Plates manufactured in this way may be used, for example, as control plates, spacer plates, or electron transport duct plates in electronic displays.

Abstract: A method of shaping a friction facing or lining is disclosed. A lining blank is positioned on a core member and a template having the desired groove patterns and periphery is mounted on the blank. Particles are directed against the template and the blank to form the lining grooves and peripheries. The particles also remove hanging fibers. In another embodiment, a template is placed over a friction facing or lining which has grooves formed by other methods. The particles remove any undesired material or hanging fibers from either the grooves or periphery or both.

Abstract: After a plate or layer of non-metallic, particularly hard and brittle material has been provided with a (metal) mask having a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern, it is exposed to at least one jet of abrasive powder particles, which jet is moved relative to the plate. The mask has its surface facing the surface on which the jet impinges secured to the plate or layer of non-metallic material by means of a layer of adhesive material having a thickness which is smaller than the size of the abrasive powder particles.

Abstract: A method of engraving pre-sintered ceramic articles involves providing a source of laser energy for forming a polyester mask having a predetermined spiral pattern etched therein. To form the polyester mask, means are provided for computationally communicating a predetermined engraving pattern to the source of laser energy. Once the polyester mask is formed, it is overlaid onto the ceramic article forming a laminate and the laminate is bombarded with a hard alumina grit to form the spiral pattern in the ceramic article. After the ceramic article is engraved with the predetermined spiral pattern, the polyester mask is removed exposing an engraved ceramic article.

Abstract: A method of providing a plurality of cavities and/or apertures in a plate or layer wherein, after the plate or layer has been provided with a mask having a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern, at least one jet of abrasive powder particles is moved relative to the plate. On its exposed surface, the mask is provided with a coating which prevents substantial mechanical stresses from being generated in the mask during the process by the jet of powder particles.

Abstract: An article is held in a complementally-shaped receptacle of a resilient holder while a process operation is carried out on a surface of the article. After the process operation has been completed, the holder is bent in order to facilitate release of the article from the receptacle. The method is particularly useful for performing a process operation such as sandblasting, etching or otherwise treating an inner surface of a hollow article such as an orthodontic band or dental crown while a portion of the holder masks and thus protects its outer surface.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for milling objects by means of high velocity abrasive waterjet. The apparatus includes means for holding and producing relative motion in three dimensions of both the workpiece and the jet. Control means are provided to allow uniform and variable depth milling of complex shapes and automatic variations in relative speed, standoff distance, angle and pressure. The method includes the use of a resistant mask for facilitating milling and production of masks by the same tool used for milling.

Abstract: After a plate or layer of non-metallic, particularly hard and brittle material has been provided with a (metal) mask having a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern, it is exposed to at least one jet of abrasive powder particles, which jet is moved relative to the plate. The mask has its surface facing the surface on which the jet impinges secured to the plate or layer of non-metallic material by means of a layer of adhesive material having a thickness which is smaller than the size of the abrasive powder particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process and apparatus for automatically engraving stone memorial markers comprised of granite or marble. The markers have their polished facing surfaces covered with a cut-out blast-resistant stencil having prescribed lettering, numerals, decorative patterns and the like. The markers are conveyed through a sand blast chamber at a uniform rate and plural direct-air-feed nozzles are moved uniformly transversely thereover to effect precisely uniform engraving of the facing surfaces. The engraving is more precisely defined to a prescribed uniform depth with finer detail than heretofore possible by manual or other automated single-nozzle methods. The plural nozzles are essentially continuously fed with pressurized air and blast cutting media to obtain faster and more accurate engraving.

Abstract: A sand-blast sign-making apparatus for forming a plurality of horizontally extending and alternating grooves and peaks on the planar front surface of a degradable blank of synthetic substrate material having a non-degradable stencil removably applied thereto. The grooves and peaks are formed in the portions of the blank surrounding the stencil and are intended to simulate a naturally weathered or sand-blasted piece of wood with the peaks representing the hardest grains in the wood. A sand-blast hose is supported upon a carriage assembly which is movable simultaneously in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The hose is directed at the blank and a grille having a plurality of stock blades positioned in spaced, parallel planes is positioned between the hose and the blank.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger window maintenance shield is provided to form a protective barrier about an aircraft window to prevent damage to the area surrounding the window during a window outer pane external surface repair procedure involving rotary power equipment. Two generally rectangular panels each having a generally half-window shaped opening are slidingly interfit with one another and snap-fit onto the window frame in such a fashion as to form an aircraft window shaped opening in the area of the aircraft window. The two panels interfit such that a first overlapped edge of the first panel is overlapped by a second overlapping edge of the second panel, and a second overlapped edge of the second panel is overlapped by a first overlapping edge of the first panel. In this fashion, the rotary power equipment is not damaged by the panels, nor are the panels pulled apart by the action of the rotary power equipment.