Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for sanding surfaces of a workpiece, preferably at least portions of which are made of wood, a manufactured wood product, plastic or such like. The present invention further relates to a sanding method and to a sanding machine comprising: a carrier element (11), a plurality of pressure segments (12a, 12b, 12c) which can be actuated, in particular electromagnetically actuated, and which are disposed along the carrier element (11) and are each designed to press a sanding element, especially a sanding belt (21), against a workpiece (1), and at least one sensor (13a, 13b, 13c) for sensing a compressive force applied to a workpiece by one of the pressure segments.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and a method for evaluating a joint compound specimen can be used to determine a numerical sandability value for the specimen. A moving assembly is configured to move a sanding member in a sanding direction relative to the joint compound specimen supported in a support fixture. An actuator assembly is configured to drive the sanding member into contacting relationship with the joint compound specimen such that the sanding member exerts a controlled amount of pressure against the joint compound specimen. The force gauge is configured to measure a resistance force against the sanding member in a resistance direction in opposing relationship to the sanding direction. A processor programmed with a joint compound analyzing application is configured to use a force signal from the force gauge that is indicative of the resistance force to determine the sandability value for the joint compound specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a metal plate including a plurality of pattern portions, a patterning apparatus configured to form a plurality of patterns on the metal plate, and a patterning method using the same. The metal plate to be used in a household appliance includes a plurality of pattern portions in which a hairline pattern is formed on a surface of the metal plate, wherein the plurality of pattern portions includes a first pattern portion having a first hairline pattern and a second pattern portion having a second hairline pattern different from the first hairline pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a system that includes a first optical sensor, a second optical sensor, and a gear feature controller. The first optical sensor measures a plurality of first distances measured from a first reference point to a surface provided between a pair of adjacent teeth among a plurality of teeth circumferentially distributed about a first side of a gear. The second optical sensor measures a plurality of second distances measured from a second reference point to a surface along a second side of the gear opposite the first side. The gear feature controller configured to determine a stock removal amount of the gear based on the first distances and the second distances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tape drive, which may include a transport mechanism which may include a tape head. The tape drive may be adapted to receive a magnetic tape with the transport mechanism, and to transport the magnetic tape by the transport mechanism. The tape head may be adapted to perform read-write operations on an oxide side of the magnetic tape. The tape drive may include a burnishing unit, which may include a burnishing roller and a burnish controller having an abrasive shell. The burnishing roller may be installed in the tape drive upstream of the tape head such that the abrasive shell supports the received magnetic tape on the oxide side. The burnish controller may be adapted to control the movement of the burnishing roller.

Abstract: An apparatus including a controller, and at least two cutting head assemblies. The controller typically includes a computer processor, and a computer memory, having a computer program stored therein. The controller automatically controls the current load of a cutting motor of each of the at least two cutting head assemblies via current sensors, in response to monitoring real time current loads. The controller may also control feed mechanism speed. The feed mechanism may include a conveyor belt. The controller may also be programmed to control a position or height of each of the at least two cutting head assemblies with respect to the feed mechanism. The two or more cutting head assemblies may be attached to a frame, and the controller may control the movement of the frame perpendicular to the direction of movement of feeding mechanism. Cutting head pads may be monitored for wear and replaced if necessary.

Abstract: A sanding machine for sanding panels, including a supporting structure, a sanding unit supported by the supporting structure, a surface for supporting and sliding of the panels located beneath the sanding unit and along which the panels are fed in a predetermined feed direction; the sanding unit including a trestle supporting a sanding belt, the trestle including a plurality of rollers having respective axes parallel to the supporting surface, the sanding belt being endless and looped around the rollers, one of the rollers being motorized to move the sanding belt during the sanding of the panels, the sanding unit further including at least one opposing member to force the belt against the panel to be sanded.

Abstract: A support device includes a supporting main body, a first angle rotation unit, a second angle rotation unit, a height adjustment structure, an absorbing unit and a driver motor unit. The absorbing unit is pivotally connected to the first angle rotation unit. The driver motor unit includes a first driving element, a second driving element and a third driving element. The first driving element drives the first angle rotation unit to adjust a rotation angle of the absorbing unit. The second driving element drives the second angle rotation unit for enabling the supporting main body to rotate around an axial thereof. The third driving element drives the height adjustment structure for enabling the supporting main body to move along the axial thereof. In addition, an support unit system and a support unit control system are also provided.

Abstract: A method for pretexturing the polishing surface of a chemical mechanical polishing layer, comprising providing a chemical mechanical polishing layer having a polishing surface; providing a belt sanding machine; feeding the chemical mechanical polishing layer through a gap between a transport belt and a calibrating sanding belt of the belt sanding machine; and, wherein the polishing surface comes into contact with the calibrating sanding belt; wherein the thickness of the polishing layer is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sanding a predetermined impression into a workpiece. The device has a pattern belt positioned inside the area formed by a sanding belt. A pad is positioned inside the area formed by the pattern belt. A raised pattern is formed on the outer surface of the pattern belt. In use, the pad contacts the pattern belt, urging the raised pattern of the pattern belt to contact the sanding belt. The portion of the sanding belt contacted by the pattern belt is urged toward the workpiece so that the predetermined impression is sanded into the workpiece.

Abstract: An abrading device for abrading a floor structure comprises a first abrading assembly and a second abrading assembly. The first and second abrading assemblies each have a rotationally driven contact roll provided with a sleeve having a plurality of cutouts formed in a pattern thereon. An abrading belt is trained over the sleeve. A first oscillation assembly is connected to the first abrading assembly and oscillates the contact roll of the first abrading assembly in a first direction via a linear reciprocating motion. A second oscillation assembly is connected to the second abrading assembly and oscillates the contact roll of the second abrading assembly in a second direction via a linear reciprocating motion. The first and second abrading assemblies consecutively abrade a top surface of the floor structure with the pattern formed by the cutouts on the respective sleeves to form a distressed visible pattern thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining a planar metal workpiece, having at least one machining unit, with which a machining belt, which is driven in circulation, can be guided in an at least approximately linear manner past the region of the workpiece to be machined in an oblique or transverse manner with respect to a feed direction of the workpiece. A movable carrier element having pressure means acts on a rear side of the machining belt in order to influence contact, necessary for machining, between the working side of the machining belt and the workpiece. A drive arrangement, by way of which the carrier element can be motor-driven, is provided such that the carrier element moves substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the machining belt, at least in the working region of the machining belt.

Abstract: A small test piece polishing apparatus is provided which is less likely to bend or damage a small test piece, which is superior in working efficiency, and which ensures uniform quality for the small test pieces produced. The small test piece polishing apparatus 1 for polishing a surface of a small test piece 3 having a circular cross section using a string-type member 13 includes string-type member delivery/recovery means 10, abrasive applying means 20, holding/rotating means 30, and pressing/scanning means 40. The abrasive applying means 20 applies an abrasive to the string-type member delivered by the string-type member delivery/recovery means 10. Thereafter, the pressing/scanning means 40 presses the string-type member 13 applied with the abrasive against the small test piece 3 held and rotated by the holding/rotating means 30 to perform scanning, to thereby polish the small test piece 3.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining a strip- or plate-shaped metallic workpiece is proposed, in particular for the deburring of cut edges and/or for the grinding of surfaces of the workpiece, having at least one machining unit which has a revolving drive device which directs a machining element at least approximately linearly past the region of the workpiece to be machined obliquely or transversely to the feed direction of the workpiece. According to the invention, the machining element is designed as a grinding belt, the grinding belt, in the region of the workpiece to be machined, being in operative connection with the drive device in such a way that the drive device drives the grinding belt, and the grinding belt and the drive device are separate from one another at least in a region remote from the workpiece.

Abstract: A belt sanding system comprising a segmented sanding block including a plurality of individually controllable segments and one or more sanding belt deflecting rollers, a plurality of sensing elements corresponding to the plurality of segments, and a device for interconnecting the plurality of sensing elements, interconnecting the plurality of sensing elements with the segmented sanding block, and effecting lateral movement of the plurality of sensing elements as the segmented sanding block is rotated to an oblique alignment relative to the feed direction.

Abstract: A wide belt sander has a base, a driving axle, a driving device, a driven axle bracket, a driven axle, a belt and an automatic adjustment device. The driving axle is rotatably mounted on the base and has a central axis. The driving device is mounted on the base and is connected to the driving axle. The driven axle bracket is rotatably mounted on the base along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the central axis of the driving axle. The driven axle is rotatably mounted on the driven axle bracket along a rotating axis parallel with the central axis of the driving axle. The belt is endlessly mounted around the driving and driven axles. The automatic adjustment device is mounted between the base and the driven axle bracket to drive the driven axle bracket to swing relative to the base in a simple harmonic motion.

Abstract: The invention describes devices consisting of a combination of oblique to feed direction aligned belt sanding assemblies, with drives or devices for low sanding belt speeds and/or with conventional, or modified for sanding belt oblique operation, electronic segmented sanding pad. The oblique alignment of the sanding unit can be adjusted steplessly. Its application for both oblique sanding and, when so aligned, sanding directly in the direction of feed meets the requirements of intermediate sanding between paint or varnish coats, as well as those of wood sanding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grinding machine comprising oscillating driving means (3, 4) for setting grinding means (1) into an oscillating grinding motion and an actuation device (7) that is provided with a plurality of actuation areas (8) which can be triggered such that different zones of the grinding means (1) are alternately actuated independently of the oscillating grinding motion.

Abstract: Systems and methods control abrading operations of an abrading machine by sensing characteristics of an abrading article installed on the abrading machine. When a problem is discovered by sensing the article, appropriate actions may be taken. As one example, the abrading article may be sensed to determine whether the abrading article has been installed with an abrasive side facing the wrong direction. An alert allows an operator to reinstall the article. As another example, the abrading article may be sensed to determine whether splicing tape is present to hold two pieces of abrading tape together. The article may be advanced until the splicing tape is beyond an abrading zone. As another example, the abrading article may be sensed to determine whether the abrading article has stopped moving while the article drive is advancing because the article has broken. An alert allows an operator to repair the break.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) system is provided. The apparatus includes a platen capable of introducing fluid beneath a polishing pad and a platen support cover configured to surround the platen. The platen is disposed at a first level and the platen support cover is disposed at a second level, the first level being lower relative to the second level. Both the platen and the platen support cover are configured to be disposed below the polishing pad such that the polishing pad is closer to the second level than the first level. The platen support cover has a width at the second level that is substantially equal around the platen. An apparatus and method for controlling pressure beneath a polishing pad is also provided.

Abstract: A material removal optimizing system for a wood surface treating apparatus with a plurality of individual work stations arranged serially along an endless conveyor. Each station includes a working abrasive head along with an elevation adjustment mechanism for adjustably positioning the contact surface of each abrasive head at a desired working distance from the opposed surface of the workpiece traveling along the endless conveyor. An incoming workpiece dimension indicator is positioned at the infeed end, and additional workpiece dimension indicators are positioned downstream from each work station, with each dimension indicator being positioned to measure the dimensional deviation of the workpiece from a datum plane after it has passed through its preceding individual work station.

Abstract: An invention improves edge performance in chemical mechanical polishing processes. A method operation provides a wafer head above a wafer. The wafer head includes a first active retaining ring capable of extension and retraction. Another operation provides a polishing belt below the wafer head, and provides below the polishing belt a platen having a second active retaining ring capable of extension and retraction. Another operation controls positions of the first active retaining ring and the second active retaining ring to provide positional control for the polishing belt, thus adjusting and controlling the removal rate at the edge of the wafer.

Abstract: A sand-belt finishing machine includes a main frame, at least one grinding device, a conveyor platform mounted between the grinding device and the main frame, and a lift device mounted between the conveyor platform and the main frame for adjusting the position of the conveyor platform. The lift device includes a propeller shaft, a shaft, a support plate, a driving rod, and a slide rod. Thus, the distance between the grinding devices and the conveyor platform can be adjusted arbitrarily by the lift device, so that the grinding devices can be used to grind workpieces of different thickness.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to techniques for controlling the abrasivity of magnetic tape without modifying the coating formulas used to create the magnetic tape. For example, the invention may involve controlling or adjusting the abrasivity of magnetic tape using one or more burnishing techniques such as lapping, vaming or scraping. In this manner, the abrasivity of magnetic tape can be controlled or adjusted to ensure that the tape meets the necessary tape specifications without modifying the coating formulas applied during the coating process.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed for improving edge performance in a chemical mechanical polishing process is disclosed. The system includes a wafer head disposed above a wafer, where the wafer head includes a first active retaining ring capable of extension and retraction. Below the wafer head is a polishing belt, and disposed below the polishing belt is a platen having a second active retaining ring capable of extension and retraction. During operation the first active retaining ring and the second active retaining ring can be controlled to provide positional control for the polishing belt, thus adjusting and controlling the removal rate at the edge of the wafer.

Abstract: A belt wear optimizing system for a wood surface treating apparatus with a plurality of individual work stations arranged serially along an endless conveyor. Each station includes a working abrasive head along with an elevation control for adjustably positioning the contact surface of each abrasive head at a desired working distance from the opposed surface of the workpiece traveling along the endless conveyor. An incoming workpiece thickness detector is positioned at the infeed end, and additional workpiece thickness detectors are positioned downstream from each work station, with each being positioned to measure the thickness of the workpiece after it has passed through its preceding individual work station.

Abstract: An adjusting device for the sanding drum of a double-drum sander is installed between the opposite ends of the rear grinding drum and the machine frame of a sander for adjusting a rear sanding drum to a most suitable height to match with the size number of the emery of the front sanding drum of the sander so as to carry out abrading with excellent effect.

Abstract: A sand-belt finishing machine having a reciprocal movement mechanism includes a main body, a swingable support rack, a finishing device, and an eccentric device. Thus, the eccentric unit of the eccentric device produces a driving force to pull and push the first roller of the finishing device, so that the first roller is oscillated successively and produces a vibration or shock force on the sand belt of the finishing device, so as to remove and clear the powder chips attached on the surface of the sand belt.

Abstract: A prompter/monitor system for use in combination with wide-belt abrasive surface treating apparatus and including an array of individual axially spaced apart signal generating workpiece sensors operatively positioned across the width of the belt with each sensor creating a signal in response to the presence of a workpiece moving along a segment or lane of the width of the belt. Readout means are provided for receiving signals from each of the sensors, with the readout means including a display responsive to a selected one of the workpiece sensors. A data processor is coupled to the readout for determining the accumulative duration of time during which a workpiece is detected by each sensor, and also determining that certain sensor which has detected the least duration of workpiece presence which becomes the reference for all others.

Abstract: A prompter/monitor system for use in combination with wide-belt abrasive surface treating apparatus and including an array of individual axially spaced apart signal generating workpiece sensors operatively positioned across the width of the belt with each sensor creating a signal in response to the presence of a workpiece moving along a segment of the width of the belt. Readout means are provided for receiving signals from each of the sensors, with the readout means including a display responsive to a selected one of the workpiece sensors. A data processor is coupled to the readout for determining the accumulative duration of time during which a workpiece is detected by each sensor, and also determining that certain sensor which has detected the least duration of workpiece presence. The total amount of time for which workpieces are detected for each individual sensor are compared, and the display is actuated to represent those width segments which are being under (or over) utilized.

Abstract: A rollers' position moving device for a sand belt machine includes a conveyor in the machine, a sand belt, and plural rollers moving the sand belt. The rollers are deposited across on the conveyor. Further, a first wheel and a second wheel are pivotally connected with one side of each roller, and the first and the second wheel have different diameters so as to rotate with different speeds. The rotating speed disparity of the two wheels can make the two wheels move laterally right and left within a preset distance because of an inner projection surface of the two wheels. Then the rollers are rotated and moved laterally right and left by one of the wheels so that sand grinding of the rollers rotating and moving laterally right and left at the same time can grind a work being ground smooth and glossy.

Abstract: A surface finishing apparatus for in-line outer surface polishing of elongate cylindrical metal stock to apply a long scratch finish, including a stock feeder for feeding a length of stock through the finishing apparatus from an infeed downstream to an outfeed position while rotating the stock about its longitudinal axis and a polishing assembly for finish-treating the outer surface of the stock as the stock is fed through the apparatus to apply a long scratch finish thereto. The polishing assembly includes a rotatable finishing wheel having a finish-treating peripheral surface for being applied in an in-line orientation against the outer surface of the stock as the stock is simultaneously fed and rotated through the finishing apparatus.

Abstract: A rollers' position moving device for a sand belt machine includes a conveyor in the machine, a sand belt, and plural rollers moving the sand belt. The rollers are deposited across on the conveyor. Further, a first wheel and a second wheel are pivotally connected with one side of each roller, and the first and the second wheel have different diameters so as to rotate with different speeds. The rotating speed disparity of the two wheels can make the two wheels move laterally right and left within a preset distance because of an inner projection surface of the two wheels. Then the rollers are rotated and moved laterally right and left by one of the wheels so that sand grinding of the rollers rotating and moving laterally right and left at the same time can grind a work being ground smooth and glossy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for grinding spherical objects into an exact spherical shape. The sphere-reshaping apparatus comprises a grinding section equipped with means for grinding spherical objects, an inlet section equipped with means for feeding spherical objects to the grinding section and an outlet section equipped with means for taking out reshaped spherical objects from the grinding section. The inlet section, grinding section and outlet section communicate by transporting means. The transporting means comprises an endless carrier belt having a series of apertures made for accepting spherical objects and a drive for driving the endless carrier belt. In the grinding section an endless grinding belt runs parallel with the endless carrier belt in same or counter direction relative to the endless carrier belt at such a speed that causes spherical objects to rub on the grinding belt.

Abstract: A sander includes a roller rotatably secured to a support, a bracket rotatably supported on the support at a pivot pin, another roller rotatably secured to the bracket, a sander belt engaged around the rollers. One of the rollers is rotated about the support for twisting the sander belt and for removing some of the dust from the sander belt. An actuator includes a rod engaged with the bracket for rotating the bracket about the support. A valve is coupled to the actuator for selectively supplying the air to the actuator via a rotatable spindle and a lever.

Abstract: An electronic component chip feeder enabling to feed electronic component chips in which electrodes on the outer surfaces thereof can be cleanly maintained and the reliability of electrical connections is excellent even when miniaturizing thereof is promoted, and a method for manufacturing electronic devices by using electronic component chips being excellent in the reliability of electrical connections are provided. The electronic component chip feeder for feeding electronic component chips includes a cleaning device disposed in an intermediate portion of a supplying system for supplying plural electronic component chips in an aligned relationship for cleaning outer surfaces of the electronic component chips.

Abstract: A working apparatus of a magnet member comprises: a transfer path for guiding magnet members to be ground in one direction; transfer means for pushing the plurality of magnet members in a transfer direction to continuously send out the magnet members to the transfer path; a pair of grinding means disposed such as to sandwich the transfer path for grinding opposite surfaces of the transferred magnet member; and pushing means disposed downstream from the grinding means for pushing the magnet member in a direction opposite from the transfer direction. With this structure, it is possible to work the magnet member into a predetermined shape with excellent productivity.

Abstract: A sanding machine for sanding the surfaces of work pieces placed upon a conveyor that transports the work pieces along a first direction towards and beneath a sanding head. The sanding head comprises a sanding belt entrained around an upper tension roller and a lower contact roller. The tension roller and contact roller are provided with a single translational orbital movement by a pair of eccentric shafts operatively connected thereto and rotatably driven by an operatively connected motor. At least one of the upper tension roller and lower contact roller is also driven by an operatively connected motor so as to provide the endless rotation of the sanding belt around the upper tension roller and lower contact roller. In this fashion, the sanding belt is provided with two contemporaneous superimposed movements consisting of rotational movement about the tension roller and contact roller and a single orbital translational movement imparted by the rotating pair of eccentric shafts.

Abstract: In a band grinding machine, especially well adapted for grinding wooden frames having transverse and longitudinal wooden pieces, a support table in the form of an endless belt transports the frames in an advancement direction, a transverse grinding assembly with a transversely moving grinding band extending over the width of the support table grinds the entire tops of frames, and two longitudinal grinding assemblies, located behind the transverse grinding assembly in the advancement direction, respectively grind the two longitudinal wooden pieces of each frame, with each longitudinal grinding assembly having a longitudinally moving grinding band with a width very small in comparison to the width of the table, and with at least one of the longitudinal grinding assemblies being adjustable transversely of the advancement direction to allow the spacing of the longitudinal grinding assemblies to be set to match the spacing of the longitudinal frame pieces.

Abstract: A belt grinding machine has a grinding belt continuously guided about at least two deflection rollers 2, a pressure shoe 3 that presses the grinding belt 1 against a workpiece 8 by a contact pressure apparatus. The belt grinding machine also has a contact pressure control that allows a contact pressure force to be set. The uniformity and reproducibility of the grinding results are improved by a detector arrangement 6, 7 that senses the adjustment of the pressure shoe 3 and an evaluation device that influences the contact pressure control as a function of the sensed adjustment of the pressure shoe 3.

Abstract: A tool for the linear polishing of substrates includes an endless belt of continuous strength wrapped substantially as a helix of predetermined length and width with a 180 degree twist along the length to increase by a factor of 2× the time interval between which belt changes need to be made because of wear-and-tear, significantly reducing the costs associated with the polishing because of reduced down time. In a preferred embodiment for the chemical-mechanical polishing of silicon wafer substrates used in fabricating integrated circuits, the endless belt is constructed as a Mobius strip of a rubberized, urethane composition to be flexible, but yet strong enough to withstand the applied pressure between the polishing belt and the substrate.

Abstract: A grinding device includes a grinding member disposed on a base, and a board rotatably supported in the base at a shaft. An axle is rotatably secured in the board for supporting the tools. A spring is coupled between the base and the board for moving the axle and thus the tools toward the grinding member and for allowing the tools to be ground by the grinding member. The grinding member is rotated to grind the tools. A rack is coupled to the axle to rotate the tools for allowing the peripheral portion of the tools to be ground by the grinding member.

Abstract: For conveying in single file and in a lying position substantially cylindrical objects such as nuclear fuel pellets (P) in a substantially horizontal, non-linear path, a conveying system (20) is proposed, which comprises an endless belt (26) running over pulleys having substantially vertical axes. Regulatable guides (44) maintain the objects laterally on the upper edge (30) of the endless belt (26).

Abstract: A deburring machine having a work table with a side guide mounted thereto so as to define a first work zone for the lower peripheral edge of the cylindrical workpiece. A continuous elongated belt having an abrasive surface is mounted to the work table so as to engage the lower edge of the workpiece in the first work zone. A second side guide is spaced vertically from the work table in parallel alignment with the first side guide in conjunction with an overhead guide that engages the upper circular surface of the workpiece. The overhead guide and second side guide define a second work zone substantially in alignment with the first work zone, and a second continuous elongated abrasive belt engages the upper peripheral edge of the workpiece in the second work zone.

Abstract: A belt guide member for guiding an abrasive belt on a rotary drum sander. The belt guide member includes a slot for accommodating an edge of the abrasive belt. The belt guide member may have two slots, such that when one slot of the member has been used and is worn out, the other slot can be used by turning around the member. A ridge between the slots helps prevent the edge of the belt from folding over between the slots. The member may have a magnet at its bottom face for attaching to the sander and for facilitating removal and exchange of the member. The belt guide member may be manufactured from a ceramic material.

Abstract: An improved method and device for performing setup and adjustment of pressure shoes used in an abrasive finishing machine. The setup of the pressure shoe stop limit device is performed automatically and remotely. The stop limit is hydraulically locked in place and limits subsequent shoe rotation. This automatically positionable travel limit stop takes into account the natural spring of the various machine components, including the innate springiness of the surfacing head elastic covering which wears and deforms over time. The pressure shoe is adjusted relative to the surfacing head, and accounts for the undefinable characteristics of the overall machine.

Abstract: A sanding machine for sanding the surfaces of work pieces placed upon a conveyor that transports the work pieces along a first direction towards and beneath a sanding head. The sanding head comprises a sanding belt entrained around an upper tension roller and a lower contact roller. The tension roller and contact roller are provided with a single translational orbital movement by a pair of eccentric shafts operatively connected thereto and rotatably driven by an operatively connected motor. At least one of the upper tension roller and lower contact roller is also driven by an operatively connected motor so as to provide the endless rotation of the sanding belt around the upper tension roller and lower contact roller. In this fashion, the sanding belt is provided with two contemporaneous superimposed movements consisting of rotational movement about the tension roller and contact roller and a single orbital translational movement imparted by the rotating pair of eccentric shafts.

Abstract: A panel sanding machine comprises an abrasive belt and a pad mounted by the machine in such a way that it rotates in orbital fashion around an axis transverse to the plane in which the panels lie and presses the abrasive belt against the panel being machined. The abrasive belt is supported by the pad in such a way that it can slide on the latter in a direction parallel to the panel being machined. The machine also includes a feature for alternately allowing and preventing the sliding of the abrasive belt relative to the pad in two working conditions, of which the first allows the belt to slide so as to change the part of it that is in contact with the panel being worked, and the second locks the belt to the pad so that the panels can be sanded.

Abstract: A de-marking apparatus and method are provided for de-marking a marked packaged integrated circuit (IC). The de-marking apparatus comprises a de-marking head for removing a thin layer of material from the marked surface. The apparatus may also include mechanisms for feeding, transferring and conveying the marked ICs to and from the de-marking head, and washing, drying, and receiving the de-marked ICs in an automated fashion. The method includes physically removing package material from a marked IC surface and producing a surface reflectivity suitable for re-marking with a laser beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reducing optical chatter for use with a machine that is adapted to perform an operation on a surface of a workpiece by bringing a rotating roller into contact with the surface as the workpiece is advanced past the roller. The roller of the machine has a central axis and is powered to rotate about the central axis. The apparatus comprises an oscillation inducing device that is operably coupled to the roller for inducing an axial oscillation in the roller. The frequency of the induced oscillation of the roller is substantially greater than the frequency of rotation of the roller. The method for reducing optical chatter comprises the step of imparting axial oscillations to the roller during rotation of the roller, the imparted oscillations being of substantially greater frequency than the frequency of rotation of the roller.