Abstract: Method and apparatus for surface conditioning a metal surface typically having irregular surface contours, by rubbing the metal surface with a surface conditioning device having a plurality of bristles which contact the metal surface during the rubbing and effect tensile stress reduction or degraded layer removal in the metal surface.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking and cushioning a spindle of a power tool includes a driving disk, a combination of a cam and a plurality of elastic components, and a plurality of roller pairs. The combination of the cam and the elastic components is accommodated in a body. The driving disk is disposed at one end of the body and in contact with the cam. A surface of the driving disk is formed with a plurality of stopping blocks inserted into the body to contact the elastic components, respectively. The roller pairs are respectively disposed between two adjacent stopping blocks and in contact with an inclined surface of an outer surface of the cam. When the power tool is powered off, relative movements between the elastic components and the stopping blocks and pressing forces between the inclined surface of the cam and the roller can cushion and lock the spindle.

Abstract: Provided is a moving mechanism for a blast gun which can easily move a blast gun accommodated in a blasting chamber and which can easily perform other operations from the outside thereof without leaking dust. A plurality of arm members (first input arm 21, second input arm 22, first output arm 31, and second output arm 32) are interlocked to form an input arm 20 and an output arm 30, each having one pair of arm members, one arm of the two arm members is pivotally attached to the other arm so as to be rotatable around an interlocked portion serving as a fulcrum, the input arm 20 is disposed outside the blasting chamber 3, and the output arm 30 is disposed inside the blasting chamber 3.

Abstract: The invention is based on a hand-guided sander having a housing (12) whose size is essentially limited to that of a base (38) of a sanding plate (30). According to the invention, the housing (12) is equipped to accommodate a rechargeable battery unit (28). The invention also relates to a sander cradle and a sander housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a floor grinder assembly for grinding a floor. The assembly includes first and second rails configured for being mounted spaced apart from and parallel to one another. A plurality of stands is configured for mounting the first and second rails above the floor. The stands have an adjustable length for adjusting a height position of the first and second rails such that the rails define a plane above the floor. A truss is configured to mount between the rails and to be movable along a length of the rails. A grinding assembly includes a grinding wheel and a motor driving the grinding wheel. The grinding assembly is configured for mounting to the truss and for being movable along a length of the truss.

Abstract: A holding fixture (1) for a grinding tool (30) is comprised, in essence, of a first tension plate (10) and a second tension plate (20). The first tension plate (10) can rotate relative to the second tension plate (20) about an axis (A). The first tension plate (10) comprises a first bearing surface (11) and the second tension plate (20) has a second bearing surface (21). A supporting body (31) can be clamped firmly with a first and a second contact surface (32, 33) between the bearing surfaces (11, 21). An angle (&agr;, ?) is formed between the first and the second bearing surface (11, 12) of the holding fixture (1) and/or between the first and the second contact surface (32, 33) of the supporting body (31).

Abstract: The polisher shuttle serves to polish the inside walls of cylindrical tubes, in particular tubes for medical use. It comprises radial projections that are flexible along the axial direction, suitable for polishing the inside walls of tubes merely by relative movement between the shuttle and the tube, the shuttle passing inside the tube. In a longitudinal section, the sections of the projections form a series of separate undulations that are long and thin in the radial direction. The polishing method made possible by the shuttle is particularly simple, since a single pass of the shuttle can suffice for performing polishing; the method is thus fast and easy to automate, e.g. in a polisher device of the invention.

Abstract: A saw includes a base and a pair of substantially parallel stationary rails coupled to the base and extending in a longitudinal direction. A saw supporting assembly is coupled to the base and includes an arm extending from the base and a cutting blade coupled to the arm. A table for supporting a workpiece has a pair of substantially parallel sliding rails fixedly coupled to the table. The sliding rails slide relative to the stationary rails so that the table is moveable between a cantilevered position where at least a portion of the sliding rails are not in contact with the stationary rails, and a non-cantilevered position where substantially the entire length of the sliding rails are in contact with the stationary rails.

Abstract: A subpad support for use in a web format or belt format polishing apparatus for polishing one or more layers of semiconductor device structures. The subpad support includes a subpad retention element for non-adhesively securing the subpad thereto. The subpad support may also include one or more lips protruding therefrom so as to at least substantially inhibit lateral movement of the subpad relative to the subpad support. Polishing apparatus including the subpad support are also disclosed. The polishing pads of such polishing apparatus may be at least partially moved away from the subpad or subpad support so as to facilitate assembly of a subpad with the subpad support or removal of the subpad from the subpad support without damaging the polishing pad. Methods of removably securing a subpad to the subpad support, removing the subpad from the subpad support, and replacing another subpad on the subpad support, as well as polishing methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a stand, a tire mount supported by the stand and releasably attachable to a tire, a tire rasp, and a tire rasp mount attachable to the tire rasp. The tire rasp mount includes a pair of handles. A four bar support pivotally attaches the tire rasp mount to the stand using hime joints. A motor operably rotates the tire and the tire rasp in opposite directions. An operator can manually move the tire rasp into contact with the tire and apply pressure between the tire rasp and the tire to texturize tread surfaces of the tire. A method is also disclosed which includes forming slices and grooves into the tread surfaces of the tire while maintaining the thickness of the tread. The slices and grooves may extend circumferentially around portions of the tread surfaces of the tire, and about 1/32-inch to about 1/16-inch deep.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that holds and tilts a tool over a tilt range and substantially about a vertex. The apparatus includes a base having pivots defining a base line and a base pivot distance. The apparatus also includes first and second pivot arms coupled to the base pivots, and a tool holder having pivots coupled to the first and second pivot arms. The tool holder pivots defining a tool holder line having a pivot distance different than the base pivot distance. The tool holder is arranged for holding the machine tool. An intersection of the base line and a selected pivot arm defines a control angle, such that changing the control angle changes a tilt of the tool holder with respect to the base line, and correspondingly tilts a longitudinal axis of the tool substantially about a vertex.

Abstract: A bi-directional rotation pneumatic grinding tool for grinding surfaces includes a body which has an operation section and a grasp section. The operation section drives an output shaft to rotate in two directions. The output shaft has positive threads in the interior and reverse threads on the outside and is coupled with a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism includes a coupling head which has one end forming a fastening section with reverse threads formed thereon. The front section of the output shaft is coupled with a connection member which has other end forming a latch section with reverse threads formed thereon. The latch section is coupled with an anchor member. A fastener with positive threads runs through the anchor member and engages with the positive threads on the inner wall of the output shaft.

Abstract: A platen for use in chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) systems includes a platen plate that has at least one recess defined therein. The at least one recess has an input port formed therein. A porous material is disposed in the at least one recess. The porous material has a porosity sufficient to restrict air flow therethrough so as to reduce an amount of air required for a CMP operation.

Abstract: A saw includes a base having a first length extending generally along a first direction, a table disposed on the base, a saw unit disposed on the base, wherein one of the table and the saw unit is movable relative to the base along the first direction over a range which exceeds the first length. The saw may also include a first stationary rail connected to the base and extending generally along the first direction and a first movable rail engaging the first stationary rail and extending generally parallel to the first stationary rail, the first movable rail being connected to the one of the table and saw unit. Preferably, the first movable rail is slidingly received over the first stationary rail. The saw may also include a first rack disposed on the first movable rail, and a first pinion disposed on the base, wherein the first pinion meshes with the first rack so that the first movable rail moves along the first direction upon rotation of the first pinion.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a bed of a machine tool to be stably leveled and supported by three support points and to reduce the strain of the bed of which structure is simplified.

Abstract: A bi-directional rotation pneumatic grinding tool for grinding surfaces includes a body which has an operation section and a grasp section. The operation section drives an output shaft to rotate in two directions. The output shaft has positive threads in the interior and reverse threads on the outside and is coupled with a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism includes a coupling head which has one end forming a fastening section with reverse threads formed thereon. The front section of the output shaft is coupled with a connection member which has other end forming a latch section with reverse threads formed thereon. The latch section is coupled with an anchor member. A fastener with positive threads runs through the anchor member and engages with the positive threads on the inner wall of the output shaft.

Abstract: A saw sharpening apparatus having an abrasive wheel for sharpening saw blades, and including a tool for shaping and dressing the abrasive wheel. The abrasive wheel shaping tool is operable to contact the peripheral surface of the abrasive wheel and shape the peripheral surface into a predetermined profile. The shaping tool is operable to move radially and axially relative to the abrasive wheel. A controller in communication with the shaping tool is programmed to urge the shaping tool against the abrasive wheel and move the shaping tool across the peripheral surface in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that holds and tilts a tool over a tilt range and substantially about a vertex. The apparatus includes a base having pivots defining a base line and a base pivot distance. The apparatus also includes first and second pivot arms coupled to the base pivots, and a tool holder having pivots coupled to the first and second pivot arms. The tool holder pivots defining a tool holder line having a pivot distance different than the base pivot distance. The tool holder is arranged for holding the machine tool. An intersection of the base line and a selected pivot arm defines a control angle, such that changing the control angle changes a tilt of the tool holder with respect to the base line, and correspondingly tilts a longitudinal axis of the tool substantially about a vertex.

Abstract: A traverse carriage and operator arrangement for transversely adjusting the abrader unit or units of a mobile surface abrading apparatus to facilitate more precise abrading of the underlying road or other surface. In a preferred embodiment the traverse carriage is mounted on a cross-member by means of rollers and is operated by a specially designed, fluid-operated cylinder horizontally oriented in the mobile surface abrading apparatus and attached to the traverse carriage and the apparatus frame for moving the traverse carriage along the cross-member and positioning the abrader unit a selected distance along the cross-member transverse to the longitudinal movement of the mobile surface abrading apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wide-wheel grinding machine having at least one grinding head attached to a machine frame by a cross arm and having a drive motor for the grinding head which is mounted at one end of the cross arm. The machine is made of non-metal castings and damps both the drive and grinding vibrations from the grinding head as close to the source as possible. Multi-head machines are assembled in accordance with the number of grinding heads on the basis of frame modules which are similar in shape.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method thereof for precision material positioning and precision shaping of materials. The apparatus includes positioning device which includes allows precision rotatable positioning of a group of material shaping devices, such as grinding wheels and the like. The system includes both the aforementioned device and a second device which has a two-section positioning device which allows precision positioning of an engaged workpiece.

Abstract: A viewport used by an end point detection system for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is attached to a platen that holds a CMP pad. During a CMP operation to polish a semiconductor wafer, the viewport is aligned with a hole in the CMP pad to permit optical access to the wafer by the end point detection system. The viewport shields optical components of the end point detection system from byproducts of the polishing, while also permitting the use of optical techniques to determine how much material has been polished from the surface of the wafer during the CMP operation.

Abstract: A grinding machine includes a work table disposed on top of a base, a housing rotatably secured to the base with a shaft and having a roller disposed on one end, a casing has one end secured to the housing and has another roller, a sander belt is engaged over the rollers. The sander belt is adjustable relative to the base and the work table when the housing is rotated and adjusted relative to the base about the shaft. A plate is secured to the base and has a curved slot, the casing has a fastener adjustably engaged in the curved slot of the plate.

Abstract: The frame of a polishing machine has a disc-shaped polishing table mounted thereon for rotation coaxially about a vertical axis, the table having thereon an upper, generally planar polishing surface for removably supporting thereon a plurality of annular workpiece carriers for rotation therewith and for rotation about their repsective axes relative to the table. The outer peripheral surface of each carrier is disposed to be engaged at angularly spaced points thereabout by a pair of rollers mounted on the frame for rotation about spaced, vertical axes. The output of a single AC electric motor is connected to the table to effect rotation thereof about its vertical axis, and to one roller of each pair thereof to drive the one roller about its axis. The one roller of each such pair thereof is in driving, rolling engagement with the carrier engaged thereby, while the other roller of such pair is rotated by the engaged carrier.

Abstract: A saw includes a base having a first length extending generally along a first direction, a table disposed on the base, a saw unit disposed on the base, wherein one of the table and the saw unit is movable relative to the base along the first direction over a range which exceeds the first length. The saw may also include a first stationary rail connected to the base and extending generally along the first direction and a first movable rail engaging the first stationary rail and extending generally parallel to the first stationary rail, the first movable rail being connected to the one of the table and saw unit. Preferably, the first movable rail is slidingly received over the first stationary rail. The saw may also include a first rack disposed on the first movable rail, and a first pinion disposed on the base, wherein the first pinion meshes with the first rack so that the first movable rail moves along the first direction upon rotation of the first pinion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt grinder of which the supporting tables (13, 14) are arranged in relation to the grinding unit (11) and hence the grinding belt (12) in such a way that tables need not be adjusted at the same time as the grinding unit is pivoted, while nevertheless the gap (z) between the grinding unit and the edges of the tables remains minimal. Such an arrangement is obtained if the value one minus the cosine of half the maximum pivoting angle (y) multiplied by the direct distance (d) between the tables edges is divided by two and the cosine of half the maximum pivoting angle (y) and gives a result acceptable for practical use and compliance with the standards and safety specifications for the gap (z) between the table edges and the grinding unit.

Abstract: Three columns 10, 20, 30 are set up in an approximately triangle arrangement. A saddle 51, which fixes a main spindle 50 thereto, is held in contact with a side face of the column 10, 20 or 30 or a brace 40 which unitarily connects two or three of the columns 10, 20, 30. A plurality of chucking tables 4a, 4b are installed in an indexing table 2a. When a work piece 5b attracted onto one chucking table 4b is carried to a position below the main spindle 50, the other chucking table 4a is located at a loading-unloading position. Since the main spindle 50 is located at a geometrical gravity center of a triangle defined by the columns 10, 20, 30, a reaction force which is generated during machining is uniformly distributed to each of the columns 10, 20, 30. Consequently, the columns 10, 20, 30 are prevented from deformation which causes inclination of the main spindle 50, and the machined work piece has superior flatness.

Abstract: A grinding machine comprises a frame having a rotary casing that bears rotary holders for grinding discs, as well as a drive motor which is mounted on the frame and interacts with the casing and the holders to drive the machine. The drive motor is connected by means of a continuous flexible or articulated element to the holders for driving the latter in the direction of rotation, wherein at least one of the holders is coupled to the frame by means of a gear transmission, in order to bring the casing into rotation when said holder is driven.

Abstract: An end face polishing apparatus in which whereas a jig board mounted with a rod-like member is supported by an apparatus main body by a supporting mechanism, a polishing board mounted with a polishing member for polishing the rod-like member is supported by the apparatus main body rotatably and pivotably by a drive mechanism for polishing the rod-like member mounted to the jig board by the supporting mechanism by pressing the rod-like member to the rotating and pivoting polishing board, wherein the polishing member is mounted to the polishing board attachably thereto and detachably therefrom, further comprising an automatic interchanging device for interchanging the polishing member which is mounted to the polishing board and which has been used with the polishing member which is stored at a predetermined position and which is to be used by which the operational performance is promoted.

Abstract: A tool is provided for cross-sectioning an integrated circuit in a hands-free mode of operation. The tool comprises an enclosure or cage having a passageway through which a sample—such as an integrated circuit, which may be encased in epoxy or some other substance—is brought into contact with an abrasive surface such as a milling disk. A wall or plate of the enclosure is adjustable in order to accommodate a variety of sample sizes, including both dies and packages. During the grinding or polishing of the sample the rotation of the milling disk helps stabilize the sample against the adjustable wall and one or more other walls of the enclosure. The enclosure is situated at a selectable position along a frame or guide that is mounted above the milling disk. Releasable connectors are used to secure the enclosure in a selected position yet allow it to be relocated as the milling disk becomes worn.

Abstract: A lawn mower blade sharpening apparatus has a standard bench grinder having a grinding wheel thereon attached to a workbench. A lawn mower blade support frame is attached to the workbench adjacent the bench grinder and has a blade support surface hinged to the frame and a cutout area therein having the bench grinder grinding wheel extending through the cutout so that the blade support surface can be rotated on the hinge adjacent the grinding wheel to vary the angle of the blade support surface to the grinding wheel. A threaded adjustment bolt is threaded through the frame and abuts the blade support surface and has a gripping handle on one end thereof and an abutment cap on the other end thereof. Threading the threaded adjustment bolt in and out adjusts the angle of the hinge blade support surface to change the angle of the support relative to the grinding wheel for sharpening blades at different angles on the grinding wheel while supported on the blade support surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing a metal foil sheet to produce magnetic recording media. The method comprises providing an elongate metal foil sheet having a first side and a second side. The sheet is advanced through a plurality of processing stations in equal unit length segments such that each segment receives the same treatment to form a magnetic recording medium from each segment. Method are also provided to prepare the foil surfaces by polishing, texturing, cleaning, and stress relieving, to coat the prepared surfaces with at least one metal layer, to finish the coated layers by buffing, burnishing, and lubricating, and to form disk units from the prepared, coated and finished surfaces.

Abstract: A sander device includes a motor, a sander member secured to a spindle of the motor, and one or more further sander members coupled to the motor and driven by the motor. A shaft is rotatable secured beside the motor and coupled to and driven by the motor for slidably supporting the further sander members. A follower is slidably engaged on the shaft for supporting the further sander members and is driven by the motor by cranks and links. The follower includes a guiding rod for preventing the follower from rotating relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A multi-use craftsman table (10) for connection of at least one of a plurality of tools (14) for performing a variety of operations on wood work pieces is disclosed by the present invention. The multi-use craftsman table (10) includes a tool table top (16) and a bracket (78) having at least one clamp (80, 82) for releasably securing at least one of the plurality of tools (14) thereto connected to the tool table top (16). The tool table top (16) includes a face side and a bottom side. The face side includes a recess (25) extending therethrough, and first and second grooves (28) extending on either side of the recess (25) and along the length of the face side. The bottom side includes means for connecting (106) the bracket (78) thereto wherein the at least one of said plurality of tools (14) is aligned with the recess (25). At least one leg (18) is releasably connected to the bottom side of the tool table top (16).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharpening tools, particularly hand instruments used in dental care. The apparatus includes a fixed base (19) and a rotary plate (14) fitted thereon, a grinding stone (10) pivoted on an axle (11), and a motor (20) for rotating the grinding stone. According to the invention, adjacent to the circumference (10') or the side surface (10") of the grinding stone is fitted a sharpening support (30) which is supported on the rotary plate (14) and on which the instrument to be sharpened rests during sharpening. The rotary plate (14) is arranged rotatively round an axis (41) between the instrument to be sharpened and the sharpening support (30) or through a point in proximity with the contact point.

Abstract: A burnisher for disassociating undesirable material from a work piece includes a wire and a burnishing medium operably associated with the wire. The flexibility of the burnisher permits forces to be generated to disassociate the burnishing medium.

Abstract: A drum sanding machine having a vertically-adjustable sanding drum mounted over a conveyor, where the sanding drum is direct-coupled to an AC drive motor. The conveyor includes an endless loop belt connected to a variable speed DC motor, and a feedback circuit is connected to monitor the AC drive motor current and to develop a feedback signal to slow the DC motor when the AC motor drive current exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the mechanical removal of deposits on welding electrodes. Welding electrodes have to be cleaned after a certain number of welding operations due to deposits. Therefore an apparatus is provided which is essentially subdivided into two subassemblies, namely a machining head and a holding device in the form of a stand or pedestal, which can be installed universally and in any position. The apparatus is characterized by a simple construction of a pneumatic motor which is an integral part of the apparatus. The pneumatic motor rotor is housed in a rotary manner in the machining head, which also contains the gear and the holder for the abrading tool to clean the welding electrodes.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus is provided and comprises a generally horizontally arranged container having a material supporting surface with means for resiliently mounting the container relative to a support surface. A bracket is resiliently mounted relative to the support surface and is resiliently mounted to the container. A vibration generator means is mounted on the bracket at a location offset on one side of the container. The vibration generator means generating a vibratory force along a linear path offset from the container. Part of the resilient mounting of the container on the support surface and the resilient mounting of the bracket on the support surface and the resilient mounting of the bracket to the container are all variable rate resilient means which can be adjusted to meet certain desired parameters in operating the apparatus. The resilient mounting of the container to the support surface and the resilient mounting of the bracket and vibration generator to the support surface are 180.degree.

Abstract: In a quick-action clamping device for axially securing a disk-shaped tool, particularly a grinding wheel on a flange of a driven spindle that has a clamping part provided with a thread that can be screwed to the thread of the spindle. The disk-shaped tool is held clamped between contact surfaces of the flange and the clamping part whose spacing from one another can be changed. It is proposed to avoid complete release of the tension nut during spindle stop operation in that the tool is pressed against the flange by means of at least one additional holding surface via a spring force, and that this additional holding surface is connected to the spindle in a manner secured against relative rotation.

Abstract: An abrasive wheel has a central support and an abrasive ring releasably and exchangeably fastened thereto and which on the one hand bears against an annular flange connected with the support and is braced against this by means of a locking ring and a locking flange.

Abstract: An abrading machine includes a tool platform for supporting a tool at a selected elevation and angular position relative to an abrading surface of the abrading machine. The tool platform includes a tool rest member, having a tool-receiving surface, which is movably attached to a carriage assembly which is, in turn, movably received by a support assembly. An abrading machine having two or more abrading stations and an adjustable tool platform moveable between the abrading stations is also provided.

Abstract: A grinder motor stand is disclosed which includes a base upon which an adjustable upstanding post is affixed. Preferably, the upstanding post extends through a central base opening and is affixed beneath an upper wall of the base so that two spaced points of affixation are provided for resisting bending moments on the upstanding shaft. An integral junction box is provided in the base having a male plug and a female socket wired in series and grounded to the base. The female socket of the junction box mates with a male plug of an electrical cord from a grinding motor supported on the stand. The male plug of the junction box mates with a female plug of a foot pedal control used to control the grinding motor. The base is weighted, and the two-point attachment of the upstanding posts provide a stable grinding motor stand which can be easily moved around and transported. The entire assembly may be knocked down for shipping or transportation.