Abstract: In order to reclaim defective articles, wafers carried in from a loading unit are transported to a wafer stocker unit, a polishing unit, a pre-rinsing unit, a rinsing unit, a spin dehydrating unit and a drying unit in the named order, and in a defect inspecting device, defective articles are sorted and the remainder are taken out as products out of an unloading unit. The defective articles are classified in a discriminating device in conformity with the kinds of the defects thereof, and are returned to the polishing unit, the rinsing unit or the drying unit through a return duct.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blade cover in a cutting apparatus comprising a chuck table for holding a workpiece to be cut and cutting means for cutting the workpiece, which comprises a spindle having a rotary blade detachably attached thereto and a spindle housing for rotatably holding the spindle. The blade cover is fixed to the spindle housing on its front side, and it comprises: a rear nozzle assembly for flushing water to the rotary blade on its rear side; a front nozzle assembly for flushing water to the rotary blade on its front side; and blade detecting means for detecting the condition of the rotary blade. The front nozzle assembly is adapted to be put selectively in operative or inoperative position, and the blade detecting means is adapted to be put selectively in operative or inoperative position in unison with the front nozzle assembly. With this arrangement the rotary blade can be changed readily.

Abstract: A dust remover for power sander includes a dust collecting hood secured on the sander and fluidically communicated with a vacuum system formed in or attached to the sander, having a resilient bellows portion formed on a lower portion of the hood for covering a sanding pad as driven by a motor of the sander and a bottom flange having a plurality of apertures or perforations circumferentially formed in the flange, with the bellows portion resiliently expanding to retain the bottom flange on a working surface; whereby upon vacuum suction in the sander to form at least an air stream as drafted from the outside into the inside of the hood, the dusts, as produced when operating the sander, will be sucked inwardly into the hood as laden in the air stream to be finally collected and disposed for preventing air pollution and for enhancing occupational health.

Abstract: A fully integrated, transportable cabinet stand is provided, particularly adopted for machining metal parts, with a cabinet box enclosing the motor to be used. A vacuum pump causes air to flow out of the rear of the cabinet box through a filtering system which remove the particulant matter produce by the machining operation. A moveable slide plate formed with adjustable arm holes increases the operator's range of motion.

Abstract: An apparatus (96) and method for reconditioning the protective coating (14) of a digital recording disc (10) is provided. The apparatus (96) includes a turntable (98) configured to receive the non-data center section (17) of the digital disc (10), a brake (100) for controlling the rotation speed of the turntable (98) and the disc (10), a turntable support (102) for attaching the turntable (98) to a base (104), a buffing element (52), a motor (54) for rotating the buffing element (52), a buffing element support (58) for attaching the buffing element (52) to the base (104), and a protective housing (106).

Abstract: The invention relates to a dust retaining and filtering device which can be attached to a dust generating tool, for controlling the spread of dust and other particulate matter generated by grinding, sanding, polishing, burnishing and buffing devices. The device comprises a resilient skirt which curves outwardly along its bottom edge; a filter extending along the length of the skirt; means for mounting the filter along the length of the skirt and attachment means for securing the device to the dust generating tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus in an engine-driven machine having a tool carrier for a rotary tool and having a splinter shield cover (20) for the tool, which cover houses a section of the tool and has a through-running fixture hole (27) for the cover in a bearing side wall.

Abstract: A precision polishing apparatus has a first hermetically sealed chamber provided with polishing means, a third hermetically sealed chamber capable of communicating with the first hermetically sealed chamber through a second hermetically sealed chamber, first and second opening-closing means for alternately placing the first and the third hermetically sealed chamber in communication with with the second hermetically sealed chamber, and atmosphere pressure control means for controlling the atmosphere pressure of the first and the second hermetically sealed chamber so that the atmosphere pressure of the first hermetically sealed chamber may become lower than the atmosphere pressure of the second hermetically sealed chamber when at least the first opening-closing means is opened.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for a machine tool is constructed so as to be a free standing assembly completely independent from the machine tool. The protective enclosure is provided on rollers so that unimpeded access may be had to the machine tool by rolling away the protective enclosure. The protective enclosure is further provided with a safety locking system for interrupting operation of the machine tool if the protective cover is removed during operation or preventing starting of the machine tool if the protective cover is not fully in place.

Abstract: A portable power tool for operating a wheel type grinding or cutting working implement comprises a housing (10), a rotating output spindle (11) with a working implement supporting flange (14), a safety guard (16) adjustably supported on a guide flange (15) on the housing (10), and a selectively operable arresting device (18) for positively engaging lock openings (20) on the safety guard (16) for locking the latter in alternative positions relative to the housing (10), wherein the support flange (14) is provided with a number of peripheral indentations (21), and the arresting device (18) comprises a lock bolt (19) which is longitudinally shiftable between a first position in which it engages either one of the lock openings (20) on the safety guard (16), a second position in which it engages either one of the lock openings (20) on the safety guard (16) as well as either one of the support flange (14) indentations (21), and a third position in which it neither engages anyone of the safety guard (16) lock opening

Abstract: An improved substrate processing system. The system may be used for double sided scrubbing of a semiconductor substrate. The wet stations of the system has covers which prevent accumulated liquid from dripping outside of the station and which minimize dripping on the substrates. Transport tunnels are provided between modules to prevent leakage between the modules. A substrate transport mechanism which is moveable along a rail is provided with the stabilizer to provide for stable substrate transfer. The processing system has two brush stations which are placed within a single enclosure. The sensors located throughout the system, which sense the presence of a wafer, are fixedly mounted in a frame so that they are self-aligned to one another. In the sender station, two sensors are used, with the system requiring both sensors to sense the presence of a wafer to increase the reliability. In the dry station, the heating lamp is shielded from the substrate to reduce particulate contamination.

Abstract: A plastic shield for a tile saw includes two vertical side panels, a back panel and a top panel, which in one embodiment are dismantlable separate panels. The components are quickly assembled together via slotted edges or connecting extrusions and when dismantled stack flatly within the water tray which is included as part of the tile saw apparatus. The tile saw shield is configured to allow normal use of the tile saw, without encumbering the user. It contains water from spraying out of the tray, to the extent that the tile saw can be used in an interior setting. In a second embodiment the shield is made of a flexible canopy with three sides and a top, supported by a bent rod frame which itself is secured in releasable fashion to fixed structure of the tile saw apparatus.

Abstract: A vacuum type portable sander for exhausting dust emitted during the sanding, and housed within a lid-shaped shield which encloses the rotary disc. The shield has a body of hard material provided with an exhaust outlet, and at the bottom edge has a skirt member to contact the work surface during sanding. This skirt member is installed to move freely up and down along the outer periphery of the body. The main body has a resilient member in order to make the skirt member rebound onto the work surface during sanding. The skirt member is installed suspended from a hook on the upper part of the main body. The skirt member of this invention as configured above, can move up and down in response to irregular portions on the work surface and the interior of the shield therefore maintains a good seal to match variations on the work surface. The skirt member of this invention sustains damage due to wear from contact with work surfaces such as walls.

Abstract: A vacuum shield for an abrading device adapted for use upon non-uniform surfaces. The shield includes a general planar top housing mountable between a motor of the abrading device, such as a power stripper or sander, and its abrading element there. The housing includes at least an upper, a middle, and a lower surface, the middle surface including a first opening, through which a power shaft between the motor and the abrading element can pass. Each of the upper and lower surfaces are secured upon a separate downwardly-biased pivot axis to respectively opposite sides of the middle surface, for angular movement relative to an axis defined by the power shaft. The middle surface also includes a second opening for connection to a vacuum hose coupling. The shield further includes continuous flexible skirts depending from the entire length of opposite non-hinged edges of the middle segment.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus includes a detachable light weight cloth cartridge which shows little deformation under uneven loading during a polishing operation. Either mechanical or non-mechanical fixation of the cloth cartridge to a turntable is achieved. Mechanical fixation involves attaching the cloth cartridge to the turntable at peripheral and center sections of the cloth cartridge. Non-mechanical fixation involves attaching the cloth cartridge to the turntable by a vacuum arrangement. The assembly of the cloth cartridge and the turntable not only produces excellent flatness on polished semiconductor wafers by maintaining a level polishing surface, but also improves the production yield by preventing breakage of wafers during the polishing process.

Abstract: In a machine tool of the present invention, a spindle head rotatably supports a vertical tool spindle. On the spindle head base, a guide mechanism is provided so as to guide the spindle head in mutually orthogonal first and second horizontal directions and in a vertical direction. A workpiece is supported on a workpiece supporting base provided at a front side of the spindle head base. The workpiece is surrounded with a side cover assembly on the workpiece support base so as to define a machining area therewithin. The upper end of the side cover assembly is covered with a top cover assembly. The top cover assembly has a spindle hole through which a nose portion of the spindle head passes so as to permit the tool spindle to reach the machining area, and is flexibly operable to follow the movements of the spindle head in the first and second horizontal directions.

Abstract: A dual-light assembly is provided for a bench grinder having a centrally-located motor housing, two laterally-projecting wheel housings mounted on opposite sides of the motor housing relative to each other, a grinding wheel or wire brush rotatably mounted within each wheel housing and defining a respective work station, and a shield assembly mounted to each wheel housing by a shield fastener and including a transparent shield mounted over a respective work station. Two lamp brackets of the dual-light assembly each define a mounting wall forming an elongated slot for receiving a respective shield fastener, and clamping the lamp bracket between the associated wheel housing and mounting arm of the shield assembly. Each shield fastener is slidable through the respective elongated slot for adjusting the position of the bracket relative to the respective work station.

Abstract: A shielding device for shot blasting or shot peening chambers comprising a shot retention chamber, preferably with multiple interior compartments formed by divider walls, which retains a protective layer of shot to absorb the high energy impact of high velocity shot particles, the shot layer being retained by magnetic or electrically enhanced magnetic means such that the shot retention chamber can be mounted at any angle up to 90 degrees above or below horizontal.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for sharpening a blade of an ice skate. The device includes a plurality of abrasive element holders, each having an external profile substantially the same as that of the other holders. Each holder is provided with a cavity formed therewithin within which an abrasive element can be received. An abrasive element is received within its corresponding holder with an arcuate surface of the element, having a radius of curvature different from that of an arcuate surface of another abrasive element, exposed on one side of the holder. Each holder can, in turn, be received within a chamber defined within a housing. The housing is provided with an elongated slot so that a blade of an ice skate can be passed therethrough and brought into engagement with the abrasive element received within the holder held within the housing.

Abstract: A shield for a rotary stripper tool, the shield comprising a hollow, semi-circular housing open along one edge and having a volume to rotatably receive a rotary stripper tool which is freely rotatable therein so that, at any one time during rotation of the stripper tool, substantially one half of the stripper tool is covered by the shield. An elongated handle ember is fixed to the shield and extends substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the shield to engage a power tool on which the rotary stripper tool is mounted. The handle provides a means whereby the shield may be held in a fixed position relative to the rotary stripper tool and the power tool while allowing the user to hold the power tool in both hands for better control.

Abstract: An electrically-powered polisher is provided which includes a central housing having a top and a bottom and a front and a back with a rotary pad mounted adjacent to the bottom of the housing. A front handle extends horizontally outwardly from the housing front substantially parallel to the top and bottom of the housing adjacent to and above the housing bottom. A rear handle extends outward from the housing rear and extends vertically between the top and bottom of the housing. A collar is defined at the top of the housing and a male receptacle, including male prongs, is mounted therein. The male receptacle is capable of being electrically connected to a female socket head of an electrical cord supplying power to the waxer. The collar is recessed in the top of the housing with the male prongs of the receptacle extending from the housing into the collar.

Abstract: An apparatus for reconditioning the protective coating of a digital recording disc is provided. The apparatus includes a turntable configured to receive a digital disc, a first motor for rotating the turntable, a turntable support for attaching the turntable to a base, a buffing element, a second motor for rotating the buffing element, a buffing element support for attaching the buffing element to the base, and a protective housing. A method for reconditioning a digital recording disc is also provided. The method involves placing a digital disc on a turntable, rotating the turntable, applying a cutting medium to the disc, rotating a buffing element, and removing material from the disc.

Abstract: A grinding machine includes a casing with a top plate unit, two grinding units installed on the top plate unit, and a driving unit for activating the grinding units. The top plate unit has a dust inlet slot formed therethrough so as to permit dropping of dust from the corresponding grinding unit into the dust inlet slot. The casing has two side chambers communicated with the dust inlet slots, and a middle chamber which is located between the side chambers and which receives a filtering unit therein. A dust-collecting chamber is located in a bottom portion of the casing and is communicated with the side chambers and the middle chamber. An exhaust fan unit is disposed in the middle chamber and is located over the filtering unit to draw dust from the dust-collecting chamber in order to discharge the same from the casing.

Abstract: A polishing device includes a rotatable first column vertically provided at the lateral side of a surface table. A second column engages the first column so as to be able to be moved up and down by a lifting drive (air cylinder). The second column is provided with an arm, to which a polishing head is fitted. The surface table, first column and polishing head are driven by directly connected or built-in motors M1, M2 and M3.

Abstract: A plastic shield for a tile saw includes two vertical side panels, a back panel and a top panel, which in one embodiment are dismantlable separate panels. The components are quickly assembled together via slotted edges or connecting extrusions and when dismantled stack flatly within the water tray which is included as part of the tile saw apparatus. The tile saw shield is configured to allow normal use of the tile saw, without encumbering the user. It contains water from spraying out of the tray, to the extent that the tile saw can be used in an interior setting. In a second embodiment the shield is made of a single, integral piece of relatively rigid sheet material, such as "corrugated" plastic material, with fold lines enabling the shield to be erected by folding. Tabs and slots secure the shield together, without fasteners.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for forming facets on the surfaces of a plurality of workpieces. The machine is characterized by the presence of a plurality of pin members for holding the workpieces to be faceted against an abrading surface of a lap or an abrading wheel. The pin members are positioned and held together in a contiguous relationship. The machine also includes a mechanism for setting the angular relationship of the pin members relative to the lap or abrading wheel and for causing movement of the pin members away from the lap. An automated lap cooling, moisturizing and working compound supply system is also provided in another embodiment of this invention, for allowing continuous operation of the machine.

Abstract: A dust collecting device connectable to a hand held power sanding and/or grinding tool for dislodging, retention and collection of dust particles created by the abrasive process by the power tool. The device includes a flat disc-shaped shroud top having central aperture means formed therethrough for fastener connection to, and output shaft clearance of, the power tool. An upwardly facing exhaust port is also connected to the shroud top for attachment to a vacuum source for collecting particles dislodged by the abrasive process from a work surface. The device also includes a circular brush member defining a somewhat flexible skirt formed of densely spaced bristles dependently extending generally orthogonally from one surface of the shroud top immediately adjacent its circular perimeter. The skirt encircles and encloses a rotating or oscillating abrasive pad connected to the output shaft of the power tool.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the finish grinding of cutting blades of a cutting tool head of a granulating device for thermoplastic material in which a grinding wheel is supported for rotation about a vertical axis with a grinding surface of the grinding wheel facing upwardly and the cutting blades of the cutting tool head rest on the grinding surface of the cutting tool head under the weight of the grinding wheel. The cutting tool head is free for vertical movement and is precisely aligned with the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel. The grinding wheel is driven by a motor around a vertical axis to grind the cutting surfaces of the cutting blades and produce precision ground surfaces on the blades which are aligned in a common plane.

Abstract: Applicants' invention is an enhanced chip guard assembly particularly adapted to be used in conjunction with a vehicular brake lathe having a tubular slide cross-feed with an integral dove tail mount for longitudinal feed. The enhanced chip guard assembly of the present invention includes a clip that fits within an opening in the cross feed assembly of the machine, a slide that fits over the clip, and a follower that fits about the neck of the drum feed guide arm and rides on the slide.

Abstract: A protective guard for use on a pneumatic tool known as a board file which includes a handle assembly and a board assembly that reciprocates back and forth relative to the handle assembly. The board assembly is held together by a nut and bolt located near each end thereof, and the handle assembly consists of a front handle and a rear handle mounted on a housing. A pinch point exists between a forward end of the housing and the forwardmost nut and bolt that holds the board assembly together. The protective guard is mounted on the handle assembly and prevents injury to an operator by preventing his fingers or the side of his hand from inadvertently slipping into this pinch point. A platform on the protective guard covers the forwardmost nut and bolt as the board assembly reciprocates relative to the handle assembly.

Abstract: A transparent plastic shield for a tile saw includes four dismantable panels, two vertical side panels, a back panel and a top panel. The components are quickly assembled together via slotted edges or connecting extrusions and when dismantled stack flatly within the water tray which is included as part of the tile saw apparatus. The tile saw shield is configured to allow normal use of the tile saw, without encumbering the user. It contains water from spraying out of the tray, to the extent that the tile saw can be used in an interior setting.

Abstract: A guide for a hand-held tool having a housing to support a rotary cutter with a peripheral cutting formation and a motor to rotate the cutter. The guide having a rigid guide member with a peripheral wall to be disposed about the periphery of the rotary cutter, and a bracket to mount the guide to the housing. The peripheral wall having a slot therein through which portion of the rotary cutter projects to engage a workpiece, the degree of projection of the cutter being variable by relative pivotal movement between the bracket and the guide member. The bracket being configured to support the housing at a location spaced laterally from the guide member to provide additional stability to the guide member during operation.

Abstract: A dust collection apparatus which is usable with various types of hand-held power tools, such as high speed grinders, and which surrounds the cutting element of the tool in a manner to efficiently capture the debris produced during the cutting operation even when cutting overhead. The apparatus is provided with a novel spring-loaded work engaging foot which is movable relative to the cutting tool during the cutting operation in a manner to insure the effective capture of substantially all of the particulate matter generated during cutting operation.

Abstract: A concrete cutting saw is provided for the cutting of grooves in the surface of wet concrete. The concrete saw generally comprises a motor driven rotating cutting blade mounted on a support structure. The concrete saw is supported during cutting by wheels, and has a skid plate with a slot through which the rotating cutting blade passes to cut the concrete. The cutting blade is mounted with a sound deadening blade housing and a number of shields and guards located about the skid plate. The skid plate is movably attached to the concrete saw and resiliently urged against the concrete during cutting so that it remains in contact with the surface of the concrete surrounding the cutting blade during cutting. The skid plate is constrained into a bowed configuration so that it is substantially flat during cutting. A variable speed transmission is drivingly connected to the wheels to propel the saw across the concrete during cutting.

Abstract: A device for clearing material waste from telescopic plates of a cutting machine and includes an affixing element and a clearing rubber mounted to an underside of each telescopic plate. The affixing element has at least one groove to hold the clearing rubber which has a clearing edge and sliding surfaces. The clearing edge clears material waste from the upper surface of its adjacent plate, when the plates are retracted.

Abstract: The shield of this invention has a skirt that is tilted or slanted forward which, together with longer bristles, provides a substantial improvement in these type devices. Also provided in the shield of this invention is an adjustable, slanted clamp that can be adapted for connection to various size sanders. A baffle is also included within the shield to form a tunnel effect which enhances suctioning or vacuuming off of debris resulting from the sanding operation.

Abstract: A portable machine tool comprises a drive spindle provided with a tool receiver, a bearing flange which mounts the drive spindle and has a clamping neck, a protective hood which at least partially covers a tool and is held securely against rotation on the clamping neck, and elements for connecting the protective hood and the clamping neck, the connecting elements including a sleeve-shaped plug-on collar provided on the protective hood and having radial projections, an annular groove provided in the clamping neck so that radial projections can engage in the annular groove, and also axial grooves provided in the clamping neck and extending from a free end face of the clamping neck into the annular groove, the axial grooves being arranged and formed so that the radial projections of the plug-on collar can pass through the axial grooves in a plugging-on position which is turned relative to a position of use of the protective hood.

Abstract: A pneumatic rotation grinder comprises a housing (10) with a throttle valve controlled air inlet passage, a rotation motor drivingly connected to an output shaft (12) intended to carry a grinding tool, a safety guard (17) adjustably supported on the housing (10) in a coaxial disposition relative to the output shaft (12), and a lock device (26-28, 33-38) for arresting the safety guard (17) in desired angular positions relative to the housing (10). The lock device (26-28, 33-38) comprises both a latch (26-28) for positive coupling by engagement of teeth (26, 28) of the safety guard (17) relative to the housing (10), and a pressure air activated clamping device (33-38) for frictional arresting of the safety guard (17) relative to the housing (10).

Abstract: A blade sharpening device (8) easily connectable to a source of rotating power, such as a battery powered hand drill (66), and having a guard member (14), a selectably locatable handle member (16/16') attached to the guard member, and hand-manipulatable means for maintaining the grinding surfaces of the sharpening device at a desired grinding angle and moving it along the length of the blade edge. The guard extends completely over the width of the rotatable sharpening members (10 & 58) and over about eighty (80.degree.) degrees or approximately a quadrant (ninety degrees) of their sides and provides an upper, curved surface (18) or a side, flat surface (19), depending on which handle location (30/28) is used, against which the user's hand can be rested for greater control and stability of the sharpener when in use on, for example, a lawn mower blade (62) which is still attached to the lawn mower drive shaft (63) at the underside of the lawn mower housing (64).