Patent US4965967A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4965967A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus for low stress polishing of spherical objects
Assignee: Endwave Corp
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Filing: 1989-12-22
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Granted: 1990-10-30
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Expires: 2009-12-22
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for polishing spherical objects includes first and second plates having smooth facing surfaces. A first plate comprises ceramic material which is rotatably supported, and the first plate includes a transparent plate. Spherical objects to be polished are placed between the two plates along with an abrasive slurry, and magnets are positioned on a top surface of the first plate to magnetically limit the path of travel of the spherical objects as the second plate is rotated. The first plate includes at least one radially concave groove in which this spherical objects are mixed during a polishing operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Christopher L. London
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 19:22
CPC Classifications
B; B24; B24B; B24B13/00; B24B13/015; B24B11/00; B24B11/02; B24B11/04; B24B11/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
Apparatus for polishing spherical objects comprising a first plate having a smooth surface, drive means for rotating said first plate, a second plate having a smooth surface, support means for stationarily supporting said second plate adjacent to said first plate with said smooth surfaces facing each other, and magnet means positioned on said second plate for limiting the travel of particles between said first plate and said second plate during a polishing operation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus for polishing spherical objects comprising a first plate having a smooth surface, drive means for rotating said first plate, a second plate having a smooth surface, support means for stationarily supporting said second plate adjacent to said first plate with said smooth surfaces facing each other, and magnet means positioned on said second plate for limiting the travel of particles between said first plate and said second plate during a polishing operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said second plate is transparent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said first plate is a ceramic.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 3 wherein said second plate is glass.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 4 wherein said smooth surface of said second plate has concave surfaces radially aligned therein to facilitate the mixing of particles during polishing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said magnet means is positioned above a concave surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 6 wherein said magnet means includes a plurality of magnets each positioned above a concave surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said smooth surface of said second plate has concave surfaces radially aligned therein to facilitate the mixing of particles during polishing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 8 wherein said magnet means is positioned above a concave surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 9, wherein said magnet means includes a plurality of magnets each positioned above a concave surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said support means comprises an alignment bracket affixed to said second plate and an alignment bar for engaging said alignment bracket.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said drive means includes a backing plate in which said first plate is affixed, a drive motor having a shaft, and means for coupling said shaft to said backing plate.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of polishing spherical objects comprising the steps of placing said spherical objects and an abrasive slurry between a first stationary plate and a second rotatable plate, said first and second plates having smooth facing surfaces, placing a light load on said spherical objects, rotating said second plate, and magnetically restricting the path of travel of said spherical objects between said plates.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of polishing spherical objects comprising the steps of placing said spherical objects and an abrasive slurry between a first stationary plate and a second rotatable plate, said first and second plates having smooth facing surfaces, placing a light load on said spherical objects, rotating said second plate, and magnetically restricting the path of travel of said spherical objects between said plates.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method as defined by claim 13 wherein said first plate has at least one radially concave groove in said smooth surface, said method further including the step by mixing said particles in said groove as said second plate rotates.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as defined by claim 14 wherein said first plate is transparent, said method further including the step of visually monitoring said spherical objects as said second plate rotates.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-10-29 | 1994-04-30 | 1994-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-10-29 | 1998-04-30 | 1998-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-10-29 | 2002-04-30 | 2002-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |