Abrading – Machine – Rotary tool
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-12
2001-03-13
Morgan, Eileen P. (Department: 3723)
Abrading
Machine
Rotary tool
C451S254000, C451S060000, C451S231000, C451S278000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06200205
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to lapping tools.
2. Description of Prior Art
Lapping tools are well-known and used for “polishing” working surfaces by applying an abrasive action using random manual manipulation or machinery constrained (automatic) movements so that the abrasive material smooths and polishes a workpiece surface. The abrasive material may be in the form of a diamond paste and/or the lapping tool itself may be impregnated with a suitable abrasive material. The abrasive material is usually diamond grit but other abrasive materials may be used. Traditionally, the working surface is polished in a number of stages in sequence, using at first relatively course granules or grit and using much finer abrasive particles for the final stages, for example.
It is already known to simultaneously apply ultrasonic signals to cause high frequency vibration to the lapping tool during lapping procedures. Additionally, in some cases, electrical power can also be applied to provide an electrical discharge between the lapping tool and the workpiece surface or, in the presence of a suitable electrolyte, an electrolytic reaction. Such additional techniques, broadly stated, improve the lapping procedures and considerably reduce the time required to carry out the polishing procedures.
A lapping tool is known that is formed of more than one component, where the components are capable of relative pivotable movement. Such a tool is however incapable of making use of the additional techniques.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to overcome this problem.
According to the invention there is provided a lapping tool having an elongate shank and a platform with a generally planar lower operative surface, in which the platform and an end of the shank are connected together by a pivotable joint, and including an electrically conductive path extending from the shank to the lower working surface.
The pivotable joint is preferably a universal joint, and may comprise a ball and socket.
The ball is preferably provided on the end of the shank.
The shank and the platform may be formed of electrically conductive material. The platform may be formed at least in part of plastics material that is impregnated with electrically conductive material to form the said conductive path.
The planar working surface may be impregnated with abrasive material.
The planar working surface may be provided with a cavity exposed at its undersurface, in which abrasive material can be constrained in use.
The ball and socket may be held together by a removable spring clip, or a coiled spring or a screw cap.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4908997 (1990-03-01), Field, Jr. et al.
patent: 5099617 (1992-03-01), Bovine
patent: 5119595 (1992-06-01), Ushiyama et al.
patent: 5144774 (1992-09-01), Conboy
patent: 5149337 (1992-09-01), Watanabe
patent: 5951375 (1999-09-01), Mandler
patent: 5951378 (1999-09-01), Mandler
patent: 35 18 631 (1986-02-01), None
Jackson Walker L.L.P.
Morgan Eileen P.
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