Method and apparatus for precision polishing of optical components

US7901270B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• OPTIPRO SYSTEMS, LLC · US

Inventors

• Michael Bechtold · Monsheim, DE
• Darryle E. Fowler · Manchester, US
• David E. Mohring · Pittsford, US
• Thomas D. Williams · Shutesbury, US
• Robert Henderson · Atlantic Beach, US
• Alex DiNicola · Webster, US
• Christopher Wood · Webster, US
• Joseph P. Meisenzahl · Webster, US
• Scott Bambrick · Rochester, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 7, 2010
• Grant date: Mar 8, 2011
• Expiry date: Jan 7, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B24B41/04
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of polishing objects using an apparatus comprised of a rotary positioning device comprising a turret; a base mounted on the turret; a drive wheel connected to a rotatable shaft, the drive wheel having a perimeter, and the rotatable shaft disposed in a housing. The polishing wheel assembly may include an elongated arm including a proximal end joined to the base, and a distal end; a rotatable polishing wheel supported at the end of the elongated arm; and a polishing belt comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface engageable with the perimeters of the drive wheel and the polishing wheel. The method is comprised of contacting the outer surface of the polishing belt to a contact region of the surface of the object; and controlling the contact region by rotating the elongated arm around the turret axis.